'O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!'

[Diserner]

* Looking back to the first of those previous Lo-ammi periods, was Israel no longer in covenant relationship during their period of servitude? Surely nothing could alter the fact that Israel is God's chosen nation? Though temporarily in a Lo-ammi state.

I would say being chosen and covenant relationship are two different things. We have to ask, "chosen for what?" Israel's calling was to prepare the way of the Messiah and be a light to the world. They have, in the majority, failed their calling. Now the questions Paul asks are, basically, what is their place in God's economy after they failed. He points out that they were still a vehicle of the OT and all it's spiritual symbolism and a fulfillment of the Messiah, and the idea of "spiritual" Israel. So what does being "chosen" by God mean for Israel? It doesn't mean they are all saved. It doesn't mean they are automatically spared from God's judgments. It doesn't mean that no matter what they do, God will back them and supernaturally protect them. People generally turn to "the gifts and calling are irrevocable" or "all Israel will be saved" or certain powerful sounding promises the in OT (while ignoring the judgment promises of course), ones like Jeremiah 33:20 and following. Now certainly Israel is in a "not my people" stage, but is this stage going to back to the old covenant promises and relationship? We need to seriously take a look at some judgment passages, and what they mean:

Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. (Matt. 21:43 NKJ)

"See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say,`Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'" (Matt. 23:38-39 NKJ)

In response Jesus said to it, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again." And His disciples heard it. (Mk. 11:14 NKJ)

There is a finality to these judgment passages, and a definite sense of transference.

Now meditate also on this passage:

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. (Eph. 2:14-18 NKJ)

Now what people want to do, and it is a temptation for all of us, is have "the people of God" split in some weird say into two groups, one is the "ethnic" people of God and the other is the "spiritual" people of God. But since when does the Bible tell us the people of God are so divided into the natural and spiritual in these strange groupings? No, everywhere the Scriptures tell us there is one people of God, it says very clearly that he made the two into "one," not into "two" again.

Remember that this very idea of "Israel is a special people of God no matter what" is roundly condemned in Scripture:

Do not trust in these lying words, saying,`The temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD are these.' (Jer. 7:4 NKJ)

They answered and said to Him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. (Jn. 8:39 NKJ)

So the question can be asked, does Israel's past status as an elect nation still bring them any benefits whatsoever? And I think we can answer a resounding "Yes!"

1. They have a rich history of being used by God that is still a testimony and witness to them and the world.
2. They have extended mercies to them brought by the prayers and promises of the patriarchs they come from.
3. They have a targeted command for intercession for the Gentiles from whom came all their spiritual riches.

But what they don't have is some unilateral promise that they are holy people of God that will always be protected no matter how they act. And when Christians start to preach and act this way, they confuse the church and the world at large about what it even means to be a people of God, as if you don't have to do anything in response or live a certain way to fulfill God's covenant, you just get unilateral unconditional favor much like Calvinism would preach.

 

[civic]

I would say being chosen and covenant relationship are two different things. We have to ask, "chosen for what?" Israel's calling was to prepare the way of the Messiah and be a light to the world. They have, in the majority, failed their calling. Now the questions Paul asks are, basically, what is their place in God's economy after they failed. He points out that they were still a vehicle of the OT and all it's spiritual symbolism and a fulfillment of the Messiah, and the idea of "spiritual" Israel. So what does being "chosen" by God mean for Israel? It doesn't mean they are all saved. It doesn't mean they are automatically spared from God's judgments. It doesn't mean that no matter what they do, God will back them and supernaturally protect them. People generally turn to "the gifts and calling are irrevocable" or "all Israel will be saved" or certain powerful sounding promises the in OT (while ignoring the judgment promises of course), ones like Jeremiah 33:20 and following. Now certainly Israel is an a "not my people" stage, but is this stage going to back to the old covenant promises and relationship? We need to seriously take a look at some judgment passages, and what they mean:

Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. (Matt. 21:43 NKJ)

"See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say,`Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'" (Matt. 23:38-39 NKJ)

In response Jesus said to it, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again." And His disciples heard it. (Mk. 11:14 NKJ)

There is a finality to these judgment passages, and a definite sense of transference.

Now meditate also on this passage:

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. (Eph. 2:14-18 NKJ)

Now what people want to do, and it is a temptation for all of us, is have "the people of God" split in some weird say into two groups, one is the "ethnic" people of God and the other is the "spiritual" people of God. But since when does the Bible tell us the people of God are so divided into the natural and spiritual in these strange groupings? No, everywhere the Scriptures tell us there is one people of God, it says very clearly that he made the two into "one," not into "two" again.

Remember that this very idea of "Israel is a special people of God no matter what" is roundly condemned in Scripture:

Do not trust in these lying words, saying,`The temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD are these.' (Jer. 7:4 NKJ)

They answered and said to Him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. (Jn. 8:39 NKJ)

So the question can be asked, does Israel's past status as an elect nation still bring them any benefits whatsoever? And I think we can answer a resounding "Yes!"

1. They have a rich history of being used by God that is still a testimony and witness to them and the world.
2. They have extended mercies to them brought by the prayers and promises of the patriarchs they come from.
3. They have a targeted command for intercession for the Gentiles from whom came all spiritual riches.

But what they don't have is some unilateral promise that they are holy people of God that will always be protected no matter how they act. And when Christians start to preach and act this way, they confuse the church and the world at large about what it even means to be a people of God, as if you don't have to do anything in response or live a certain way to fulfill God's covenant, you just get unilateral unconditional favor much like Calvinism would preach.

The church is unique in Gods timetable. I'll expound later.

 

[Diserner]

The church is unique in Gods timetable. I'll expound later.

I can't buy this kind of theology that makes the Church some weird addendum on God's main focus towards Israel.

We are literally the Bride of Christ, and God's current grace towards Israel.

 

[civic]

I can't buy this kind of theology that makes the Church some weird addendum on God's main focus towards Israel.

We are literally the Bride of Christ, and God's current grace towards Israel.

Paul makes it clear in Romans 9-11.

 

[Complete]

​

@dizerner said in reply#6

... 'So what does this mean? It means there is still hope for the Jews to get saved one day, and come to know their Messiah. Even now the modern day Israel is lost in the delusion of thinking they are in covenant with God when their nation is full of secularism and religious superstition. People that still think Israel is God's chosen nation better hope it's not, because then all the curses would come upon them and they'd be driven like leaves in the wind—but rather they are propitiated under general preceding grace for the lost.
-----------------------------------

I would say being chosen and covenant relationship are two different things. We have to ask, "chosen for what?" Israel's calling was to prepare the way of the Messiah and be a light to the world. They have, in the majority, failed their calling. Now the questions Paul asks are, basically, what is their place in God's economy after they failed. He points out that they were still a vehicle of the OT and all it's spiritual symbolism and a fulfillment of the Messiah, and the idea of "spiritual" Israel. So what does being "chosen" by God mean for Israel? It doesn't mean they are all saved. It doesn't mean they are automatically spared from God's judgments. It doesn't mean that no matter what they do, God will back them and supernaturally protect them. People generally turn to "the gifts and calling are irrevocable" or "all Israel will be saved" or certain powerful sounding promises the in OT (while ignoring the judgment promises of course), ones like Jeremiah 33:20 and following. Now certainly Israel is in a "not my people" stage, but is this stage going to back to the old covenant promises and relationship? We need to seriously take a look at some judgment passages, and what they mean:

Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. (Matt. 21:43 NKJ)

"See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say,`Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'" (Matt. 23:38-39 NKJ)

In response Jesus said to it, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again." And His disciples heard it. (Mk. 11:14 NKJ)

There is a finality to these judgment passages, and a definite sense of transference.

Now meditate also on this passage:

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. (Eph. 2:14-18 NKJ)

Now what people want to do, and it is a temptation for all of us, is have "the people of God" split in some weird say into two groups, one is the "ethnic" people of God and the other is the "spiritual" people of God. But since when does the Bible tell us the people of God are so divided into the natural and spiritual in these strange groupings? No, everywhere the Scriptures tell us there is one people of God, it says very clearly that he made the two into "one," not into "two" again.

Remember that this very idea of "Israel is a special people of God no matter what" is roundly condemned in Scripture:

Do not trust in these lying words, saying,`The temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD are these.' (Jer. 7:4 NKJ)

They answered and said to Him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. (Jn. 8:39 NKJ)

So the question can be asked, does Israel's past status as an elect nation still bring them any benefits whatsoever? And I think we can answer a resounding "Yes!"

1. They have a rich history of being used by God that is still a testimony and witness to them and the world.
2. They have extended mercies to them brought by the prayers and promises of the patriarchs they come from.
3. They have a targeted command for intercession for the Gentiles from whom came all their spiritual riches.

But what they don't have is some unilateral promise that they are holy people of God that will always be protected no matter how they act. And when Christians start to preach and act this way, they confuse the church and the world at large about what it even means to be a people of God, as if you don't have to do anything in response or live a certain way to fulfill God's covenant, you just get unilateral unconditional favor much like Calvinism would preach.

​

Hello @dizerner,

Thank you for responding to my request for a further explanation of your words in reply#6 (above). You have opened up considerations and questions which require a considered response. So I will print it off and take it away to consider off-line, before responding. It may take a while.

Within the love of Christ our Saviour,
our Lord and Head.
Chris

 

[Johann]

Hello @dizerner,

Would you please explain the portion of your post (above) that I have highlighted. I acknowledge that at this present time Israel is still in a Loammi state, (i.e., not My People). previous Lo-ammi periods, (e,g., those recorded in the book of Judges), were times of servitude, lasting from 8-40yrs.

- in Mesopotamia (Judges 3:8) - 8yrs
- in Moab (Judges 3:14) - 18 yrs
- in Canaan (Judges 4:3) - 20yrs
- in Midian ( Judges 6:1) - 7yrs
- Philistines (Judges 13:1) - 40yrs.

* Israel's present Lo-ammi period began at Acts 28, and has already lasted over 2000 yrs. Since then heaven has been silent, and Israel's prophetic clock has stopped, as it did during the previous Lo-ammi periods, I believe.

* Looking back to the first of those previous Lo-ammi periods, was Israel no longer in covenant relationship during their period of servitude? Surely nothing could alter the fact that Israel is God's chosen nation? Though temporarily in a Lo-ammi state.

'And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD,
and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.
Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel,
and He sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia:
and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years.
And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD,
the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel,
who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.
And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war:
and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand;
and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.
And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.'
(Jdg 3:7-11)

* I would value your thoughts.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

https://www.bibleunderstanding.com/AN%20ALPHABETICAL%20ANALYSIS%20PART%2002.pdf

(Pages 193-201)

I am learning a lot from you lately and read my Bible with renewed pathos in the sphere of the Holy Spirit.
I treasure the links you so graciously share-since I thought Dispensational teachings might not be a good idea-changed my mind on this.
Shalom
Johann

 

[Johann]

​

... 'So what does this mean? It means there is still hope for the Jews to get saved one day, and come to know their Messiah. Even now the modern day Israel is lost in the delusion of thinking they are in covenant with God when their nation is full of secularism and religious superstition. People that still think Israel is God's chosen nation better hope it's not, because then all the curses would come upon them and they'd be driven like leaves in the wind—but rather they are propitiated under general preceding grace for the lost.
-----------------------------------

​

Hello @dizerner,

Thank you for responding to my request for a further explanation of your words in reply#6 (above). You have opened up considerations and questions which require a considered response. So I will print it off and take it away to consider off-line, before responding. It may take a while.

Within the love of Christ our Saviour,
our Lord and Head.
Chris

There is the body of Christ and there is the Church-busy doing a study on this.

 

[civic]

There is the body of Christ and there is the Church-busy doing a study on this.

Are you saying the body of Christ is different from the church ?

 

[Johann]

Are you saying the body of Christ is different from the church ?

Not necessarily saying that-but from now on I'm going to think before I speak brother.

Rom_8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Rom_12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

1Co_10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

1Co_12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

1Co_12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

J.

 

[civic]

Not necessarily saying that-but from now on I'm going to think before I speak brother.

Rom_8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Rom_12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

1Co_10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

1Co_12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

1Co_12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

J.

Amen. I have heard some people in the past online say that the body of Christ and the church are not one in the same people. That is false.

1 Corinthians 12
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.

Ephesians 5
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

hope this helps !!!

 

[Diserner]

Like separating the kingdom of God from the kingdom of heaven.

There is simply an agenda behind doing that.

 

[civic]

Like separating the kingdom of God from the kingdom of heaven.

There is simply an agenda behind doing that.

Exactly as Jesus uses those two phrases as synonyms in the same passage.

Matthew 19:23-26
23 And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.24 Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”25 When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, “Then who can be saved?”26 And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

 

[Johann]

Amen. I have heard some people in the past online say that the body of Christ and the church are not one in the same people. That is false.

1 Corinthians 12
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.

Ephesians 5
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

hope this helps !!!

I am in agreement with you-now we come to the basileia of God-Israel-Romans 11 etc.
I thank God for @Grace ambassador as I am still trying to navigate through the links provided by Chris-to me it is a feast and hopefully there is more.
But I can't afford to stay online all the time as we have regular power out here where I am brother.
Later.
Johann.

 

[Johann]

Like separating the kingdom of God from the kingdom of heaven.

There is simply an agenda behind doing that.

No agenda-just seeking truth-as I don't know it all and a bit messed up at the moment.
But first I want to contrast the Bible’s two distinct gospel programs of God; 1) “the gospel of the kingdom” for Israel and, 2) the Pauline grace gospel of the Gentile church called “the body of Christ.”

Recall that Jesus preached “the gospel of the kingdom” that is to literally come on earth as was long-promised to the Nation Israel.
Then Paul received from the ascended Lord Jesus Christ the new Gentile “gospel of the grace of God” and salvation for all mankind (Gentiles and Jews) totally apart from Israel’s Kingdom program “under the Law.” Paul’s “gospel of Christ” includes the believers salvation, the indwelling “Spirit of life” and their Rapture to dwell “eternal in the heavens.”

So, now we need to pause here and consider. Paul was now saved. But what program was he saved into?

Well, an interesting point that needs attention is that the Grace program was NOT YET revealed at the time Paul was first converted! Paul had not yet departed into Arabia for 3-years (Galatians 1:17) where he received, not all, but the very beginnings of the grace revelation, progressively revealed.

This means that, at this time, Paul is saved into the Kingdom program. Right? Hmmm? It's hard to say? Either he is, and there is nothing more to say or prove, or, as my conviction leans more towards, that he isn't, because of another technicality that must be considered.

Just thinking out loudly.

 

[Diserner]

Just thinking out loudly.

I would mark the dispensation not with the revelation of Paul but with the coming of Pentecost.

As Jesus said, they still had some old wine skins, and there was a ministry of the Law to tear down self-righteousness.

But Jesus and Paul were in 100% agreement theologically and especially about God's grace.

 

[civic]

I would mark the dispensation not with the revelation of Paul but with the coming of Pentecost.

As Jesus said, they still had some old wine skins, and there was a ministry of the Law to tear down self-righteousness.

But Jesus and Paul were in 100% agreement theologically and especially about God's grace.

Yes as numerous OT prophets predicted the Day of Pentecost when God would pour out His spirit in the " last days " which began in Acts 2.

 

[Johann]

One of the keys to the Epistle is “in the
heavenlies” found several times in the Epistle. The believers, saved by grace, are seated in the
heavenlies in Christ. Ephesians 2:6. They are blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies. Ephesians 1:3. As the Church of Christ they are to make known the manifold wisdom of
God to principalities and powers in the heavenlies. Ephesians 3:10. In the heavenlies, far above,
Christ is the Head of the Body. Ephesians 1:10 to 23 and Ephesians 4:7 to 13. Members of the

Body of Christ wrestle against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in the
heavenlies. Ephesians 6:11 to 20.

Again, in the Book of Matthew more than thirty times we find mentioned, “the kingdom
of the heavens.” In the Epistle to the Ephesians we find “The Body” mentioned seven times.

Paul is the only apostle who called the Church, “The Body”, so far as we have any record.

Again, in the twenty-eight chapters of Matthew we do not find the word “grace” once. In
the six chapters of Ephesians we find the word “grace” twelve times. Of course the connecting
Epistle is Romans and in the sixteen chapters of Romans we find the word “grace” more than
twenty times. To be sure there was “grace” during the reign of law and the reign of law is found
in the Book of Matthew, so Matthew is very much a mixture of grace and law and religion. In
the Epistle to the Ephesians the apostle Paul is the custodian and dispenser of “the dispensation
of the grace of God”, unmixed with law and religion. So we must test things that differ. We
should certainly know the difference between grace in a dispensation and “the dispensation of
grace.”

THE KINGDOM AT HAND—GRACE AT HAND
Let us again compare the statement in Matthew 10:6 to 8 with the statement in Titus
2:11. There is a great difference between the kingdom of heaven at hand for Israel, “go not into
the way of the Gentiles”, and the grace of God that bringeth salvation at hand for all people.

Note what the twelve apostles said when they had an opportunity to minister to a needy Gentile
while Christ was on earth, “send her away.” Matthew 15:23. Christ was sent only to the house of
Israel. Matthew 15:24. So also the twelve apostles. Matthew 10:5 to 8. Test things that differ.

THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM AND MIRACLES
Note Matthew 9:35 and 10:8 . . . “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages,
teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every
sickness and every disease among the people.” Then note in Matthew 10:8 Christ’s instructions
to the twelve apostles after He had said preach to Israel, “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
(This is the gospel of the kingdom). “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out
demons.” Then note verse twenty-three: “ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel till the
Son of man be come.”
All through the Book of Matthew are recorded the miracles of Christ. In Matthew He was
“Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God in the midst of you (Israel) by miracles and wonders
and signs.” Acts 2:22. In chapter after chapter we read of supernatural demonstrations and
visitations and miraculous healings of every kind of physical ailment. Matthew is a Book of
miracles. “The Jews require a sign.” I Corinthians 1:22.
John the Baptist was the Lord’s messenger to Israel. Acts 13:24. Luke 1:16 and Luke
1:80. Jesus Christ was born of David’s seed to be Israel’s Saviour. Acts 13:23. Jesus Christ was
raised from the dead to be Israel’s Saviour. Acts 5:29 to 32. Acts 13:33 to 41. Christ was born
unto Israel to take David’s throne and to reign over the house of Israel. Luke 1:27 to 33. Jesus
Christ was raised from the dead to occupy David’s throne and to reign over the house of Israel.
Acts 2:27 to 33. Acts 3:19 to 21. Acts 15:13 to 18. Christ said to His disciples, “I will not drink
henceforth of this fruit of vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s
kingdom.” Matthew 26:29. In Matthew 24:14 to 51 the Lord Jesus told Israel that the gospel of
the kingdom would be preached as a witness to all nations and that He would return as the Son
of man in the clouds with power and great glory and save them out of their great tribulation.
By way of contrast, in Ephesians, the apostle Paul was not preaching in the cities of
Israel, the gospel of the kingdom. Jesus of Nazareth is not on earth in the midst of Israel
approved by miracles and wonders and signs. It is not a witness to Israel by miracles. But a
mystery to the Gentiles by revelation. Paul had already declared the truth of II Corinthians
5:16, that henceforth Christ was not to be known after the flesh. Signs and miracles had ceased.
Paul had been preaching the gospel of the grace of God to Gentiles. Acts 20:24 and Romans
15:16. He called it “my gospel” Romans 2:16 and Romans 16:25. Believing Jews and believing
Gentiles were in one Body. God was making of twain One New Man. Ephesians 2:15. Believers
with Christ were one flesh. Ephesians 5:30 to 33. Christ, the Head, was far above in the
heavenlies and members of His Body were identified with Him in His death, burial, resurrection
and ascension. No miracles of healing are recorded in Ephesians.
It will prove interesting and instructive to compare Acts 5:29 to 32, where Christ had
been raised from the dead to be Israel’s Saviour, with Ephesians 1:19 to 23 where Christ raised
from the dead is the Head of the Body made up of redeemed Jews and Gentiles. Test things that
differ.

Lot of information right here. But I'm tired at the moment and haven't sleep properly for three days.

 

[civic]

One of the keys to the Epistle is “in the
heavenlies” found several times in the Epistle. The believers, saved by grace, are seated in the
heavenlies in Christ. Ephesians 2:6. They are blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies. Ephesians 1:3. As the Church of Christ they are to make known the manifold wisdom of
God to principalities and powers in the heavenlies. Ephesians 3:10. In the heavenlies, far above,
Christ is the Head of the Body. Ephesians 1:10 to 23 and Ephesians 4:7 to 13. Members of the

Body of Christ wrestle against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in the
heavenlies. Ephesians 6:11 to 20.

Again, in the Book of Matthew more than thirty times we find mentioned, “the kingdom
of the heavens.” In the Epistle to the Ephesians we find “The Body” mentioned seven times.

Paul is the only apostle who called the Church, “The Body”, so far as we have any record.

Again, in the twenty-eight chapters of Matthew we do not find the word “grace” once. In
the six chapters of Ephesians we find the word “grace” twelve times. Of course the connecting
Epistle is Romans and in the sixteen chapters of Romans we find the word “grace” more than
twenty times. To be sure there was “grace” during the reign of law and the reign of law is found
in the Book of Matthew, so Matthew is very much a mixture of grace and law and religion. In
the Epistle to the Ephesians the apostle Paul is the custodian and dispenser of “the dispensation
of the grace of God”, unmixed with law and religion. So we must test things that differ. We
should certainly know the difference between grace in a dispensation and “the dispensation of
grace.”

THE KINGDOM AT HAND—GRACE AT HAND
Let us again compare the statement in Matthew 10:6 to 8 with the statement in Titus
2:11. There is a great difference between the kingdom of heaven at hand for Israel, “go not into
the way of the Gentiles”, and the grace of God that bringeth salvation at hand for all people.

Note what the twelve apostles said when they had an opportunity to minister to a needy Gentile
while Christ was on earth, “send her away.” Matthew 15:23. Christ was sent only to the house of
Israel. Matthew 15:24. So also the twelve apostles. Matthew 10:5 to 8. Test things that differ.

THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM AND MIRACLES
Note Matthew 9:35 and 10:8 . . . “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages,
teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every
sickness and every disease among the people.” Then note in Matthew 10:8 Christ’s instructions
to the twelve apostles after He had said preach to Israel, “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
(This is the gospel of the kingdom). “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out
demons.” Then note verse twenty-three: “ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel till the
Son of man be come.”
All through the Book of Matthew are recorded the miracles of Christ. In Matthew He was
“Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God in the midst of you (Israel) by miracles and wonders
and signs.” Acts 2:22. In chapter after chapter we read of supernatural demonstrations and
visitations and miraculous healings of every kind of physical ailment. Matthew is a Book of
miracles. “The Jews require a sign.” I Corinthians 1:22.
John the Baptist was the Lord’s messenger to Israel. Acts 13:24. Luke 1:16 and Luke
1:80. Jesus Christ was born of David’s seed to be Israel’s Saviour. Acts 13:23. Jesus Christ was
raised from the dead to be Israel’s Saviour. Acts 5:29 to 32. Acts 13:33 to 41. Christ was born
unto Israel to take David’s throne and to reign over the house of Israel. Luke 1:27 to 33. Jesus
Christ was raised from the dead to occupy David’s throne and to reign over the house of Israel.
Acts 2:27 to 33. Acts 3:19 to 21. Acts 15:13 to 18. Christ said to His disciples, “I will not drink
henceforth of this fruit of vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s
kingdom.” Matthew 26:29. In Matthew 24:14 to 51 the Lord Jesus told Israel that the gospel of
the kingdom would be preached as a witness to all nations and that He would return as the Son
of man in the clouds with power and great glory and save them out of their great tribulation.
By way of contrast, in Ephesians, the apostle Paul was not preaching in the cities of
Israel, the gospel of the kingdom. Jesus of Nazareth is not on earth in the midst of Israel
approved by miracles and wonders and signs. It is not a witness to Israel by miracles. But a
mystery to the Gentiles by revelation. Paul had already declared the truth of II Corinthians
5:16, that henceforth Christ was not to be known after the flesh. Signs and miracles had ceased.
Paul had been preaching the gospel of the grace of God to Gentiles. Acts 20:24 and Romans
15:16. He called it “my gospel” Romans 2:16 and Romans 16:25. Believing Jews and believing
Gentiles were in one Body. God was making of twain One New Man. Ephesians 2:15. Believers
with Christ were one flesh. Ephesians 5:30 to 33. Christ, the Head, was far above in the
heavenlies and members of His Body were identified with Him in His death, burial, resurrection
and ascension. No miracles of healing are recorded in Ephesians.
It will prove interesting and instructive to compare Acts 5:29 to 32, where Christ had
been raised from the dead to be Israel’s Saviour, with Ephesians 1:19 to 23 where Christ raised
from the dead is the Head of the Body made up of redeemed Jews and Gentiles. Test things that
differ.

Lot of information right here. But I'm tired at the moment and haven't sleep properly for three days.

I'm not sure what point you are trying to make here, is it that Paul's teaching was different than the teaching of Jesus on the kingdom of God and the church ?

 

[Johann]

I'm not sure what point you are trying to make here, is it that Paul's teaching was different than the teaching of Jesus on the kingdom of God and the church ?

Like I've said-haven't sleep properly for three days-regular power outs-and a lot to think about.
Ask @Grace ambassador to read the post and answer your question brother-I am still learning.

 

[civic]

Like I've said-haven't sleep properly for three days-regular power outs-and a lot to think about.
Ask @Grace ambassador to read the post and answer your question brother-I am still learning.

I will tag him @Grace ambassador