It’s not uncommon for young believers in the faith of Christ to rest easy in the earthly ministry of Jesus as recorded in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Thank you for this post and also your post entitled "From A Biblical Perspective, the Present-Day State of Israel is illegitimate". I hope you will soon have a post re: the gospel of the Kingdom in relation to the gospel of the grace of God...the Kingdom of Heaven vs. the Kingdom of God.
I've alluded to it throughout my writing, but I could post the subject by reference of title: The Kingdom of Heaven vs. the Kingdom of God. Thanks for reading and the suggestion. New post with some allusion to it coming out this week. Smiles!
Thank you. I look forward to reading it and to your insight! The Scriptures seem to differentiate between The Kingdom of Heaven, The Kingdom of God, and the Kingdom of Israel.
It seems that the Jews (and even the apostles) held to the mistaken belief that their messiah would restore the Kingdom of Israel, cast out the Romans, and restore the golden age as it was under King Solomon. The fact that the apostles held this mistaken viewpoint is evident when Jesus spoke about the baptism of the Holy Spirit and they asked about the Kingdom of Israel and its restoration. "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel" Acts 1:4-8. The Holy Spirit soon after this showed the apostles the difference between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Israel.
Other Scriptures that seem to indicate that the apostles thought Jesus (should) or was going to establish (re-establish) a literal physical Kingdom (The Kingdom of Israel) on earth at that time and they did not understand the purpose of the Biblical (prophetic) messiah.
Luke 19:11 "And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear."
John 6:15 "When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone."
John 5:43 "I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive."
The Talmudic/ Kabbalistic doctrine/ understanding of the Jewish messiah had been accepted by Caiaphas, the other priests, Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and the Herodians. They were waiting for a man anointed by God just like Samson had been in the past. Judges 13:1-25
The Talmudic/ Kabbalistic doctrine held to the belief that its messiah would restore the Kingdom of Israel, cast out the Romans, and restore the golden age as it had been under King Solomon. The Talmudic/ Kabbalistic messiah has no salvation plan. Jews believe they are going to heaven simply because they are Jews. It seems that Judas Iscariot held this doctrine.
However, Isaiah prophesied some 700 years earlier about the suffering Messiah, how He was going to pay for the sins of humanity, and be wounded for mankind’s transgressions.
Isaiah 53:1-12.
The Talmudic Kabbalistic doctrine promoted by Lucifer (A.K.A. Satan, the Devil, that old Serpent) and upheld by the ungodly Jewish leadership was the sole reason why they killed Jesus. Jesus did not fit their doctrine.
It seems that this Talmudic/ Kabbalistic doctrine is still in existence today.
I enjoyed and appreciated this offering thoroughly, thank you. The big "tell" is the "Sermon on the Mount" which has mistakenly (repeatedly, emphatically) taught as the standard which will be achieved in the kingdom (including the vain repetitions of "The LORD's Prayer" which makes our salvation conditioned upon our ability to forgive others, if applicable to Gentiles who were not invited or present or in view). I believe it is Jesus demonstrating that their interpreted, Rabbinical applications of what "the law" - all 613 commandments and protocols demanded, was impossible to achieve because the standard was even higher and far reaching than they could imagine, and that they therefore needed a Savior in order to see their fulfillment (as we know, the law could make no man righteous, but was intended to increase sin and evidence it -- a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ Jesus). It was intended to help them realize that external behavior modification in order to adhere to a set of behavioral and attitudinal standards was simply and intentionally not possible for humankind and was never intended to be attainable-- only the Messiah, the God/Man could fulfill the law and thus be their representative in attaining to right relationship with Yahweh.
The other glaring and largely misapplied interpretation is that the New Testament began with Jesus' birth, when in fact it began with His resurrection. Oddly, the "New Covenant", which required the death of our Savior to "validate" the "will" and make the "inheritance" available to heirs was dependent not only on the advent of the God/man Jesus, but on His death, resurrection and ascension where He is now advocate and intercessor on our behalf. The red letter are precious and important, but as you've more or less state, the bible is "for" us but not all of it is "to" (including applicable to) us, especially we non-Jews who were excluded from the covenants but given the opportunity to participate in the Abrahamic covenant of imparted righteousness through faith and belief in the promise.
The other bone of contention (at least among traditional dispensational premillenialists) which causes no end of consternation is that the content of the charge to the Israelites (including the original 12 disciples) cconernoig the content of their message differs from Paul's unique and distinct ggospel to the Gentiles. This has caused seemingly endless fabircations, delusions and problems for those who try and equate the impartation of grace to Gentiles through an strictly Jewish lens (that is, the teachings and charges of Jesus intended for His people who were, like Himself, born "under the law" and subject to discerning and identifying the Messiah and welcoming and heeding Him as such. Their rejection is our inclusion, but their "burden" is not ours. His commandments are simple - believe in Him and love others and He has loved us. Produce fruit in season by abiding (literally, "living") in Jesus (as He lives in us). Be ready to given an answer to anyone who asks us about our faith. Pray always, Rejoice always. Fix our hope completely (not on the evangelization of the world but) on the glory that is to be revealed. We look forward with our God to the summing up of all things in Christ Jesus - to the marriage event, to departing this earthly tabernacle and being face-to-face with our God/LORD/Savior & Spirit residing within us from being born anew. We pray for the day when the LORD begind His end time 7 year countdown to the consummation of this age and the gathering of the remnant of awakened Jews from the twelve tribes, during their hour of testing on the earth (which the ekklesia or [Romanized term] "church" will be watching from their seat in the heavenlies, with Christ. The good news is that HE HAS DONE IT ALL AND WE LIFT EMPTY HANDS OF FAITH (that He gives to us as a gfit) UP TO HIM AND RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE IN EXCHANGE FOR OUR BELIEF AND TRUST AND DEPENDENCE UPON HIS LIFE - ETERNAL LIFE -DWELLING WITHIN US. We wild olive branches are here to provoke Israel (the true Jews) to jealousy and to fulfill as Paul stated that "all Israel shall be saved" -- we, spiritual Israel and also the true Jews - physical Israel and the promises made to them awaiting fulfillment.
Typically, I compare the gospel of Saul with the gospel of Jesus and find Saul sadly wanting. That being said, can you explain what Jesus meant when he said. "Let the dead bury the dead"?
You know, Charles, I find Paul's epistles 100x more comprehendible, and relatable, than many of the sayings of Jesus to the nation of Israel. Perhaps because I'm not well versed in their law. However, it will one day be implemented over the whole earth when the Kingdom of Heaven is restored and Christ subdues all enemies. I mean, Isaiah did reveal... "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." So I couldn't begin to explain those hard sayings. But on the surface of it, I might think... when the Lord of heaven and earth calls you, don't hesitate.
I do feel I have a grasp on the grace epistles, and our calling is in heavenly places as the first three chapters in Ephesians reveal. When time is no more, the Bible tells us God's purpose is... “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” By then, Paul tells us... For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. I'm gonna have to trust him. What else do we have to rely on? He made us. (sorry, this is long winded :)
I love reading your well thought-out and clear writing (although I will forever wonder what Jesus meant when he said, "Let the dead bury the dead"). None of us can see into the future, but there is a common belief that a major war has begun and none of us will be spared. That being said, our lives as meat buckets may end but our souls will live forever.
I'm going to suggest, in regards to that phrase, that it may be taken metaphorically from our perspective... I'm not going to say what Jesus intended by it. But it could be that Israel was spiritually dead as a nation, and Jesus as the life giver (being God), was calling them out one by one to follow and believe in him. So in that sense, collectively, they were spiritually dead, destitute of the life force or power that the Holy Spirit gives, because they were given up to trespasses and sins, ie, not keeping the law of Moses but living by the traditions of men.
Just thought of something Paul (formerly Saul) tells us in his grace epistles: "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament, not of the letter (the law) but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."
There you have it. The law kills, and Israel was under it. But Christ was calling them out. Eventually, they kill him (under their law), and he resurrects and gives life to whosoever will... " The Apostle Paul is the first to be saved out from under the law and into righteousness, which is by faith. That's something to cheer about!
I love your enthusiasm. Of course, a lesser person might point out that a person filled with Holy Spirit might assassinate Caesar (or any other unpopular government leader) and feel self-righteous and proud to ignore the sixth commandment. Those simple rules for living a moral life are repeated in some way or another in all of the world's religions excepting Islam.
While I am anything but a judge of God's decisions, I've always found it hard to believe that Hitler, on his deathbed, could claim to believe in Jesus and be forgiven for his crimes.
Hitler was not the worst of the lot. And that magical, mystical number 6 mil does not hold up. Believing in Jesus does not save anyone. Even the devils believe and tremble.
What religion did you grow up in? You don't seem to be familiar with the Bible. The Holy Spirit cannot contradict himself. And morality helps to live quiet, peaceable lives, but it does not make one righteous.
There is a lot of confusion out there, granted. Why not dig deeper and deeper into the word of truth to find the answers?
Thank you for this post and also your post entitled "From A Biblical Perspective, the Present-Day State of Israel is illegitimate". I hope you will soon have a post re: the gospel of the Kingdom in relation to the gospel of the grace of God...the Kingdom of Heaven vs. the Kingdom of God.
Right up my alley! :)
I've alluded to it throughout my writing, but I could post the subject by reference of title: The Kingdom of Heaven vs. the Kingdom of God. Thanks for reading and the suggestion. New post with some allusion to it coming out this week. Smiles!
Thank you. I look forward to reading it and to your insight! The Scriptures seem to differentiate between The Kingdom of Heaven, The Kingdom of God, and the Kingdom of Israel.
It seems that the Jews (and even the apostles) held to the mistaken belief that their messiah would restore the Kingdom of Israel, cast out the Romans, and restore the golden age as it was under King Solomon. The fact that the apostles held this mistaken viewpoint is evident when Jesus spoke about the baptism of the Holy Spirit and they asked about the Kingdom of Israel and its restoration. "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel" Acts 1:4-8. The Holy Spirit soon after this showed the apostles the difference between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Israel.
Other Scriptures that seem to indicate that the apostles thought Jesus (should) or was going to establish (re-establish) a literal physical Kingdom (The Kingdom of Israel) on earth at that time and they did not understand the purpose of the Biblical (prophetic) messiah.
Luke 19:11 "And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear."
John 6:15 "When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone."
John 5:43 "I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive."
The Talmudic/ Kabbalistic doctrine/ understanding of the Jewish messiah had been accepted by Caiaphas, the other priests, Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and the Herodians. They were waiting for a man anointed by God just like Samson had been in the past. Judges 13:1-25
The Talmudic/ Kabbalistic doctrine held to the belief that its messiah would restore the Kingdom of Israel, cast out the Romans, and restore the golden age as it had been under King Solomon. The Talmudic/ Kabbalistic messiah has no salvation plan. Jews believe they are going to heaven simply because they are Jews. It seems that Judas Iscariot held this doctrine.
However, Isaiah prophesied some 700 years earlier about the suffering Messiah, how He was going to pay for the sins of humanity, and be wounded for mankind’s transgressions.
Isaiah 53:1-12.
The Talmudic Kabbalistic doctrine promoted by Lucifer (A.K.A. Satan, the Devil, that old Serpent) and upheld by the ungodly Jewish leadership was the sole reason why they killed Jesus. Jesus did not fit their doctrine.
It seems that this Talmudic/ Kabbalistic doctrine is still in existence today.
I enjoyed and appreciated this offering thoroughly, thank you. The big "tell" is the "Sermon on the Mount" which has mistakenly (repeatedly, emphatically) taught as the standard which will be achieved in the kingdom (including the vain repetitions of "The LORD's Prayer" which makes our salvation conditioned upon our ability to forgive others, if applicable to Gentiles who were not invited or present or in view). I believe it is Jesus demonstrating that their interpreted, Rabbinical applications of what "the law" - all 613 commandments and protocols demanded, was impossible to achieve because the standard was even higher and far reaching than they could imagine, and that they therefore needed a Savior in order to see their fulfillment (as we know, the law could make no man righteous, but was intended to increase sin and evidence it -- a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ Jesus). It was intended to help them realize that external behavior modification in order to adhere to a set of behavioral and attitudinal standards was simply and intentionally not possible for humankind and was never intended to be attainable-- only the Messiah, the God/Man could fulfill the law and thus be their representative in attaining to right relationship with Yahweh.
The other glaring and largely misapplied interpretation is that the New Testament began with Jesus' birth, when in fact it began with His resurrection. Oddly, the "New Covenant", which required the death of our Savior to "validate" the "will" and make the "inheritance" available to heirs was dependent not only on the advent of the God/man Jesus, but on His death, resurrection and ascension where He is now advocate and intercessor on our behalf. The red letter are precious and important, but as you've more or less state, the bible is "for" us but not all of it is "to" (including applicable to) us, especially we non-Jews who were excluded from the covenants but given the opportunity to participate in the Abrahamic covenant of imparted righteousness through faith and belief in the promise.
The other bone of contention (at least among traditional dispensational premillenialists) which causes no end of consternation is that the content of the charge to the Israelites (including the original 12 disciples) cconernoig the content of their message differs from Paul's unique and distinct ggospel to the Gentiles. This has caused seemingly endless fabircations, delusions and problems for those who try and equate the impartation of grace to Gentiles through an strictly Jewish lens (that is, the teachings and charges of Jesus intended for His people who were, like Himself, born "under the law" and subject to discerning and identifying the Messiah and welcoming and heeding Him as such. Their rejection is our inclusion, but their "burden" is not ours. His commandments are simple - believe in Him and love others and He has loved us. Produce fruit in season by abiding (literally, "living") in Jesus (as He lives in us). Be ready to given an answer to anyone who asks us about our faith. Pray always, Rejoice always. Fix our hope completely (not on the evangelization of the world but) on the glory that is to be revealed. We look forward with our God to the summing up of all things in Christ Jesus - to the marriage event, to departing this earthly tabernacle and being face-to-face with our God/LORD/Savior & Spirit residing within us from being born anew. We pray for the day when the LORD begind His end time 7 year countdown to the consummation of this age and the gathering of the remnant of awakened Jews from the twelve tribes, during their hour of testing on the earth (which the ekklesia or [Romanized term] "church" will be watching from their seat in the heavenlies, with Christ. The good news is that HE HAS DONE IT ALL AND WE LIFT EMPTY HANDS OF FAITH (that He gives to us as a gfit) UP TO HIM AND RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE IN EXCHANGE FOR OUR BELIEF AND TRUST AND DEPENDENCE UPON HIS LIFE - ETERNAL LIFE -DWELLING WITHIN US. We wild olive branches are here to provoke Israel (the true Jews) to jealousy and to fulfill as Paul stated that "all Israel shall be saved" -- we, spiritual Israel and also the true Jews - physical Israel and the promises made to them awaiting fulfillment.
Typically, I compare the gospel of Saul with the gospel of Jesus and find Saul sadly wanting. That being said, can you explain what Jesus meant when he said. "Let the dead bury the dead"?
You know, Charles, I find Paul's epistles 100x more comprehendible, and relatable, than many of the sayings of Jesus to the nation of Israel. Perhaps because I'm not well versed in their law. However, it will one day be implemented over the whole earth when the Kingdom of Heaven is restored and Christ subdues all enemies. I mean, Isaiah did reveal... "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." So I couldn't begin to explain those hard sayings. But on the surface of it, I might think... when the Lord of heaven and earth calls you, don't hesitate.
I do feel I have a grasp on the grace epistles, and our calling is in heavenly places as the first three chapters in Ephesians reveal. When time is no more, the Bible tells us God's purpose is... “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” By then, Paul tells us... For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. I'm gonna have to trust him. What else do we have to rely on? He made us. (sorry, this is long winded :)
I love reading your well thought-out and clear writing (although I will forever wonder what Jesus meant when he said, "Let the dead bury the dead"). None of us can see into the future, but there is a common belief that a major war has begun and none of us will be spared. That being said, our lives as meat buckets may end but our souls will live forever.
I'm going to suggest, in regards to that phrase, that it may be taken metaphorically from our perspective... I'm not going to say what Jesus intended by it. But it could be that Israel was spiritually dead as a nation, and Jesus as the life giver (being God), was calling them out one by one to follow and believe in him. So in that sense, collectively, they were spiritually dead, destitute of the life force or power that the Holy Spirit gives, because they were given up to trespasses and sins, ie, not keeping the law of Moses but living by the traditions of men.
Just thought of something Paul (formerly Saul) tells us in his grace epistles: "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament, not of the letter (the law) but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."
There you have it. The law kills, and Israel was under it. But Christ was calling them out. Eventually, they kill him (under their law), and he resurrects and gives life to whosoever will... " The Apostle Paul is the first to be saved out from under the law and into righteousness, which is by faith. That's something to cheer about!
I love your enthusiasm. Of course, a lesser person might point out that a person filled with Holy Spirit might assassinate Caesar (or any other unpopular government leader) and feel self-righteous and proud to ignore the sixth commandment. Those simple rules for living a moral life are repeated in some way or another in all of the world's religions excepting Islam.
While I am anything but a judge of God's decisions, I've always found it hard to believe that Hitler, on his deathbed, could claim to believe in Jesus and be forgiven for his crimes.
Life is confusing and then we die.
Hitler was not the worst of the lot. And that magical, mystical number 6 mil does not hold up. Believing in Jesus does not save anyone. Even the devils believe and tremble.
What religion did you grow up in? You don't seem to be familiar with the Bible. The Holy Spirit cannot contradict himself. And morality helps to live quiet, peaceable lives, but it does not make one righteous.
There is a lot of confusion out there, granted. Why not dig deeper and deeper into the word of truth to find the answers?