Identifying and Countering Deception Archives

2026 Challenge: Will We Be Courageous Enough to Stand?

Posted April 7, 2026April 8, 2026
by petebeck3

Every generation faces its own set of challenges against which it is required to make a stand and giants which must be slain. During the Reformation men and women sacrificed their lives in order to stand up for truth against deception that had ruled for centuries. My wife’s 12th great grand uncle was William Tyndale, who was strangled and burned at the stake for simply translating the Bible into English. No doubt many thought such a translation was needed, but few were willing to make such a costly stand. That is always the case. The few, the brave, do the heavy lifting for those who prefer to passively watch from history’s sidelines. Today we have our own giants to slay. The question before us is who among us will rise to the occasion?

In my own life, my first encounter with such a challenge came soon after I became a follower of Christ. I arrived at that watershed decision that the Word of God would be my ultimate authority. (Sola Scriptura) This put me in direct opposition to the Roman Catholic Church of my youth, which values church tradition higher than the Bible. I tried to remain inside it to act as “salt and light,” but eventually I came to recognize that its teachings and the Bible are not compatible. I had to choose between them; so, I chose the Bible and left the church.

More recently I became convinced that the mRNA injection was not of God and warned friends, family, and whoever would listen. I received quite a bit of resistance from some quarters, but history has proved my warning had merit. The COVID scare awakened a lot of people to the enormous amount of deception being perpetrated by governments, et. al. Those doctors and healthcare workers who made a stand against the “machine” often suffered greatly.

It takes courage to make a stand for truth against tyranny.

History of full of such examples. Martin Luther received the revelation of justification by faith alone. His initial purpose was to reform the Roman Church, but it was soon apparent that it was not open to God’s truth. Eventually he was forced out, escaping martyrdom by the narrowest of margins. Many others, however, paid the price of their lives to see this important truth reestablished in the church, but the Roman church never repented from its error.

Truth divides those who love it from those who oppose it.

Likewise, when God restored believer baptism via the Anabaptists, persecution against them erupted from both Protestants and Catholics alike who refused to depart from their long standing church tradition of infant baptism that does not agree with the testimony of God’s Word. Today many Protestant denominations fully embrace what some Anabaptists purchased with their lives, but others groups still adhere to their traditions based on old covenant theology.

We should never expect that everyone will embrace the truth that is so important to us.

When the baptism and gifts of the Spirit were restored to the church in the early 20th century, those who clung to that teaching also encountered resistance from the established church and still do. Nevertheless, many have experienced this wonderful New Covenant blessing. Those who received this marvelous gift ended up forming new groups in which they were free to put the new truth into practice.

When God reveals truth to his church, especially that which has been long obscured, besides bringing great joy to those who receive it, in addition it always breeds dissension and division. Those who wish to maintain the status quo will accuse the bearers of this new teaching of creating disunity.

Truth reveals the heart by dividing those who love it from those who do not.

For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you. 1 Corinthians 11:19 (NKJV)

Not every truth is worth a fight, but some are extremely important. We must distinguish between truths for which we should earnestly contend and those which are less consequential.

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 3 (NKJV)

Although the truth divides those who are able to receive it from those who cannot or will not, it does not separate us as children of God in the deepest sense. Nevertheless, our commitment to truth usually has a price tag attached to it. Some pay that cost, but others might not be able. I pray for the grace to carry whatever cross God requires of me.

Those who love truth pursue it wherever it leads. It usually leads us to the cross.

I believe our generation has been confronted by two great giants that we must face and slay. These enormous lies have long deceived the church, but I believe God is no longer willing to “wink at” our participation in the deception. The Lord requires us to step up and do our part to make a definitive stand.

The Heliocentric – Globe Earth Lie

The first is the heliocentric – globe earth lie which was introduced as a satanic counterattack during the Protestant Reformation when God was reestablishing his Word as our authority.

It’s purpose was to undermine the Bible’s authority and replace it was what is called “science.”

Heliocentrism originated in Babylonian and Egyptian hermeticism and is taught in the Kabbalah. It is

a pagan occult teaching that opposes the cosmology of the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. It is impossible to support it without doing serious damage to the clear meaning of the Scriptures. Satan has so brainwashed several generations that today Bible believers often attack anyone who disputes the assertions and unproven theories of current astrophysics and NASA. We have been tricked into earnestly defending what the devil designed to hide God’s existence and convert people into atheists.

I believe God is calling us to revere his Word more than the claims of science and the words of men. We must be willing to appear to be fools for Christ’s sake. The world already laughs at us when we say we believe the Bible is true, except for Genesis Chapter One’s account of the heavens and earth. We do not believe in biological evolution, but we accept the Big Bang! How ridiculous we seem to atheists. Since they mock us anyway, why not give them something to howl about?

The most common argument Christians level against biblical cosmology is that it is a distraction away from the gospel. Does the gospel become more attractive when we profess unbelief in the very scriptures we revere? Does calling God a liar in Genesis make the resurrection seem more real? If Genesis Chapter One is mere poetry that God never intended us to take literally, then when does the Bible become literally true and who decides and how do I know for sure? If Genesis is not literally true, is the resurrection? Perhaps that was simply a spiritual truth, too, with no basis in history. How can we honestly preach the gospel when we don’t really believe the Bible?

Dispensationalism

The second deception that must be resisted is Dispensationalism which has produced Christian Zionism, the unqualified political and military support for a nation that publicly refuses to acknowledge Christ’s lordship and has engaged in genocide with our help. It is based on a false interpretation of the Bible that opposes the New Covenant in at least five areas. It teaches that God’s blessing still rests on a people who reject Christ, even though the Bible says all such people abide under God’s wrath. It fails to see that Old Covenant Israel was a type or shadow that has been fulfilled in Christ. The one new man in Christ, otherwise called the church and the body of Christ, is the New Covenant

people of God composed of both Jew and Gentile. There are not two chosen peoples, only one, the elect in Christ. Blessings are upon those who are “in Christ,” and judgment is upon all who reject him. There is only one way to the Father – through his Son. (John 14:6) Those who reject the Son, do not have the Father either. (1 John 2:23) Christian Zionism is misplaced zeal for a people who, unless they repent and believe in Christ, are headed for destruction. We should pray for them and share the gospel with them but not put them on a pedestal. At the moment, they are a secular antichrist nation in the sense that they reject the gospel and persecute believers. In addition, they are attempting to reclaim the land promised to Abraham without God’s assistance. This cannot end well for them unless they repent.

This is not antisemitism. It is a biblical assessment of a nation. It is not an indictment of all Jews, only those who reject Christ. Everyone, Jew or Gentile, who rejects Christ is under God’s judgment and faces certain destruction unless we repent. If I am antisemitic, then so was Jesus, Paul, Stephen, and John. The truth is not antisemitic. It should cause us to feel an even greater burden for the Jewish people who are outside of Christ.

The Challenge

I have no illusions that everyone will come to see things as I do and as I am convinced the Bible teaches. However, if I have earned any credibility over the past many years of following Christ and teaching the Bible, I want to use it now.

What I ask is that you, the reader, seriously consider my claims regarding biblical cosmology and dispensationalism. I ask you to examine the Scriptures to see if these things are true.

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. Acts 17:11 (NKJV)

Each person must decide for himself or herself, of course. At the bottom of the page are links to articles and resources that may aid you in further study, if you so choose.

Should you become convinced that my words and arguments are true, it will offer you an opportunity to show courage and stand against the lie. We can keep our knowledge and convictions to ourselves, but what good is that? It is only when we tell others that we are able to influence them toward truth.

Will I be courageous enough to teach what Genesis and the rest of the Bible teaches about the shape and nature of the heavens and earth, even if it costs me friends and church members and damages my reputation in the eyes of the world?
Will I teach clearly how the New Covenant debunks Dispensationalism and warn people that to support a nation that is hostile to Christ is wrong, even if it angers some and others falsely accuse me of antisemitism?

These are not unimportant side issues; so, I ask you to not dismiss my request out of hand.

Yes, people can get into heaven without believing the truth about either issue, but that should not stop us from declaring the whole counsel of God. People can go to heaven without having a proper theology relating to abortion or the LGBTQ+ agenda, but that should not stop us from communicating what God says about these issues. The world is moving toward ever greater deception regarding cosmology and aliens. A biblical cosmology will protect the church from falling whatever lies are coming. Zionism is pushing us to the precipice of a world war based on bad theology. How tragic! Bad thinking produces bad actions.

The church is called to arise and fearlessly trumpet God’s truth to a world mired in deception. Will we do it? Will I? Will you?

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John’s Gospel Debunks Dispensationalism

Posted April 7, 2026
by petebeck3

Dispensationalism is a false doctrine that contradicts important New Covenant truths. It is so complex that it cannot be fully understood by the uninitiated. Take for example the following chart.

God’s Word, however, is so simple that even a child can grasp some of its most wonderful truths.

I have written elsewhere that God relates to his people via covenants, not “dispensations.” All of the covenants that came before Christ pointed to him and the New Covenant that fulfilled and superseded them. When it comes to understanding how the New Covenant debunks Dispensationalism, the words of John’s gospel help bring clarity.

In this article, I will focus on one important New Covenant truth that is incompatible with Dispensationalism.

We can only become part of God’s kingdom people through the new birth.

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own [land], and His own [people] did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, 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 1:10–13 (NKJV)

Here we have a clear exposition of the new birth’s being the only gateway into the kingdom of God and the only means of becoming God’s children. Jesus confirmed this when speaking to Nicodemus the Pharisee.

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter 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 3:5–6 (NKJV)

Later Jesus called the Pharisees who arrayed themselves against him and his message sons of the devil.

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. John 8:44–45 (NKJV)

Being a physical descendant of Abraham has no significance whatsoever in the New Covenant kingdom of God. The only thing that counts is the new birth. We are born again when we believe in Jesus and confess him as Lord.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. Galatians 6:15 (NKJV)

John the Baptist warned the Pharisees who came to listen to his message that God did not regard them because of their natural descent from Abraham.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, 9 and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:7–12 (NKJV)

John agreed with Jesus’ declaration that they were children of the devil when he called them a “brood of vipers.” He also declared that God would raise up spiritual children of Abraham through the new birth “from these stones.” Peter called the people of the New Covenant church “living stones” which comprise a spiritual temple in which God dwells. (1 Peter 2:5) Paul also said that natural descent from Abraham no longer has any meaning in God’s New Covenant kingdom.

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)

But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, 7 nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.” 8 That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. Romans 9:6–8 (NKJV)

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)

There are not two chosen peoples, two Israels, or two covenants. There is only one chosen people, those elect in Christ. There is only one Israel, the Israel of God, the one new man in Christ composed of Jew and Gentile, and there is only one covenant, the New Covenant. It is time for the church to accept this New Covenant reality and depart from Dispensational deception.

Click here to go to more articles on Israel, dispensational theology, and the end times.

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The Bible Is Our Benchmark for Truth

Posted March 31, 2026March 31, 2026
by petebeck3

The Bible is God’s benchmark for truth by which all other claims to veracity are measured. In days gone by, craftsmen would make a mark on their bench to set the standard measurement for items they were making. All duplicates were measured according to the mark made on the bench, the benchmark. If anything fails to agree with the benchmark, it is to be rejected. Isaiah the prophet understood this fundamental rule.

To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20 (NKJV)

The Bible is self-authenticating and does not depend on man’s opinion of it. We either believe it or not, but not believing it does not mean it is not true. Truth stands on its own.

For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. 2 Corinthians 13:8 (NLT)

Jesus is the Truth, the Logos or Word of God. He became a man, representing God’s truth and person perfectly.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (NKJV)

In him and in the written Word there is no falsehood at all. All of God’s words are true and faithful. Jesus said we must live by EVERY word of God, not just the ones we find acceptable and not too convicting or embarrassing. (Matthew 4:4)

The Word of God is always true because it was spoken by one who never lies.

God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Numbers 23:19 (NKJV)

Men lie. Satan always lies, but God never does. Anyone who refuses to believe the lie that God is untruthful honors God.

Our relationship to God’s Word must be to uphold its truthfulness against all naysayers, even those who claim that so-called “science” disproves the Bible.

The apostle Paul warned us against putting faith in anything besides God and his Word.

Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. 21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God’s grace be with you all. 1 Timothy 6:20–21 (NLT)

How we will related to the Bible is one of the most important decisions anyone will ever make. We must decide if we will place ultimate confidence in it or in man’s wisdom.

If we make the decision to put our full trust in the written Word of God, we affirm our faith in the Lord Jesus, who is the fleshly embodiment of that Word. Below are some verses that will guide us in our decision.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shined in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend (extinguish, overcome) it. John 1:1–5 (NKJV)

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. John 17:17 (NKJV)

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. 6 Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. Proverbs 30:5–6 (NKJV)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NKJV)

Jesus believed every word of God is inviolable and cannot be altered or “broken.” (John 10:35) The incarnate Word validated the written Word. We dare not contradict him!

You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Deuteronomy 4:2 (NKJV)

We are to regard God’s Word with the greatest esteem and submit our own opinions and conjectures to it.

Anyone who makes this commitment to adhere to God’s Word will find it to be quite astounding that many who profess to possess such faith doubt its accuracy when it comes to the creation of the heavens and earth. I do not condemn anyone for doing this because for most of my life I too failed to fully embrace what the Bible says about the earth where we live and the heavens above it. Instead, like so many, I capitulated to the “experts” and “scientists” who allege that the Bible got it wrong in Genesis Chapter One. I joined the chorus of unbelief that says that those verses in the first chapter of the Bible are mere poetry that God never intended for us to take literally, even though Jesus and the authors of those books, who were under the inspiration of God’s Spirit, believed it to be literally true.

I never saw the insidiousness of casting doubt on the very first book of the Bible.

Satan has managed to convince most Western Christians to renounce absolute faith in the accuracy of Genesis in order to discredit the entire Bible.

We are only fooling ourselves if we think the world does not see through our duplicity. Why should anyone believe the gospel message if Genesis, the foundation of the Bible, is untrue? Many of us who deny the literal truth of Genesis Chapter One, when it comes to the heavens and earth, affirm that the creation of Adam and Eve actually took place as the Bible says. It should be obvious that if one is true, so is the other. It should also be clear to us, as Satan knows, that if one is false, so is the other. Why cannot we followers of Christ see this?

We humans have a remarkable capacity for self-deception. We convince ourselves that partial belief is all God expects or requires.

This is similar to Saul’s transgression when he only partly obeyed God’s word, while claiming to have fully obeyed. God told him to kill everything, even the animals, but Saul spared some of the best livestock.

Then Samuel went to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed are you of the LORD! I have performed the commandment of the LORD.” 14 But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?” 1 Samuel 15:13–14 (NKJV)

Samuel told him that such partial obedience was comparable to the sin of witchcraft. (1 Samuel 15:23) Indeed, as we shall see in a future article, the power of the occult is behind much of what modern astrophysics teaches. Putting our faith is such a rebellion against God’s Word aligns us with witchcraft! If Samuel were here today to confront our disbelief in God’s Word, in response to our claim to be Bible believers, he might ask: “What then is this heliocentrism?”

It is impossible to be a heliocentrist while claiming to believe the Bible is true, unless one practices self-deception.

Evangelicals generally agree that the Bible is our benchmark for truth in moral and spiritual matters and the gospel, but surrender authority to those who call themselves scientists when it comes to understanding the world in which we live. We have accepted the worldly credo that “science” is proven objective truth that requires us to reinterpret the Bible any time it seems to contradict it.

This is nothing short of worshiping science above God, something that should be abhorrent to every disciple.

The scientific revolution was ignited and fueled by the ignoble quest to liberate ourselves from being chained to the Bible. Man is determined to figure out how things work for ourselves without God’s help. But God has so designed his creation that we cannot unravel its mysteries on our own. We need the Holy Spirit and what is found in God’s Word.

Copernicus, the acknowledge “founder” of the heliocentric theory, was not impressed with the Bible. Here is a quote.

Two contemporaries of Copernicus, Luther and Calvin, leaders in the Protestant Reformation, solidly refuted heliocentrism. Here are two representative quotes.

These two men still held the Bible in great esteem and considered that anytime what is called science contradicts what is revealed in the Bible, it is an error. They adhered to the famous tagline of the Reformation – Sola Scriptura. Sadly, today our motto might be said to be Sola Sciencia.

Trying to gain knowledge outside of what God has revealed was exactly what got Adam and Eve in trouble. Modern science, especially theoretical astrophysics, has become a religion that postulates untestable theories that morph into unchallenged dogma which must be believed by the faithful, usually at the expense of God’s revealed truth in the Bible.

We were created to believe. We will believe in something, whether it is God’s truth or something else.

The most powerful “god” in the modern West today is probably what we call “science.” This was never more evident than during the manufactured so-called COVID crisis when we were told to “Trust the Science,” even though now we know that the “science” was fraudulent.

Science was never meant to be simply trusted. That is reserved for God alone.

Trusting “science” can only be done by those who accept that it is a modern religion complete with its priests, temples, and dogma. True science has always depended on being tested and verified before acceptance. The high priests of “science” today, however, ask us to bow down without giving any scrutiny.

What is even more disconcerting for us Christians is how so-called “science” has pushed the Bible out of its position as the highest arbiter of truth.

One of the beautiful and challenging aspects of pursuing a biblical cosmology is that it requires us to return to a childlike faith in the Bible. We must be willing to stand against the monolithic giant of modern astrophysics and NASA armed only with the slingshot of God’s Word. We will find that, contrary to what we have always been told, there are quite good reasons to question the narrative that has been pounded into us since infancy. We will also find that there are many questions to which we will have no answer. God has shrouded his creation in quite of bit of mystery. But that should not concern us because the other side cannot explain many things either. We will discover that ultimately it boils down to whether we believe God or not.

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Five Ways Dispensationalism Opposes the New Covenant

Posted March 19, 2026April 20, 2026
by petebeck3

Many evangelicals have been fully persuaded that the theology of Dispensationalism regarding Israel and the end times is valid and would be shocked to discover that it opposes fundamental truths of the New Covenant. It syncretistically combines old covenant theology with New Covenant truth, thus creating an alien hybrid that denies what Christ accomplished on our behalf and attempts to steal his preeminence and give it to Israel.

Error #1 – Dispensationalism erroneously makes modern Israel a (the?) major focus of the Bible and end times, rather than acknowledging that Jesus has the preeminence.

Jesus is the theme or focus of the entire Bible. Everything in the Old Testament or old covenant pointed to him. All the promises of God and the previous covenants were fulfilled in him via the New Covenant.

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)

“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. 8 I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images. 9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them.” Isaiah 42:6–9 (NKJV)

It is impossible to properly understand the Old Covenant unless we interpret it through the lens of Christ and the New Covenant.

The following passages show this.

You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. John 5:39–40 (NKJV)

Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24:25–27 (NKJV)

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 1:9–10 (NKJV)

By using the Old Covenant to interpret New Covenant scriptures, Dispensationalism resurrects that which God rendered obsolete (Hebrews 8:13) and turns proper Bible interpretation on its head.

When John the Baptist introduced Christ to the world, he quietly faded away, as was proper. His job was done, and he willingly made room for the Messiah. He famously told his jealous disciples:

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

That was Israel’s duty as well, something they refused to do. Instead they decided they did not want the Messiah to rule over them. They wanted to have the glory and preeminence for themselves.

But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.’ 15 So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do to them? Luke 20:14–15 (NKJV)

Once the Messiah arrived, the promised seed of Abraham, the Jews’ and their nation’s purpose was fulfilled. Because they refused to step aside, but instead murdered the Messiah, God forcibly removed them and destroyed the sacrificial system in 70 AD.

They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.” 42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’? 43 “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. Matthew 21:41–43 (NKJV)

God’s plan was for there to be a spiritual fulfillment of Israel in the New Covenant. This new Israel, composed of both Jew and Gentile, will indeed factor mightily at the end of time.

It is a spiritual principle that God always moves from the natural to the spiritual fulfillment.

However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 1 Corinthians 15:46 (NKJV)

Error #2 – Dispensationalism opposes the New Covenant teaching that the true Israel is composed of all born-again people, both Jew and Gentile. In its place it falsely asserts that the genetic descendants of Abraham are those to whom God’s promises to Abraham were directed.

This error is related to the first in that it insists that the natural nation of Israel must continue and supplant the spiritual fulfillment.

Paul made it clear that those who are genetically descended from Abraham are not the true Israel, unless they also acknowledge Christ as Lord.

New Covenant Israel consists of all those, both Jew and Gentile, who have put their faith and allegiance in Christ.

But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, 7 nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.” 8 That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. Romans 9:6–8 (NKJV)

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 3:28–29 (NKJV)

God does not recognize two Israels that comprise his elect. God’s elect are those he chose to be in Christ before the foundation of the world from both the Jews and the Gentiles.

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 should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:3–6 (NKJV)

The elect who put their faith in Christ comprise the true New Covenant Israel. In fact, this is how it has always been. Only those of faith are the children of promise, going all the way back to Genesis.

And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac 11 (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.” Romans 9:10–13 (NKJV)

To claim that the Jewish people of today are God’s elect based on genetics is to do away with the necessity of the new birth and say that there are others ways to God other than by faith in Jesus.

But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, 7 nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.” 8 That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. Romans 9:6–8 (NKJV)

To claim that non-born-again people are God’s Israel is to deny Paul’s clear teaching, which is foundational to the New Covenant.

Paul taught that the promised “seed” was (is) Jesus Christ, not Abraham’s genetic descendants or the nation of Israel.

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)

Dispensationalism misses one of the most important aspects of the New Covenant: all the blessings of God are found in Christ and are enjoyed by all those who put their faith in him.

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, Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV)

To have Christ is to have the blessings of God. To reject Christ is to reject those blessings. The wrath of God rests on all who reject Christ, whether it be Jew or Gentile.

He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18 (NKJV)

To insist otherwise, that the blessings of Abraham rest on the Jewish people who have rejected Christ, is to oppose God’s Word and say that Christ’s sacrifice was not necessary. For this reason, Dispensationalism is no minor doctrinal controversy. It attacks core teachings of the New Covenant regarding Christ and his finished work.

Error #3 – Dispensationalism teaches that national Israel is destined to inherit the land promised to Abraham, nullifying Jesus’ teaching that the righteous (those born again and justified) will inherit the entire earth.

Genesis 15:18 promises that Abraham’s seed will inherit the land. That word seed is singular, which Paul has already shown is a reference to Christ.

Jesus owns the land; therefore, any attempt to possess the land without Christ’s permission is outright rebellion. The nation of Israel has never acknowledged that Jesus is Lord; therefore, they have no right to the land and presumptuously claim ownership.

New Covenant Israel is composed of born-again Jews and Gentiles who are part of God’s new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). The New Covenant fulfillment of Israel transcends the Old Covenant nation, which was mostly composed of biological descendants of Abraham.

Whereas the Old Covenant focused on a small group of people called Israelites, the New Covenant reveals God’s plan was always to bring salvation to the entire world.

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)

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)

For God so loved the world [cosmos] that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16–17 (NKJV)

Not only did God enlarge his people in the New Covenant from one nation to people from every nation and ethnic group, he also made the inheritance much grander.

New Covenant Israel will inherit the entire earth, not just a small area of land in Palestine.

Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth [Greek: "ge"]. Matthew 5:5 (NKJV)

For the promise that he would be the heir of the world [Greek: "cosmos"] was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, Romans 4:13–14 (NKJV)

Matthew 5:5 uses the Greek word, “ge,” for the English word “earth.” “Ge” can mean both land and earth, but the world translated “world” in Romans 4:13 is the Greek word “cosmos,” the same word used in John 3:16, which signifies the entire earth.

The New Covenant reveals that God will destroy the present heavens and earth, replacing them with a new creation to match his recreated New Covenant people.

Old Covenant Israel cannot possibly inherit the glorious new heavens and earth because it is of the flesh. Only that which is born of the Spirit can inherit God’s kingdom.

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

Dispensationalism’s focus on the present earthly kingdom of Israel ruled by a fleshly people is in error.

National Israel is attempting presumptuously to take for itself the land of Palestine without ever acknowledging the “seed” to whom it was promised, our Lord Jesus.

Error #4 – Dispensationalism does not acknowledge God’s judgment of the Jews for their rejection of Christ and instead judges those who do not unconditionally support Israel and the Jewish people.

The notion that God will judge all Gentiles, even Christians, who fail to support Israel is found in the Jewish Kabbalah.

I first heard of Rabbi Shapira in a video interview discussing his book. Many of his statements were deeply disturbing, such as the claim that when Yeshua returns He will destroy Edom; those Christians who are not aligned with the current state of Israel. I found this statement by Shapira to be completely unwarranted because the security of the believer in Jesus rests on the testimony of Christ and His atonement on the cross for sin, not on an individual’s political alignments in this world. (Loper, Deanne. Kabbalah Secrets Christians Need to Know: An In Depth Study of the Kosher Pig and the Gods of Jewish Mysticism (p. 8). Kindle Edition.)

God himself pronounced curses or judgments upon Israel for their disobedience in Deuteronomy 28.

But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: Deuteronomy 28:15 (NKJV)

Christ also spoke judgments over the nation of Israel for their rejection of him.

They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.” 42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’? 43 “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. 44 And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” 45 Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. 46 But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet. Matthew 21:41–46 (NKJV)

Peter reaffirmed Moses’ warning to Israel in Deuteronomy 18 in his sermon in Acts Chapter 3.

For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ 24 Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. 25 You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ 26 To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.” Acts 3:22–26 (NKJV)

Israel’s rejection and murder of Christ brought God’s judgment upon them. Think about what a serious crime that was! The only escape is through repentance and faith in Christ, which God graciously offered them after the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost.

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38–39 (NKJV)

Except for the remnant who repented and confessed Jesus as Lord, the Jewish people and leadership still reject Christ and are still under God’s wrath as a result. This is also the case for all other people who reject the gospel.

To judge a person for failing to unconditionally support the nation of Israel or call the Jews God’s chosen people is using a non-biblical litmus test. God promised to bless those who blessed Abraham and curse those who cursed him because God was protecting the promised “seed” who would one day be born, our Lord Jesus.

The blessing and protection does not extend to any people who reject Christ.

God’s promise to work all things for good only extends to those who confess Christ.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Romans 8:28–30 (NKJV)

In the New Covenant, the only thing that determines blessing or cursing is our relationship with Christ.

Dispensationalism falsely teaches people to reject and judge a brother or sister in the Lord, for whom Christ died, based on whether that person unconditionally supports the actions of a secular nation and an unrepentant people.

To encourage modern Israel in their ongoing rebellion against Christ is a serious error on the part of God’s New Covenant people.

Error #5 – Dispensationalism tries to separate what God has united.

Lastly, Dispensationalism claims that God has a destiny for the Jews that is separate from the body of Christ, but the New Covenant says that God has removed all such distinctions between Jew and Gentile and made them into “one new man” in Christ.

Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 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 2:11–18 (NKJV)

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. Galatians 3:28 (NKJV)

Dispensationalism, in this case, contradicts God’s Word and should be rejected.

Putting all five errors together, we see that Dispensationalism denies several fundamental aspects of Christ’s finished work.

It is a syncretistic heresy that attempts to reinstate obsolete parts of the Old Covenant, making it another brand of the Jewish legalism that plagued the church in Paul’s day. As such, it must be firmly rejected. We must contend for the truth of the New Covenant against all such falsehoods.

As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:9 (NKJV)

Click here to go to more articles on Israel, dispensational theology, and the end times.

The video below is an excellent summation of many of the errors connected to Dispensationalism and Christian Zionism.

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My Journey Out of Deception

Posted March 16, 2026March 19, 2026
by petebeck3

Imagine living in a world in which deception is so prevalent that most people are unaware that they don’t know what is true or false concerning some really important matters. That is the world in which we live.

Someone close to me was told, regarding Osama bin Laden’s supposed capture, execution, and burial at sea, that one thing is sure. We will never know what really happened. The government has no problem hiding what it does from the public. Unfortunately, this type of secrecy is not rare. It seems that our own government hides a lot of important matters from its citizens.

President John F. Kennedy saw this as a threat against our republic. Many believe his plan to disband the CIA was part of the reason he was taken out. Or maybe you think such reasoning is a stupid conspiracy theory? That phrase first became popular when it was coined by the CIA to disparage those who did not believe the government narrative about Kennedy’s assassination.

In my high school years, as is typical, I went through a time of soul searching. I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church, but came to a place where I was no longer sure of God’s existence. It was fashionable then to claim to be an agnostic; so, that is what I said I was. I made no claim to atheism, but I did not think God could be known.

However, something happened to me at age 19. As a consequence, I have believed ever since that Jesus is who the New Testament says he is.

I soon became convinced that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and our most reliable source of truth. The Bible and the Holy Spirit, who indwells every born-again believer, guide us into truth as we seek for it and are able to bear it.

Jesus believed the Bible is true, and that is good enough for me. Anyone who rose from the dead must know about such things.

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31–32 (NKJV)

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 16:12–13 (NKJV)

I have studied and sought to understand and live by the Bible ever since, although quite imperfectly. I have learned a lot over the years, but realize that there must be still so much I do not know.

Before my conversion experience, although I grew up in the Roman Catholic Church and attended parochial school from grades 3 through 8, I did not know the Lord. The Catholic Church and school provided me with a great educational foundation and a decent understanding of God, the devil, sin, hell, heaven, Jesus’ death and resurrection, and other biblical truths.

Nevertheless, no one in that church ever told me about the gospel except for one high school teacher.

The result was that the Catholic Church deceived me into thinking that my salvation depended on keeping its rules and regulations instead of through believing the gospel message. Why would an organized church do that? I have concluded that it deliberately positioned itself between me, God, and the truth in order to keep me under its control.

I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. 8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. 9 I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed. Galatians 1:6–9 (NLT)

That is how the devil works, and he has plenty of willing accomplices that do his bidding.

I have written a series of articles explaining where the Roman Catholic Church deviates from Scripture. You can access them by clicking here.

Jesus wants people to be free, but Satan works to enslave and often uses human institutions to accomplish this. (John 8:32)

It was only after my girlfriend, who is now my wife of nearly 53 years, shared the gospel with me that I realized that the Bible says that all my sins could be removed and I could have eternal life as a child of God if I simply believed that Jesus rose from the dead and is the Lord of lords. I don’t mean to merely intellectually or mentally affirm the idea or agree doctrinally. I understood that I would need to truly believe from the heart, which was quite impossible for me. I had no ability to move myself from an agnostic position to one of faith because I did not know for sure if Jesus rose from the dead or not. I had no time machine to go back in history to the tomb to find out. But since I understood that, if Jesus did rise from the dead, it was the most important thing that ever happened, I did the only thing that came to mind.

It turned out that I did the wisest thing anyone can do: I asked God for help.

I asked Jesus, if he were real, to reveal himself to me in a way that would enable me to believe. I prayed a simple prayer to a God I wasn’t even sure existed. The amazing thing was that he heard me and answered my request! He extended great mercy to me because he understood that I was a blind man groping to find him.

His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. Acts 17:27 (NLT)

He revealed himself to me and graciously opened my eyes, ears, and heart to know him.

For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:8 (NKJV)

Later, after reading the Bible for myself, I came to understand that the reason I sought him is because he came after me!

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44 (NKJV)

I will never forget the moment in the Spring of 1971 when, being alone late at night and pondering eternity, God, Jesus, the gospel, etc., I suddenly remembered having said that little prayer a couple of weeks earlier. I had completely forgotten about it, for which I am very grateful because otherwise I might have been striving in my own way to find God. Having forgotten all about it, I had not been struggling at all, which left the door wide open for God to reveal himself to me in his own way and time.

One of the most difficult lessons for us to learn is that we cannot save ourselves, but, once we understand this truth, how glorious it is to know that he loved us enough to go after us!

In a small room full of vending machines on the Duke campus, God met with a confused 19 year old who desperately needed his help and still does. In a flash, his presence filled the room and saturated my soul with joy and an “electric” sense of his presence. I knew that I was in God’s company, but it did not scare me because I knew beyond doubt that the resurrected Lord Jesus is real and that he loves me and I belong to him. I cannot explain how God did all that, but it happened to me.

I suppose that being in God’s presence is enough to convert anyone from unbelief to faith.

It certainly was true for Job in the Bible and for doubting Thomas. If you have never experienced God’s presence personally, you cannot understand. Perhaps my testimony will provoke you to ask God to do something similar for you. If you ask, you will receive.

For the first time in my life I understood what it means to be “born again” and have a relationship with the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of all life. He gave me new meaning and purpose. From that point forward, God has been the most important “thing.” I have tried to follow him wherever he might take me and tell others that they, too, can know God’s love. Now some 55 years later, I look back in the knowledge that, though my journey has been less than stellar, with God’s help my wife and I have stayed the course and will continue to do so.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

After I was born again and read the Bible, God began to open my eyes to spiritual realities that I had never before seen or understood.

I started to see through some of the deception that captured the Roman Catholic Church. I saw how they traded the truth of the Bible for man-made traditions and church doctrines, just as had the Jews in Christ’s day and today.

And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.” Mark 7:13 (NLT)

No matter how well we begin, Satan always works to get us off course or even completely wreck us.

During the first few years of my discipleship journey, I began to realize that a lot of what we were taught in school was in fact deception. I saw through the fraud of biological evolution and accepted the biblical account of creation. Some people mock such childlike faith, but God’s apparent foolishness is wiser than man’s great wisdom.

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:25 (NKJV)

I saw that entire nations have been captured by atheistic philosophies such as communism and the materialism of the West, but there was still so much about which I was still in the dark.

It still had not yet dawned on me that Christ’s words in Revelation 12:9 are literally true. Satan deceives the whole world, and most people underestimate how deep and sinister it is.

Years ago, I remember watching a movie called The Matrix and thinking how wonderfully it described man’s condition before the new birth, without which Jesus said that no one can even see the kingdom of God. It described the world system that blinds people to God. Surely the “red pill” offered to Neo was the new birth that opens our spiritual eyes. I little understood then how much deception there is in the world.

Satan’s world system is so ingeniously designed that it keeps most people in the dark about very important matters, such as the nature and construction of the world in which we live.

The main thing Satan tries to hide is God.

As I already mentioned, he tries to keep people from hearing the freeing message of the gospel. He also works to hide God by convincing people to believe a completely false version of what the heavens and earth are like.

The devil knows that if he can destroy our confidence in the truthfulness of Genesis Chapter One, our foundation will be rocked.

God so designed things so that the heavens and earth testify to his character and power.

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, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:20–21 (NKJV)

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. 2 Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, Psalm 19:1–4 (NKJV)

Satan introduced a false version of the heavens and earth to convince millions that God does not even exist.

The deception of the world system is so convincing that, unless we believe that the Bible is 100% true, we will probably fall for it. Sadly, many otherwise committed Christians have believed his lies about the unreliability of Genesis when it comes to heaven and earth and “outer space.”

Even many, who claim to believe the Bible and say they believe God created Adam and Eve just as it says in Genesis Chapter One, find it easy to make an exception when it comes to how God created the cosmos, which is in the same chapter. We cannot accept one and deny the other without contradicting ourselves. Shockingly, some Christians like to hang out with their pagan boyfriend, Helios, rather that accept the Word of God.

One must ask, why do so many people prefer Satan’s false narrative to the Bible?

I only became aware of this deception at age 72! Can you imagine reading and studying the Bible for fifty-three years and not seeing that the Bible’s cosmology directly contradicts Big Bang heliocentrism and being okay with that!!?? As you can imagine, coming to this realization rocked me to the core and prompted me to repent for my unbelief and apply myself more fervently to the study of God’s Word.

Once we start taking God’s Word as seriously as we should, we begin to realize that Napoleon was right.

Many think that it is foolish to believe the Bible over what is called “science,” but that is what we should expect when we make the decision to believe God and not the world.

As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.” 20 So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 1 Corinthians 1:19–20 (NLT)

The world system hates those who declare allegiance to Christ and the truth of the Bible. The truth sets us free, but Satan works to keep us enslaved.

How about you? Have you made the decision to accept what the Bible teaches, even if it runs counter to what the world system says and may cost you friendships and esteem? A determined pursuit of God’s truth is the only way out of deception. May God help us all to be true to him and his Word, no matter how great the cost.

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The Alternative to Biblical Cosmology Is Unthinkable!

Posted March 6, 2026March 7, 2026
by petebeck3

If the Bible’s description of the earth is not the true, the alternative is unthinkable for a Christian. It would mean that the Bible is not inspired by God after all.

Paul wrote that every word of Scripture is inspired by God.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

This affirmation is repeated by our Lord Jesus himself.

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. John 17:17 (NKJV)

In the verse from Second Timothy above, Paul added that all scripture is profitable for doctrine. This means Genesis Chapter One can and should be used to establish the doctrine of the shape of the earth.

When well-meaning Christians, who put their trust in NASA instead of God, contend that Genesis was never intended by God to be a truthful description of the heavens and earth, it is a contradiction of this principle. When interpreters insist that Genesis is mere poetry, not reality, they accuse God of misleading us, which, of course, is satanic. God always uses poetry and metaphors to beautify and clarify rather than obscure or confuse.

But if we grant NASA believers a pass on claiming that Genesis Chapter One is poetic and not to be interpreted as literally true, then it raises the question “Is all poetry to be interpreted this way, including the Psalms?” The next question that arises is, “What parts of Genesis are true, then, and who gets to decide? Is the creation of Adam and Eve literally true? The story of Cain and Abel? The flood? Abraham? The Exodus?” When we feel free to nullify the truthfulness of one verse, passage, or chapter, the domino effect is staggering. We end up where many mainline denominations are today, lost at sea in a storm having no anchor, nothing solid upon which to base our faith.

Once we reject one part of God’s Word for whatever reason, the gate is open to reject any and all of it.

Those who reject Genesis Chapter One’s description of creation tell the watching world that the Bible cannot be believed or trusted.

Those who object to biblical cosmology on the grounds that it makes the Bible and the gospel look ridiculous have overlooked that refusing to believe the truthfulness of Genesis Chapter One refutes the gospel because it undermines the credibility of the entire Bible.

The shocking truth is that, if we throw out Genesis Chapter One, we must toss the Word of God in its entirety, which is an unthinkable alternative.

Prayer

Lord, I ask you to open eyes, ears, and hearts to the truth of your Word. Deliver us from the idolatry of believing in a false cosmology instead of your Word. Forgive us for thinking we can reject parts of your Word to suit us. Amen.

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Part 3: The Old Must Give Way to the New

Posted March 5, 2026March 5, 2026
by petebeck3

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?

Posted March 3, 2026March 19, 2026
by petebeck3

Antisemitism, or hatred for the Jews and Israel, has reared its ugly head many times through the centuries. It is a word associated with 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 to 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 intend 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 or used.

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 his sinful 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.

A favorite tactic frames our opposition to sin as hatred for the people who practice it. He also claims 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 publicly known 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 many, if not most, people in any large group are ignorant of 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 neither support the genocide being perpetrated by the nation of Israel nor 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 not how Christians understood 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.

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)

To declare that God has a separate plan for Israel and they are still God’s chosen people outside of Christ is to refute Paul’s words and propound a false gospel. According to Paul, anyone who does this deserves to be judged as a false teacher.

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. Galatians 1:8–10 (NKJV)

Jesus is the promised “seed” to whom God referred in his promises to Abraham and David. Our Lord is the one to whom the whole 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 demonstrate his power and to steward his 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 alone.

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 made both into one. It is an alien and false 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 we understand that the “chosen people of God” are the elect who believe in Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, it undermines the false doctrine of Dispensationalism. Those who are genetically descended from Abraham or who have adopted the Jewish faith are no longer considered to be “God’s Chosen People” according to the New Covenant.

But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, 7 nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.” 8 That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. 9 For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son.” Romans 9:6–9 (NKJV)

The only gateway into the New Covenant kingdom of God is the new birth by which we become children of promise, Abraham’s seed in Christ. There is no separate plan or way of salvation for biological descendants of Abraham. Anyone who teaches that there is a false teacher.

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 for its geopolitical aspirations. 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 to be Jews genetically 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 as a religious body formally renounced Christ and still do, except for a remnant, that religion is basically “antichrist” and, therefore, anti-God.This means that the wrath of God abides on them, just as it does upon any Gentile who refuses to acknowledge that Christ is Lord.

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)

This agrees with the prophecy of Moses, which was quoted by the Jewish apostle Peter in one of his sermons to the Jews of Jerusalem following Pentecost.

For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ Acts 3:22–23 (NKJV)

This judgment against all Jews who reject Christ still holds.

The crucial test for the Jewish people was and is how they receive or reject their Messiah, our Lord Jesus. Whoever receives him will receive the blessings of Abraham. Those who reject him are under God’s wrath.

I hope it is also clear that the same holds true for everyone, Jew or Gentile.

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 Jewish people. 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. That is like saying that guns murder people. Evil people use guns to kill people, and hateful people may employ what is true about modern Israel as an excuse for antisemitism.

Guns do not commit murder by themselves, and the truth does not hate Jewish people.

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.

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. Otherwise they will be lost forever.

This is what it means to truly love the Jews. 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 declaring faith in and allegiance to 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)

Click here to go to more articles on Israel, dispensational theology, and the end times.

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What Defines Jewishness?

Posted February 26, 2026February 28, 2026
by petebeck3

When I first embarked on my current quest to discover who is the true Israel, one of the major questions 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

Posted February 20, 2026February 20, 2026
by petebeck3

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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Third Peter

Category: Identifying and Countering Deception

2026 Challenge: Will We Be Courageous Enough to Stand?

The Heliocentric – Globe Earth Lie

Dispensationalism

The Challenge

If you want to read more of my articles on Biblical Cosmology, click here.

If you want to read more articles on dispensationalism, click here.

If you want to see more articles in identifying and countering deception in general, click here.

John’s Gospel Debunks Dispensationalism

Click here to go to more articles on Israel, dispensational theology, and the end times.

The Bible Is Our Benchmark for Truth

Link to previous article in this series.

Link to the next article in this series.

Link to series on biblical cosmology.

Link to my Resource Page for those looking for more information.

My Journey Out of Deception

The Alternative to Biblical Cosmology Is Unthinkable!

Prayer

Part 3: The Old Must Give Way to the New

Is It Antisemitic to Tell the Truth about Israel?

Using Language to Oppress

Dispensational Lies Provide the Basis of Christian Zionism

Jewish Zionism Distorts What It Means to Be Jewish

The Truth about Modern Talmudic Judaism

Leveraging the Accusation of Antisemitism to Shut Down the Truth

Click here to go to more articles on Israel, dispensational theology, and the end times.

Part 6 – Summary

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

Examples of the Abolition of Old Covenant Types and Shadows after Christ

The Role of Israel in the End Times