NOTE: Jesus revealed the true character of God and spent His time on earth building up the kingdom of God right in the midst of the kingdom of darkness. He revealed Himself to the Greeks John 12:20, 21, and the Gentiles John 4:9,10, and He preached with the power of the Spirit. His whole life was a blessing to those He came in contact with. He fulfilled the purpose that had originally been given to Israel. The name of Israel was therefore first the name of a man, then a nation, then transferred to Christ. At the end of His ministry Christ returned to heaven. A people were still needed to fulfil the role that God intended for Israel of old.
Q22 Who in the New Testament are now shown to be the heirs of the promise made Abraham?
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:27-29
Q23 How do Christians fulfil the covenant?
That we should be to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:12
And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Hebrews 3:5,6.
Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19,20.
If ye love me keep my commandments. John 14:15
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:6,7.
Q24 In view of the foregoing scriptures, is today’s emphasis on literal Israel a valid one?
Today’s emphasis of Christian solidarity with the Jewish people is not scriptural. It is not found in the prophetic last-day teachings of the Bible. The complete emphasis of Scripture is on Christ. The Jews failed to fulfil the purpose for which they were raised up—to prepare the way for Christ to come. As a nation they did not recognise Him or accept Him. However, for the individual Jewish person who accepts the Gospel through Jesus Christ then there is always a place for that faithful one in the work of God, just as with the first converts to the early church. The gospel today is open to all through Jesus Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, from East or West. When the gospel has gone to all the world then shall the end come but the Bible does not teach that there is last-day role for the Jewish nation. Israel today is now spiritual Israel, the house of Christ.
Q25 What will bring the history of this world to an end?
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come. Matthew 24:14 |
