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Showing posts with label covenant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label covenant. Show all posts

Rightly Dividing the Gospels: Why Jesus Came to Israel Alone

Rightly Dividing the Gospels: Why Jesus Came to Israel Alone

When Jesus sent forth the twelve, His words were unmistakably narrow in scope: “Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:5–6). Later, when pressed by the Canaanite woman, He declared with equal clarity, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). These statements are not incidental, nor are they to be softened by modern assumptions. They reveal the covenantal order of God’s plan, for Christ’s earthly ministry was directed exclusively to Israel. He came to confirm the promises made to the fathers, to fulfil the words of the prophets, and to call His people to repentance so that they might become the light through which the nations would be blessed.

The prophets had long foretold this order. Jeremiah 31:31 records God’s promise: “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah.” The New Covenant was not made with Gentiles, but with Israel and Judah alone. Likewise, Isaiah 49:6 speaks of the Servant who would first raise up the tribes of Jacob and then be given “for a light to the Gentiles.” The divine pattern was always Israel first, then the nations through Israel’s rise. This is why Jesus confined His earthly mission to His own people, for only in this way could the Scriptures be fulfilled and the covenant promises confirmed.

Yet the story does not end there. John tells us, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:11). Israel rejected her Messiah, and in that rejection the prophetic program was interrupted. Paul explains in Romans 11:7–8 that “Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.” In this blinding of Israel, God revealed a mystery hidden from ages past: that through the death and resurrection of Christ, salvation would now go directly to the Gentiles, apart from Israel’s covenants, through the preaching of Paul. To him was committed “the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24), a message of justification by faith alone, whereby Jew and Gentile are united in one new body outside of the prophetic program. As Paul declares in Romans 11:13, “I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.”

Thus, by right division we see the wisdom of God. Jesus’ earthly ministry was to Israel alone, in fulfilment of prophecy, but Israel’s rejection opened the door for the Gentiles to be saved by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ.



The Difference Between Covenant and Testament


The Difference Between Covenant and Testament

The Bible is a story of God's relationship with humanity, presented through two major frameworks: covenants and testaments. These frameworks reveal how God has interacted with His people at different times in history and highlight His unfolding plan of redemption. To properly understand the Bible, it is essential to distinguish between the Old Covenant, the New Covenant, and the New Testament. This article will clarify their differences, timings, and significance, while addressing how we as believers ought to understand and apply scripture in the right context.

The Old Covenant: Israel’s Conditional Agreement Under the Law

The Old Covenant was a formal agreement established between God and Israel, made at Mount Sinai, where God gave His Law and instructions to Moses for the nation. This covenant was conditional, meaning that the blessings God promised—such as material prosperity, land inheritance, and protection—depended on Israel's obedience to His commandments. The Old Covenant emphasized external compliance to a legal code and served as a way to teach humanity about God’s holiness and the sinfulness of mankind.

The blessings of the Old Covenant were tied to obedience, as outlined in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. These blessings included abundant crops, military success, and God's direct presence among the people. However, failure to obey led to curses, as described in Deuteronomy 28:15-68, which highlighted the consequences of turning away from God. The sacrificial system was central to the Old Covenant, as the blood of animals temporarily atoned for sin, providing a means for Israel to maintain fellowship with God.

OBS: ACTS - The Transition (Part 5 - Insights into the New Covenant)

OBS:
ACTS, The Transition
(Part 5)

The focus is not so much on studying Acts, as it is on using the book to teach us about dispensation truths.

Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

See the video lesson of this study here.

Insights into the New Covenant

OBS: ACTS - The Transition (Part 4 - To the Jews First)

OBS:
ACTS, The Transition
(Part 4)

The focus is not so much on studying Acts, as it is on using the book to teach us about dispensation truths.

Acts 1:4 ... And, being assembled together with them, [He] commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. ...

See the video lesson of this study here.

All Jews had to be saved first!

The Faith Stream

The Faith Stream

Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to ALL the seed.

OBS: God's Word is a Progressive Plan (Part.3)

OBS: God's Word is a Progressive Plan (Part.3)


This is Part 3 of the Series


The huge gap between Jews and Gentiles

During the Old Testament and the Gospels, there was a HUGE gap (or difference) between the Jews and the Gentiles. The reason for this gap was not because the Jews were discriminatory but because it was God's command and part of His plan. God had a purpose for Israel and this we see very clearly if we look into the Bible from a 'big picture' or 'cover to cover' viewpoint.

Our Destination is Different from O.T. and Gospel Saints

Our Destination is Different from O.T. and Gospel Saints



Have you ever noticed that Old Testament and Gospel saints were NOT PROMISED HEAVEN as a destination? Instead they were promised an everlasting kingdom on earth. As a matter of fact, these saints never even had a concept of "going to heaven" when they died. The reason is because all through the Old Testament and prophecy it was spoken of a glorious new earthly kingdom; one which would be restored and refreshed as it was before.