The Bride and The Body

[DavidTree]

Hello @TomL,

There is indeed only one church which is the Body of Christ, and it was established following the departure of Israel into the darkness of unbelief at the end of the Acts period. It was revealed in the epistles written from prison by Paul, namely, Eph. Phil. Col. 2 Tim. Titus and Philemon. It being created by God, independent of Israel, in which Jew and Gentile are united and equal in a way they were not previously, when Israel had a prior position, and salvation was of the Jews. Salvation was sent to the Gentiles in Acts 28:28.

The content of the prison epistles, give the hope and inheritance of the Church which is The Body of Christ, which is to be enjoyed in heavenly places, in Christ Jesus. Whereas the Bride the Lamb's wife is associated with the New Jerusalem which comes down out of heaven to the earth, as seen in Rev. 21. This company consists of Abraham, and all such like him, whose hope was for a city whose builder and Maker is God. (Heb.11:10,16), these were overcomers of faith in their generation, as the Overcomers of the Tribulation will be: Both being given the joy of reigning with Christ for 1000 years at the end of the age.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Body of Christ = SAME = Bride of Christ

There is only One New Man

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

B.) For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 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, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.
For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

C.) Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

 

[Complete]

Body of Christ = SAME = Bride of Christ

There is only One New Man

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

B.) For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 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, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.
For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

C.) Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

'These all died in faith, not having received the promises,
but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them,
and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out,
they might have had opportunity to have returned.
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly:
wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God:
for He hath prepared for them a city.'
(Heb 11:13-16)

With respect, @David Tree,

Your response tells me some of the glorious facts concerning the church which is the body of Christ, which I rejoice in: It does not tell me of the hope and calling of those who looked for a city whose builder and Maker is God, and who will reign with Christ for 1,000 years.

They do not share the same glorious inheritance: For the church which is the body of Christ will be blessed with every blessing that is spiritual in Christ Jesus, in Heavenly places (Eph. 1); whereas those who have been chosen out to occupy the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven, with those who are faithful unto death during the Tribulation and overcome, will reign with their glorious Lord for 1,000 years.

Very different .
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Complete]

Thank you, @Grace ambassador, for your encouragement.

 

[DavidTree]

'These all died in faith, not having received the promises,
but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them,
and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out,
they might have had opportunity to have returned.
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly:
wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God:
for He hath prepared for them a city.'
(Heb 11:13-16)

With respect, @David Tree,

Your response tells me some of the glorious facts concerning the church which is the body of Christ, which I rejoice in: It does not tell me of the hope and calling of those who looked for a city whose builder and Maker is God, and who will reign with Christ for 1,000 years.

They do not share the same glorious inheritance: For the church which is the body of Christ will be blessed with every blessing that is spiritual in Christ Jesus, in Heavenly places (Eph. 1); whereas those who have been chosen out to occupy the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven, with those who are faithful unto death during the Tribulation and overcome, will reign with their glorious Lord for 1,000 years.

Very different .
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Thank You @Complete

Question: Would not the OT saints be part of the One New Man whereby God gathers together in "One", His elect

 

[Complete]

Thank You @Complete

Question: Would not the OT saints be part of the One New Man whereby God gathers together in "One", His elect

Hello @DavidTree,

All I feel capable of doing at the moment is say thank you for your response. May God give us grace and the love to engage in further discussion, when I have had a night's sleep.

Within the love of Christ our Saviour,
Chris

 

[DavidTree]

Hello @DavidTree,

All I feel capable of doing at the moment is say thank you for your response. May God give us grace and the love to engage in further discussion, when I have had a night's sleep.

Within the love of Christ our Saviour,
Chris

LOVE LOVE LOVE your reply.

REST and BLESSED you are in HIM who has no sin = for in HIM we WIN

 

[Complete]

Thank You @Complete

Question: Would not the OT saints be part of the One New Man whereby God gathers together in "One", His elect

'But now in Christ Jesus
ye who sometimes were far off
are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
For He is our peace,
Who hath made both one,
and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Having abolished in His flesh the enmity,
even the law of commandments contained in ordinances;
for to make in Himself of twain one new man,
so making peace;
And that He might reconcile both unto God
in one body by the cross,
having slain the enmity thereby:
(Eph 2:13-16)

Hello @David Tree,

The 'One New Man' relates to the members of the One Body of which Christ is the Head, which is the subject of the prison epistles of Paul. The object is peace and reconciliation to God and to one another, by means of the peace which Christ procured for them upon the cross, when He took away, in His flesh, the law of commandments, which created a barrier between Jew and Gentile members, thus enabling total equality and unity.

The saints of the Old Testament will have their inheritance within the land promised, in the new earth: or, if distinguished for faithful service in the eyes of God, will dwell in the Heavenly Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven to the earth, and reign with Christ for 1,000 years.

I hope this answers your question adequately.
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[DavidTree]

'But now in Christ Jesus
ye who sometimes were far off
are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
For He is our peace,
Who hath made both one,
and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Having abolished in His flesh the enmity,
even the law of commandments contained in ordinances;
for to make in Himself of twain one new man,
so making peace;
And that He might reconcile both unto God
in one body by the cross,
having slain the enmity thereby:
(Eph 2:13-16)

Hello @David Tree,

The 'One New Man' relates to the members of the One Body of which Christ is the Head, which is the subject of the prison epistles of Paul. The object is peace and reconciliation to God and to one another, by means of the peace which Christ procured for them upon the cross, when He took away, in His flesh, the law of commandments, which created a barrier between Jew and Gentile members, thus enabling total equality and unity.

The saints of the Old Testament will have their inheritance within the land promised, in the new earth: or, if distinguished for faithful service in the eyes of God, will dwell in the Heavenly Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven to the earth, and reign with Christ for 1,000 years.

I hope this answers your question adequately.
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Big Thank You and something to ponder: The OT Saints are in Heaven now and dwell in the Heavenly Jerusalem/Mt Zion

Hebrews 12:18-29

For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; 19to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken. 20For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.”h 21The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”

22Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels 23in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

25See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if the people did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven? 26At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.”
27The words “Once more” signify the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that the unshakable may remain.

28Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. 29“For our God is a consuming fire.”

 

[DavidTree]

'But now in Christ Jesus
ye who sometimes were far off
are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
For He is our peace,
Who hath made both one,
and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Having abolished in His flesh the enmity,
even the law of commandments contained in ordinances;
for to make in Himself of twain one new man,
so making peace;
And that He might reconcile both unto God
in one body by the cross,
having slain the enmity thereby:
(Eph 2:13-16)

Hello @David Tree,

The 'One New Man' relates to the members of the One Body of which Christ is the Head, which is the subject of the prison epistles of Paul. The object is peace and reconciliation to God and to one another, by means of the peace which Christ procured for them upon the cross, when He took away, in His flesh, the law of commandments, which created a barrier between Jew and Gentile members, thus enabling total equality and unity.

The saints of the Old Testament will have their inheritance within the land promised, in the new earth: or, if distinguished for faithful service in the eyes of God, will dwell in the Heavenly Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven to the earth, and reign with Christ for 1,000 years.

I hope this answers your question adequately.
In Christ Jesus
Chris

My turn to get some shut-eye

Good Night my Sister in Christ

 

[Complete]

Big Thank You and something to ponder: The OT Saints are in Heaven now and dwell in the Heavenly Jerusalem/Mt Zion

Hebrews 12:18-29

For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; 19to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken. 20For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.”h 21The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”

22Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels 23in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

25See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if the people did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven? 26At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.”
27The words “Once more” signify the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that the unshakable may remain.

28Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. 29“For our God is a consuming fire.”

Hello @David Tree,

Thank you for your response,above, from Hebrews 12:18-29.

Written to the believing remnant of Israel, who were in themselves 'Overcomers' in their generation, and therefore joined the ranks of those beloved saints of old who loved not their lives unto death, and lived by faith, having received promises of God, but not receiving them in their lifetime, looked towards to the life to come with expectancy. They looked for a city not made with hands, whose Builder and Maker is God. These are the Bride of the Lamb, who will live in resurrection life, having had part in the first resurrection (Rev, 20:6), I believe, and reign with Christ for 1,000 years. What an honour this is, isn't it?

These are not members of the church which is the body of Christ, but are an election within an election, having been called out of the nation of Israel, who itself is an election.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Complete]

Big Thank You and something to ponder: The OT Saints are in Heaven now and dwell in the Heavenly Jerusalem/Mt Zion

'Jesus said unto her,
I am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believeth in me,
though he were dead,
yet shall he live:'
(Joh 11:25)

With respect, @David Tree,

The Old Testament saints have died and await the resurrection from the dead. There is no life without the resurrection, and that is yet to come: Their 'spirit', or, 'breath of life', having returned to God Who gave it. Those who died, 'in Christ', are reckoned by God to be 'asleep in Christ', because of the the promise of life that is theirs in Him: For though they are dead, yet shall they live.

Praise God!

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[DavidTree]

'Jesus said unto her,
I am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believeth in me,
though he were dead,
yet shall he live:'
(Joh 11:25)

With respect, @David Tree,

The Old Testament saints have died and await the resurrection from the dead. There is no life without the resurrection, and that is yet to come: Their 'spirit', or, 'breath of life', having returned to God Who gave it. Those who died, 'in Christ', are reckoned by God to be 'asleep in Christ', because of the the promise of life that is theirs in Him: For though they are dead, yet shall they live.

Praise God!

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Your post is the 'Clue' and the 'Glue' that we are looking for!

Both the OT and the NT Saints are waiting for the Resurrection, which only occurs at His 2nd Coming = 1 Thess 4:13-18