The Grace of God : Is the Cross of Christ

[Johann]

The New Covenant was promised to the House of Israel and Judah of twelve tribes.
Jeremiah 31 says this unequivocally that this covenant is with the House of Israel no matter how many Scriptures you post from the New Testament that DISCUSS that covenant by others.
The original Covenant is with Israel.
At the Marriage Supper Isreal is there by Covenant.
Gentiles are there by invitation *Matt. 22.)

1. The fact that the Gentiles would benefit from the blessings of the New Covenant was a mystery until the coming of Jesus
Apostle Paul, who was an Israelite, wrote to the Ephesians who were of the Gentiles:

By revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. (Ephesians 3:3-7)

2. The promises were made to Abraham and his seed, and the seed of Abraham is not his descendants by flesh, but those who walk in the footsteps of his faith
In Galatians 3:16 Paul writes,

Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ.

And in Galatians 3:27-29 Paul adds,

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.

So, when we enter into a Covenant with Jesus, we identify ourselves with Him; and then it does not matter what our nationality, social position, or sex is: in Christ we are equal. By identifying with Christ, we become the seed (descendants) of Abraham, and we inherit all the promises made to Abraham and his seed.

Read Rom 11- and when Jesus died a NEW Covenant was ratified in/by His blood-NOT for Jews only but for the Ha Goyim.

You are going too far left, almost to the exclusion of the Goyim. An aside-Paul was the preacher TO the Goyim.

J.

 

[jeremiah1five]

1. The fact that the Gentiles would benefit from the blessings of the New Covenant was a mystery until the coming of Jesus
Apostle Paul, who was an Israelite, wrote to the Ephesians who were of the Gentiles:

Hello J.
The church(es) in Ephesus can't be Gentile since the Church was founded by Jews in Jerusalem on the day of the Feast of Harvests (Pentecost.) 3000 Jews were saved in Acts 2. These people were Jews from Gentile lands. As observant Jewish males who are commanded by God to attend the Jewish Feasts, those Jews that came from Gentile lands to Jerusalem were saved and returned to their homeland taking their experience and Jesus with them.
It is reasonable to conclude that as observant Jews they went to their synagogue on their Sabbath, shared their experience and retained some of what Peter said and there is the great possibility more Jews became saved and filled with THEIR Holy Spirit of Promise.
It is also reasonable to conclude that in time those Jews that did not become saved could not reconcile their Messiah dying on a tree and soon a split occurred, and the only thing left for these Jewish Christians is to gather in their homes - possibly still on their Sabbath.
Now, if the Feast of Harvest occurred around A.D. 33 and the 'Ephesian' letter was written around A.D. 60-61 after Paul's visit with these Jewish Christians and this is a span of time of about 27 years. This leaves enough time for more Jews to become saved and gather in their homes and the Church grew. I agree that Gentiles also through some interaction with Jewish Christians became saved themselves but not many, and in the beginning of this Jewish 'phenomenon' the Jewish Christians did not readily accept Gentiles into their home churches. But in time they did. Still, the churches in Ephesus was populated mainly by Jews.

By revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. (Ephesians 3:3-7)

2. The promises were made to Abraham and his seed, and the seed of Abraham is not his descendants by flesh, but those who walk in the footsteps of his faith
In Galatians 3:16 Paul writes,

Holding to this means that Jesus is not "his [Abraham's] descendants by the flesh" as you say Paul says.

Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ.
And in Galatians 3:27-29 Paul adds,
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.

So, when we enter into a Covenant with Jesus, we identify ourselves with Him; and then it does not matter what our nationality, social position, or sex is: in Christ we are equal. By identifying with Christ, we become the seed (descendants) of Abraham, and we inherit all the promises made to Abraham and his seed.

That's right. In CHRIST we are all one. But in JESUS [the flesh of Abraham] the covenant is with the "flesh" of Israel both natural and spiritual covenant and Gentiles are not part of the Abrahamic Covenant 'in the flesh' but are enjoying the blessings of the Mosaic Covenant.

Read Rom 11- and when Jesus died a NEW Covenant was ratified in/by His blood-NOT for Jews only but for the Ha Goyim.
You are going too far left, almost to the exclusion of the Goyim. An aside-Paul was the preacher TO the Goyim.
J.

Well, from your homeland, if you were to turn LEFT from the Mount of Olives you will get to Jerusalem.


There is no disputing the promised New Covenant written in Jeremiah 31 is with the House of Israel and Judah (northern and southern tribes of twelve.) There are no Gentiles mentioned. IF God wanted Gentiles as part of any of the covenants God made with Abraham and the children of Israel, or the Davidic Covenant, God would have mentioned Gentiles, but He hasn't and didn't.

 

[Johann]

Hello J.
The church(es) in Ephesus can't be Gentile since the Church was founded by Jews in Jerusalem on the day of the Feast of Harvests (Pentecost.) 3000 Jews were saved in Acts 2. These people were Jews from Gentile lands. As observant Jewish males who are commanded by God to attend the Jewish Feasts, those Jews that came from Gentile lands to Jerusalem were saved and returned to their homeland taking their experience and Jesus with them.
It is reasonable to conclude that as observant Jews they went to their synagogue on their Sabbath, shared their experience and retained some of what Peter said and there is the great possibility more Jews became saved and filled with THEIR Holy Spirit of Promise.
It is also reasonable to conclude that in time those Jews that did not become saved could not reconcile their Messiah dying on a tree and soon a split occurred, and the only thing left for these Jewish Christians is to gather in their homes - possibly still on their Sabbath.
Now, if the Feast of Harvest occurred around A.D. 33 and the 'Ephesian' letter was written around A.D. 60-61 after Paul's visit with these Jewish Christians and this is a span of time of about 27 years. This leaves enough time for more Jews to become saved and gather in their homes and the Church grew. I agree that Gentiles also through some interaction with Jewish Christians became saved themselves but not many, and in the beginning of this Jewish 'phenomenon' the Jewish Christians did not readily accept Gentiles into their home churches. But in time they did. Still, the churches in Ephesus was populated mainly by Jews.

Holding to this means that Jesus is not "his [Abraham's] descendants by the flesh" as you say Paul says.

That's right. In CHRIST we are all one. But in JESUS [the flesh of Abraham] the covenant is with the "flesh" of Israel both natural and spiritual covenant and Gentiles are not part of the Abrahamic Covenant 'in the flesh' but are enjoying the blessings of the Mosaic Covenant.

Well, from your homeland, if you were to turn LEFT from the Mount of Olives you will get to Jerusalem.


There is no disputing the promised New Covenant written in Jeremiah 31 is with the House of Israel and Judah (northern and southern tribes of twelve.) There are no Gentiles mentioned. IF God wanted Gentiles as part of any of the covenants God made with Abraham and the children of Israel, or the Davidic Covenant, God would have mentioned Gentiles, but He hasn't and didn't.

Let's see if we are on the same page-are you accepting the brit hachadasha as part of the Torah?

 

[Johann]

The church(es) in Ephesus can't be Gentile since the Church was founded by Jews in Jerusalem on the day of the Feast of Harvests (Pentecost.)

RECIPIENTS

Many manuscripts (Chester Beatty Papyri, P46; Sinaiticus, א; Vaticanus, B; Origen's Greek text, and Tertullain's Greek text) omit "in Ephesus" in Eph. 1:1. The RSV, NJB, and Williams translations omit the phrase.

The Greek grammar of Eph. 1:1 can accommodate a place name. Possibly, as a circular letter, the place name of the church was left blank so it could be supplied when read aloud to the churches. This might explain the phrase in Col. 4:15-16, "letter from the Laodiceans," which was possibly the Book of Ephesians (Marcion called Ephesians by the title "letter to the Laodiceans").

Ephesians was written primarily to Gentiles, Eph. 2:1; 4:17, whom Paul had not personally met, Eph. 1:15; 3:2. The churches in the Lycus River Valley (Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colossae) were started, not by Paul, but by Epaphras (Col. 1:7; 4:12; Philemon 23).

Ephesians, Pauls Letter, Christian, Gentiles

www.ccel.org

Hence my question-do you hold that the הַבְּרִית הַחֲדָשָׁה is infallible to the Torah?

 

[Johann]

RECIPIENTS

Many manuscripts (Chester Beatty Papyri, P46; Sinaiticus, א; Vaticanus, B; Origen's Greek text, and Tertullain's Greek text) omit "in Ephesus" in Eph. 1:1. The RSV, NJB, and Williams translations omit the phrase.

The Greek grammar of Eph. 1:1 can accommodate a place name. Possibly, as a circular letter, the place name of the church was left blank so it could be supplied when read aloud to the churches. This might explain the phrase in Col. 4:15-16, "letter from the Laodiceans," which was possibly the Book of Ephesians (Marcion called Ephesians by the title "letter to the Laodiceans").

Ephesians was written primarily to Gentiles, Eph. 2:1; 4:17, whom Paul had not personally met, Eph. 1:15; 3:2. The churches in the Lycus River Valley (Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colossae) were started, not by Paul, but by Epaphras (Col. 1:7; 4:12; Philemon 23).

Ephesians, Pauls Letter, Christian, Gentiles

www.ccel.org

Hence my question-do you hold that the הַבְּרִית הַחֲדָשָׁה is infallible to the Torah?

BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES ARE UNITED THROUGH CHRIST

19.3 THEIR PREVIOUS CONDITION

Ephesians 2:1-3a - To you, who were spiritually dead all the time that you drifted along on the stream of this world's ideas of living, and obeyed its unseen ruler (Satan - who is still operating in those who do not respond to the truth of God), to you Christ has given life! We all lived like that in the past, and followed the impulses and imaginations of our evil nature .....


19.4 HOW THE GENTILES NOW HAVE THE SAME ACCESS TO GOD AS THE JEWS

Ephesians 2:11-13, 19-20 - Do not lose sight of the fact that you (in Ephesus) were born "Gentiles", known by those (the Jews) whose bodies were circumcised as "the uncircumcised". You were without Christ, you were utter strangers to God's chosen community, the Jews, and you had no knowledge of, or right to, the promised agreements. You had nothing to look forward to and no God to whom you could turn. But now, through the blood of Christ, you who were once outside the pale are with us (the Jews) inside the circle of God's love and purpose. .... (verse 19) So you are no longer outsiders or aliens, but fellow-citizens with every other Christian - you belong now to the household of God. Firmly beneath you is the foundation, God's messengers and prophets, the actual foundation-stone being Jesus Christ himself.

 

[Behold]

One grace of God is IN the cross, but that is not the only grace of God. So to say that the grace of God IS the cross of Christ is a misnomer.

Ok, let me try it this way for you. @Doug Brents

"The Gospel of the Grace of God" is the Grace of God.

The Blood sacrifice and death of Jesus on the Cross, is the Grace of God.

The born again were saved by "Grace, through Faith".

 

[Behold]

The New Covenant

The New Covenant is literally the Blood Atonement, that is Jesus on the Cross, as : John 3:16

Read carefully these, 2, as they are the NEW Covenant..

2 Corinthians 5:19

John 3:17

 

[Doug Brents]

The New Covenant was promised to the House of Israel and Judah of twelve tribes.
Jeremiah 31 says this unequivocally that this covenant is with the House of Israel no matter how many Scriptures you post from the New Testament that DISCUSS that covenant by others.
The original Covenant is with Israel.
At the Marriage Supper Isreal is there by Covenant.
Gentiles are there by invitation *Matt. 22.)

Eph 3:6 is not DISCUSSING the covenant with others.
"to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body [Israel], and fellow partakers of the promise [Covenant] in Christ Jesus through the gospel"
It is stating in clear and unimpeachable language that the Gentiles are full heirs, members of Israel, and recipients of the covenant that was made to Abraham and fulfilled in Christ.

Yes, the covenant was foretold to be made with the house of Israel and Judah, but the Gentiles were always anticipated as being brought into that covenant because they would also be the recipients of that blessing.
In Matt 22, were the original guests (Jews) not also invited? The invitation is the covenant. So then the Gentiles being invited later points to them being brought into the covenant that the Jews were found unworthy of because of their resistance and unbelief.

 

[Behold]

Eph 3:6 is not DISCUSSING the covenant with others.
"to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body [Israel], and fellow partakers of the promise [Covenant] in Christ Jesus through the gospel"
It is stating in clear and unimpeachable language that the Gentiles are full heirs, members of Israel, and recipients of the covenant that was made to Abraham and fulfilled in Christ.

Yes, the covenant was foretold to be made with the house of Israel and Judah, but the Gentiles were always anticipated as being brought into that covenant because they would also be the recipients of that blessing.
In Matt 22, were the original guests (Jews) not also invited? The invitation is the covenant. So then the Gentiles being invited later points to them being brought into the covenant that the Jews were found unworthy of because of their resistance and unbelief.

The religious Jews are still this one..

Romans 10:3​

​

3 : For they (the religious Jews) = being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. " = Jesus as their Messiah // The Cross of Christ.

This verse also applies to a believer who is "fallen from Grace"... or to a "fake christian"" who is water baptized and religious, but not actually born again.

 

[Doug Brents]

The religious Jews are still this one..

Romans 10:3​

​

3 : For they (the religious Jews) = being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. " = Jesus as their Messiah // The Cross of Christ.

This verse also applies to a believer who is "fallen from Grace"... or to a "fake christian"" who is water baptized and religious, but not actually born again.

In its context, this verse applies only to the Jews who cling to the Law of Moses and works of the Law to bring them to righteousness. There are other passages that deal with those who have fallen from Grace.
A "fake christian" is not a Christian at all, but a pretender, one who is taking the Lord's name in vain, and so this passage does not apply to them because they are not really trying to be righteous at all, whether by works or by faith.

 

[Behold]

In its context, this verse applies only to the Jews who cling to the Law of Moses and works of the Law to bring them to righteousness.

Paul was talking to Gentile believers in that verse..
So, it is applicable, as He is showing what is wrong with Judaism and Lawkeeping.

There are other passages that deal with those who have fallen from Grace.

There is this one.

"fallen from Grace", as this is Paul speaking about believers who are "in the flesh", "bewitched" and who "do not obey the truth", YET< they are born again.

They've become a "self saver"... = A Legalist.

They will teach that you have things to DO, so that by doing them, you keep yourself saved.. and keep yourself righteous.

A "fake christian" is not a Christian at all, but a pretender,

Yes, that is a "fake Christian", as i defined them.
Many of them are on "christian forums", teaching "water washes your sin away"....etc

one who is taking the Lord's name in vain,

Q.) How do you take the Lord's name "in Vain".

Well, this is not by saying the word "Christ" in a movie script, or by saying "God D____".
Tho most who are not real students of the word will teach that those are "taking the Lord's name in Vain".

Let me show you what it actually is.. Reader

Its this.

When a woman gets married, she takes the man's last name. "Two have become one Flesh" = She is the BRIDE.


When a person is born again, they become the Bride of Christ, and are now married to the Groom, who is Jesus. = "one with God".

See those?

In both cases, the Groom's NAME has become their own.

So, if you are not a Christian, but you pretend you are, then you are taking God's Name, "in Vain", by your pretending to be the Bride of Jesus.

That will get you killed.. as "God is not mocked" this way for long.

That deed right there, is one of the things that will get a person taken off this earth.
There are a few of those, that will cause sudden death, and that's one of them.

 

[Doug Brents]

There is this one.
"fallen from Grace", as this is Paul speaking about believers who are "in the flesh", "bewitched" and who "do not obey the truth", YET< they are born again.

...were born again, not are. If one has fallen from grace then they are no longer covered by grace and are again lost.

They will teach that you have things to DO, so that by doing them, you keep yourself saved.. and keep yourself righteous.

It is not that you "have to", but that all your desire is to do so. And if your desire is not there, and you do not do those things (walk in the Light) then you are, as you say below, taking the Lord's name in vain.

Yes, that is a "fake Christian", as i defined them.
Many of them are on "christian forums", teaching "water washes your sin away"....etc

LOL, then you are saying that Christ is a "fake Christian"? For He is the one who said that only those who believe and are baptized will be saved, and that only those born of water and the Spirit can enter into the Kingdom of God. Let's look to the source of salvation and see how He says we receive it, and not make up our own theories on what is required or not.

Q.) How do you take the Lord's name "in Vain".

Well, this is not by saying the word "Christ" in a movie script, or by saying "God D____".
Tho most who are not real students of the word will teach that those are "taking the Lord's name in Vain".

Let me show you what it actually is.. Reader

Its this.

When a woman gets married, she takes the man's last name. "Two have become one Flesh" = She is the BRIDE.


When a person is born again, they become the Bride of Christ, and are now married to the Groom, who is Jesus. = "one with God".

See those?

In both cases, the Groom's NAME has become their own.

So, if you are not a Christian, but you pretend you are, then you are taking God's Name, "in Vain", by your pretending to be the Bride of Jesus.

That is exactly what I was referring to: not saying His name in an irreverent manner, but pretending to be His and not living as He commands and as He did.

That will get you killed.. as "God is not mocked" this way for long.

That deed right there, is one of the things that will get a person taken off this earth.
There are a few of those, that will cause sudden death, and that's one of them.

By you? or by God? I know of many people who have been living this way for many years. Many of them are very popular on TV and radio pretending to be working for God, but really working for their own aggrandizement. And God has not struck them down, because He is patient and willing to wait until Judgement before He renders punishment.

 

[Behold]

...were born again, not are. I

You can't stop being born... (just ask your mother).

You can't stop being BORN...again...Just ask God.

taking the Lord's name in vain.

Taking the Lord's name, is to become the "Bride of Christ".

If you fake that, you are taking His name "in vain"..

= pretending.

For He is the one who said that only those who believe and are baptized will be saved,

(Believing)

Spiritual baptism, is not by the city water supply. Its "by my Spirit, sayeth the Lord" and that is not water.

And God has not struck them down, because He is patient and willing to wait until Judgement before He renders punishment.

Unbelievers are already judged as Christ rejectors.
They are already eternally damned, while still breathing.

John 3:36

The way you get out of that eternal damnation, is not by water baptism..
Its by being joined to God by being birthed into God's Holy Spirit. = 'In Christ" "one with God".

""God is A Spirit"'

 

[jeremiah1five]

Let's see if we are on the same page-are you accepting the brit hachadasha as part of the Torah?

If the Brit Hachadasha (New Covenant) is the one Jeremiah speaks of in 31:31-34, then yes, I accept it as part of the Torah. I am not a supersessionist.

12 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.
14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.
17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
Ex. 31:12–17.

The Sabbath command God gave to the children of Israel is part of the Moral Laws (Ten Commandments.) The Moral Laws are part of the Torah (the other two are the Social Laws and Ceremonial Laws.)
So, if the Sabbath being a part of the Moral Laws is forever then the cutting of the New Covenant cannot be a replacement but a continuation or renewal for the children of Israel.

The New Covenant does not abrogate the old covenant especially since in the old covenant is the eternal sign of the Sabbath in the Moral Law. So, how do we approach this?
Following in this path:

6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better [Heb. "stronger"] covenant, which was established upon better [Heb. "stronger"] promises. Heb. 8:6.

If the old covenant was made in conjunction with the Tabernacle and the Tabernacle and everything about it foreshadowed Christ, then it cannot be obsolete in the sense that it all pre-figures Christ and hat is tantamount to making Christ's origins on earth and heaven obsolete.

19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. Heb. 7:19.

Better hope, stronger promises. Yet, the Tabernacle was built and "Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount." Heb. 8:5.

An earthly pattern mimicking the heavenly pattern. And that heavenly pattern is Christ. And Christ is central to all covenants God made with a people one day to be called Israel. Now, concerning the Brit Hachadasha (New Covenant):

33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel;
After those days, saith the LORD,
I will put my law in their inward parts,
And write it in their hearts;
Jer. 31:33.

What Law is God referring? There is only one Law that He can be referring and that is the Law of Moses or the Torah. It is possible only in this way.
Everything in the old covenant foreshadows and prefigures Christ. Even the Law/Torah. Many don't agree with me that the kingdom of God is not necessarily a place, but a Person and that Person is Christ - Matt. 12:28. Luke says, "the kingdom doesn't come with observation, but the kingdom of God is within you. So, how can a place be within you? It can if the kingdom of God is a Person. The Law - Torah, all three parts - is type and shadow of the Holy Spirit. HE is the Law God promised to put in the inward parts of His covenant people.

34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying,
Know the LORD:
For they shall all know me,
From the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD:
Jer. 31:34.

That reality, that knowledge is imparted when the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in the born-again believer. And the Holy Spirit will do what the Law/Torah did and that is teach and guide the covenant believer in their lives but instead of doing this Ministry from without on stones He does it from within to a new 'heart.'

19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: Ezek. 11:19.

26 A new heart also will I give you, and fa new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. Ezek. 36:25–27.

This IS the New Covenant God made with the children of Israel.

 

[Johann]

If the Brit Hachadasha (New Covenant) is the one Jeremiah speaks of in 31:31-34, then yes, I accept it as part of the Torah. I am not a supersessionist.

31:31 "Behold, days are coming"

Notice that the same introductory phrase begins three poems in this chapter (Jer. 31:27,31,38),

The question has always been, "When does this new day start?"

1. the return under Cyrus in 538 b.c. (i.e., Ezra, Nehemiah, Sheshbazzar, Zerubbabel, Joshua)

2. the life of Christ (cf. Heb. 8:8-12 which quotes this text)

3. the second coming of Christ

The post-exilic period embodied the hope of a new day of faith, but it did not materialize (cf. Malachi). The new internal nature of the covenant based on God's grace and performance, not mankind's, even covenant mankind (cf. Ezek. 36:22-38), was not manifested until the ministry and death/resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. The new covenant has been inaugurated with Jesus' first coming and will be consummated at His second coming!

"I will make a new covenant"

This is the only mention in the OT of a "new covenant," although Isa. 55:3 mentions "an everlasting covenant" (it is possible that Duet. 18:15-19 implies the need of a new covenant with the coming of the new prophet).

This would have been very shocking to the Jews. They thought God's covenant with Moses was unconditional and eternal (cf. Gen. 17:7,13,19; Lev. 16:34; 24:8; Num. 25:13; 1 Chr. 16:17; Ps. 105:10; see Special Topic: Forever ['olam]).

Isaiah 24:5 says it was broken! Jesus calls His death "the new covenant in My blood," which links to Moses' words in Exod. 24:8. For "covenant" see Special Topic: Covenant.

"house of Israel. . .house of Judah"

The New Covenant would restore unity to the divided kingdom (cf. Jer. 31:1-3,27,33). It will go far beyond that and restore the unity between God and humanity so obvious in Genesis 1-2 (cf. Rom. 2:28-29; 3:21-31; 9:24-33; 11:11-24,25; 15:7-16; Galatians 2; 3; Eph. 2:11-3:13).

31:32 "not like the covenant which I made with their Father" There is both a continuity and discontinuity between the old covenant and the new covenant. First, it is important to list the different significant covenants.

1. Abraham

2. Moses

3. David

4. new covenant (i.e., Jesus, cf. Hebrews)

The first and third are still in effect, as far as the eternal redemptive plan. The fourth is the fulfillment of that plan. Here are some of the similarities.

1. God initiates it and sets its parameters

2. humans must respond in repentance, faith, obedience, and perseverance

3. the Spirit draws humans to respond appropriately (i.e., John 6:44,65)

The big difference is that the performance model is replaced by a grace model. God still wants a people to reflect and reveal His character to a lost world. However, because of the Fall, His covenant people, with all their privileges (cf. Rom. 9:4-5), could not keep the Mosaic covenant. Therefore, God initiates a covenant of grace that uses the Messiah's obedience and sacrifice (cf. Isaiah 53; Mark 10:45; 2 Cor. 5:21) to fulfill the old covenant and begin a new age characterized by a new heart, a new mind, a new spirit (cf. Ezek. 36:22-38). Internal motivation will replace external laws. But remember the goal is still a Christlike people (i.e., covenant language, cf. Jer. 31:33d; 24:7)! The eternal redemptive purpose continues (see Special Topic: YHWH's Eternal Redemptive Plan).

"I took them by the hand" The emphasis here is on God's parenthood (cf. Hosea 11:1-4,8-9).

"My covenant which they broke" This is a summary of the history of the Jewish nation (cf. Jer. 25:4; 33:8; Galatians 3; the book of Hebrews).

"I was a husband to them" God uses human relationships to describe His relationship with Israel (cf. Hosea 1-3). See Special Topic: God Described As Human (anthropomorphism).

31:33 "the house of Israel" Notice that in Jer. 31:27,31 "Israel" refers to the northern ten tribes after the split of the United Monarchy in 922 b.c. The northern ten tribes, led by Jeroboam I, were called

1. Israel (collective term)

2. Samaria (the capital)

3. Ephraim (the largest tribe)

However, here in Jer. 31:33 it must refer to its original meaning of the descendants of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. See full note in Contextual Insights, B.

"I will put My law within them" This is analogous to the phrase "circumcise your heart" of Deut. 30:6. It is parallel to the new heart, new mind, and new spirit of Ezek. 36:22-38. From the NT this refers to the indwelling Holy Spirit.

"on their heart" This refers to the entire person (cf. Deut. 6:6; 11:18; 30:14). See Special Topic: Heart.

The Fall of Genesis 3 affected human's spiritual orientation and worldview. They came to focus on "self," not God. This fallenness was the reason that Abraham's descendants could not keep/perform the Mosaic covenant (cf. Deut. 31:29; Jos. 24:19). Therefore, YHWH must give them a new heart (cf. Jer. 24:7 and "the circumcised heart," cf. Deut. 30:6). Then the Scriptures of Deut. 6:6; 30:11,14 can be fulfilled. The clearest description of this new orientation and spiritual worldview is

1. OT - Ezek. 36:22-38

2. NT - Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7



"I will write it" As YHWH wrote the Ten Commandments before Moses on Mt. Sinai (cf. Exod. 31:18; 32:15-16; 34:1,28), He now writes on the human heart by His Spirit. The new covenant is a new internal code from a restored image of God! This faith relationship has always been the plan of God (cf. Lev. 26:41; Deut. 10:16; 30:6; Jer. 4:4; 9:25-26).

31:34 "for they will all know Me" Notice the play between the imperative (BDB 353, KB 390, Qal imperative, which relates to the performance model, i.e., the Old Testament) and the imperfect, which relates to the new age, new mind, new heart, new spirit (i.e., new covenant).

There will be an intimate, personal relationship between YHWH and all of His people. This intimacy is illustrated by the Hebrew concept of "know" in Gen. 4:1 and Jer. 1:5; 9:24. See Special Topic: Know.

"from the least of them to the greatest of them" This inclusive, "no respecter of persons" language is parallel to Joel 2:28-29 (quoted in Acts 2:17-18). It is used in a negative sense in Jer. 6:13; 8:10.

"I will forgive" When God forgives, God forgets (cf. Isa. 1:18; 38:17; 43:25; 44:22; Ezek. 18:22; 33:16; Ps. 103:10-14; Micah 7:19)! What a great truth!
utley

yes?

 

[Doug Brents]

You can't stop being born... (just ask your mother).

You can't stop being BORN...again...Just ask God.

LOL, but you can die again. The seed that sprouted among the rocky soil was born, but quickly withered because it did not have deep roots in the poor soil. The seed that sprouted among the thorns was born, but it was choked out by the encroaching plants.

Spiritual baptism, is not by the city water supply. Its "by my Spirit, sayeth the Lord" and that is not water.

You are ignoring many Scriptures that tell you that water is involved in baptism, not just the Spirit, and these have been shared many times.

Unbelievers are already judged as Christ rejectors.
They are already eternally damned, while still breathing.

Certainly true. But you were talking about them being taken off of this Earth, not that they were dead spiritually while still alive physically.

John 3:36

The way you get out of that eternal damnation, is not by water baptism..

Believe what you will, but that statement is in direct defiance of Scripture. John 3:36 equates belief with obedience as the same thing.
If you believe you have life.
If you do not obey you do not have life.
If you do not obey, you do not really believe.
Salvation comes through obedience (not because of, but through).

Its by being joined to God by being birthed into God's Holy Spirit. = 'In Christ" "one with God".

""God is A Spirit"'

And how are we joined to God and birthed into God's Holy Spirit? By being baptized into Christ (Gal 3:26-27, Rom 6:3, Col 2:12, Mark 16:16, 1 Pet 3:21, John 3:5).

 

[Behold]

LOL, but you can die again.

A born again Christian is "born... again" spiritually.... so, they will never "die".

The spirit in a person is eternal., the born again spirit is "one with God"., already.

The seed that sprouted among

You're not seed.
You're spirit inside a body, and you have a soul.

You are ignoring many Scriptures that tell you that water is involved in baptism, not just the Spirit, and these have been shared many times

Ask the dying Thief why he went with Jesus, from the Cross and is now in Heaven, and was not water baptized.

Find out @Doug Brents .... why Paul was not a Catholic, or a Calvinist, and didnt teach Acts 2:38 as "The Gospel".
Find out why all the Apostles taught Paul's "Gospel", once he explained to them all... what was going on in the "time of the gentiles", in Acts 15.

If you do not obey you do not have life.

Sinners are not obeying right now. and they "have a life"., its a life of Sin.

And how are we joined to God and birthed into God's Holy Spirit?

The city water supply can't "birth a dog "... so, it certainly can't birth a Human's spirit into God.

 

[Doug Brents]

A born again Christian is "born... again" spiritually.... so, they will never "die".

The spirit in a person is eternal., the born again spirit is "one with God"., already.

Born again and Christian are synonymous, just like saying canine dog, or feline cat; it is redundant and unnecessary. The spirit within a person is indeed eternal, even before they are born again, and that spirit will exist eternally either in eternal life with God, or eternal death with Satan. But the person who has been born again can end up in eternal death if they do not remain in Christ.

You're not seed.
You're spirit inside a body, and you have a soul.

Read the parable again and try to understand. The seed is the Word of God. When it sprouts it results in the new birth.

Ask the dying Thief why he went with Jesus, from the Cross and is now in Heaven, and was not water baptized.

We have been over this before. He was promised paradise before Jesus died. Jesus could change His will (last Will and Testament) any way He chose to before He died.

Find out @Doug Brents .... why Paul was not a Catholic, or a Calvinist, and didnt teach Acts 2:38 as "The Gospel".
Find out why all the Apostles taught Paul's "Gospel", once he explained to them all... what was going on in the "time of the gentiles", in Acts 15.

Paul was not a catholic because the catholics did not exist until about 200-250 years later. Paul was not a calvanist because Calvin did not live until many centuries later. The other Apostles did not teach Paul's Gospel! They taught Jesus' Gospel from the very beginning. Paul just took the Gospel the others were teaching and took it to the Gentiles. Same Gospel, same requirements, same blessing.

Sinners are not obeying right now. and they "have a life"., its a life of Sin.

Sinners have physical life, yes, but they do not have spiritual life: the Life of Christ. The Life of Christ is only received through obedience to Him, as Acts 3:36 says.

The city water supply can't "birth a dog "... so, it certainly can't birth a Human's spirit into God.

Your argument is meaningless. God never said that the city water supply can birth a dog. But He did say that you cannot enter the Kingdom of God except through water and the Spirit. He did say that only those who believe the Gospel and are baptized (in water) will be saved. He did say, through Peter, that the water of baptism now saves us.

 

[Behold]

But the person who has been born again can end up in eternal death if they do not remain in Christ.

You can't stop being born again, so, it would be impossible to do what the heretics all teach.

"lose your salvation"

Be careful of those bible denying , Cross denying Heretics..... @Doug Brents ... as forums are filled with these Cross denying deceived people who will try to tell you that you can "Lose your salvation">.

Read the parable again and try to understand.

You read it.
You posted that the seed is the person, and now you are saying something else.
It seems that you often forget how to explain what you've been mislead to believe.

We have been over this before. He was promised paradise before Jesus died.

In case you didnt notice, unsaved Jewish people were H20 baptized that same week, in Israel, and it didn't save any of them.

See, only JESUS saves, and water need not apply.

Paul was not a catholic

Paul was not a catholic because Peter was not a Pope.
Paul was not a catholic because "the cult of Mary" elevates Mary into "goddess" = FALSE mediatrix level, and Paul would never do that.
Mary would never claim that, but it does not keep the "cult of mary" from their lying pretense, about her and about the Sacraments and of course about Water that you seem to adore.

Adore the CROSS of CHIRST and not the city water supply, in your next few posts when you want to tell us all more about your water fascination.

Comprehend?

God never said that the city water supply can birth a dog. But He did say that you cannot enter the Kingdom of God except through water and the Spirit.

Jesus said you had to have 2 births, to go to heaven, as He told Nicodemus..

Born of water, and that is to be born of your mother... Her water broke, and out you came.

Then, later, you must be born again....and that is... "by my Spirit, sayeth the Lord"..

Now.......... the Catholic CULT teaches that you are "born again BY Water", and that is a "doctrine of Devils".

Try not to believe or teach that one... or be that one.
---

 

[Doug Brents]

You can't stop being born again, so, it would be impossible to do what the heretics all teach.

"lose your salvation"

Be careful of those bible denying , Cross denying Heretics..... @Doug Brents ... as forums are filled with these Cross denying deceived people who will try to tell you that you can "Lose your salvation">.

Keep telling yourself that. Hopefully it will help with the temperature gets too high.

You read it.
You posted that the seed is the person, and now you are saying something else.
It seems that you often forget how to explain what you've been mislead to believe.

No, the seed is the Word. The soil is the person. When the seed sprouts in the soil it brings about new birth.

In case you didnt notice, unsaved Jewish people were H20 baptized that same week, in Israel, and it didn't save any of them.

See, only JESUS saves, and water need not apply.

Reference please.

Paul was not a catholic because Peter was not a Pope.
Paul was not a catholic because "the cult of Mary" elevates Mary into "goddess" = FALSE mediatrix level, and Paul would never do that.
Mary would never claim that, but it does not keep the "cult of mary" from their lying pretense, about her and about the Sacraments and of course about Water that you seem to adore.

Not sure where all this about Peter, Paul, and Mary (sorry, good music, but not the topic here) is coming from. I am not a papist, I do not revere Paul, Peter, or Mary as anything more than fallen humans that were used by God for specific purposes to bring His Church into being and salvation to man.

Adore the CROSS of CHIRST and not the city water supply, in your next few posts when you want to tell us all more about your water fascination.

Comprehend?

Not sure where you get "city water supply" from. The water can come from anywhere because the water is not what is important. It is the fact of obedience to God's command in being baptized that is important. Without the cross of Christ, passing through the water would be meaningless. Just as without the Ark, Noah would have died along with the rest of humanity.

Jesus said you had to have 2 births, to go to heaven, as He told Nicodemus..

Born of water, and that is to be born of your mother... Her water broke, and out you came.

Then, later, you must be born again....and that is... "by my Spirit, sayeth the Lord"..

Not according to the rest of Scripture. Mark 16:16, "he who believes AND IS BAPTIZED will be saved", along with 1 Pet 3:21, "Corresponding to that [the water of the Flood], baptism [in water] now saves you".

Now.......... the Catholic CULT teaches that you are "born again BY Water", and that is a "doctrine of Devils".

Try not to believe or teach that one... or be that one.
---

I am not associated with the catholic cult in any way. But as I have said, even pagans get some things right, like the Greek poets saying of Zeus "he is the father of us all" and Paul using that to apply to the true God.

Read what Scripture really says, not the ridiculousness that is this "belief only" nonsense many spout today. Belief alone will leave a person condemned to Hell for eternity, just like the demons who believe (intellectual assent) but do nothing about it and cannot be saved. Salvation is only for those who obey (Heb 5:9, John 3:36). Without doing the things that Scripture says "lead to the reception of" salvation (as opposed to those actions that "flow from having received" salvation), a person cannot and will not be saved.