Category: Identifying and Countering Deception

Part 3: The Old Must Give Way to the New

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In the beginning, God created everything without flaw. It was perfect and accurately represented the One who made it.

Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.  Genesis 1:31 (NKJV)

When sin entered God’s creation through Satan, the fallen angels, and then mankind, everything that was touched and marred by sin, including the earth and heavens, became defiled. They no longer accurately reflected the one who created them. They were no longer suitable for eternal habitation.

God’s plan to redeem his creation would include destroying the old, defiled creation and replacing it with something brand new and undefiled.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  1 Peter 1:3–5 (NKJV)

This would include new heavens and earth and a re-created mankind.

One of the grand themes of the Bible involves replacing the old with the new. That which is spiritual would replace that which is merely natural.

And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.  1 Corinthians 15:45–49 (NKJV)

Sin brought death and destruction into God’s creation. That with which the Lord would replace the old order of things will be untouched and immune to those two things. They would be spiritual and eternal.

When God promised Abraham that his seed (singular) would become a blessing to the all the families of the earth (Genesis 12:3), little did that man realize that the one who would fulfill that promise, our Lord Jesus, would be the instrument through whom God would accomplish this recreation.

Not only did our Lord redeem mankind, but he also redeemed all of creation.

For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.  Romans 8:19–22 (NKJV)

When anyone places their faith and allegiance in the risen Lord, the Holy Spirit recreates the spirit of that person through what is called the new birth.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

This is the first installment in God’s great salvation. Over a lifetime the Holy Spirit will transform the believer’s soul into Christ’s image. The last step is the resurrection of the body by which the transformation will be completed.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.  Philippians 3:20–21 (NKJV)

Jesus is the “last Adam,” the progenitor of a brand-new edition of humanity.

The “elect” or chosen ones, those whom God mercifully redeems, become new creations which will be made suitable to dwell with him for eternity in a recreated heaven and earth.

The first Adam was replaced by the last Adam, our Lord. Likewise, the “old man” must be replaced by the “new man” through the new birth.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  John 3:6 (NKJV)

All of this was made possible because God replaced the old covenant of Law with the new covenant of grace.

The old covenant had to give way to the new and fade away, just as our old bodies will die and turn into dust. Our resurrected bodies will reflect the glory of the new covenant creation.

The old earth and heavens will be destroyed only to be recreated.

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.  Revelation 21:1 (NKJV)

In God’s great plan, the old always must give way to the new.

As I covered in the previous teaching, all of the covenants leading up to the New pointed to Christ and were fulfilled by him.

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV)

The old covenant patterns and types all pointed to Christ as well. The sacrifices under the old covenant foreshadowed Christ’s perfect sacrifice of himself as God’s Lamb. The feasts of Israel pointed to Christ, who either has or will perfectly fulfill them. The moral Law pointed to Christ in that it showed us how much we need a savior. Only our Lord could keep it, which he did, fulfilling its purpose.

For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. Romans 10:4 (NLT)

After Jesus the Christ perfectly fulfilled the covenant of Law that pointed to him, with its rituals, patterns, and requirements, there was no longer any need for it. It simply faded away.

When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear. Hebrews 8:13 (NASB95)

Once a person, nation, or institution fulfills its purpose in introducing our Lord, who is preeminent, it is fitting for it or them to step aside and move out of the picture so Christ will have first place in all things.

Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. Colossians 1:18 (NLT)

John the Baptist exemplified this attitude after he introduced Jesus to the waiting world. 

“He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. 30 “He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 “He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. John 3:29–31 (NASB95)

This was also the case with the Law of Moses. Its purpose was to define what is righteous and to lead us to Christ. Once it fulfills its purpose, it steps out of the spotlight.

Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Galatians 3:24–25 (NASB95)

The purpose of the nation of Israel was to receive and preserve the Scriptures and provide the biological bloodline of the promised Messiah.

Once the Messiah arrived, however, the leaders and most of the people refused to recognize and serve the king God promised and sent to them.

He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:11–13 (NASB95)

His own, the Jews, refused their Messiah because they desired to retain the preeminence for themselves rather than acknowledge and serve the true king.

But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’  Luke 19:14 (NKJV)

They revealed that they did not understand that the old order of things cannot inherit the kingdom of God and must step aside to make room for the new. They did not realize that the natural man cannot inherit the kingdom of God because the natural man cannot even understand the spiritual things relating to God’s eternal kingdom. They expected the Messiah to establish an earthly kingdom, but Jesus came to rule over a spiritual one. Because he did not give them what they expected and wanted, they rejected and killed him.

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NASB95) 

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” John 18:36 (NKJV)

The old Israel, which consisted of people born the natural way who were descended from Abraham, could never inherit the New Covenant kingdom because mortality cannot inherit immortality.

Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 1 Corinthians 15:50 (NASB95)

God would create a new Israel that was spiritual and able to inherit God’s kingdom. This new Israel would consist of people from the old order who are recreated through the new birth.

The new Israel is composed of those who are born again by faith in Christ by which they become children of God.

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:26–29 (NASB95)

Jesus explained this to Nicodemus when he told him that he must be born again.

Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?  John 3:7–10 (NKJV)

We have every reason to think that Nicodemus became a born-again follower of Christ based on his subsequent behavior, but most of the Jewish leaders refused God generous offer to saved from that perverse generation.

And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.  Acts 2:40–42 (NKJV)

Most of the naturally born Jews imagined that they could keep the kingdom which belonged to the Lord Jesus but ended up losing everything, which is another spiritual principle.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.  Matthew 16:24–25 (NKJV)

Jesus warned that generation of Jewish people living in Jerusalem that God would require justice for their rejection of the Messiah.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”  Luke 13:34–35 (NKJV)

The eventual destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army in 70 AD fulfilled this prophecy. It was God’s judgment of Israel for its rejection of their Messiah, Jesus.

Jesus warned the Jewish leaders of this looming judgment.

Therefore the wisdom of God also said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute,’ 50 that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation.  Luke 11:49–51 (NKJV)

“But afterward he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38 “But when the vine-growers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ 39 “They took him, and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40 “Therefore when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vine-growers?” 41 They said to Him, “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end, and will rent out the vineyard to other vine-growers who will pay him the proceeds at the proper seasons.” Matthew 21:37–41 (NASB95)

“But the king was enraged, and he sent his armies and destroyed those murderers and set their city on fire. Matthew 22:7 (NASB95)

“What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vine-growers, and will give the vineyard to others. Mark 12:9 (NASB95)

The early church clearly understood that the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple was Jesus’ vindication which brought to a violent end the Old Covenant.

Not only did God punish those who rejected their Messiah, he handed the kingdom of God over to another “nation” or people that who would obey him.

“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it. 44 “And he who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust.” 45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they understood that He was speaking about them. Matthew 21:43–45 (NASB95)

That other nation or people is the church, which is composed of both Jews and Gentiles, all who have believed the gospel and been born again into God’s kingdom. The Jewish apostle Peter recognized that the church had become the new spiritual Israel that fulfilled the unmet purpose of the old Israel.

This new spiritual Israel is able to inherit God’s promises and dwell with him for eternity.

But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9 (NASB95)

The royal priesthood of the New Covenant offers spiritual sacrifices of praise and obedience to God, rather than the now defunct animal sacrifices. Animal sacrifices were never able to provide forgiveness for sins (Hebrews 10:4). They were always only a picture of the sacrifice that Jesus would make at Calvary as God’s Lamb, who took away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Now that the perfect has come, the old dead order of things has become a stench in God’s nostrils. Holding on to it that stinking corpse represents rebellion and rejection of Christ and the New Covenant.

This is one reason why legalism is such a deadly perversion. Whenever we try to blend dead old covenant forms with new covenant life and grace, we create a hybrid that is alien to God and hostile to the gospel. Therefore, any attempt to rebuild the nation or the temple or the sacrificial system is a continuance of the Jewish rebellion against God, the New Covenant, and Jesus the Messiah.

Any attempt to resurrect and cling on to the old order of things amounts to a refusal to go forward with God.

Jesus compared God’s new covenant to new wine that requires a new wine skin.

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. 38 “But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39 “And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, ‘The old is good enough.’ ” Luke 5:37–39 (NASB95)

The new wineskin is the church composed of Jew and Gentile, the one new man, the body of Christ, the “Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16). The old wineskin is the old covenant of law and the Jewish people who refuse to acknowledge Christ.

It is man’s unredeemed nature to prefer what we already have, though it be old and dying, over the new thing God offers which is eternal. We must let go of the old and embrace the new if we want to move forward with God. Let us continue to pray for the Jewish people that they may receive mercy to finally recognize their Messiah King so they can be transformed spiritually and become part of the reborn Israel of God.

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Is It Antisemitic to Tell the Truth about Israel?

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Antisemitism, or hatred for the Jews and Israel, has reared its ugly head many times through the centuries. It is a word associated with hatred, abuse, intense suffering, and crimes against humanity. Its past is so ugly that any accusation of being antisemitic carries a stigma, much as the over used word “racist” does. In fact, most people so fear being labeled either racist or antisemitic that it effectively can be used mute criticism and shut down debate. Today, while antisemitism certainly exists, the accusation of it is being leveraged more and more by the leaders of Israel to insulate themselves from criticism for their inhumane actions in Gaza and elsewhere.

For those of us who have dared to question Israel and have encountered the specter of being so labeled, it raises the question, “Is it antisemitic to criticize Israel?” 

Going further, is it antisemitic to claim, as does the New Testament, that the Jewish people, except for a remnant, are no longer “God’s Chosen People,” which is a central claim of Zionists of both the Jewish and Christian varieties? Is it allowable to examine how the Bible defines Jewishness from a New Covenant perspective? If not, then the New Covenant is antisemitic, which would be quite odd considering it was primarily written by Jews.

They who seek to manipulate the conversation attempt to control how language is defined and used.

By so doing, they quite often are often able to manipulate us to support, or at least not resist, their  agenda. A primary defense is to refuse to allow words to be improperly defined.

Using Language to Oppress

Propaganda experts employ euphemisms to make something evil sound much better than it is or to make something good seem evil.

A great example relates to the issue of abortion. The Bible clearly teaches that God knows us before we are conceived. (Ephesians 1:4) The Holy Spirit filled John the Baptist while he was still in his mother’s womb (Luke 1:15), showing clearly that God regards the unborn as people. In order to justify genocide, oppressors almost always try to dehumanize the victims. In this country in the past, we did this to black slaves and Native Americans. Abortionists try to dehumanize the baby by calling it by a Latin term, fetus, which means “little one,” but those who push abortion insinuate that fetus  means something not yet human, a mere clump of cells. This is designed to provide some wiggle room to those who wish to end the “inconvenience” of an unwanted pregnancy without having to feel guilty for committing murder. Politically, abortionists attempt to sway people by using the euphemism of calling themselves “pro-choice,” pretending to be on the side of downtrodden women who otherwise have no choice but bear the burden of birthing and raising their child perhaps quite by themselves. Who would be against women having a choice? Using this trickery, they often successfully make people think that abortion is merely giving a woman a choice while completely ignoring the irony of denying the baby any choice at all. One person’s choice is never supposed to eliminate the life of another. Abortionists further euphemistically couch their murderous intent inside such terms us “reproductive rights.” Anyone opposed to the murder of unborn children are thereby cast as rights deniers, even though nowhere does our Constitution provide anyone with the right to murder another human being. Abortionists cleverly support “women’s rights” while completely denying the human rights of the unborn baby. This abuse of language is used to justify a multi-million dollar business of killing unborn babies and sometimes harvesting their body parts, while pretending to occupy the moral high ground. In reality, from God’s point of view, it is murder of the most heinous type – the killing of innocent defenseless babies. 

This is how the devil uses language against us. He calls evil good, confuses those whose moral compass is unsettled, condemns any who challenge him, and pretends to be decent and caring while he murders the innocent.

Another way the devil uses language to oppress us is by branding those who oppose him and his agenda as fear-filled haters. 

We can see where the devil is at work in a society by discerning what activities and groups are being insulated from any form of criticism.

The devil does not allow us to be against any idea or agenda that he is pushing. A favorite tactic frames our opposition to sin as hatred for the people who practice it. He loves to claim that we are afraid of the people whose activity and agendas we refuse to support. An obvious example is Islam. If I resist the the spoken Muslim agenda to subjugate non-Muslims, I cannot possibly be anything but someone who has an irrational fear of Islam, an Islamaphobe. I am left no middle ground in which I can oppose ideas or practices found in Islam without hating or fearing those who follow that religion. 

I grew up as a Roman Catholic, attended Catholic school, was an “altar boy,” and “practiced” that religion. At the age of 19, I heard the real gospel message for the first time. I discovered that I could be “saved” (forgiven by God, made right with him, become one is his children, and receive eternal life) by putting my faith in Jesus and what he accomplished for us on the cross and through his resurrection. As a result, I surrendered my life to him as the Lord and was born again. Thus I began a lifelong discipleship journey as I attempt to follow him and his teachings. Over time it became clear to me that much of what the Roman Catholic Church teaches directly opposes the Bible. I was forced to make a choice between the RCC and the Bible and came down on the side of the Bible. Now, some 55 years later and being conversant in Bible doctrine, I clearly see that many of the teachings of the RCC are a complete distortion of the gospel, “another” gospel as Paul would say. I detest all of the RCC’s false doctrine because it keeps people from knowing the gospel and have written several articles exposing it, but that does not mean I hate Roman Catholics. I absolutely do not.

It is very possible to hate what a group teaches or stands for without hating the people in the group. 

I realize that most people in any large group do not know what the leadership of that group is doing. If I confront Catholics about doctrinal errors, often they will admit their ignorance or even disavow believing such things. I am quite sure that many Muslims do not support all the doctrines of the Koran. Likewise, many Jewish people do not support the genocide being perpetrated by the nation of Israel or do they espouse the hatred for Christ and the goyim that some rabbis and the Talmud teach.

Dispensational Lies Provide the Basis of Christian Zionism

The false doctrine of Dispensationalism teaches that Israel and the Jews are still “God’s Chosen People,” whom Christians must support unconditionally or risk coming under the judgment of God. During the early years of my discipleship journey, this is what I believed because it was all I knew, not realizing that for most of church history this was how Christians viewed things. Eventually I discovered other eschatologies (doctrines of the end times) and have come to the conclusion that the New Testament clearly teaches that, by disavowing any allegiance to Christ, the Jewish people biologically descended from Abraham are no longer considered to be authentic Jews, spiritually speaking. Instead, those who do place their faith and allegiance in Christ, both Jew and Gentile, have become the true children of Abraham and the Israel of God.

Jesus is the promised “seed” to whom God referred in his promises to Abraham and David. Our Lord is the one to whom the who Bible points.

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24:27 (NKJV)

Biblical Israel was privileged to be the vehicle that God used to steward God’s Word and the promise and bring the Messiah into the world, but the Jews were never intended to become the focus of what God was and is doing. That honor belongs to Christ. 

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. Ephesians 1:7–10 (NKJV)

Dispensationalism declares that Christ’s work on the cross was ineffective because it refuses to acknowledge that our Lord destroyed the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile and has not made both into one. It is an alien gospel.

For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Ephesians 2:14–18 (NKJV)

When one understands that the “chosen people of God” are the elect who believe in Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, it undermines the false doctrine of Dispensationalism that those who are descended from Abraham or who have adopted the Jewish faith are “God’s Chosen People” who must be supported unconditionally and uncritically in all of their geopolitical aspirations and activities.

Jewish Zionism Distorts What It Means to Be Jewish

Just as Dispensationalism, the framework behind Christian Zionism, is a distortion of the gospel; so Jewish Zionism corrupts the meaning of Jewishness.

According to Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro, the nation state of modern Israel has stolen the identity of the Jews in order to garner support. By so doing, it has commandeered the idea of what it means to be Jewish and transformed it from being a religious people into being merely a people who claim Jewishness and are occupying the ancient land of Israel, even though many do not even believe in God. The following interview with Rabbi Shapiro illustrates this more eloquently than I can.

He even says that Jewish Zionism is antisemitic.

Whereas Jesus came to establish a heavenly kingdom, Jewish Zionists in Israel, with the misguided and ardent support of Christian Zionists, are working to enlarge and strengthen an earthly kingdom. Jesus uses spiritual means, but Israel uses violence, intrigue, and any means possible.

The Truth about Modern Talmudic Judaism

Since the Jews formally renounced Christ and still do, except for a remnant, that religion is basically “antichrist” in its widest sense and, therefore, anti-God. The apostle John, a Jewish member of the early New Covenant church, clearly taught that, if we reject Christ, we also reject God the Father.

Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 1 John 2:23 (NKJV)

Jewish teaching in the Talmud insists that Christ is a blasphemer who is boiling eternally in excrement for his sins. His name is held in disrespect and antipathy by the Jews. There is no commonality of belief between Christian and Jews at this most fundamental level regarding who is our Lord Jesus the Messiah.

Despite claims to the contrary, we are not able to walk or work together in any deep sense because we are not agreed on the most critical point.

Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? Amos 3:3 (NKJV)

The Talmud teaches that Gentiles have a lower kind of soul than do Jews and that it is okay to kill, steal, and lie to the goyim as a means to further the ends of Israel and the Jews. This is not my opinion. It is what the Talmud teaches.

The Talmud is the most important book in modern Judaism, being held in higher esteem than the Torah.

Leveraging the Accusation of Antisemitism to Shut Down the Truth

I am quite sure that many who watch the above video will immediately assume that its producer is an antisemite and its content is antisemitic, but that is not the case. If the truth is antisemitic, we are in trouble. The following interview features Daniel Klein, who grew up in Israel on the West Bank and later converted to Christianity. His insights and experience corroborate Peter Boland’s statements above.

 

Daniel Klein affirms that it is very difficult to go against the accepted narrative in Zionist Israel, even if one is a resident and Jewish. In our country, as soon as someone points out the horrible things found in the Talmud or the inhumane activities of the nation of Israel, the accusation of antisemitism is soon heard. This is a tactic to shut down the truth.

We must be allowed to critique Jewish doctrine and the activity of the nation of Israel without being labeled antisemitic or censored.

Will antisemites use such material to justify their hatred of Israel and the Jews? Certainly. Does this make the material antisemitic? No. It is the truth. The truth is a double edged sword which can be used for good or evil. I am not responsible for how haters use the truth. We cannot afford to censor the truth in order to avoid its being used by haters. That would be like forbidding anyone to have a car because some people will drive while drunk.

We cannot strip the majority’s free speech rights to protect against a minority of haters.

Free speech, the exchange of ideas without censorship, was enshrined in the Bill of Rights. We must not allow anyone to strip us of that right, no matter how righteous sounding the reason. If we do, tyranny will descend upon us very quickly.

We who follow Christ need to know the truth about the modern nation of Israel and the teachings of modern Judaism so we can properly pray for and share the gospel in the hope that Jewish people will also believe in and declare allegiance to our Lord Jesus. This is what it means to truly love them. It is not loving or godly to promote the falsehood that the Jews are still God’s chosen people who have an inside track to God. The only way for anyone, Jew or Gentile, to be saved is through faith in our Lord Jesus.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 (NKJV)
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What Defines Jewishness?

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When I first embarked on my current quest to discover who is the true Israel, one of the major jewishnessquestions that needed to be answered is: “What defines Jewishness?” Interestingly, Jewish rabbis and those who lead the state of Israel differ greatly on the answer, as you will discover if you watch the video interview of Rabbi Shapiro below.

The most obvious answer, perhaps, is that a Jew is someone biologically descended from Abraham. Modern genetics confirms that most people who claim biological Jewish descent have genomes that trace back to the area occupied by ancient Israel, at least on the paternal line. So we can establish some sort of theoretical Jewish descent based on DNA, even though it is impossible to prove one’s lineage directly from Abraham genealogically since all records were destroyed when Jerusalem and the Temple were leveled in 70 AD. Also, without our being able to identify and examine Abraham’s bones, we cannot definitively establish who are his modern descendants using the science of DNA.

Grok AI breaks down what is commonly accepted as the various Jewish lineages living in modern Israel below.

The percentage of Jews living in modern Israel who are Ashkenazi (typically defined as those with origins in Europe, the Americas, Oceania, South Africa, or similar classifications, often excluding or separately noting post-1989 immigrants from the former USSR) is approximately 32%.

This figure comes from a representative 2019 study/sample of the Israeli Jewish population (cited in sources including Wikipedia’s Demographics of Israel page, drawing from academic analysis), which broke it down as:

      • About 44.9% Mizrahi (grandparents born in Asia or North Africa),
      • 31.8% Ashkenazi (grandparents born in Europe/the Americas/etc.),
      • 12.4% “Soviet” (post-1989 immigrants from the ex-USSR, many of whom are ethnically Ashkenazi but often tracked separately),
      • 3% Beta Israel (Ethiopian Jews),
      • 7.9% mixed or other.

I suppose the above figures are correct, but it is not that important. Being unable to nail down genetically those who are biological descendants of Abraham does not really pose a problem, however, because a more legitimate claim to Jewishness, according to Rabbi Shapiro, comes from being a follower of the Jewish religion, something that transcends nationality, ethnicity, and genetics.

The video below is a brilliant presentation of what a Jewish rabbi says it means to be a Jew and how different that is from Zionism. I suggest you start at 3:36. It is long but well worth watching. I noted some interesting places in the video as follows.
3:36 - What is a Jew?
36:40 - Anti-Zionism is not antisemitism.
Other quotes: Zionism is antisemitic and anti-Jewish.

One can be a religious Jew from being born into a practicing Jewish family or by choosing to convert to Judaism. In the Old Testament, several women in the line of Jesus the Messiah were non-Israelites who converted.

This method of identifying one’s Jewishness is more easily defined and provable, but it is not what the state of Israel accepts. Israel permits people who are atheists but have a Jewish background to be allowed to return to the land. Israel is a secular state caring little for the Jewish religion.

New Covenant Jewishness

Now let us examine how our Lord Jesus and Paul defined Jewishness, which is far more important for gaining a New Covenant perspective.

When the Jewish Pharisees attacked Jesus’ authority and credibility, a discussion of origins ensued. This discussion began after Jesus promised those who believed in him that obeying his words would set them free. 

They [the Pharisees] answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” John 8:33 (NKJV)

The first issue that Jesus addressed was their claim never to have been in bondage. Then he progressed to the second point, their claim to be Abraham’s offspring.

Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. 37 “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38 I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.” John 8:34–38 (NKJV)

All are guilty of sin; therefore, all are in bondage. Their refusal to acknowledge their sin was central to their larger problem of refusing to recognize Jesus’ messianic claims.

Next Jesus acknowledged their genealogical link to Abraham, but denied their deeper connection to him by saying that spiritually they have another father.

The Jewish leaders denied Jesus’ claim, emphatically asserting, “Abraham is our father.” (John 8:39) To this Jesus replied:

...“If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. 41 You do the deeds of your father.” Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.” John 8:39–41 (NKJV)

Here the Pharisees insinuate that Jesus is the illegitimate child of Mary while at the same time insisting that not only is Abraham their father, but so is God. This set up Jesus to deliver his final judgment in this matter.

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” John 8:42–47 (NKJV)

Despite their being genetically descended from Abraham, our Lord declared that they were not spiritual descendants of Abraham, “not of God,” and were the offspring of Satan.

Biological descent now means nothing when it comes to the kingdom of God. The only criteria for judging if one is part of the true Israel of God is whether one confesses that Jesus is Lord and is born again.

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 (NKJV)

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. Galatians 6:15–16 (NKJV)

Paul addresses the issue of who is the true Israel in several places in his letters. It was a contentious issue in his day, as it continues to be today.

The devil resists the truth of what Christ accomplished because he wants to keep us in the dark. The truth sets people free.

God called Paul to be an apostle to the Gentiles. I think it is quite impossible for us with a Gentile background to understand the shock to his system when God gave him that assignment! The Jews despised the Goyim. Paul, being an arch-Pharisee, would have embodied that sentiment; yet, our Lord Jesus immediately tasked him to take the gospel to the nations! I imagine it took Paul a little while to work out the theology of it all, which may account for his years of separation before the launching of his apostolic ministry. 

Paul knew that he would encounter violent opposition from the Jews for preaching Jesus and including the Gentiles in God’s great plan of redemption. He knew because he had been a persecutor himself. He knew their mindset, their theology, their self-righteous indignation, and their willingness to use violence. Nevertheless, he resolutely determined to obey the Lord by taking the gospel to the world at large.

When the Judaizers confused the new converts with Jewish legalism, Paul laid out his arguments to the contrary, many of which have been preserved in the New Testament.

Modern Dispensationalism is another version of Jewish legalism that continues to try to undo the finished work of Christ in bringing Jew and Gentile together in one group.

The epistles to the Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians contain some of Paul’s best work in this area. I will quote some verses from these letters below with commentary so you can see how perfectly Paul’s words agree with Jesus’. We will start in Romans.

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. Romans 2:28–29 (NKJV)

These words of Paul agree with Jesus. Jesus agreed that the Pharisees were descended biologically from Abraham, but in the more important spiritual realm they were not his children. Paul contrasts that which is of the flesh (from natural birth) with that which of the Spirit (by supernatural birth). This agrees with what Jesus told Nicodemus.

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ John 3:5–7 (NASB95)

Unless a biological Jew (or Gentile. It is the same for everyone.) is born again, he or she no part in God’s kingdom.

Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. Galatians 3:7–9 (NKJV)

Here Paul insists that only those who believe in Jesus and confess him as Lord are reckoned to be sons of Abraham, the true Israel of God.

This includes both natural born Jews and Gentiles. Conversely, those Jews who refuse to confess Christ are no longer considered children of Abraham.

Only those of faith are sons of Abraham.

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26–29 (NKJV)

Here he reemphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles become sons of God and part of Abraham’s seed through faith in Christ.

The word “seed” is singular, indicating that our inclusion in God’s promise to Abraham becomes ours by our being placed in Christ, the promised seed.

For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:14–22 (NKJV)

In this beautiful and rich passage, Paul affirms that Jews and Gentiles who believe in Christ are made one, coming together in Christ to form a “new man,” the body of Christ, the church. Together we both have equal access to the Father via the Spirit. We are indwelled by God’s Spirit and have become a living temple housing God’s presence. 

The New Covenant, therefore, eliminates the distinction between Jew and Gentile, which Dispensationalism insists still exists. This shows that Dispensationalism is a distortion of the gospel and denial of this fundamental New Covenant truth. I

Most of the Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day completely rejected Christ’s messianic claims, choosing Barabbas the murderer and insurrectionist (death) instead of choosing their Messiah, who is Life. They put our Lord to death by the hands of the Romans, as Jesus prophesied they would, and continue in their rebellion to this day, except for those elect Jews who confess Christ. The Talmud says that Jesus was a blasphemer who is eternally boiling in excrement. There is no real Judeo-Christian unity. The Jewish religion is hostile to Christ and Christianity.

Through their rejection of Jesus, the Jews ceased to be Jews in any spiritual sense, according to both Jesus and Paul.

They still call themselves by that name, but are not. This brings to mind Christ’s words in Revelation 2:9 and 3:9, where he called those Jews who persecuted the church a “synagogue of Satan” who falsely claimed to be Jews. His promise to that church is that eventually those persecutors will one day admit that Jesus indeed loves his church.

Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Revelation 3:9 (NKJV)

If my words seem inflammatory, remember, I am quoting Paul and Jesus. Forcefully making my point about what defines Jewishness has become necessary because of the Dispensational heresy that insists that modern Jewish people still have a claim to the title “God’s Chosen People” and have a destiny in God separate from the church. Both of these are allegations are untrue.

There is only one “chosen people,” the elect. There is only one group of blessed people in the end, the church.

Only by repenting and confessing Christ can anyone, Jew or Gentile, be included in God’s kingdom purposes which are bound up in his church through which God will be glorified forever.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20–21 (NKJV)

Please do not regard this article as antisemitic. I do not hate Jewish people. On the contrary, it is loving to help people be delivered from a delusion that has the power to send us to hell.

It is a false hope to think that Jews by virtue of their Jewishness, whether through genetics or religion, are on good terms with God and, perhaps, have a separate plan of salvation.

There is no such thing, as the early Jewish church proclaimed.

...let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:10–12 (NKJV)

Our prayer is that those who are genetically descended from Abraham and practice the Jewish faith will one day have their eyes and hearts opened to behold their Messiah King so they too can become part of God’s one new man in Christ! They will be most welcome!

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Part 6 – Summary

deception

This article provides a brief summary of the preceding five articles in the series.

Principle #1: God does not relate to his people via “dispensations” but according to covenants, something that was clearly understood by the early reformers.

A decent book on this subject is The Christ of the Covenants by O. Palmer Robertson. Since the beginning, God has related to his creatures via covenants from the one made in the Garden of Eden to the New Covenant inaugurated by our Lord Jesus. Each successive covenant built upon the previous ones, and all pointed to Christ, except for the Mosaic Covenant of Law, which was its own entity that would fade away after the coming of the Messiah. The New Covenant fulfills and expands all previous covenants, except for the Mosaic Covenant, which it fulfilled and abolished. This is no small matter because it influences how we view the entirety of Bible history.

Principle #2: Israel in the New Covenant is defined as all those who put their faith in Christ from every people group, including both Jews and Gentiles.

But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; 7 nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, but: “THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS WILL BE NAMED.” 8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. Romans 9:6–8 (NASB95)

And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:29 (NASB95)

Principle #3: The “one new man” in Christ is the focal point of God’s plan going forward.

For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, Ephesians 2:14–15 (NASB95)

Principle #4: The New Covenant leaves nothing undone or unfulfilled in the previous ones.

The Bible teaches that the New Covenant is a complete change from what preceded it, especially the covenant of Law under Moses. This is because the Mosaic covenant depended on our faithfulness to keep the Law for us to obtain God’s blessings. The Bible teaches that no one is able to do that; so, the Mosaic covenant brings judgment upon us instead of blessings. The New Covenant depends upon the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus, who kept the Law’s stipulations on our behalf, rather than on our own performance. It is radically different.

For finding fault with them, He says, “BEHOLD, DAYS ARE COMING, SAYS THE LORD, WHEN I WILL EFFECT A NEW COVENANT WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AND WITH THE HOUSE OF JUDAH; 9 NOT LIKE THE COVENANT WHICH I MADE WITH THEIR FATHERS ON THE DAY WHEN I TOOK THEM BY THE HAND TO LEAD THEM OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT; FOR THEY DID NOT CONTINUE IN MY COVENANT, AND I DID NOT CARE FOR THEM, SAYS THE LORD. 10 “FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MINDS, AND I WILL WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS. AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. Hebrews 8:8–10 (NASB95)
If you wish to read more about the New Covenant, click here.

The New Covenant is focused on Christ, not the nation of Israel. What preceded the New Covenant can be thought of as providing us with promises and shadows or types of what was to come in Christ, but not the full revelation.

The true meaning of the previous covenants cannot be understood outside of Christ.

All the covenants before the New pointed to what Christ would accomplish through his death and resurrection. If our teaching or theology of the end times does not feature the centrality of Christ, it is false. (Ephesians 1:10) This means that whatever happens in the end times will glorify our Lord and what he accomplished on behalf of God’s elect.

Just as nothing can pass from this mortal life into immortality unless it is first transformed, all the previous covenants were transformed in Christ and find their eternal significance in him.

Everything in the Old Testament pointed to Christ (Luke 24:27), who fulfilled the types and shadows of the previous covenants.

This means that Old Testament scriptures are interpreted, explained, or expanded by New Covenant revelation.

It can never be the other way around. We do not interpret the New Testament by imposing the Old Covenant scriptures upon it. That would be going backward and away from the centrality of Christ.

Principle #5: What God revealed in Christ and is doing in the end times will fulfill what is revealed in the New Covenant.

The types and shadows of the Old can add texture and depth of meaning for us but never restrict us to an Old Covenant understanding.

Examples of the Old Covenant Being Fulfilled or Expanded in the New

Descendants

God promised Abraham that he would have descendants and land. These descendants would become the Israelite nation, but even in Genesis, God told Abraham that he would be the father of nations, a clear hint that, through Christ, God would include people from every nation on the earth.

In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE.” Romans 4:18 (NASB95)

The Jews in Jesus’ band of disciples also had a narrow view of what he came to do, thinking that it mainly pertained to their own nation. What followed Christ’s resurrection, however, revealed that the gospel would go to the nations.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19–20 (NASB95)

This was always God’s plan, period, not plan B, as the Dispensationalists claim. Isaiah revealed a conversation between Father and Son at some time immemorial.

He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6 (NASB95)

Land

The promise of land given to Abraham was understood in the Old Testament to include Canaan, extending to the borders conquered during the reigns of David and Solomon. The New Testament, however, reveals that God  expanded that promise of land to include the entire recreated earth.

Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 (NASB95)

Some argue that Matthew used the Greek word “ge” for earth, which can also be translated “land,” meaning the promised land of Israel. Interestingly, however, Jesus quoted Psalm 37:11, which uses the Hebrew world “eretz,” which is the same word used in Genesis 1:1, where the clear meaning is the entire earth. In addition, Paul adds that Abraham’s descendants would inherit the cosmos, a word that cannot be limited to Canaan.

For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world [kosmos] was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. Romans 4:13 (NASB95)

Kingship

The messianic promise God made to David that one of his descendants would reign upon the throne of Israel forever has been expanded in the New Covenant.

When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 “He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 2 Samuel 7:12–13 (NASB95)

Christ now sits at the right hand of God and will return in the clouds in glory at the right hand of power to judge the living and the dead.

But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. 32 “All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; 33 and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matthew 25:31–34 (NASB95)
Examples of the Abolition of Old Covenant Types and Shadows after Christ

Dietary Laws

Old Covenant dietary laws were abolished with the advent of the New Covenant. Jesus taught this, and the Holy Spirit later revealed this to Peter in Acts 11. Jesus makes us “clean” through the offering of his blood. We no longer need to be concerned with maintaining ceremonial purity.

And He said to them, “Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” (Thus He declared all foods clean.) 20 And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. Mark 7:18–20 (NASB95)

Peter, who had been trained all his life to maintain ritual purity by avoiding “unclean” foods, had great difficulty accepting this new freedom provided by our Lord. A word to the wise: we are easily brainwashed into believing lies; so, it is difficult for us to overcome what we have previously believed, even when we are exposed to the truth.

Animal Sacrifices

Old Covenant animal sacrifices were also done away with after Christ offered himself as the Lamb of God for our sins. His perfect sacrifice eradicated the need for animals to be offered.

But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, “SACRIFICE AND OFFERING YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, BUT A BODY YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ME; Hebrews 10:3–5 (NASB95)

Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin. Hebrews 10:18 (NASB95)

The Temple

Some forty years after the crucifixion and resurrection, the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman army, just as Jesus and Daniel had predicted. Animal sacrifice ceased because the Jews no longer had a place to perform them. My personal conviction is that it would be a horrible abomination against Christ to re-institute such sacrifices. They have been abolished by God.

The Old Covenant temple was God’s habitation of sorts, although he cannot truly be contained, but now the Holy Spirit inhabits each individual believer and the church as a whole, which is the new temple of God.

you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5 (NASB95)

God destroyed the old temple because he is no longer concerned with bricks and mortar. The New Covenant temple is made of people. If the temple were rebuilt, as some believe will happen, and if animal sacrifices are re-instituted, it will not honor God the Father or the risen Lamb of God. Their time of significance has passed.

The Role of Israel in the End Times

In the Old Testament, Israel served in a couple of notable ways. First, Paul wrote that God used them to receive and safeguard the scriptures. Secondly, he used them to bring the Messiah into the world. They fulfilled both tasks. However, they had a less glorious role, too. They betrayed the Messiah and had him executed. As a whole, the Jewish people still reject their Messiah.

Jesus warned the Jewish leaders that the kingdom of God would be taken from them and given to another – the church.

Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it. Matthew 21:43 (NASB95)

Stephen indicted those in his hearing with the stinging judgment that they always resist the Holy Spirit.

You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. Acts 7:51 (NASB95)

His martyrdom effectively ended the gospel being prioritized to the Jews. From then forward it went primarily to the nations, although a remnant of Jews have come to Christ over the centuries. Nothing has changed since then. The Jews by and large still reject their Messiah and resist the Holy Spirit, as do most other people in the world.

It seems to me that Jesus taught that the Jews lost their chance to accept their Messiah as a nation. He gave no indication that they would get another one, although God in his mercy may yet do something amazing with them.

Principle #6: Just as the Law faded away after Christ’s coming, and John the Baptist decreased in significance after introducing the Messiah, I believe Israel’s role diminished greatly, even faded away, after the crucifixion, and certainly after the stoning of Stephen and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

To expect God to raise up the Jewish nation to worldwide prominence in the end times is the same error the early apostles made. That was not Christ’s mission. He came to redeem the elect out of the entire earth and release creation from the bondage of sin.

Dispensationalism has influenced Christians all over the world to give uncritical allegiance to the state of Israel, which is, for the most part, completely ungodly.

It is likely that we will discover that it, like the United States, has committed many atrocities. That nation’s Moussad has likely worked against our nation. Will God yet save a significant portion of Jewish people in the land of Israel at the very end? He may. He is full of surprises and loves to show mercy. I hope that happens, but to make such a happening a central part of our eschatology is probably a mistake. I believe the Lord wants us to keep our focus on Christ and expect him to do exploits through his worldwide church in the last days. Come, Lord Jesus!

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20–21 (NASB95)
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The Modern Nation of Israel Cannot Inherit God’s Kingdom

deception

I believe that a great deception has been embraced by much of the evangelical church concerning the modern nation of Israel as a result of believing the false doctrine of Dispensationalism. Many now believe that the citizens of that nation, who call themselves Jews, are the biblical chosen people of God through whom Jesus will restore God’s kingdom and rule over the entire earth. This Israel-focused eschatology holds that the nation of Israel is still central to God’s purposes and will inherit the promises made to Abraham. I will attempt to show that none of this is true. Rather it is based on a misinterpretation of Scripture and the New Covenant in particular that originated in the faulty theology of John Darby and Cyrus Scofield.

Old Covenant Israel foreshadowed the church, which is God’s New Covenant people and is composed of both Jew and Gentile.

Only the church, whose members are born again by the Spirit of God, can inherit immortality.

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:5 (NASB95)

Biological descendants of Abraham who have not experienced the new birth through putting their faith and allegiance in Jesus the Messiah and Lord cannot inherit anything eternal.

Being a physical descendant of Abraham carries no weight whatsoever in the new order of things.

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God. Romans 2:28–29 (NASB95)

Old Covenant Israel served two very important purposes. It provided the blood line for the Messiah and preserved the promises of God recorded in the Scriptures. (Romans 1:3 and Romans 3:2) Sadly, the Jews as a nation refused to recognize or honor their Messiah, our Lord Jesus, when he came the first time.

But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ Luke 19:14 (NASB95)

They condemned him and put him to death, which was all part of God’s plan to rescue and redeem those people from every nation whom he foreknew and chose to be his before the foundation of the world by including them in Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, Ephesians 1:3–5 (NASB95) 

This elect group of people are known by several names: the Body of Christ, the church, “one new man,” and the Israel of God.

For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. Galatians 6:15–16 (NASB95)

Every single person included in the elect are “in Christ” and are part of God’s new creation in the Spirit. Through the miracle of the new birth, we are joined to Christ in the Spirit, from whom we derive our life and blessings.

Anyone outside of Christ cannot be blessed because all blessings reside in him. Since the nation of Israel rejected and still rejects our Lord Jesus, they cannot participate in  the life and blessings that could be theirs.

Only a remnant of Abraham’s biological descendants has chosen to put their faith and allegiance in the Messiah. The rest are lost and outside the purposes and promises of God.

In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. 7 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; Romans 11:5–7 (NASB95)

Jesus warned Israel’s leaders that their rejection of him would result in their being rejected by God. 

Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you [the Jews] and given to a people, producing the fruit of it [the Gentiles]. Matthew 21:43 (NASB95)

This revocation was permanent. There place in the old order of things was about to be superseded by the New Covenant, which operates on a radically different basis. No longer would the promises come to those biologically descended from Abraham. Now they are given to those born again into God’s kingdom.

Jesus is the Second Adam through whom an entirely different race of humans derives. Everything connected to Adam will perish, including all those non-born-again Jews and Gentiles. 

Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 1 Corinthians 15:50 (NASB95)

Our Lord used parables about the fig tree to illustrate that judgment would come upon Israel for turning its back on God’s Messiah.

Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He said to it, “No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.” And at once the fig tree withered. Matthew 21:19 (NASB95)

The meaning of this parable was affirmed by another found in Luke 13:6-9, in which Jesus said that if the fig tree did not produce fruit in an allotted amount of time, it would be cut down. The fig tree was an Old Covenant symbol for judgment regarding Israel. (Hosea 9:10 and Jeremiah 8:13) 

The nation of Israel has not had a change of heart since Jesus uttered that judgment.

In Revelation, Jesus calls the Jews a synagogue of Satan. (Revelation 2:9 and Revelation 3:9) This very harsh term is obviously not anti-Semitic, since Jesus was and is a biological Jew through his mother. It is not antisemitism to discern that the biological descendants of Abraham rejected their Messiah, which automatically allied them with Satan, and cease to have any special place or favor with God, except that in his mercy he is still calling a remnant to himself.

Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, The remnant will be saved. Romans 9:27 (NKJV)

Biological Jews today are no different than any other people group in that we all need mercy and grace. No one deserves to be saved. We all enter God’s kingdom the same way, through the new birth, as Jesus told Nicodemus.

There is no difference between any of us, Jew or Gentile, at the foot of the cross.

Israel’s rejection of the Lord and the gospel is why God transferred the kingdom to a new nation, those who are purchased by the blood of the Lamb.

But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. 1 Peter 2:9–10 (NASB95)

Israel still is at the heart of God’s purposes, but the definition has changed in the New Covenant.

Now Israel is composed of born-again Jews and Gentiles who are part of the new creation. The New Covenant version of Israel transcends the Old Covenant nation which was mostly composed of biological descendants of Abraham.

The New Covenant reveals God’s plan to save the entire world, not just a small group of people biologically descended from Abraham.  New Covenant Israel will inherit the entire earth (John 3:16), not just a sliver of land in Palestine (Romans 4:13).

In both of the above verses, “world” is the English translation of the Greek word “cosmos,” which has a much broader meaning than a small area of land. This expanded purpose for Christ’s ministry and rule was prophesied by Isaiah.

He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6 (NASB95)

Moses could not lead God’s people into the land of promise because he represents the law. Joshua, who represents the New Covenant Jesus, accomplished that task to give us an Old Covenant shadow of what was to come. 

Old Covenant Israel cannot inherit the earth. That is reserved for God’s born-again church, the New Covenant Israel. 

Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 1 Corinthians 15:50 (NASB95)

The natural descendants of Abraham cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Only those born of the Spirit will be included in God’s rule.

That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. Romans 9:8 (NASB95)

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:28–29 (NASB95)

For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17 AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. Ephesians 2:14–18 (NASB95)

National Israel was only a shadow of the reality to come, which is the church. The shadow recedes and disappears after the fulfillment arrives. (Colossians 2:17 and Hebrews 10:1) Unless we have a proper understanding of Old Covenant national Israel’s place in the divine plan, we cannot fully understand the New Covenant.

All legalism is an attempt to keep elements from the Old Covenant to water down the tremendous truths of the New Covenant.

Paul made it clear, however, that if we do this we step away from New Covenant grace. 

And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. 4 You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. Galatians 5:3–4 (NASB95)

If we try to stamp national Israel’s Old Covenant purpose upon the New Covenant, we will disfigure the New Covenant message which is that God now has enlarged his promises to include those from every nation and people group, who will inherit the earth, not just a sliver of land in the Near East. Christ will be glorified in the church for all eternity, not in the nation state of Israel. 

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20–21 (NASB95)

Only a remnant of Jews will be saved, and the same is true for the Gentiles. Let’s continue to ask God to draw into his kingdom those he has chosen from every people group. When this has taken place, “all Israel,” the New Covenant Israel, will be saved. 

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Part 4: Who Is the True Israel?

deception

A most significant biblical and geopolitical question today is who is the true Israel? Another way to ask pose this question is to ask if the modern nation of Israel corresponds to the Israel of the Bible. More importantly, is modern day or ancient Israel the Israel of the New Covenant?

These questions divide the Body of Christ and reveal whether we understand the New Covenant.

Dispensationalism blends Old Covenant theology regarding Israel with New Covenant truth, thus distorting gospel truth. It provides religious support for the political movement of Zionism, thus using Christianity to support modern Israel’s geopolitical ambitions. It teaches that any refusal to support national Israel will bring God’s disfavor and perhaps even a curse.

Some Christian Zionists even say that how we regard and treat Israel is a litmus test regarding whether we are true Christians, thus elevating that nation to a status almost equal to the Lord.

Dispensationalists wrongly interpret Genesis 12:3, a promise made to Abraham, and apply to the modern geopolitical entity of Israel.

I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:3 (NKJV)

As New Covenant Christians, we understand that this verse was made to Abraham, not to modern Israel. In particular, Paul taught that Jesus was the “seed” promised to Abraham through whom the nations would be blessed. 

Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. Galatians 3:16 (NKJV) 

Jesus is the true Israelite who inherited all the blessings. To honor and confess him as the Lord is to participate in that blessing. To refuse to so honor him is bring judgment upon ourselves.

The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day rejected him as the Messiah and put him to death as a blasphemer. Jesus spoke God’s judgment over the nation.

Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel. 11 “I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; 12 but the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 8:10–12 (NASB95)

Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it. Matthew 21:43 (NASB95)

But these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them in my presence.” Luke 19:27 (NASB95)

If Dispensationalism and Zionism is correct, Jesus is cursed for cursing (judging) Israel. 

Even though Jesus judgment largely was fulfilled in 70 AD, as a whole, the Jews never repented for rejecting their Lord. Today Israel’s religious leaders still curse Jesus in the Talmud saying he is boiling in excrement as a judgment for his blasphemy. Therefore, God’s judgment still rests upon all Jews (and Gentiles) who refuse to confess that Jesus is Lord.

Until the Jews repent, they remain under the curse of the law for putting to death their Messiah.

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36 (NKJV)

Those who hold to a new covenant understanding of Israel, as taught by Paul, realize that it is composed of all who put their faith and allegiance in the Messiah, our Lord Jesus.

Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. 8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer. Galatians 3:7–9 (NASB95)

This new Israel, called the Body of Christ, “one new man,” and the church, is composed of both Jew and Gentile.

Paul called the Israel of God “one new man,” because our being in Christ is the key to everything.

Jesus abolished the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile by fulfilling and setting aside that which divided us.

For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. Ephesians 2:14–16 (NASB95)

People who hold this position do not regard Israel as having any special status any longer. That was an old covenant concept. Now, like everyone else, Jews’ eternal destiny will be decided by whether they confess Jesus is Lord. 

Dispensationalists like to point to the following verses to contend for their belief that God is going to eventually save the people of Israel.

For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; 26 and so all Israel will be saved...” Romans 11:25–26a (NASB95)

From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; 29 for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:28–29 (NASB95)

“All Israel” in Romans 11:26 is thought by some dispensationalists to mean all those of Jewish descent who are alive at that time, at least those present within the environs of Jerusalem, when Christ appears for the second time. It is indeed possible that Christ will appear to descendants of Abraham in a special way at the very end, as seems to be indicated by Zechariah.

I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. Zechariah 12:10 (NASB95)

However, Paul made it clear earlier in his letter to the church in Rome that only a remnant of those descended from Abraham will be saved, those foreknown by him, the elect from among the Jews.

And as Isaiah said before: “Unless the LORD of Sabaoth had left us a seed [remnant], We would have become like Sodom, And we would have been made like Gomorrah.” Romans 9:29 (NKJV)

I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew... Romans 11:1–2a (NASB95)

Nowhere does Paul indicate that the entire nation will be saved, except potentially in Romans 11:26. However, we cannot interpret that verse in such a way that would undo what he stated previously, that only an elect remnant will be saved. The Holy Spirit does not contradict himself. In addition, we cannot redefine Israel in a different way than Paul already did. The Israel of God now consists of both Jew and Gentile who have reborn of the Spirit. (Romans 2:29, Romans 9:6, Galatians 3:29, and Philippians 3:3)

It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. Romans 11:5 (NLT)

God’s plan is to save a remnant from Israel, as he is doing from all mankind.

He could have rejected them all after their leaders killed the Messiah, but God had mercy on the elect for the sake of the fathers. This agrees with the larger idea that Christ redeemed those whom the Father chose from before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) to be a part of his Body, the church, which is composed of both Jews and Gentiles.

God’s focus in the end times is on Christ and his bride, the church, which is composed of people drawn from every people group on the earth.

And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10 “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” Revelation 5:9–10 (NASB95)

This new creation people, the new Israel of God, is much grander than the Old Covenant nation of Israel.

God has enlarged the narrow Old Testament concept of the kingdom of God under monarchs such as David and Solomon. The focus now is King Jesus, the Lord of all, who will reign from the heavenly Jerusalem over a recreated earth, with the Bride, the church, at his side.

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” Revelation 19:7

Our destiny as the bride of Christ, composed of Jews and Gentiles, is to co-rule with him. (Revelation 21:2)

If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; 2 Timothy 2:12 (NASB95)

The mystery is that God will reveal his splendid wisdom through the church, not through the geopolitical entity of national Israel.

By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 6 to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, 7 of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. 8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, Ephesians 3:4–11 (NASB95)
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Part 2: The Christ of the Covenants

deception 
I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the Gentiles, 7 To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the prison, Those who sit in darkness from the prison house. Isaiah 42:6–7 (NKJV)

Covenant theology holds that throughout history God has related to mankind via covenants, which are solemn promises, beginning in the Garden of Eden after Adam’s sin. There God promised to a non-Israelite to send a Messiah who would crush Satan.

And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel.” Genesis 3:15 (NASB95)

Obviously, one could not in any way fathom at this point that this promise might be restrictive or narrow in scope. From that time forward, the Bible looks forward to that promise coming true, which it turns out came via a person called Jesus of Nazareth.

Everything in the Bible points to Jesus. If we are to understand the New Covenant, we must grasp this key point.

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; 40 and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. John 5:39–40 (NASB95)

The second major covenant that pointed to Christ was given to Abraham. God promised Abraham that one of his descendants would be a blessing to the entire earth.

“In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Genesis 22:18 (NASB95)

This promise, like the one God gave in the garden, was worldwide in scope.

Although the Jews later had great difficulty accepting this, Paul said that the New Covenant unwrapped a great mystery that God’s plan through Abraham’s descendant, Jesus, would produce a blessing that would go far beyond Israel to include the nations. 

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you; 3 that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. 4 By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 6 to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, Ephesians 3:1–6 (NASB95)

The great covenant was made between God and King David. The Lord promised that one of David’s descendants would rule God’s kingdom forever.

When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 “He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 2 Samuel 7:12–13 (NASB95)

We now see through the lens of hindsight that Jesus perfectly fulfilled these promises, as the first apostles taught.

“And so, because he [David] was a prophet and knew that GOD HAD SWORN TO HIM WITH AN OATH TO SEAT one OF HIS DESCENDANTS ON HIS THRONE, 31 he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that HE WAS NEITHER ABANDONED TO HADES, NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY. 32 “This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. 33 “Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. 34 “For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: ‘THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, “SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, 35 UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET.” ’ 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 2:30–36 (NASB95)

Once again, this promise was not limited to Israel, for Jesus would establish his own kingdom, one that will never end over all the heavens and earth.

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18–20 (NASB95)

Jesus, the eternal Logos become flesh, in the beginning created the heavens and earth, the seen and unseen realms (John 1:3). Eventually, as promised, he came in the flesh as a baby born through a miraculous conception (John 1:14). He came to earth to redeem mankind by paying the debt incurred by our sin. He imparted his right standing with God to us, reconciled us to his Father, set us free from all that enslaves us, and sent his Holy Spirit to indwell all who put their faith and allegiance in him. He took back the authority Adam gave to Satan, restoring God’s rule on the earth. Eventually he will come a second time in glory to raise the dead, judge all who ever lived, and rule over a new heaven and earth.

Paul wrote that God’s purpose was to sum up all things in Christ.

...with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth... Ephesians 1:10 (NASB95)

This means the glorification of the Son of God is the goal of everything God the Father has done, is doing, and will do.

He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. Colossians 1:18 (NASB95)

In the New Covenant Christ fulfilled all the previous covenants.

The Edenic, Abrahamic, and Davidic covenants were fulfilled beyond expectation. I will cover that in more detail later. The Mosaic law covenant was also fulfilled and subsequently abolished because it no longer served any purpose for those who belong to Christ.

For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. Romans 10:4 (NLT)

Our Lord released us from its death dealing tyranny of condemnation and judgment. By doing this, Jesus united Jew and Gentile. There no longer exists any wall or barrier between us.

But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17 AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. Ephesians 2:13–18 (NASB95)

Much to the surprise of the early Jewish Christians, the New Covenant equally includes both Jews and Gentiles. The Body of Christ, which Paul calls “one new man,” is made up of all people who confess allegiance to Jesus the Lord. There is no distinction any longer between Jew and Gentile, male and female, free and slave, rich and poor, young and old, etc. We are all one in Christ.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:28–29 (NASB95)

The above passage by itself destroys dispensationalism.

Everything in the Bible and God’s historical interactions with people points to Jesus. God’s plan culminates in our Lord, who will have first place in all things.

He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. Colossians 1:18 (NASB95)
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Are You Ready for the Alien Deception?

aliens

alienWerner Von Braun, the Nazi scientist who was brought to the USA to head up our space program as a part of Operation Paperclip, confided in his secretary, Dr. Carol Rosin, that the last deception or “card” to be played would be the threat of an alien invasion. There has been mystery and speculation surrounding the topic of extraterrestrial life for decades. Many people believe that aliens exist, having evolved on other planets in our universe, and that we have had contact with them in the past. Others, like myself, do not believe it at all because I base my understanding and beliefs about the origin of life and the nature of where we live in what the Bible teaches. 

Those who believe that Genesis Chapter One is true are immune to the alien deception.

Those who reject the truth of any part of that chapter may find it difficult to resist the force of the lie that is coming.

Human beings, by nature, are rather easy to deceive. Satan proved this in the garden.

We were designed by God to believe what he tells us without our having to know everything for ourselves.

Satan suggested to Eve that knowing is greater than believing God. She and Adam fell for the lie, and, not surprisingly, today we are told to “Trust the Science” instead of God. The evil one put into her mind that she could become “like God” by experimenting with what was forbidden. I doubt if she or Adam had ever before considered the possibility of being “like God,” but once the idea was planted, it seemed to be irresistible.

Since we are created to believe, what matters most is whom and what we believe.

If we believe God and his words of truth, we will always be safe; but, if we believe the devil’s lies, it will always lead to confusion, error, destruction, and death.

Since the fall of humanity in the garden, by default we find that people believe lies more readily than the truth. Sadly, if someone has a aliencollege degree and uses “science” to allegedly disprove the Bible, it appears that most people will choose to dispense with the Bible rather than challenge the words of mere men.

It is hard for us to grasp that Satan, who has been around for millennia, has a long-range plan that has been unfolding over centuries. We tend to think short-term, hardly longer than a lifetime, but God and the devil both operate on a far different timeline. 

The alien invasion deception began in earnest with Copernicus, who proposed a vast solar system far greater in size and scope than anything before imagined. Standing on the shoulders of the scientific revolutionaries of that era, modern astrophysicists and evolutionary biologists have alientheorized an incomprehensibly vast multi-verse that “without doubt” has given birth to other forms of life. For those of us who argue that no one could pull off such a monumental deception, think again. An entire generation has grown up believing that evolution and universal gravitation are facts, without their ever having been scientifically proven!

People all over the world have accepted the godless theories of evolutionists and astrophysicists as the truth. These lies, which oppose the biblical testimony, are the foundation of the alien deception.

We have been groomed by NASA to believe in outer space and space travel since Von Braun and disney von braunWalt Disney teamed up to promote the fantasy in the 1950’s. Since then, space travel has been glamorized and made believable by a plethora of movies and television programs. In the 1960’s and 70’s, NASA aired over television the alleged moon landings. By giving us “photos,” which turned out to be manipulated images, of a globular earth suspended in space, this Not A Space Agency seemingly drove a nail in the coffin of biblical cosmology. Most people, including myself, suspended our judgment and accepted the impossible as the truth. Since then, critical thinkers have reexamined the moon missions and concluded that the entire thing was a not-so-well-done hoax.

Aulis.com provides extensive examination of the many anomalies associated with the moon mission. Sibrel.com also has some good videos, one of which is above. Plenty of other information is available on my website on the Resources page.

Today NASA continues to produce video allegedly coming from lower earth orbit from the International Space Station. The alleged photographs of a globular suspended earth, sometimes nasa blue marblescalled the “blue marble,” have been shown to be CGI. Over the years the shape and size of the continents have varied wildly. We are told that the earth is actually a pear-shaped oblate spheroid, but all of NASA’s images show a perfectly round sphere.

Most people seem to think that everything NASA says is true, not realizing that their purpose is to deceive us into believing that outer space and interplanetary travel is a real thing. NASA set us up to believe in the coming alien invasion.

Our main defense against this cunning deception is the Word of God. 

Thank God that he is revealing to many in the last days that Genesis is literally true and accurate. We learn from the Bible that God created the earth and heavens as a unified whole – the heavens, earth encased in the dome of the firmament, and Sheol, with waters above and below.

Above the firmament is the third heaven where God’s throne is located.

genesis

Therefore, if we accept Genesis as the truth, we understand that the earth is protected by the solid firmament, outer space does not exist, and we are in no danger of being invaded by aliens.

We may be exposed to some strange looking beings in the days to come who claim to be extraterrestrials, but these will not be from outer space, because there is no such place. They may be demonic beings, fallen angels, descendants of the Nephilim, or strange hybrids concocted by godless scientists.

This claim that extraterrestrials are real will be another attempt to undermine the truth about God and the Bible.

It also may be used as an excuse to convince the people to submit to a worldwide tyranny in the attempt to ward off this false invasion. It may also be part of a false flag to get people to focus on something besides the wholesale corruption of our political leaders.

If my claims in this article seem fantastic, ignorant, or stupid to you, could it be because you have drunk so deeply from the satanic heliocentric – globe earth lie that you find biblical truth to be ridiculous?

brainwashing 2 e1767450409456Such would not be surprising considering the magnitude of the brainwashing that starts at a very young age.

We have forsaken the heritage passed down from the leaders of the Reformation – Sola Scriptura. Instead of recognizing that the Bible is our highest and most reliable source of truth, we have bowed the knee to the claims of science, twisting the Word of God to make it conform to modern astrophysics, thus making the globe the most prolific idol in the world!

I believe the Lord is calling us to repent for our idolatry. He is calling us to have unquestioning faith in the Bible.

globe love

I appeal to my brothers and sisters who have seen through the lie of evolution but have not yet been willing to accept biblical cosmology. The argument that is used to uphold a 6-day creation, a young earth, and a real Adam and Eve – that the Bible is true and accurate – also testifies to the truth of biblical cosmology. If we accept one as being true, must we not accept the other? Does not our denial of the biblical earth give the enemies of the gospel ammunition with which to mock us because we do not even believe Genesis is true? Do we so fear the opinion of the world that we are willing to distance ourselves from God’s truth about cosmology? Are we afraid that proclaiming God’s truth about creation will somehow undermine the gospel? The creation rightly understood, proclaims the gospel! 

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, Romans 1:18–20 (NKJV)

Until we repent for our disbelief of God’s Word, we are susceptible to being thoroughly duped by Von Braun’s “alien card.”

There is still time for us to model the behavior and attitude of the Bereans after they heard the gospel for the first time.

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed... Acts 17:11–12a (NKJV)

May we all be hungry enough to know God’s truth that we will check out these things to see if the Bible’s claims regarding the nature of the heavens and earth are true. If this is something you choose to do, below is a page that can help you enormously. It contains numerous articles I have written plus a Resource page with links to other information I have collected over the past couple of years.

Link: The Importance of a Biblical Cosmology

May the Lord give us an even greater love for his Word, more than we have for all other competing claims to our hearts and minds, and enable us to escape the devil’s deception in the last days! Amen.

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What Does It Mean to Be “Grafted” into the Olive Tree?

grafted

A commonly misunderstood concept associated with the New Covenant is that of Gentiles being grafted into the olive tree mentioned by Paul in Romans 11.

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; 21 for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. Romans 11:17–21 (NASB95)

Here are five points I will make regarding this passage.

  1. The only way to be attached to the olive tree is by faith.
  2. The “natural” branches, meaning the “natural” or biological descendants of Abraham, were broken off for failing to accept or believe in Jesus the Messiah.
  3. Branches from a “wild olive tree,” meaning the Gentiles, are grafted into the same tree through believing the gospel. Both the natural branches and the wild branches can only connect to the tree through faith.
  4. No one can graft themselves into the tree. God must do this for us.
  5. The purpose of this illustration is to emphasize that faith in our Lord Jesus is the only means by which anyone can be saved and become part of God’s kingdom or the true Israel, which is represented by the olive tree.

This illustration hearkens back to one of Daniel’s visions (Daniel 4) and a parable of Jesus (Mark 4:30-33) in which the kingdom of God is represented by a tree.

In God’s new covenant kingdom, it makes no difference whether one is a Jew or Gentile. All that matters is whether a person is part of the tree through believing the gospel. 

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. Galatians 5:6 (NASB95)

Jesus used another illustration to describe how we draw our life from being part of the vine, which clearly refers to our becoming one with him through the new birth.

I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. John 15:1–6 (NASB95)

The new birth is the only way a person can be joined to the vine, become part of the body of Christ and the kingdom of God, and be reckoned to be “in Christ.”

There is simply no other way.

Jesus told Nicodemus, a Jew and a Pharisee, that anyone who wishes to become his disciple must be born again. 

Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:3–6 (NASB95) 

Here Jesus contrasted natural birth to the new birth carried out by the Spirit of God.

Every person who comes into the world does so through a natural birth process, which does not and cannot qualify anyone for the kingdom of God. This is true for both Jews and the Gentiles.

To this Jewish spiritual leader, who was regarded by most Jews to be the epitome of spirituality, our Lord said that, unless he experienced the new birth, he would have no part of God’s kingdom. What a shock this must have been to one who thought being a physical descendant of Abraham, a Jew, qualified him for the kingdom of heaven!

John the Baptist preached a similar message.

Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; 9 and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. 10 “The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Matthew 3:8–10 (NASB95)

Failure to properly respond to the Messiah who was now on hand would result in their being “cut off” from the kingdom of God. This is what Moses had warned Israel centuries before.

“Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren; to Him you shall give heed to everything He says to you. 23 ‘And it will be that every soul that does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’  Acts 3:22–23 (NASB95)

The new birth takes place when a person believes the gospel. It is what joins us with the Lord.

For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many. 1 Corinthians 12:13–14 (NKJV)

But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 1 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV)

Being “in Christ” is a supernatural consequence of the new birth. This is the only way to be “grafted” into the olive tree or become part of the vine.

In the vine illustration, we see an obvious parallel to Paul’s analogy of the olive tree. In both cases we see that existing branches that do not “abide” in or are a part of Christ by faith are removed. These branches would be considered waste and burned, which is a reference to the last judgment. 

The natural offspring of Abraham, meaning biological Israelites, who do not have faith in Jesus, are removed from the vine or olive tree. This can only mean that something about the olive tree changed. Before Christ, under the Old Covenant of circumcision, natural birth made you a part of the tree. Now under the New Covenant, everything is different. Now it is a spiritual circumcision, which is part of the new birth process, that qualifies one for the kingdom of God. This is something that can be experienced by both males and females.

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.  Romans 2:28–29 (NASB95)

The New Covenant changed the definition of what it means to be a Jew. It is no longer reckoned by physical descent or externals. It is entirely spiritual based on the new birth.

Being on the outside and cut off from the life in the tree or the vine (Jesus), the rejected faithless branches wither and perish and await burning. Unless faithless Jews repent and believe the gospel, they will be lost. This is also true for any non-Israelite who never had any part of the vine to begin with and were always on the outside looking in.

The New Covenant erases the distinction between Jew and Gentile. Anyone without Christ will perish at the last judgment.

The big difference between the Jews and Gentiles is that God gave to the Jews the advantage of being familiar with the Messianic promises, which should assist their coming to faith in the gospel and Jesus, who fulfilled those promises.

Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? 2 Great in every respect. First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God. Romans 3:1–2 (NASB95)

The Jews knew that God promised to send a Messiah. In fact, in Jesus’ day, the air of expectancy was at a fever pitch. The problem was that, despite having this advantage, most Jewish people rejected their Messiah when he showed up, thus bringing on themselves a stricter judgment. The more we know, the greater our responsibility is and the stricter our judgment. (Luke 12:48, Matthew 11:23-24)

The Jews (“his own” people) did not receive him on a large scale; however, a remnant did and still does.

He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:11–13 (NASB95)

The remnant of Jews who believe the gospel and declare allegiance to Christ are born of God and enter God’s kingdom, just as are believing Gentiles.

I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? 3 “Lord, THEY HAVE KILLED YOUR PROPHETS, THEY HAVE TORN DOWN YOUR ALTARS, AND I ALONE AM LEFT, AND THEY ARE SEEKING MY LIFE.” 4 But what is the divine response to him? “I HAVE KEPT for Myself SEVEN THOUSAND MEN WHO HAVE NOT BOWED THE KNEE TO BAAL.” 5 In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. 7 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; Romans 11:1–7 (NASB95)

There has always been a remnant or small group of people out of the whole of humanity who have believed in God and related to him on that basis. Jesus made it clear that the difference between the remnant and the rest is a matter of God’s choice. Like it or not, and many do not, that is the way it is.

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. John 15:16 (NKJV)

And here we are back at the illustration of the vine and branches! We cannot be part of the vine outside of God’s election and the new birth. How humbling for those of us who insist on somehow trying to qualify ourselves through being good enough or smart enough!

...(for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), 12 it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.” 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! 15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” 16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. Romans 9:11–16 (NKJV)

Being a natural child of Abraham has never qualified anyone to be a part of God’s elect or kingdom. It has always been a matter of supernatural qualification. 

Therefore, it is incorrect to think that being a natural descendant of Abraham makes a person somehow “special” in God’s kingdom. Such thinking is a form of racism and a residue from the Old Covenant. The ground is level at the foot of the cross.

The old covenant scriptures all pointed to Christ, the only descendant or “seed” of Abraham who is truly special and different.

Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. Luke 24:27 (NASB95)

Becoming one with Christ through faith and the new birth qualifies both Jew and Gentile to inherit the promises and blessings of Abraham.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:13–14 (NASB95)

 

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King Saul: A Tragic Prefiguring of Israel

old

israelKing Saul and his relationship with David can be understood as an Old Testament prophetic picture of the nation of Israel and its relationship with Jesus the Messiah. Below I will recount Saul’s story in relation to David. Alongside I will put comparisons to Israel’s relationship to Jesus Christ.

King Saul was the first king of Israel, a man selected by God after Israel demanded that the prophet Samuel provide them with a king. He was head and shoulders taller than his countrymen and possessed the kind of physical attributes people look for in a ruler..

He had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and handsome man, and there was not a more handsome person than he among the sons of Israel; from his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people. 1 Samuel 9:2 (NASB95)

The Israelites were tired of relying on God periodically to raise up judges as needed to lead them into battle to defeat their enemies, deliver them from bondage, and rule justly. They wanted the kind of stability they thought a human dynasty would provide. They were oblivious to the fact that their request was an insult to God’s rule. On the surface, Saul appeared to be a great choice, but it took a while for him to win the confidence of the people. God allowed Samuel to carry out the installation of a king, even though the Lord knew that future kings would mostly apostatize and lead the nation into idolatry and ruin.

Even though Saul was chosen by God to be Israel’s first king, he ended up being a tragic figure in that nation’s history. This was inevitable. Without Christ, mankind is doomed to failure.

Saul and the kingdom of Israel were of the old Adamic natural order that had been corrupted by sin and needed to be redeemed. Saul started well, reluctantly accepting the responsibility of the kingship, but his character deficiencies soon betrayed him, as manifested in repeated disobedience to God. The nation of Israel likewise began well, though not without some episodes in the lives of the founding fathers that revealed their moral deficiencies. Once again this should not surprise us because without Christ everyone falls short of the righteousness of God.

But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:21–26 (NASB95)

Abraham lied regarding his relationship with Sarah, putting her integrity at risk in order to preserve his own life. Isaac similarly dissimulated. Jacob made deception a lifestyle until God finally wrestled him into surrender. The history of Israel under Moses was likewise a story of repeated serious integrity failures. The people repeatedly turned away from their devotion to God, choosing false gods instead. There was absolutely no possible way that the nation of Israel could inherit the promises of God.

Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 1 Corinthians 15:50 (NASB95)

Instead, that fell to the one and only begotten Son of God, the seed of promise.

Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ. Galatians 3:16 (NASB95)

After Saul disobeyed God’s clear command to kill all the Amalekites and destroy their livestock,  Samuel informed Saul that he had been rejected as king and would be replaced with another more deserving man, one who loved God with all his heart.

“For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:23 (NASB95)

Looking at this story with the wisdom of hindsight, it becomes clear that Saul’s disappointing reign was a necessary prelude to the David’s. It provided a context by which to compare and contrast how David related to God, carried out the responsibilities of the kingship, and handled adversity, and transitioned to the new king, Solomon, with how Saul lived, died, and failed to transition.

David was a New Covenant man living in an Old Covenant era. God graced him to experience many New Covenant blessings. Otherwise, his kingship would have failed as miserably as Saul’s.

Like Saul, Israel also served in a transitory capacity. Just as John the Baptist’s privileged role was to identify and introduce the Messiah and then fade into the background, Israel was granted the wonderful responsibility to provide and guard God’s inspired Word and to be the human conduit for the Messiah’s bloodline. When the actual Messiah arrived on the scene, the promised one, Israel’s job was completed.

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 (NASB95)

That nation should have handed off the baton and simply gotten out of the way, but like Saul, Israel failed miserably. It did not realize that it was to its advantage to go quietly instead of fighting to retain something that did not belong to it. Since Israel was part of the Old Covenant, it could not inherit God’s kingdom. It had to pass away like the Covenant of which it was part.

When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear. Hebrews 8:13 (NASB95)

Upon learning of God’s rejecting him from being king, instead of humbly accepting the Lord’s decision and asking how he could peacefully transition the kingdom to the new man, Saul grew paranoid, depressed, and murderous. He tried to clutch what God had given to him but now was removing.

He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” 22 Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God. Job 1:21–22 (NASB95)

An evil spirit began to torment Saul after this. In his rebellion, he became a tragic anti-God figure by doing his best to kill David before he could assume the throne. Below he expressed his violent intent to his son Jonathan, the heir apparent, who remained loyal to David, expecting one day to serve him.

“For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Therefore now, send and bring him to me, for he must surely die.” 32 But Jonathan answered Saul his father and said to him, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” 33 Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him down; so Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death. 1 Samuel 20:31–33 (NASB95)

Interestingly, David, who was a type of Christ, also faced a rival claimant to the throne in his son Absalom. David exemplified a Christ-like spirit in how he handled that situation.

The king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the sight of the LORD, then He will bring me back again and show me both it and His habitation. 26 “But if He should say thus, ‘I have no delight in you,’ behold, here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him.” 2 Samuel 15:25–26 (NASB95)

This compares to Christ’s words as he hung on the cross: “Into thy hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) How different from Saul!

When it became apparent that Jesus was gaining popularity with the people, Israel’s leaders were jealous and fearful that he would spoil things for them, putting in jeopardy all the perks and privileges that they enjoyed by cooperating with Roman rule. Like Saul, their behavior mirrored Satan, the murderer. Instead of seeking God’s will, they determined to put Jesus to death.

But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you take into account that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.” 51 Now he did not say this on his own initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they planned together to kill Him. John 11:49–53 (NASB95)

Backtracking a bit to the first time David appears in the Bible, God told Samuel that one of Kish’s sons would be the next king to replace Saul. David was the youngest who kept the sheep and was so little esteemed by his father that he was not even invited to be on hand when Samuel visited. Nevertheless, at Samuel’s command, David was brought to the gathering. It was at this time that the Lord revealed to Samuel that David would be the next king. This young man who had been assigned the lowly task of shepherding his father’s flocks was called to shepherd the entire nation.

So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:12–13 (NASB95)

Jesus was also lightly esteemed. He was born under unusual circumstances that made him appear to be the bastard son of Mary and Joseph, rather than the product of a supernatural conception. His adoptive father was an inconspicuous carpenter from Nazareth. There was nothing about our Lord’s background or appearance that made him stand out as the divinely appointed Messiah. Like David, he was a divine choice.

For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, And like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty That we should look upon Him, Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. 3 He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Isaiah 53:2–3 (NASB95)

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” Luke 1:31–33 (NASB95)

The prophet Samuel anointed David’s head with oil, telling him of God’s choice, but that event only set him apart and gave him grace for the job. The actual accession to the throne came years later after great suffering, testing, and enduring continual danger. Jesus likewise was anointed by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18) and afterward endured temptation, testing, suffering, and even death before he was exalted as Lord of Lords by his resurrection.

Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, Philippians 2:8–9 (NASB95)

David entered Saul’s life after an evil spirit began to torment the king. David was known as an accomplished musician who could play soothing music when the evil spirit came upon the king. Through this service, David gained Saul’s favor and an introduction into the affairs of the kingdom.

Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD terrorized him. 15 Saul’s servants then said to him, “Behold now, an evil spirit from God is terrorizing you. 16 “Let our lord now command your servants who are before you. Let them seek a man who is a skillful player on the harp; and it shall come about when the evil spirit from God is on you, that he shall play the harp with his hand, and you will be well.” 17 So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me now a man who can play well and bring him to me.” 18 Then one of the young men said, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, and a handsome man; and the LORD is with him.” 19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David who is with the flock.” 20 Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread and a jug of wine and a young goat, and sent them to Saul by David his son. 21 Then David came to Saul and attended him; and Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor bearer. 22 Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David now stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.” 1 Samuel 16:14–22 (NASB95)

Jesus’ initial ministry also provided relief and deliverance to those oppressed by the devil in Israel. He gained notoriety and esteem by providing healing and deliverance to great numbers of people.

You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38 (NASB95)

Later the Philistine giant Goliath taunted Israel’s armies, challenging the king to send out a man to fight him in representative combat. This revealed that no one was willing to risk his neck in such a fight and kept the king and entire army paralyzed in fear. The arrogance of Goliath against the God of Israel angered David, who immediately volunteered to fight the giant alone, believing that God would enable him to defeat the giant.

Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” 1 Samuel 17:26 (NASB95)

When word got back to Saul, who was not present on the field of battle, he thought David would not be up for the task, being but a boy without training as a military man. In fact, it appears that no one in Israel except David believed that Goliath could be defeated. David was able to convince the king that he had already killed a bear and a lion as part of his shepherding duties and would surely be able to whip Goliath. Saul eventually permitted David to do representative combat for the entire nation. If he won, the Philistines would surrender – supposedly. If David lost, the Israelites would forfeit to the enemy. The stakes were high indeed for the nation, but even more so for David.

Our Lord Jesus took on an even more formidable foe, Satan himself, who kept the entire world under bondage and in fear because of our sin. Just as in David’s case, no one was able to confront this giant, except the unique Son of God, who had been selected by God for the task.

And He saw that there was no man, And was astonished that there was no one to intercede; Then His own arm brought salvation to Him, And His righteousness upheld Him. 17 He put on righteousness like a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle. 18 According to their deeds, so He will repay, Wrath to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; To the coastlands He will make recompense. Isaiah 59:16–18 (NASB95)

David killed Goliath and, as a result, became quite famous and highly esteemed by the whole nation. Saul put him in charge of part of his military, and he was more successful than any of his other commanders. Once when returning from a won battle, Saul heard something that greatly troubled him.

The women sang as they played, and said, “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.” 8 Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on. 1 Samuel 18:7–9 (NASB95)

Over time, Saul became convinced that David was indeed the one God had chosen to replace him. Sadly, Saul’s insecurity, fear, and jealousy drove him to attempt to murder the heir apparent.

The Jewish leaders conspired together to put Jesus to death as his popularity rose and people began to believe he could be the long awaited Messiah.

So from that day on they planned together to kill Him. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer continued to walk publicly among the Jews, but went away from there to the country near the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim; and there He stayed with the disciples. John 11:53–54 (NASB95)

Eventually David fled the city and hid out in the wilderness, where God began to gather faithful warriors who supported him as he waited for God’s timing to assume the thrown. Saul tried to hunt him down and kill him, but never could succeed. Saul even put to death any who appeared to support David. Eventually, David despaired of remaining safe in Israel and fled to the land of Israel’s enemies, the Philistines, where he remained until Saul’s death.

Jesus was hunted down and harassed during his public ministry. His followers were threatened and even killed after his resurrection, Nevertheless, God gathered around Jesus a faithful band of disciples who fearless carried the gospel to the world after his ascension into heaven.

As a result of Saul’s hardened condition against God’s will, the Lord no longer communicated with him. He had never been one to seek God personally, and now no prophet was available to hear God for him after Samuel’s death. Eventually, the time for Saul’s demise arrived. The Philistines gathered a large army to fight against Israel. David, his best commander, was no longer available to help. In panic, the king turned to a witch to try to contact the dead prophet Samuel. This final act of rebellion against God by employing occult assistance preceded his death by his own hand after he was fatally wounded in battle. His sons were likewise killed and the ark of the covenant was captured by the Philistines. Upon hearing what happened, Eli, the high priest, fell over dead. Following Saul’s death, David, who had always refused to take any part in overthrowing Saul, began a seven-year transition into becoming accepted as the king over all Israel.

After Jesus was put to death, rose again, ascended to heaven, and was enthroned, Israel’s purpose had been completed. Now God’s kingdom included people from every ethnic group, both Jew and Gentile. Now the land of the redeemed would be the entire earth, instead of a sliver of property called Palestine. When the Jews put the Messiah to death and continued to stubbornly resist the gospel, God stopped speaking to them. After the martyrdom of Stephen, the gospel went primarily to the Gentiles; although, a remnant of Jews continued to be saved, even up to this day. 

It is apparent that modern Judaism, following the fall of Jerusalem and the temple, and probably even before, ceased to resemble what was practiced by the fathers of the faith. The sacrificial system was terminated by God since the Lamb of God had been slain. The Bible was largely replaced by the Babylonian Talmud, which consisted of written oral traditions. Even in Jesus’ day, this process had begun to take place, even though those teachings had not been put in print yet. Our Lord accused the Jewish leaders of serving their true father, the devil. (John 8:44) Later, in the book of Revelation, twice Jesus called the Jews a “synagogue of Satan.” (Revelation 2:9 and 3:9) Stephen accused them of worshiping the false God Saturn / Moloch / Chiun / Remphan, whose hexagram is now found on the flag of Israel. There is a debate over whether this modern symbol of Israel has occult intent, but I am inclined to think so, based on that nation’s history of idolatry, the teachings of the Talmud and Kabbalah, and Stephen’s pointed accusation (Acts 7:43). If not true, it is a very unwise choice for a national symbol.

The Dispensational belief that the land still belongs to Jews fails to acknowledge that the “seed” of promise is our Lord Jesus. All the land belongs to him, the whole earth, not to the currently apostate Jews.

I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. 8 Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. Psalm 2:7–8 (NKJV)

I hope and pray that modern Israel’s leaders have not turned to evil means to obtain and maintain their ancestral homeland for God cannot bless that. The Zionist purpose to re-establish a Jewish homeland at the expense of those who previously occupied the land is even opposed by some Jews. 

We should not fall into the trap of continuing to believe that this people who have rejected the Messiah are God’s Chosen People. A few of them, no doubt, are part of the remnant chosen by God, but not the rest. (Romans 9:29) Neither are Gentiles the chosen people of God. There is only one chosen people – the elect in Christ from before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4)

The Jews were greatly privileged to have been used by God for his purposes for a season. They also have a long and sad history of idolatry and disobedience to God, just like the rest of mankind. Their ultimate rejection and murder of Jesus ended their role in the world regarding God’s kingdom. Jesus clearly said that the kingdom would be taken from them and given to another people, who it turns out, is the church, God’s born-again people composed of both Jew and Gentile, the “Israel of God.” (Matthew 21:43, Galatians 6:16) 

I always wondered what was God’s purpose in making Saul king. Now, I think I have a better understanding. He prefigured the nation of Israel’s tragic relationship with the man after God’s own heart, our Lord Jesus.

May we learn from this lesson that it is wrong to support any person or nation from which God has withdrawn his favor and blessing.

Instead, let us continue to pray that God will draw to himself from all those of Jewish descent who are called to be part of God’s glorious Israel of the New Covenant, the church composed of both Jew and Gentile, through which God will obtain glory for all eternity. (Ephesians 3:21)

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