Dispensationalism

[Chad]

Dispensationalism
gotquestions.org

Dispensationalism is a system of theology that has two primary distinctives.

(1) A consistently literal interpretation of Scripture, especially Bible prophecy.
(2) A distinction between Israel and the Church in God's program.
​

(1) Dispensationalists claim that their principle of hermeneutics is that of literal interpretation. "Literal interpretation" means giving each word the meaning it would commonly have in everyday usage. Symbols, figures of speech and types are all interpreted plainly in this method, and they are in no way contrary to literal interpretation. Even symbolisms and figurative sayings have literal meanings behind them.

There are at least three reasons why this is the best way to view Scripture. First, philosophically, the purpose of language itself seems to require that we interpret it literally. Language was given by God for the purpose of being able to communicate with man. The second reason is biblical. Every prophecy about Jesus Christ in the Old Testament was fulfilled literally. Jesus' birth, Jesus' ministry, Jesus' death, and Jesus' resurrection all occurred exactly and literally as the Old Testament predicted. There is no non-literal fulfillment of these prophecies in the New Testament. This argues strongly for the literal method. If literal interpretation is not used in studying the Scriptures, there is no objective standard by which to understand the Bible. Each and every person would be able to interpret the Bible as he saw fit. Biblical interpretation would denigrate into "what this passage says to me..." instead of "the Bible says..." Sadly, this is already the case is much of what is called biblical interpretation today.

(2) Dispensational theology believes that there are two distinct peoples of God: Israel and the Church. Dispensationalists believe that salvation has always been by faith (in God in the Old Testament; specifically in God the Son in the New Testament). Dispensationalists hold that the Church has not replaced Israel in God’s program and the Old Testament promises to Israel have not been transferred to the Church. They believe that the promises God made to Israel in the Old Testament (for land, many descendants, and blessing) will be ultimately fulfilled in the 1,000-year period spoken of in Revelation 20. They believe that just as God is in this age focusing His attention on the Church, He will again in the future focus His attention on Israel (Romans 9-11).

Using this system as a basis, Dispensationalists understand the Bible to be organized in seven dispensations: Innocence (Genesis 1:1 – 3:7), Conscience (Genesis 3:8 – 8:22), Human Government (Genesis 9:1 – 11:32), Promise (Genesis 12:1 – Exodus 19:25), Law (Exodus 20:1 – Acts 2:4), Grace (Acts 2:4 – Revelation 20:3), and the Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20:4 – 20:6). Again, these dispensations are not ways of salvation, but manners in which God relates to man. Dispensationalism, as a system, results in a premillennial interpretation of Christ’s Second Coming and, usually, a pretribulational interpretation of the Rapture.

 

[Jehonadab]

After reading your post above, I am not sure how you would classify me. I don't try to fit in to any prefabbed approach but try through prayer and study to let the holy spirit shape me as God wills, as I go along praying, studying, and learning.

I don't make claim to any particular philosophical approach as I see that would be like the politicians of this world, set in their ways by party affiliations and not so open to letting another like God shape their way for them.

To understand Israel I begin with Genesis 3:15 and follow the Biblical account of Cain and Abel, seeing that interplay among those who called themselves Israelite by flesh and blood but some parallel Abel while others parallel Cain. And i see that is a huge factor in what Paul meant when he said, Romans 9:6 "Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel.." Not all who were born of Jacob were Israel because some were like Cain who murdered his brother and therefore they were not children of the promise. And therefore the true Israel of God never was the one we saw of the flesh but was the one of the one meek spirit of Abel, the one meek spirit of Noah, the one meek spirit of Abraham, the one meek spirit of Isaac, and the one meek spirit of Jacob, else it would make no sense that not all born of Israel (that is, born of Jacob) were really Israel as Paul said. For the true Israel always really was united by that one meek spirit which also is in Christ and that the body of the church is united by that same spirit proves the church is the only ever real Israel of God. Galatians 6:16 "And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the [entire] Israel of God."

We see Paul frequently making a clear distinction between the true Israel of God and those that thought themselves Israel because of the flesh, 1 Corinthians 10:18 "Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?"

This is why we see Jesus frequently emphasizing our need to have love for our brothers and why he said of the religious Pharisees, John 15:24 "If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father." And, again emphasizing Cains attitude toward Abel, Jesus told them, John 8:44 "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." What we see being played out began with Cain and Abel, and it is this, Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."

That is called the enmity of the flesh which wars against the spirit. And because that enmity exists in anyone whose mind and heart walks after the flesh, relying upon fleshly inheritances and excitedly defending their rights to these things by flesh, God chose to give his promises by individual election rather than to the collective flesh, even as Paul told us, Romans 9:8-11 "That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth"

This is why when we honestly look at what Paul believed as to the saving of Israel we find that he only hoped he might through the preaching of the Gentiles call some to repentance and save some. Paul knew that the prophecies foretold that remnant would be saved by exciting them to jealousy. But he also knew that only applied to the remnant of meek ones among the fleshly nation. He never said that "all fleshly Israel" would be saved. Paul knew those that manifested the heart attitude of Cain were not slated to be saved and even had some harsh words for them in his letters, calling them ministers of Satan and so forth. He said, Romans 10:1 "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved." Paul knew God had guaranteed a remnant of elected ones. He would not have doubted that promise of a remnant by saying, "might be saved". But Paul did not know what that exact number would be and he knew that God had given him as an apostle to the Gentiles the responsibility of spear-heading their excitation to jealousy that they might wake up.

And so we see Paul says, Romans 11:13-14 "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them." There is that "some of them" again.

So what did Paul mean here? Romans 11:32 "For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all." Paul knew that God would save all if they could be led to repent and he did not rule that out knowing that might happen for some. Thus we see he said, "might have mercy", rather than definitely would have mercy on them all.

Israel never was what we or they saw in the flesh. When Paul said, Romans 11:29 "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance", we need to remember that he told us at Romans 9:8-11 those gifts and calling were by promise according to God's election and not passed by fleshly inheritance.

The one spirit that is Israel is the church with it's Jewish elected foundation stones built upon Christ as fulfillment of the promises given by election and God's calling rather than by fleshly inheritance. What many expect to happen with fleshly Israel is not going to happen. They have missed understanding the scriptures.

John 3:6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

John 6:63 "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

1 Peter 2:9-10 "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."

There at 1 Peter 2:9-10 is the real Israel of God. It never really was that in the flesh.

Galatians 4:29 “But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.”

 

[RJ]

As I understand it, Dispensationalists, as a whole, seek to interpret the scripture as literally as possible. I believe that is the best way for me, knowing very well that scripture also uses parables, metaphors and symbolism which can make literal interpretation harder. I think the key is to be open minded about different doctrines and theologies as long as they fit into the what appears to be God's over all plan and I rely on the Holy Spirit to lead me through all of it and, at his own speed.
Darn-it, I just won't learn everything!
Dispensationally, everything will all work out just fine sooner than later and as a result of the correct choice and that will happen when I depart this physical bondage.

 

[B-A-C]

1 Peter 2:9-10 "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."

There at 1 Peter 2:9-10 is the real Israel of God. It never really was that in the flesh.

Perhaps you are right, of course two things to keep in mind here. 1 Pet 2:9-10; is a quote of Deut 7:6; (also Deut 14:2
so was this not physical Israel? Also Peter is called the apostle to the Jews (Gal 2:7-8; ) Paul is called the apostle to the Gentiles ( Rom 11:13; 1 Tim 2:7; )
So some Christians take the letter of Peter much like the book of Hebrews. (which of course was written to who else? the Hebrews!)
So does Hebrews apply to Gentile Christians? Is Jesus still our sacrifice and high-priest?

On one hand...
Rom 2:25; For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
Rom 2:26; So if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?
Rom 2:27; And he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the Law and circumcision are a transgressor of the Law?
Rom 2:28; For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.
Rom 2:29; But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.

Now while we can become Jews "spiritually", this is not the same thing as becoming a Jew physically.

Rev 2:9; “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Some churches (the Jehovah's witnesses for example) take the 144,000 going to the New Jerusalem to be everyone who was going to heaven.
Most mainstream churches take this as just a portion of Israel (12,000 from each of the 12 tribes - see Rev 7:4-8; )
So many believe that while Israel will return back to God in the last days, God has at least a slightly different plan for them than the rest of the church.

 

[Jehonadab]

Perhaps you are right, of course two things to keep in mind here. 1 Pet 2:9-10; is a quote of Deut 7:6; (also Deut 14:2
so was this not physical Israel? Also Peter is called the apostle to the Jews (Gal 2:7-8; ) Paul is called the apostle to the Gentiles ( Rom 11:13; 1 Tim 2:7; )
So some Christians take the letter of Peter much like the book of Hebrews. (which of course was written to who else? the Hebrews!)
So does Hebrews apply to Gentile Christians? Is Jesus still our sacrifice and high-priest?

On one hand...
Rom 2:25; For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
Rom 2:26; So if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?
Rom 2:27; And he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the Law and circumcision are a transgressor of the Law?
Rom 2:28; For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.
Rom 2:29; But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.

Now while we can become Jews "spiritually", this is not the same thing as becoming a Jew physically.

Rev 2:9; “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Some churches (the Jehovah's witnesses for example) take the 144,000 going to the New Jerusalem to be everyone who was going to heaven.
Most mainstream churches take this as just a portion of Israel (12,000 from each of the 12 tribes - see Rev 7:4-8; )
So many believe that while Israel will return back to God in the last days, God has at least a slightly different plan for them than the rest of the church.

Flesh does want to have flesh mean something, for that is where their pride is, however, Jesus summed up the whole story when he told us that the flesh profits nothing. John 6:63

That is why Paul tells us: 1 Corinthians 15:50 "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption." How is it then that anyone has not understood that God is not giving Israel of the flesh, by flesh, the kingdom of God?

On what basis do you think Paul said, Romans 9:6-8 "Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed."

Paul told us that those promises were not made but to one: Galatians 3:16 "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ."

The flesh failed to keep the covenant just as God knew they would and therefore the flesh lost all entitlement to those promises. Exodus 19:5-6 "Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel."

The flesh failed to do as God commanded and broke the stipulation between they and God. Thus, Matthew 21:43 "Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof."

Does the flesh bring forth righteous fruit? No. Romans 8:5 "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit." Thus, Romans 9:8 "That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed."

And how were the promises given? By flesh or by spirit? There is a strong clue, here: Galatians 4:29 "But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now." Paul is eluding all the way back to when the promises were given, long before that covenant with Israel, showing that there has always been those born of the flesh and those born of the spirit. That alone can be the basis for what he said at Romans 9:6. Clearly, Romans 9:8 "That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed", refers to those born of the spirit. Romans 4:13; 2 Corinthians 4:13; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 4:21-32

Why then did God allow all who were born of Israel to compete for those promises under the Old Law Covenant instead of only allowing the portion born of the spirit? Galatians 3:19 "Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator."

Those who were foreordained in Christ were those born of the spirit, not of the flesh. And as I pointed out, Paul tells us that the promises were really made to one seed, that being Christ. For review: Galatians 3:16 "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ."

You said, "Now while we can become Jews "spiritually", this is not the same thing as becoming a Jew physically."

And you quoted: Rev 2:9; “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan."

I am certain fleshly Jews today would like to believe that means the ones doing that were only ones pretending to be fleshly Jews, but that is just not so. One can only get away with that view by ignoring or distorting what Paul was saying when he said what you were first speaking of there. Paul plainly said, Romans 2:28 "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh.." Clearly what Paul is saying is that from the beginning it has only been Jews by spirit of the inner man who were God's people. Remember? Galatians 4:29 "But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now."

Note: If you understand the koine' Greek you can by shear honesty know that Paul did not say at Romans 2:28, "He is not a Jew who is merely one outwardly". Paul very clearly said, "He is not a Jew who shines (or, appears so) outwardly." The addition of the word "merely" to that text in some Bible translations is either due to missed understanding or bias of belief, or both. Romans 2:28 ou gar o en tw fanerw ioudaioj estin oude h en tw fanerw en sarki peritomh

It is much better to be honest and take a lessor seat on equal footing with the Gentiles, than it is to be dishonest concerning what is said. I noticed another miss applying Ephesians 2:15 "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." That enmity was between the Fleshly Israel and the Gentiles. That was abolished and the two made one.


Keep pondering it and studying the scriptures and it will keep becoming clearer to you.

As for what Jehovah's Witnesses believe, I really cannot comment on what Jehovah's Witnesses believe in that regard as I am not that familiar with it and would not want to misrepresent anyone.

 

[Lanolin]

Interesting but dispys fail to discern certain things. I wont go into it all but they are in error.

 

[complete]

Interesting but dispys fail to discern certain things. I wont go into it all but they are in error.

Hello @Lanolin,

You have made serious claims here in this short entry, sister-in-Christ, and they really should not be made without being backed with fact. It is not the way for one believer to treat another, no matter what their persuasion.

* The dispensationalists I have known, have been fine men and women of God, who have had one desire - To know Christ. Their Bible Study had that goal in mind: and like the Bereans of Scripture (Acts 17:10-12) they were to be applauded: for every aspect of faith and doctrine was brought to the Scripture for verification and confirmation.

* Men such as Charles Welch and Dr E.W. Bullinger (who compiled the Companion Bible), were critically called, 'Hyper-dispensationalists': but they cared not for such epithets; for their purpose was to honour and glorify God, in Christ Jesus, and the opinion of man was of no concern to them.

* I am proud to bear their reproach.

Within the love of Christ our Saviour
Chris

Berean Publishing Trust

 

[Lanolin]

Ok, but I dont agree with them, sorry.
They are confusing. its much better to ask God and let Him show you...than rely on mans reasonings. Because several bible based cults sprang out of dispensationalism, thats why.

Eg jehovahs witness, sda, christian scientist, zionism, christadelphians, to name a few.

If you already in a relationship with Jesus...He teaches you all you need to know, you dont need a 'system' to interpret the Bible, you ask the author!

God says pride is never a virtue..he gives grace to the humble and resists the proud.

 

[complete]

Ok, but I dont agree with them, sorry.
They are confusing. its much better to ask God and let Him show you...than rely on mans reasonings. Because several bible based cults sprang out of dispensationalism, thats why.

Eg jehovahs witness, sda, christian scientist, zionism, christadelphians, to name a few.

If you already in a relationship with Jesus...He teaches you all you need to know, you dont need a 'system' to interpret the Bible, you ask the author!

God says pride is never a virtue..he gives grace to the humble and resists the proud.

Hello @Lanolin,

I can only speak from my own experience, and by taking the word of God as it stands, and letting Scripture interpret Scripture, is the only sure way of remaining true to the intention of the Author, and though there were many writers used in it's compiling, there was only One who inspired it, and that was God Himself.

I know nothing of the sects and denominations you mention, and have very little interest in dispensationalism as an 'ism: however I have every reason to be thankful for the teaching of such men as those I mentioned, who taught me how to rightly divide the Word of Truth, which is the principle of 2 Timothy 2:15.

'Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.'
(2 Tim. 2:15)

I don't know why you have mentioned 'pride', for that is not something that I have found evident in the people who have helped me, on the contrary, they have been humble servants of God, whose one object is to honour Him and His Word, and make Christ known.

Individuals of every persuasion, can err, and bring those affiliated to them into disrepute by association, but I personally know of nothing of that kind among those who apply the principles of right division, of my acquaintance.

With love in Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[cfowen]

A Dispensationalist is a person who sees that God deals with different groups of people in the Bible differently. For example, throughout the Bible, God treats Jews and Gentiles differently. The Dispensationalist studies these differences. That's it. The lists of dispensations that people compose have nothing practical to add to the study of dispenationalism, whatsoever.

 

[complete]

Dispensationalism is a means to an end only.

The 'end' being to know Christ and be found in Him.

To know God's will and purpose for this present administration, and to walk and worship in such a way as to glorify Him.

In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[cfowen]

Dispensationalism is a means to an end only.

The 'end' being to know Christ and be found in Him.

To know God's will and purpose for this present administration, and to walk and worship in such a way as to glorify Him.

In Christ Jesus
Chris

Right Division - the primary backbone of correct dispensationalism and the only way anyone will ever be able to understand the New Testament, with no exceptions!!

After 30 year of being a 100% dedicated so-called Ac28 dispensationalist, a member of the only group in the world that obeys God and rightly divides (correctly cuts) His Word of Truth, I have come to the following conclusions about 2Tim 2:15, the most important passage in the NT (excluding, of course, redemption, the works of Christ, our subsequent salvation,etc., etc.).
2Tim 2:15
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
(Strong's, tightly dividing = make a straight cut, correctly cut, or correctly dissect - Not rightly handle, handle aright. or any other of those milky, wimpy words used in the NIV, ESV, ISV, NASB, or other pitiful "modern" Bibles)

First of all, everything in Paul's 7 epistles written after Acts (Eph, Phil, Col, 1&2Tim, Titus, and Philemon) was hid in God, from humanity, in a Mystery (a secret), since the world began, and was not revealed to anyone until God revealed it directly to Paul, and then Paul first revealed it to us in Ephesians - Eph 3:3, 3:9, Col 1:26. Therefore. it is impossible that anything in those post-Acts epistles was contained in OT scripture.

Secondly, everything that Paul taught during Acts, in his 7 Acts epistles (Rom, 1&2Thess, 1&2Cor, Gal, and Heb), was based on OT scriptures - Acts 26:22 . In fact, the Acts period was all-Israel, since every saved Gentile during Acts was grafted into Israel. The only reason Gentiles were allowed into the all-Israel Acts church was to provoke Israel to jealousy, so they might repent and accept Christ. The conversion of the nation Israel was the only purpose of the Acts period. Why? Because Christ said in Mt 23:39 that He would not return until Israel accepted Him - also see Ac 3:19-21 and those verses that say John the Baptist would have been Elijah, had Israel repented. So, the gifts of the Spirit (Israel required a sign), the allowing of Gentiles into the Jewish assembly, and going to the Jew first, all had one single purpose - the conversion of the nation Israel.

Thirdly, if people would take off their Acts spectacles, park their Acts baggage at the gate, and carefully study Paul's post-Acts epistles, containing the most up-to-date revelations that Paul received from God, they would easily see the following differences. Things that are different are not the same!!!
----- In Acts, the Calling was the New Jerusalem, which is not Heaven. It comes down out of Heaven and attaches to the New Earth. After-Acts, the Calling is in the highest Heaven, where Christ sits at the right hand of God - Compare Eph 1:20 (Christ) with Eph 2:6 (Us)
----- In Acts, the resurrection hope is the Rapture. After-Acts, it is the Appearing - Titus 2:13, 2Tim 4:1,8, 1Tim 6:14, Col 3:4
----- In Acts, the Church was all Israel, since all saved Gentiles were grafted into Israel.. After-Acts, the church is essentially all Gentiles, along with a few Jews that believe in Christ
----- In Acts, the Gentiles had very few blessings and Israel had everything - Rom 9-4. After Acts, the Gentiles have every Spiritual Blessing possible, in Heaven, and Israel, as a nation, has nothing, since it is now totally blinded and hasn't existed, in God's eyes, in 1955 years - Eph 1:3, Acts 28:25-28

Rightly dividing God's Word of Truth - 2Tim 2:15 - My Humble Conclusions
1- This verse and it's companion, Phil 1:10, which tells us to test the things that differ (see Strong's), appear only in Paul's 7 post-Acts books, which were hid in God, and have nothing to do, at the present time, with Israel, nor with the other 59 books (starting with Gen 12), which are all-Israel. These 2 verses were obviously not needed in those 59 books, because all was Israel and nothing needed divided. Therefore, those 2 verses should only be used to distinguish something that suddenly changed with the writing of these 7 books. The only logical thing is that, before these 7 epistles, everything was Israel, but now, since there is no Israel, in God's eyes, everything is essentially Gentile. One doesn't have to know much to see that, from Gen 12 to Acts 10, the Gentiles received absolutely NO blessings, unless they went through God's only chosen people at the time, Israel. to get them. This changed slightly in Acts 10, when Cornelius became the first Gentile allowed in the All-Israel Acts Church, and the first Gentile grafted into Israel. However, what these Gentile Saints received during Acts was few and far between and what little they did receive was through Israel. All during Acts, Israel was the head and the Gentiles were the tail. What Israel had and the Gentiles didn't have is outlined in Rom 9:4. In that verse, we see that the Gentiles didn't have the adoption, which means they weren't Sons, and, therefore, they had no inheritance. The covenants didn't apply to the Gentiles. The Gentiles didn't have the service of God and, therefore, they couldn't preach or teach.

After Acts, everything flip-flopped. The Gentiles are now God's chosen people - Eph 1:4. We Gentiles now have everything I outlined above that Israel never had and never will have - Heaven, the Appearing, every blessing possible in Heaven, and, for the first time in History, we Gentiles are now totally on our own, with no attachment to Israel at all. In the future, we Gentiles, making up the brand new church in Heaven, which is Christ's actual body, Eph 5:30. "For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.", where Christ is the actual Head, will together be the Bridegroom, where the Church in Acts, OT saints, the 12, etc., will be the Bride. That's what I think Eph 2:13-22 and Eph 5:28-33 is all about

Nothing given to Israel, except for redemption, Christ, and salvation, was EVER given to the Gentiles. However, since many things given to Israel are similar, but not the same as those things given to Gentiles, Christianity has entirely become pick-and-choose. This can only be eliminated by correctly cutting, rightly dividing, God's word and eliminating all those things given ONLY to Israel, which Christianity has falsely stolen from Israel. This theft is only in their confused minds, though, since they will never receive these Israel-only things. The only things the Gentiles have received today, besides Christ and salvation, are those things found ONLY in Paul's post-Acts epistles. Nothing in Romans, Corinthians, Thessalonians, or Galatians. At present, there is is not any mainstream denominational church that divides God's word correctly or even attempts to. That means that none of them are approved unto God (see 2Tim 2:15) and at least 50% of what they teach about the NT is completely wrong. The mainstream denominational system, without exception, is essentially a myriad of Jewish synagogues teaching Jewish-only doctrine to unsuspecting Gentiles

2- To solve this heretical situation is simple. Start obeying God and rightly divide His Word. I'm convinced that only one straight cut through God's Word is needed to accomplish this. Since the problem is to eliminate all things given only to Israel, yet retain the things given only to us Gentiles, today, we MUST find a place in the scriptures that, after we cut it, we will find 100% Israel on one side of the cut and 100% Gentiles on the other side of the cut. We find that there is ONLY one place where this can happen - at the very end of Acts,

You must realize that I'm talking only about those things given to Israel or today's Gentile church. Besides Christ and Salvation. I know of nothing EVER given to Israel, that today's gentiles can claim. However, we must never eliminate any or those 59 Jewish books. They are infinitely valuable and we must have them all for our leaning. The point is that ONLY Paul's 7 After-Acts books are about YOU and they are the only books that apply directly TO you today, except for things like redemption, Deity, Christ's work and our salvation!!!

Here's a list I made a long time ago

You Don't Obey 2Tim 2:15 and Rightly Divide God's Word if You Believe Any of These Things

1- The Church has replaced Israel
2- The entire Bible is about us and is written directly TO us.
3- The Gospel taught by Jesus Christ takes precedent over everything else
4- The Great Commission is the marching order for the Church today
5- To be saved, we must be born again
6- The present day Church started with Christ's earthly ministry
7- The present day Church started at Pentecost, in Acts 2
8- The Church is True Israel
9- Christ's earthly ministry was to both Jews and Gentiles
10- Israel are still God's chosen people, during this 2000 year period we're now in.
11- The Kingdom of Heaven is the hope of the Church.
12- The New Covenant is in effect for the Gentile Church today
13- The Sermon on the Mount applies to us today.
14- The Lord's Prayer applies to us today.
15- The Lord's Supper applies to us today
16- Water Baptism applies to us today.
17- The Gifts of the Spirit, as given in Acts 2, are still applicable today
18- The 12 apostles witnessed daily to both Jews and Gentiles
19- The purpose of the Acts period was to build the Church
20- Today's Gentile Church will be taken up in the rapture.
21- Christ came to build a Church
22- We must obey the 10 Commandments
23- Abraham is the father of us all
24- The church today will reside in the New Jerusalem
25- The Church today is the Bride
26- We must still go to the Jew First
27- We must obey the 4 ordinances given to Gentiles in Acts 15
28- Christ could return at any moment
29- We saved Gentiles are Grafted into Israel
30- The New Jerusalem is the mother of us all.

Looking for that Blessed Hope

Chris

 

[complete]

@cfowen

Thank you.

In Christ Jesus
Our risen and glorified
Saviour, Lord and Head.
Chris

 

[cfowen]

@cfowen

Thank you.

In Christ Jesus
Our risen and glorified
Saviour, Lord and Head.
Chris

Thank you, sister Complete.

May God always bless you and your family!

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Chris