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 Re: THE CURSED FIG TREE

The following article was written by Jon Z 1991.

TODAY'S ISRAEL:
IS GOD ON HER SIDE?

"Rev. Jerry Falwell, founder of the Moral Majority, says he has been assured by Prime Minister Menachem Begin that Israel eventually will control an area that includes parts of Egypt and Turkey. Begin shares the Biblical view of the promised land said Falwell in a copyright story in Sunday's editions of the Tyler Courier-Times Telegraph. He said Begin, whom he termed a personal friend, told him that the first book of the Bible predicts Israel eventually will have boundaries on the Euphrates and Nile rivers and will include portions of Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the Sudan, Lebanon, Jordan and Kuwait." Eugene Register-Guard (Eugene. OR), Feb. 7, 1983.

The above Israel-centered sentiments reflect one popular viewpoint among Bible-believers in America. Adherents of this view believe that all nations must bless and protect Israel or incur God's wrath. Few, however, realize that this particular prophetic perspective began in England with the Irvingites and J.N. Darby in the 1830's. This outlook had never before been suggested in the history of Christian thinking. Yet, because of seven trips that Darby made to America during his lifetime in the nineteenth century, his views ultimately came to dominate among evangelicals in the States.

The essence of this position is that God has two purposes in history, an earthly one with Israel and a heavenly one with the church. From this vantage point what transpires in the world is Israel-centered. Hence, Charles Feinberg's 1980 book is titled Israel: At The Center Of History and Revelation (Multnomah Press). As a result, the literature on "prophecy" that fills the shelves of bookstores brings readers the following dogmatic opinions:

What is God's will for today? This can be put into one word: Israel. Israel is the final chord of a scriptural age and at the same time she is the prelude to a new age, the millennium, the thousand years of peace. The eternal God is busy today fulfilling his holy will, that is, concerning Israel herself.... All nations are compelled today to do God's will so that it is actually being said to Israel, "be built" and to the temple "be laid."

The land given to Israel was never intended to be an end in itself. It pointed to something better in the future.


This two-purposes theory, which came to be called "Dispensationalism," carries with it a peculiar notion about Israel's "right" to certain geographical territory in Palestine. Proponents of this view claim that God has given Israel that land "forever." If she has a "divine right" to this soil, then it is easy to see how this provides justification for all types of military conflict, and causes a stumbling block to peaceful political solutions in the Middle East. (Of course, the problem is compounded since all Middle Eastern nations claim that God is with them).

Does Israel have God's sanction to possess a land in these days? Must Christians support Israel because God is with her in some special way? Is this post-1948 nation the center of history? Is Christ or Israel the focus of God's revelation? These and other questions will be addressed in what follows.

God Promised a Land to Abraham
In Genesis 12:5-7 God spoke to Abraham and promised, "to your seed I will give this land." This foundational promise to Abraham is the premise for contemporary claims that God has given a specific land to Israel "forever." However, it is significant that Paul saw these words given to Abram-"in you all the nations will be blessed" - as an announcement of the gospel to the Gentiles, not as an indication of Israel's centrality as a measuring stick for world events (Gal. 3:8).

God Sealed This Promise
in a Covenant Ceremony
In Genesis 15:7-21 God makes a covenant with Abraham which was ratified by God symbolically passing through the pieces of meat. The giving of a defined territory is at the heart of this solemn ceremony: "to your seed I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river Euphrates; the Kenites, the Kenizites, the Kadmonites, the Hittites, the Perrizites, the Rephaims, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites and Jesushites."

In the midst of this covenant-making event, the future of Israel is spelled out: bondage in Egypt for 400 years; the judgment upon Pharaoh; the Exodus; and entrance into the land described above in the fourth generation.

God Fulfilled This Abrahamic Promise
Later in History
It is clear from a number of Old Testament statements that the land-promise to Abraham was indeed fulfilled. The land was given delineated in Genesis 15, and several verses in Joshua are especially forceful in this regard:

So Joshua took the entire land, just as the Lord had directed Moses, and He gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions (Josh. 11:23).... So the Lord gave Israel all the land He has sworn to their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their forefathers....Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled (Joshua 21:41-45).

The law-covenant had a historical beginning and ending (Gal 3:17,19,25; Heb 8:13).

There are many other Old Testament scriptures that echo this fulfillment theme (Gen. 28:13-15; 1 Kings 4:21, 8:56; Deut. 28; Exodus 3:17, 6:8; Deut. 30:20, 1:8, 7:2, 11:23, 34:1-4; Joshua 23:13-16; Neh. 9:8, 21-25). If the territorial dimension of the Lord's promise to Abraham was fulfilled, as these scriptures assert, this raises serious questions about the propriety of suggesting that twentieth-century "Israel" has a divine claim to this land. The Lord accomplished His word: He gave the descendants of Abraham the land described in Genesis 15:18-21. To purport that God has somehow not yet fulfilled the land-promises, or that they actually came to fruition in 1948, is to stretch the original prophetic word to Abraham beyond recognition.

Israel's Remaining in this Land
was Conditioned on Obedience
There are many verses in Deuteronomy that reflect the foundation of the Mosaic covenant, "do this and live," with respect to the land. If Israel ever went after other gods and broke the covenant, she was assured by God that she would be "cast out of the land." Abiding in the land God had given to them was linked to their faithfulness. Unfaithfulness had serious consequences.
Abiding in the land, God had given to them, was linked to their faithfulness.

Israel's later history reflected the implications of her disobedience. The land was invaded by foreigners, and Israel was captive in a strange land. As time went on the Israelites were "dispersed" to various places in the world. It is this "casting out'' of Israel from the land that sets the stage for a future concept of regathering into that lost territory.

The New Testament Perspective
on Israel and the Land
The New Testament teaches that the formation, history and institutions of Israel were types and shadows of spiritual realities that would come in the days of the Messiah (Heb.8:1-5; 1 Cor.10:18). The essential elements of Israel's life as a covenant people (prophet, priest, king, sacrificial system, ark of the covenant, etc.) were all fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:27, 44-45; Rom.15:8; 2 Cor.1:20).
The ...institutions of Israel were types and shadows of spiritual realities that would come in the days of the Messiah.

The preparatory nature of the Mosaic economy must be underscored. The law-covenant had an historical beginning and ending (Ga1.3:17, 19, 25). The old covenant was temporary and lasted only "until the Seed (Christ) had come." When the fulfillment had come there was no reason to continue the types and shadows (Co1.2:16-17). Israel as an earthly people separated to God by the Exodus was to be fulfilled by Christ, whose obedience unto death constituted a New Exodus that would separate a New Covenant people for God's service.

It is only in this light that the "promised land" must be evaluated. The land given to Israel was never intended to be an end in itself. It pointed to something better in the future. Even Abraham who received the promises did not focus on earthly geography, but rather on a "better country - a heavenly one. . . whose architect and builder is God" (Heb.ll:16,10). Like other aspects of Israel's covenant life, the land was a picture of gospel realities to come, not an ongoing entity to be somehow reclaimed in the future by an earthly people in 1948.

The concept of "Israel" is fulfilled both in Christ and in the new people of God, the body of Christ. Jesus, like Israel, is called out of Egypt (Matt.2:15) and finds Himself in the wilderness (Matt.4:1-2). Jesus, unlike Israel, is obedient to the covenant and is the "faithful servant" referred to in the Prophets.

In light of the emphasis given to alleged unalterable promises made to Israel about the land, it is instructive to recall that God's words were addressed to Abraham and his "seed." This "Seed," says Paul, was singular and refers to Christ, not to an earthly people (Ga1.3:16). Thus, for example, the promised offspring to Abraham must be seen as an innumerable company of believers, not as a regathering of an earthly nation (Ga1.3:29; Rev.5:9, 7:9). The physical descendants of Abraham, who indeed became like the sand of the sea in number, were a picture of the harvest Christ would accomplish in the gospel age from every tribe, kindred and people. For this reason believers can be referred to by Paul as "the Israel of God" (Ga1.6:16).

"Support Israel or Experience God's Wrath"
- Jerry Falwell
To add to the problem many conservative Christians believe that the Old Testament supports Israel's right to the land, and they see May 14, 1948, as an amazing fulfillment of "prophecy." Those who hold to this perspective believe that Christians must be pro-Israel. Jerry Falwell asserted at a meeting of religious broadcasters, "theologically, any Christian has to support Israel, simply because Jesus said to." During the 1973 Yom Kippur war, Oral Roberts confidently posited, "there is no way Israel is going to be defeated, according to the Bible." Thus many television and radio preachers and Christian leaders fervently encourage their followers to support Israel in her efforts to maintain the land, and even exhort believers to contribute financial aid for Israel's cause.

Based on God's promise to Abraham -- "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you" -- many preachers are dogmatic in saying that all nations must support Israel or be doomed to the worst calamities. This leads to the conviction, of course, that the USA must support Israel's cause or experience God's wrath, as Jerry Falwell suggested. Tremendous pressure is exerted by pro-Israel forces upon our State Department not to do anything that would violate our good relations with Israel. To compound this problem, recent U.S. Presidents have embraced the notion of Israel's divine right to the land.

"God Is With Us"
The position of the Zionists and of many Christians creates many serious problems. If God is on Israel's side, then it becomes virtually impossible to critique her policies and actions. In principle, whatever Israel does must be right since God backs her supremacy in the land. We must never forget, however, that "God is with us" was inscribed on the belt buckles of those who burned Jews in ovens. History reveals that the "God is with us" slogan has often been behind the worst of atrocities.

God Is Not With Israel or Any Other Nation
In the former days God did separate Israel for Himself and gave her the land promised to Abraham. Israel was special among all the nations of the earth (Deut.7). But ultimately the blessing upon Abraham was to be given to all the nations (Matt.28:19-20). With the coming of Christ God fulfilled all the promises to the fathers (Rom.15:8). In this age, "God does not show favoritism, but accepts people from every nation who fear Him and do what is right'' (Acts 10:34).

All of Israel's institutions were fulfilled in Christ - including the land concept Heb. 3-4). The Old Testament clearly states that God kept His word and gave the land to Israel. The notion that God had to give the land "again" is without Biblical foundation.

There is nothing wrong with Jews living in a certain land, but to claim a "divine right" to it and to employ this claim as a basis for disputing, hurting, and killing others is wrong. God is not with people when they manipulate and intimidate others. God uses the wicked actions of people in His purposes, but He does not sanction them.

Concluding Thoughts...
The Middle East conflicts have no easy solution. But we can be sure that a solution for the benefit of ail involved cannot be realized as long as many Jews and Christians continue to maintain that God is with Israel in the taking of "the land." The "divine right" notion will only block efforts for peace in the Middle East. It can only serve as continued justification for taking the lives of others in "serving God's cause."

More importantly, however, it must be noted that the Israel-centeredness of much Evangelicalism/Fundamentalism diverts attention away from the One whom God has set His seal upon - Jesus Christ (John 6:27; Matt.3:17). People are blessed or cursed not by how they treat Israel, but by how they respond to the claims of Christ upon their lives (Psalm 2:12; 1 Cor.16:22). God's purpose focuses on the Son, not on an earthly nation (Eph.3:ll). God is not ruling all things with reference to Israel, but with reference to the body of Christ on earth (Eph.l:22). The unfolding of the future is not gauged by what happens to Israel, but by what Christ is doing to build His congregations.

People are blessed or cursed not by how they treat Israel, but by how they respond to the claims of Christ upon their lives
(Psalm 2:12; 1 Cor.16:22).

The Scriptures - Old and New - specifically tell us how God is with us. Jesus' name was Immanuel - "God with us." God is with those who are in his Son, not with any nation. In this sense, then, He is with all those believers who are "in Christ."

 2008/5/16 23:16
ccchhhrrriiisss
Member



Joined: 2003/11/23
Posts: 4779


 Re:

Hi preach...

Quote:
Are there any other instances in the scripture where Israel was able to enter back into the land in a state of unbelief? Or is the sole evidence based on the interpretation of those verses you referenced?

In other words, has the general rule always been that Israel would repent then they would be placed back into the land, but for this final time it's reversed?

Romans chapter 11 talks about how all of Israel would be saved. This was stated even after the Hebrew diaspora took place. Consider this passage:

[b]Romans 11:25-29 (KJV)[/b]

25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes.

29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

[b]Romans 11:25-29 (NIV)[/b]

25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.

26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:
"The deliverer will come from Zion;
he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
27 And this is my covenant with them
when I take away their sins."

28 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs,
29 for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.


I'm not sure if this answers your question, but it is something to consider for those who think that Israel is no longer the "elect" (or "chosen") of God. Besides, it is an incredible fact that a nation was regathered into the Land of Canaan after many, many centuries of being scattered.

:-)


_________________
Christopher

 2008/5/16 23:34Profile
KingJimmy
Member



Joined: 2003/5/8
Posts: 4419
Charlotte, NC

 Re:

I think in all this talk about Israel one would do well to deeply consider the teachings of Art Katz on the matter. He is the only minister I have personally heard that avoids the false dichotomy of "two peoples of God" (dispensationalism) and the spiritualized interpretations provided by many concerning Israel in the reformed/covenant theology camp.

Katz shows quite rightly that the issue of Israel is the issue of God. If one misses it regarding His election of Israel as a nation to permanently inherit the land promised to the patriarchs so that they might be a blessing to all nations, then one will miss it in regard to so many other things. Depending on how one misses it will cause one to open themselves to either a violent anti-Semitism or a sappy sentimentalism concerning Israel (which ultimately is a mask for anti-Semitism.)


_________________
Jimmy H

 2008/5/17 10:03Profile









 Re:

Quote:

KingJimmy wrote:
I think in all this talk about Israel one would do well to deeply consider the teachings of Art Katz on the matter.



Whomever it may be, if they line up with God's Word, I agree brother. However, we have great need to quote it from it's orginal source (Bible) to avoid error. I am not saying this guy is in error or is not just. I'm exhorting a caution in the same manner, as we get from his Word.

 2008/5/17 10:13
KingJimmy
Member



Joined: 2003/5/8
Posts: 4419
Charlotte, NC

 Re:

Art Katz (whose sermons have been frequently promoted on this site) is very literal when it comes to interpreting the Scripture, quotes it freely, and has great surgical precision in handling God's word. Very detailed and heavy stuff.


_________________
Jimmy H

 2008/5/17 10:37Profile









 Re: Israels success and sufferings



Ezekiel"chapters 36, 37, 38 and 39.


How can anyone read this, in a literal sense, and not understand that the combination of these foretold events have not occurred, and had to have begun upon the MIRACLE of Israel's birth as a modern nation.

I rented a car in 2007 and traveled to the top and bottom of Israel, fellow-shipping with the church and inhabitants of the land. Did you know, that the Israeli army has a Muslim General in it's ranks? I also was amazed at the muslim villages that fought and died in the war of '48, and whose young serve as citizen's in the Israeli army... who are honored by the Jews....
as valourous citizens.


On this trip, though, I generally felt that the Secular faith of Jews had increased. They are so tired of conflict, and thirst for peace. I believe that it may be the hardest ground in the World for the Gospel. They even[some time back] gave away David's birthplace, Bethlehem, as it testified of the prophetic birthplace of the Messiah, Jesus.

Yet, there are more Jews getting saved than ever! There is an ongoing evangelical witness throughout Israel. It is a much different type of church , as I see it. It's gaining momentum and courage. It is being persecuted more; which is a good sign. The dry bones are creaking, as they assemble.


At Ben Yehuda, the street in Jerusalem where many go to celebrate the end of Sabbath, I witnessed an unusual site. A Korean group of 30 or so, were singing songs, mostly in Korean!, obviously unto Jesus. They had learned a couple in Hebrew, I think. There is a Christ Posse, that has outposts on the street, who sound an alarm with bull horns and screaming, followed by a gang of young tuffs who threaten physical violence. They showed up, in full force, maybe 20 or so.

They stood in the face of these young Korean believers, as they worshipped, trying to terrify them. [that's what persecution is supposed to do. it's called terrorism.]

God had other plans. Many Christian tourists and visitors came to stand with these young believers, and pray. [I was among them] You could visibly see light and glory fall on these youth, and joy fell. They lifted their hands and faces to Heaven, with bliss on their faces, and Laughter. The Christ bullies seemed disarmed, and the Korean's finished their witness.

I am relating this to express that the gospel is hated there, and often the law turns aside their gaze. Jewish evangelists are often beaten. You are shamed as an open Christian, often as a traitor. It is like reverse Nazi-ism, where you were hated for your race in Germany, if you are you Jewish, you can be hated for your Christianity. [..This is not absolute. There are Christian communities in Israel that enjoy a measure of freedom...}


In my opinion, this is why so many Messianic Jews wear the Yammakah[ little beany that proves your submission to the law...], and adhere to the customs of modern Judaism....simply to avoid persecution, in one form or another. Remember, this sentiment runs deep throughout Jewish commerce and society. You will pay a price if you openly and always display your faith in Jesus.

Christianity is equivicated with the SS, and the "Christian" Germans that burned their babies and mothers. This still runs deep, in the National psyche today.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. The Bible states that he will visit them in an awesome way before it is all over. Behold the Lamb on the Throne!

 2008/5/17 13:06









 Re:

Quote:

Brothertom wrote:


Ezekiel"chapters 36, 37, 38 and 39.


How can anyone read this, in a literal sense!




Brothertom there is many symbols in God Word that has been placed there. There are many literal things that people think are symbols as well. When I read the post I had some thoughts, here they are.

How can anyone read this, in a literal sense

John 17:17
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

John 4:24
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
KJV

Eph 2:7-10
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.


Rev 3:10-12
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
KJV


As I said there are some symbols (I think) and my friend there may be some literal that many think are symbols. Just because our pea brains don't process everything like an awesome God. Just because it is out of the norm, doesn't not necessarily mean it's not literal.

Can I ask you have you heard about or seen any people brought back nto life from death by a person only speaking a word?

Have you heard about or seen any seas parting to allow a group of God's people to cross in safety?

Have you seen or heard about any water getting turned into wine or a man simple speaking and asking the heavenly Father to bless a couple of fishes and bread and it multipling into much more, feeding many people over 5000 I believe.

We need to very careful assuming we have the knowledge to separate what is literal and symbolic in God's Word.

Unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever ask or think, according to the faith that is in us.


God Bless Brothertom.











 2008/5/17 14:48
docs
Member



Joined: 2006/9/16
Posts: 2753


 Long live a redeemed Israel!

That is not addressed to anyone in particular but to everyone. It represents my view of the ultimate literalism of the prophesied events in spite of the pain and turmoil that will be associated with it. My growing prayer is that even now the Lord will begin to remove the blindness from the eyes of Israel and Jewish people everywhere. I think the church was commissioned from the very start to be a part of this.

Shalom


_________________
David Winter

 2008/5/17 15:15Profile









 Re: The Israel of God

THE PROBLEM OF MOSAIC RESTORATIONISM


"Give instruction to a wise man, and he will yet be wiser; teach a just man and he will increase in learning." (Solomon)
"They are not all Israel, which are, of Israel . . . They which are the children of the flesh, these, are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed." (Rom. 9:6, 8)

"If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Gal. 3:29)



Events in the Near East within recent years have focused the world's attention again on Palestine. Some seven years ago nearly one million Arabs (many of whom were devout Christians) were driven from their Palestinian homes into the desert to give place to European, Jewish refugees and Zionists from many nations.

On April 27, 1948, thanks to the United Nations, the new State of Israel was created. "The declaration of independence of Israel," said Mr. Abba Eban, Israel's ambassador to the United States, "was the answer to the hopes and prayers of 2,000 years." He lists Israel's present population as 1,800,000.

The restoration of Israel under a form of Mosaism has been the "Cherished Hope" of Talmudic Israel for nearly two chiliads. Orthodox Zionists the world over regard the present State of Israel as a positive fulfillment of the Old prophecies; many expect the rise of a Messiah of world proportions.

Many sincere but misguided Christians share, in part, the Zionistic interpretation of the prophecies; they accept the new State of Israel as a fulfillment of Moses and the Prophets; they regard it as a positive sign of Christ's Second Advent. Not a few enthusiasts actually expect Israel to soon become a Christian Nation.

It is because of the present interest, among Christians, in the State of Israel, and because they have wrongfully interpreted Jesus' "parable of the leafing fig tree," (Luke 21:29-31) that I have taken the time to prepare this brief treatise on the subject. I will prove in the last chapter of this book that the parable mentioned has absolutely no reference either to Israel or to any future attempt to restore National Israel. Such interpretation rests upon a foundation of sand.

As the reader peruses this document he will be convinced that the doctrine of a "restored National Israel and a restored Judaism" is of Jewish, not of Christian birth. Dr. Patrick Fairbairn states that this doctrine was foreign to Christian theology during the first seventeen hundred years of the Church's existence. "The fundamental teaching of the New Testament . . . was what led the Fathers with one voice . . . and all Christian writers, down to the seventeenth century, to reject as chimerical the Jewish expectations, both of a territorial restoration, and of a revived Judaism." (Prophecy, p. 249.)

The idea of Israel's national restoration has been injected into Christian doctrine by an extreme literalistic school of Bible interpreters, who in the words of Gregory, of Nyssa, have "enveloped their hearts with the Jewish vail." The "hope of Talmudic Israel" has become the keystone in the prophetic scheme of the modern Dispensationalist, as represented by such men as C. I. Scofield.

The Dispensationalist is blinded to a truth basic in Christian theology; namely, that the " Church is the proper sphere of prophecy." Dr. Fairbairn wrote, "By the sphere of prophecy, we mean the parties for whom it was directly given, and the objects it more immediately contemplated." (Prophecy, p. 42.)

The racists, among Bible exegetes, make the Church a "parenthesis between two Jewish dispensations." After the Christian dispensation has run its course, wrote one of America's noted Dispensationalists, Dr. Sperry Chafer, there will be "the regathering of Israel and the restoration of Judaism." (Dispensationalism, p. 413).

The heresy of Dispensationalism results from the lack of a proper understanding of the nature of the Old Covenant and its relationship to the New. The Dispensationalists have never properly evaluated the change of Covenants at Calvary. Rev. Clarence Larkin, one of the best known of all the Dispensationalists, wrote that the New "Covenant has not yet been made. It is to be made with Israel after they get back to their own land. It is promised in Jeremiah 31:31-37. It is unconditional and will cover the Millennium and the New Heaven and New Earth." Dispensational Truth, p. 151.) That Jesus came to establish the New Covenant at His First Advent is a fact plainly taught in the Scripture; it is emphasized weekly among Christians in the sacrament of the Holy Communion.

Dispensationalism projects many of the blessings that Christ has provided for His present day Church into a mythical, Jewish Millennium of some future day.

The traditional Christian position is well stated in the words of De Wette and Berkhoff. DeWette wrote, "The entire Old Testament is a great Prophecy, a great type of Him who was to come, and has come." L. Berkhoff wrote, "The theocratic nation itself was merely a type, a shadow of the spiritual realities of a better day, and, therefore, destined to vanish as soon as the antitype made its appearance. The restoration of the ancient theocracy in the future would simply mean the recurrence of the type," "The Kingdom of God," pp 170, 171.

Jesus Christ is the soul and center of Old Testament prophecy. His coming in flesh was the greatest event in the history of our race. His earthly mission was preordained by God and clearly revealed in Holy Writ.

One of the chief acts He, the Mediator of the New Covenant, was to perform was to "Confirm the Covenant with many in one week." (Dan. 9:27, Douay version). In other words the Christ, the greater Lawgiver than Moses, was predestined to Confirm a New and better Covenant with the people of God. With the Messiah's Advent the Old Covenant, or Mosaic economy, was destined to give place forever to the New Covenant, or Christian economy.

It is a fact, established beyond dispute, that Jesus in fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy, established the New Covenant with the "spiritual remnant" (Rom. 9:27) of the literal descendants of Israel and Judah, in the persons of the Apostles and His other disciples.

It was because of open rebellion against God that the rest of literal Israel were deprived of Covenant-relationship with Jehovah under the better Covenant; the sons of the New Covenant are the heirs of the Abrahamic Covenant (Gal. 3:29). Had literal Israel accepted their Saviour they would never have suffered under the terrible wrath of God and the Roman armies, 70 A.D.; instead they would have shared equally with Christians of other nationalities in the great Body of Christ, where there is neither Jew nor Gentile (Col. 3:11.) It is most probable that their biological identity would have absorbed itself within the walls of the "holy Christian Church," as did the Apostles and the rest of the "faithful Israelitish Remnant" of the First Century.

One of the distinguishing attributes of the Almighty is that He establishes equity and "executest Judgment and righteousness" (Psa. 99:4). Before Jesus pronounced sentence upon apostate, temporal Israel, who had murdered her prophets, and whose wicked hands were about to crucify the very Son of God, He arrayed their crimes (Matt. 23) before their faces and before all the world that all might know that the horrible judgment assigned them (Matthew, Chapter 24), was a just and equitable one.

The year 70 saw the "rejected Stone" fall upon Mosaic Israel and grind her Old Covenant political and religious economy to powder (Matt. 21:44). There is no indication that the Almighty intended a future resurrection of the "powder" of temporal Israel. Spiritually, temporal Israel was as barren as the fig-tree (Matt. 21:19). The Old Covenant economy died from its roots never to bring fruit "henceforth for ever" (Matt. 21:19). This does not sound as if God intended to make Mosaic Israel a fruitful tree at some future date. It was because Old Covenant Israel was a " lifeless carcass," dead morally, spiritually and judicially, that Jesus consigned it to the "beaks and claws of the Roman eagles" (Matt. 24:28). At the time of the writing of the book of Hebrews, the writer knew that the "carcass" of the Old Covenant economy would soon vanish before the Roman army (Heb. 8:13); he did not anticipate its recurrence under Divine guidance either in whole or in part.

One of the most pathetic tragedies of history was that of the rebellion of Israel against her loving and beneficient God. By it, wrote Dr. W. T. Rouse, "they had forfeited all promises and blessings pertaining to the Covenants of God . . . By the ejection of the Jews we mean that God not only rejected them, but that the time came in His Providence when He not only cast them away, but He actually cast them out, plucked them up, dug them up by the roots, threw them out of their land, and scattered them throughout the earth!" (God and the Jew, pp 55,56)

Because of abject, spiritual blindness, Israel rejected Jesus as Christ and stubbornly refused to recognize the change of Covenants; they still assumed themselves as God's Covenant sons. After the last vestige of the Levitical economy had disappeared beneath the heel of the Roman Conqueror, her leaders were determined that some day the "old carcass of Mosaism" would live. To see this realized they must again restore their nation, their city, and their temple.

IF anyone's interested...the remainder of this article "WHITHER ISRAELI?"
by Cecil J. Lowry
may be read here: http://www.gospeltruth.net/whitherisraeli.htm

 2008/5/18 0:11
docs
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Joined: 2006/9/16
Posts: 2753


 Re: I agree KingJimmy

I think you state the issue clearly. I was never aware until recently of the false two people of God dichotomy and I don't support it. But neither have I been able to find myself agreeing with Reformed covenant theology that in my opinion over allegorizes and over spirtualizes the literalness of many of the prophecies concerning Israel. These controversies have been right where I have been at recently. It's taken some painful growing but I have reached the same conclusions as you and I appreciate Art Katz and the ministry there for helping.

"Doc"


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David Winter

 2008/5/18 8:32Profile





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