THE establishment of God’s Covenants with Abraham is also central to this study: And we must also answer the same question—When was /or is the Covenant established?  I also believe that the Covenant and the Kingdom are synonymous in the grand scheme of God's eternal program.

 

-The Everlasting Covenant preface-

To understand what the Church represents in this dispensation of grace, it is necessary that we now understand Abraham's relationship with God and what that relationship established.  The Scriptures tell us that Abraham believed God and it was accounted unto him for righteousness. (Gen.15:6 /Rom.4:3), which is precisely the same basic qualifications required for the present day Christian: It is entirely by grace through faith, just as it has always been—a free gift from God. 

Through Abraham's relationship with God, the Church received the Everlasting Covenant; the Covenant of Grace.  Which was the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham—In your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. (Gen.12:3; 17:4; 22:18; 26:4). 

It is also confirmed in Gal.3:8 and 1Cor.2:7-10, that the Church age is in fact the prophetic fulfillment of this same promise to Abraham: The Scriptures foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham, saying, in you shall all the nations be blessed.  A mystery that has been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory. (We of the Church.)

 

Now those who would argue this point—that the church age was not foretold in the Old Testament, need go no further than these revealing Scriptures.  The ultimate justification of the Gentiles, in culmination with God’s reconciliation of the world, was the original reason for establishing the Everlasting Covenant. 

Gal.3:16-18 tells us that the Old Covenant—the law, came four hundred and thirty years after the Covenant that God made with Abraham: The Everlasting Covenant with both its visible and its invisible component parts.  That is, the Everlasting Covenant with its visible component that is seen in the visible Circumcised Flesh Covenant /or the Covenant of Bondage. Ref.Gal.4  And then, the Everlasting Covenant with its invisible component that is seen in the invisible Covenant of Promise. 

Finally, we must also understand that the Old Covenant in its visible character, does not annul, so as to make the promise of no effect.  That is, that both the visible characteristics of the Covenant and the invisible characteristics of the Covenant must always be kept in an active state—as they are always coexistent within God’s Covenants with Abraham.

 

The Scriptures further tell us that Abraham received only the visible sign of Circumcision as his initiation.  Which was always pointing to the invisible Circumcision of the heart—which was the invisible seal of the righteousness of the faith that he (Abraham) had while he was still in Uncircumcision.  That he (Abraham) might be the father of all them that believe: Though they be in Uncircumcision, that righteousness might be accounted unto them. (Rom.4:11) 

 

To the end, that the promise may be sure to all the seed: Not to that only which is of the law (visible Israel), but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (Jews and non-Jews alike). (Rom.4:16) 

 

Now it was not written for Abraham's sake alone, that it was accounted unto him, but for our sake (we of the Church) also, unto whom it shall be accounted. (Rom.4:23 and 24) 

 

Now we (who are members of Christ’s invisible holy priesthood) brethren, as Isaac was, are children of the promise. (Gal.4:28)

 

And if you are Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed, heirs according to the promise. (Gal.3:29)

 

And we of the Church have strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us: Which we have as an anchor of our soul.  A hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil.  (Heb.6:18,19)

 

Lu.1:67-73—“Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, and has raised up a Horn of Salvation for us in the house of His servant David, as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, to perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His Holy Covenant, the oath which He swore to our father Abraham.”

                                                                  -Amen-  

 

 

*-THE COVENANT OF GRACE /with THE COVENANT OF PROMISE - Is established-

“I will establish My Covenant between Me and you (Abraham) and your seed after you, throughout their generations for an Everlasting Covenant.” (Gen.17:7)

     

“You shall call his name Isaac and I will establish with him My Everlasting Covenant.” (Gen.17:19)

     

“The Covenant which He made with Abraham, and the oath unto Isaac, and confirmed the same unto Jacob for a statute, to Israel for an Everlasting Covenant.” (Ps.105:9 and 10)

     

“In your (Abraham's) seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.”  (Gen.22:18; 12:3; 17:4; 26:4; Acts.3:25; and Rom.4:17a)

     

“The Scriptures foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham, saying: In you shall all the nations be blessed.” (Gal.3:8)

     

“That upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus.” (Gal.3:14a)

 

God’s establishment of the Covenant of Grace in its origin was never intended to be limited to the visible nations of Israel only, but its initial intent was to be all inclusive.  All of the nations of the earth were to be included in its benefits.  Because of the foresight of the Scriptures—in that, God had always planned to extend His hand of salvation to the Gentiles, He preached the good news unto Abraham: In your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.

 

It is Rom.4:1 - 5:2 that gives us a detailed explanation of law and grace, and clearly tells us that Abraham received the Everlasting Covenant on the basis of grace alone: His faith was counted for righteousness.  To show this absolute, God points to the fact that Abraham was also a Gentile when he first received the grace of the Covenant.  He was in Uncircumcision, so he could be the father of the Uncircumcision.  And then he subsequently received  ** the sign of Circumcision: [Special note: Physical Circumcision, besides being the God commanded visible initiatory rite for Israel’s belonging to the Everlasting Covenant, has always been an external example of an internal condition that God had established as the seal for His invisible Covenant of Promise: The physical or visible expression of a Spiritual or invisible condition.]  [In Abraham, all nations shall be blessed.]  God has gone to great length to make sure we understand how the Everlasting Covenant was given and who its heirs were to be.  He makes a direct statement: It did not come through the law, but was given through faith. Consequently, because of Christ’s propitiatory work upon the cross, God’s grace can now flow out to whomever God wills.

     

“What then shall we say that Abraham our forefather has found according to the flesh?  For if Abraham was justified by works, he has the glory but not toward God.”     

“For what do the Scriptures say?  And Abraham believed God and it was accounted unto him for righteousness. 

Now to him that works, the reward is not accounted as of grace but as of debt.  But to him that works not but believes on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.”

 

“Even David also pronounced blessing upon the man unto whom God accounts righteousness apart from works.  Saying: Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not account sin.”

 

God has always dealt with His creation on the basis of His GRACE, GRACE, WONDERFUL GRACE.  But to understand the breadth and the depth of God’s grace is another matter altogether. It would seem that its all-encompassing vastness escapes us all.

   

“Is this blessing then pronounced upon the Circumcision, or upon the Uncircumcision also?  For we say, to Abraham his faith was accounted for righteousness.”

“How then was it accounted?  When he was in Circumcision or in Uncircumcision?  Not in Circumcision but in Uncircumcision.  And he then ** received THE SIGN OF CIRCUMCISION, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in Uncircumcision: That he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be in Uncircumcision, that righteousness might be accounted unto them, and the father of the Circumcision to them who not only are the Circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham which he had in Uncircumcision.”

** Physical Circumcision was only THE SIGN OF THE SEAL OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.  That is, the visible Circumcision was only the symbolic rite (THE SIGN) that God had instituted strictly for the benefit of our understanding.  At the same time, the Circumcision of the heart has always been God's dispositional SEAL—which, through His regenerative power, has been applied to the invisible parts of all of His kingdom priests throughout both the Old and New Testament dispensations. 

The invisible Circumcision of the heart has always been the only legitimate initiatory rite for the Covenant of Promise.  To clarify this point, God places a second requirement on those of the physical Circumcision who occupy this invisible station: That they must also walk in the faith of Abraham.

   

“For not through the law was the promise to Abraham or to his seed that he should be heir of the world, but through the righteousness of faith.  For if they that are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made ineffective.  For the law works wrath, but where there is no law, neither is there transgression.”

We see why the law is necessary; The law exposes transgression.  And we also see that the law is wholly subordinate to any and all of God's promises.

   

“For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the seed:  Not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.”  (Jews and non-Jews alike.)

All distinction in the Covenant of Grace is eternally removed as God facilitates His universal reconciliation. 

“As it is written: A father of many nations have I made you... Before him whom he believed, even God, (1) who gives life to the dead, and (2) calls the things that are not, as though they were.  Who in hope believed against hope, to the end, that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken: So shall your seed be.”

 

(1)  The invisible elect children of Israel, who were dead in sin, have life. 

(2) We who are the invisible elect, who, before Christ, were not—are now, as if we always were, a part of God's family.  From the beginning, Abraham's seed was to come from every nation.  This would be inclusive of both God’s visible dispositions and God’s invisible dispositions.

 

“And without being weakened in faith, he considered his own body now as good as dead, he being about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb:”

These might seem like insurmountable obstacles to us.

          “Yet, looking unto the promise of God, he wavered not through unbelief, but became strong through faith, giving glory to God and being fully assured, that what He had promised, He was able also to perform. Wherefore also it was accounted unto him for righteousness.”

Here, God has given us an example of faith: The faith He desires we exercise.  A faith that strengthens the inner man.

   

“Now it (the Everlasting Covenant) was not written for his (Abraham's) sake alone that it was accounted unto him, but for our sake (we of the Church) also, unto whom it shall be accounted: Who believe on Him that raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up for our trespasses, and was raised for our justification.  Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we (of the Church) have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand: And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” (Rom.4:1 - 5:2)

   

“Now we brethren, as Isaac was, are children of the promise.  And if you are Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed, heirs according to the promise.” (Gal.4:28 and 3:29)

 

The invisible elect members of the Church are:

1. At peace with God, standing in His grace.

2. Children of the promise.       and/

3. Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise.

   

“I say that Christ has been made a minister of the Circumcision for the truth of God: That He might confirm the promises given to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy.  As it is written: Therefore, will I give praise unto You among the nations, and sing unto Your name; Rejoice, you nations with His people.  Praise the Lord, all you nations, and let all peoples praise Him.  Isaiah (also) says: There shall be a Root of Jesse, and He that arises to rule over the nations, on Him shall the nations hope.” (Rom.15:8-12; ref:2Sam.22:50; Ps.18:40;117:1; Isa.11:10)

 

**When the Scriptures say, “As it is written”—they are pointing to a prophetic conformation or fulfillment of an Old Testament prediction.

              Isa.42:1 /Mat.12:18—“Behold My servant (Jesus), whom I uphold, My Chosen, in whom My soul delights: I have put My Spirit upon Him (Jesus), He (Jesus) will bring forth justice to the nations.”

Within all of these Scriptures, we have seen God making His Covenant with Abraham and his seed.  It is very clear that God, at that early time, fully intended to include the Nations (the Gentiles) into His Covenant as well. [Not exclusive, but all inclusive.]     

[Remember] “For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end, that the promise may be sure to all the seed. Not to that only which is of the law (visible Israel), but to that Also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (Jews and non-Jews alike). As it is written: A father of many nations have I made you.  Before him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead (visible Israel), and calls the things that are not (the Nations; the Gentiles) as if they were.  Who in hope believed against hope, to the end, that he might be the father of many nations.”

 

*-JESUS, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD-    

“Yes, He says, it is too light a thing that You (Jesus) should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved (the remnant) of Israel; I will also give You (Jesus) for a light to the Gentiles, that You may be My salvation unto the end of the earth.” (Isa.49:6) 

And then we see this Scripture from Isaiah confirmed in Acts.13:47—“I have set You (Jesus) for a light of the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation unto the uttermost part of the earth.”   

“Jehovah says this: In an acceptable time have I answered You (Jesus), in a day of salvation have I helped You, and I will preserve You, and give You for a Covenant of the people.” (Isa.49:8a)

And 2Cor.6:2 tells us that “today is the day of salvation”.

“I Jehovah have called You (Jesus) in righteousness, and will hold Your hand, and will keep You, and give You for a Covenant of the people (visible Israel), for a Light of the Gentiles.” (Isa.42:6; Ref. Lu.2:32)

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a Great Light, they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them has the Light shined.” (Isa.9:2; Ref. Mat.4:16; Lu.1:79)

Jesus spoke unto them, saying, “I am the light of the world.” (Jn.8:12)

 

The Second Covenant is simply an extension of the Abrahamic Covenant.  It is by grace through faith, and that according to promise: Which is exactly the same as Abraham received in Gen.17:1-27.  This Covenant of Grace is completely adequate for all: Not only that which is of the law (those who are a part of visible Israel), but also that which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (all those who come to God from the Nations). 

We who are the elect, just as Isaac was, are children of promise: As were all those who were chosen from visible Israel as well.  But the law was added because of transgression.  For through the law comes the knowledge of sin.  So then, the law has become our tutor, to bring all to Christ.  The law was but a copy and a shadow of the heavenly things.  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, in sending His own Son, condemned sin in the flesh. 

We know that sin is not imputed when there is no law.  And we also know that the law made nothing perfect through the offerings they offered.  Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but through the faith of Jesus Christ. His obedient act in going to the cross completely satisfied the sin debit that God had demanded from all creation. 

 

*-JESUS ESTABLISHED THE NEW COVENANT-    

Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the Great Shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an Eternal Covenant, our Lord Jesus.” (Heb.13:20)

(Everlasting and eternal are the exact same word.)

   

“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish unto God?  And for this cause He is the Mediator of a New Covenant.” (Heb.9:14 and 15a)

(Mediator = Reconciler; go between; a propitiation.)

   

“But now He has obtained a ministry the more excellent, by so much as He (Jesus) is the Mediator of a better Covenant.” (Heb.8:6)

   

“But He (Jesus), when He had offered one sacrifice for sin forever, sat down on the right hand of God.” (Heb.10:12)  (Jesus, the Eternal Sacrifice.)

   

“Through His own blood, He (Christ) entered in once for all into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Heb.9:12)

 

Jesus, “the Mediator of a New Covenant.” (Heb.12:24)

 

Jesus, “the surety of a better Covenant.” (Heb.7:22)

 

Jesus established the New Covenant at His last Passover supper.  Then consummated at the cross, and activated at Pentecost.    

“He (Jesus) took bread, and when He gave thanks, He broke it, and gave it to them (the disciples), saying: This is My body which is given for you, this do in remembrance of Me.  And THE CUP in like manner after supper, saying: THIS IS THE NEW COVENANT IN MY BLOOD, that which is poured out for you.” (Mat.26:26-28/Mk.14:22-24/Lu.22:19,20)

This New Covenant celebration is also confirmed to the Church in 1Cor.11:23-26—“For I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said: This is My body which is for you, do this in remembrance of Me.  In like manner also the cup, after supper, saying: THIS CUP IS THE NEW COVENANT IN MY BLOOD, this do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.  For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.     Amen.” 

 

*-THE NEW COVENANT MANIFESTS THE COVENANT OF GRACE-

The Old Covenant and New Covenant are both extensions of the Everlasting Covenant that God made with Abraham and his seed.  Only God's Covenant with the nations of Israel, the provisions of the law given through Moses, was, in a very limited sense, set aside.

 

“For when God made (the) promise to Abraham, since He could swear by none greater, He swore by Himself, saying: Surely, blessing, I will bless you, and multiplying, I will multiply you.  And thus, having patiently endured, he (Abraham) obtained the promise.  Wherein, God, being minded to show more abundantly unto THE HEIRS OF THE PROMISE the immutability of His counsel, interposed with an oath: that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, WE (WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE INVISIBLE PRIESTHOOD AND JOINT HEIRS OF THE PROMISE) MAY HAVE STRONG ENCOURAGEMENT, WHO HAVE FLED FOR REFUGE TO LAY HOLD OF THE HOPE SET BEFORE US.” (Heb.6:13-15,17 and 18)

Here again, we see the prophetic Church in full view when God was making His promise to father Abraham.  God's desire was to show us, the true members of the invisible priesthood; the true members of His hidden congregation, the unchanging nature of His counsel.  That we, the members of the invisible Priesthood and the heirs of the promise, may have strong encouragement in this hope that is set before us.

   

“Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed.  He did not say: And to seeds, as of many, but as of One: And to your seed, which is Christ.  A Covenant confirmed beforehand by God, the law (the Old Covenant), which came four hundred and thirty years after, (the Covenant made with Abraham), does not annul, so as to make the promise (the Covenant of Promise made to Isaac) of no effect. For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise.  But God granted it to Abraham by promise.” (Gal.3:16-18)

 

The grace of the Everlasting Covenant must have complete preeminence over the law. 

(Again)—“For not through the law was the promise to Abraham, but through the righteousness of faith.  For if they that are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made ineffective.” (Rom.4:13 and 14)

          “By the works of the law, shall no flesh be justified in His sight.” (Rom.3:20a; Ref. Gal.2:16; 3:11; and Ps.143:2)

This New Covenant (Testament) has been in full effect ever since our Lord introduced it at His last Passover supper.  The New Testament is God's instructions for this final dispensation: The dispensation of God's unfavored grace toward all peoples.  God has opened wide the door of salvation to all the nations of the entire earth: The fulfillment of His covenant promise to Abraham.  All in Christ

 

“Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.  Is the law than against the promise of God?  God forbid!  For if there had been a law given which could make alive, truly, righteousness would have been of the law.  But the Scriptures shut up all things under sin, that the promise by the faith of Jesus Christ might be given to (all) them that believe.” (Gal.3:20-22) (Jews and Gentiles alike.)

 

There is no law that can make alive.  The law reveals sin.  [a] The law condemns.  [b] Grace forgives.   

 

*-THE EVERLASTING COVENANT IS CONFIRMED TO THE CHURCH-

“Even us, whom He also called.  Not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles.  As He said in Hosea: I will call them My people who were not My people, and her beloved, who was not beloved. And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said unto them: You are not My people, there will they be called (children) of the Living God.” (Rom.9:24-26; Ref. Hos.2:23 and 1:10)

 

(Remember, it is) “God who gives life to (those) dead (in their trespasses), and calls the things that are not (as from a wild olive tree) as though they were.” (Ref. Rom.4:17)

 

“For God has shut up all (Jews and non-Jews) unto disobedience, that He might have mercy upon all (Jews and non-Jews alike).” (Rom.11:32)

 

(For you of the Nations) “who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God.” (1Pe.2:10)

 

Through the law, the entire world is brought under God's judgment.  But through the propitiation of our Lord Jesus Christ, the entire world is brought under God's grace.

   

“This is the Covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law on their hearts, and upon their minds also will I write them.  Then He says: And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” (Heb.10:16,17/Jer.31:33)

 

“The Holy Spirit bears witness.” (Heb.10:15)

   

“That a death having taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the First Covenant (VISIBLE ISRAEL); and they (THOSE OF THE NATIONS) that have been called, may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance (Everlasting life).” (Heb.9:15b)

   

“And this is the everlasting life, that they should know You, the only True God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (Jn.17:3)

 

*-COVENANT OF RECONCILIATION-

God, within the Old Covenant, was dealing only with a select group of people—the visible nations of Israel: Guiding them and establishing them as examples for us today.  God, knowing that our nature is earthly, instructs us because His purpose for us is Spiritual and heavenly. 

Jesus, according to promise, came into the world as the fulfillment of God's contract with our father Abraham. 

This Second Covenant must be also seen as a Covenant of Reconciliation: Which is clearly evident when we literally take the Scriptures at their face value.  It explains to us that God’s entire universal reconciliation is facilitated through God’s free and unmerited grace through Christ’s full atonement upon the cross.

   

“You did He make alive, when you were dead through your trespasses and sins, wherein you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience; among whom we also once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest: But God, being rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (For by grace have you been saved), and raised us up with Him, and made us to sit in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus:” (Eph.2:1-6)

   

“Wherefore remember, that once you Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands; that you were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the Covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”

Here we (that is, we Gentiles) are told about our old failed estate:

1. We were separated from Christ. 

2. We did not have a share in the commonwealth of Israel. 

3. We did not have the Covenants of Promise.  

4. We were without hope.  And/

5. We were in this lost world without God.

 

“But now in Christ Jesus, you (Gentiles) that once were far off are made (to be) near in the blood of Christ.  For He is our peace, who made both (Jews and Gentiles) one, and broke down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the (antagonism), even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that He might create in Himself of the two (of the Circumcision and the Uncircumcision) one new man, so making peace; and reconciling them both (Jews and Gentiles) in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the (antagonism) thereby: and He came and preached peace to you (Gentiles) that were far off, and peace to them (Jews) that were near: for through Him we both (Jews and Gentiles) have our access in one Spirit unto the Father.”        

    

“So then you (Gentiles) are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you (Gentiles) are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the Chief Corner-stone: In whom each several building, fitly framed together, grows into a Holy Temple in the Lord; in whom you (Gentiles) also are built together (with the Jews) for a habitation of God in the Spirit.” (Eph.2:11-22)

 

“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you Gentiles,—if you have heard of this dispensation of that grace of God which was given me to you-ward; how that by revelation this mystery was made known unto me, as I wrote before in few words, whereby, when you read, you can perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ; which in other generations was not made known unto the sons of men, as it has now been revealed unto his Holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to know, that the Gentiles are Fellow-heirs, fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel...” (Eph.3:1-6)

 

It is difficult to understand how some in the Church, in the face of such clear revelation, continue trying to divide Israel from the Church.  Institutionally, the visible Christian Church, like visible Israel, has been made a permanent part of God's corporate family: Out of which, God continues to secretly gather together His invisible priestly line.  Not in addition to, but part of, the hidden Israel of God.  [They are joint-heirs!]

   

“Remember, it is God who is making known unto us the mystery of His will according to His own good pleasure: Which He purposed in Himself unto a dispensation of the fullness of times.  That He might sum up all things in Christ: The things upon the earth, and the things in the heavens. (Ref. Eph.1:9 and 10)

The word "fullness" that is used here, has the implication of complete; end; expire; completion. [Greek-pleroma] 

Sum up = Bring together into one.

 

Important facts found here in Ephesians:

1. Jesus made both Jews and Gentiles one.

  a. He broke down the wall of separation.

  b. He abolished in His flesh, the antagonism.

  c. He abolished the ordinances of separation.

2. He created in Himself, of the Jews and Gentiles, one new man.

3. He reconciled both Jews and Gentiles in one body unto God.

4. Jesus preached peace to both Jews and Gentiles.

5. Both Jews and Gentiles have access to the Father through Jesus.

6. Jesus made the elect Gentiles fellow-citizens with the saints.

7. The Holy Spirit witnesses that the elect Gentiles are:

  a. Fellow-heirs.

  b. Fellow-members of the body.

  c. Fellow-partakers of the promise.

8. The elect Jews and elect Gentiles are built together for a habitation of God.

9. The Church age is the dispensation of the fullness of times.

10. All things are summed up in Christ:

  a. The things upon the earth.

  b. The things which are in heaven. 

All of these truths have been hidden in mystery through time eternal, but they have now been revealed through God’s holy apostles and prophets to the Church of Jesus Christ.  Let us now receive them exactly as they were given.  These Scriptures do not allow for any division within the invisible congregation or the hidden Israel of God. 

Once again, the invisible elect priesthood that one will find hidden within the Christian institution is not separate from or in addition to God's hidden Israel, but joint participants in the commonwealth of Israel—The Israel of God.

   

“(Look again)—That (Jesus) might create in Himself of the two (Jews and non-Jews), one new man, so making peace; and might reconcile them both (Jews and Gentiles) in one body unto God through the cross...”

   

“For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved in His life...  We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” (Rom.5:10,11)

   

“For it was the good pleasure of God that in Jesus should all the fullness dwell, and through Him, to reconcile all things unto Himself, having made peace through the blood of the cross.  I say, whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens.  And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind and in your evil works, yet now has He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreprovable before Him.” (Col.1:19-22)

   

“But we ourselves rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have now received the reconciliation.”

 

*-THE OLD COVENANT (THE LAW): WHY THE LAW WAS NECESSARY-  

“The law was added because of transgression.” (Gal.3:19)

 

“If I had not come and spoken unto them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse (cloak) for their sins.” (Jn.15:22)

 

“Sin is not imputed when there is no law.” (Rom.5:13)

 

(Because) “through the law comes the knowledge of sin.” (Rom.3:20b)

 

“The law came that the trespass might abound.” (Rom.5:20a)

 

“The law works wrath, but where there is no law, neither is there transgression.” (Rom.4:15)

 

“Now we know that what things soever the law says, it speaks to them that are under the law, that every mouth may be silenced, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God.” (Rom.3:19)

 

*-WHY THE SECOND COVENANT WAS NECESSARY-

“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.” (Rom.8:3)

 

“For there is an annulling of the foregoing commandments because of its weakness and unprofitableness.” (For the law made nothing perfect.) (Heb.7:18 and 19a)

 

“(For) the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, not the very image of the things, can never with the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, make perfect them that draw near.” (Heb.10:1)

 

“According to that which is offered both gifts and sacrifices that cannot, as touching the conscience, make the worshipper perfect.” (Heb.9:9)

 

Some in the Church postulate the reinstitution of the Old Covenant during a supposed millennial reign of Christ.  This interpretation is nothing more than futuristic speculation.  The Old Covenant (the law) was done away because of its weakness and unprofitableness.  The Old Covenant was principally a copy of the heavenly things.  Some of the things we may find in the eternal kingdom. 

 

*-ONLY TWO COVENANTS: LAW AND GRACE-

“For if the First Covenant had been faultless, then would no place have been sought for a Second.” (Heb.8:7)

 

“Then has He (Jesus) said, lo, I am come to do Your will.  He (Jesus) takes away the First, that He (Jesus) may establish the Second.” (Heb.10:9)

 

“(Visible) Israel's minds were hardened, for until this very day, at the reading of the Old Covenant, the same veil remains, it not being revealed unto them, that it (the Old Covenant Law) is done away in Christ.” (2Cor.3:14; Ref.Rom.11:8-10; Mat.13:13-15; Acts.28:25-28; 1Pe.1:10-12; Isa.6:9, 10)

 

“(In finding fault with the First Covenant), He said: Behold, the day is coming says the Lord, that I will make a New Covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.  Not according to the Covenant I made with their fathers in the day that I took them out of the land of Egypt.  For they continued not in My Covenant.” (Heb.8:8 and 9/ Jer.31:31 and 32)

 

We can clearly see the two Covenants in the two major divisions of the Bible: The Old Covenant was the Covenant of the Law—the Covenant of Bondage, and the New Covenant is indeed the manifestation of the Covenant of Grace—the covenant of freedom.  Covenant and Testament are the same Greek words. (Ref.Gal.4:22-26)

 

*-THE NEW COVENANT WAS GIVEN TO ISRAEL FIRST-

This section is inserted because of the Premill /Pretrib’s forced interpretation of Acts.15:14-16.  They imply by their futuristic interpretation, that God first visited the Gentiles.  This speculation is absolutely wrong!  The gospel [the WORD] went to the Jews [visible Israel] first.

   

“Unto you first, God, having raised up His Servant (Jesus), sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.” (Acts.3:26)

 

   

“It was necessary that the word of God should first be spoken to you: Seeing that you thrust it (away), and judge yourselves unworthy to eternal life.  Lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” (Acts.13:46)

 

“Salvation is from the Jews.” (Jn.4:22)

 

“(Jesus' instructions to the disciples): These twelve Jesus sent forth, and charged them, saying: Go not into any way of the Gentiles, and enter not into any city of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Mat.10:5 and 6)

 

 

“Jesus was sent to the lost sheep of Israel.” (Mat.15:24)

 

“They therefore that were scattered abroad upon the tribulation that arose about Stephen, traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none except only to Jews.” (Acts.11:19)

 

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes, to the Jews first, and also to the Greeks (and Gentiles).” (Rom.1:16)

 

  *-ALL DISTINCTION BETWEEN JEWS, GENTILES, GREEKS, BARBARIANS, THE VISIBLE CIRCUMCISION, THE UNCIRCUMCISION, AND VISIBLE ISRAEL, IS ETERNALLY REMOVED-

“(Now) there is no distinction, for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom.3:22 and 23)

 

“Charge both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin.  There is none righteous.” (Rom.3:9)

 

“The Scriptures (have) shut up all things under sin, that the promise by the faith of Jesus Christ might be given to (all) them that believe.” (Gal.3:22)

 

“(For) there cannot be Greek and Jew, Circumcision and Uncircumcision, bond or free, but Christ is all, and in all.” (Col.3:11)

 

“There is no distinction between Jews and Greeks, for the same Lord is Lord of all.” (Rom.10:12)

 

“For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jew or Greek, whether bond or free.” (1Cor.12:13)

 

“God is the God of the Jews and the Gentiles.”(Rom.3:29)

 

Those in the Church who promote this distinction between the Jews, the Gentiles /or Israel, and the Church, will agree—that within the Church, all distinction has been removed.  But they would also say this—that when this dispensation comes to an end, the distinction which they promote will again be evident.  This condition is necessary in their theology because of their speculated seventh dispensation: A speculation that we should see as completely baseless and without any real Scriptural fact at all.

 

TO BECOME PART OF GOD'S ELECT PRIESTLY LINE:

 

*-YOU MUST BECOME AN JEW INWARDLY /INISIBLE-

“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that Circumcision which is outward in the flesh, but HE IS A JEW WHO IS ONE INWARDLY.”

 

*-YOU MUST BECOME PART OF THE INWARD CIRCUMCISION /INVISIBLE-

“And CIRCUMCISION IS THAT OF THE HEART, in the Spirit, not in the letter.” (Rom.2:28 and 29)

 

As we observe the inward /or invisible, “Circumcision is nothing and Uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.”  (1Cor.7:19)

 

“You were also Circumcised with a Circumcision not made with hands, in putting off the body of the flesh, in the Circumcision of Christ.” (Col.2:11)

 

“FOR WE ARE THE CIRCUMCISION, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” (Phil.3:3;  Ref. Lev.26:41; Deut.30:6; Jer.4:4; and 9:26)

 

*-YOU MUST BECOME PART OF THE HIDDEN INVISIBLE ISRAEL-

“The word of God has not come to nothing.  For they are not all (invisible) Israel that are of (visible) Israel. Neither, because they are Abraham's (visible) seed are they all (invisible) children. But in Isaac shall your seed be called.  That is, it is not the (visible) children of the flesh that are the children of God, but the (invisible) children of the promise are counted for a seed.” (Rom.9:6-8; 11:25-32 [Ref. Gal.6:16—The Israel of God])

 

*-YOU MUST BECOME PART OF ISRAEL'S OLIVE TREE-

“I say then, did Israel stumble that they might fall?  God forbid! But by their fall, salvation has come unto the Gentiles to provoke them to jealousy.  Now if their fall is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the Gentiles, how much more their fullness? For if the casting away of them is the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? And if the Firstfruit is holy, so is the lump: and if the Root is holy, so are the branches.  But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being wild olive (branches), were grafted in AMONG THEM, and did become partakers WITH THEM of the Root and the fatness of the Olive Tree...” (Rom.11:11, 12, and 15-17)

Here, we see only one Olive Tree in view—the Natural Tree.  And we see the Gentiles being described as wild olive branches that are being grafted in among the natural branches; which obviously represents invisible Israel /or The hidden Israel of God.

 

“You will say then, the branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.  Well, because of their unbelief (because of their lack of faith) they were broken off, and you are standing by faith.  Be not high minded, but fear.  For if God spared not the natural branches, neither will He spare you. Behold then the goodness and severity of God.  Toward them that fell severity, but toward you, God's goodness, if you continue in His goodness, otherwise you also shall be cut out.  And they (visible Israel) also, if they continue not in unbelief, shall be grafted in. For God is able to graft them in again.  Into their own Olive Tree.” (Rom.11:19-24)

We must conclude by these Scriptures, that we are all as broken branches, whether Jew or Gentile: And to become a part of God’s holy priesthood, we must all be grafted into the one and only Olive Tree; Israel's Olive Tree; the Natural Olive Tree, Jesus.  We must also understand that this is defining just the construct of the hidden Israel of God.

 

*-THE NEW COVENANT CHURCH IS A NEW WORK OF GOD- 

“The mystery of Christ was hidden in other generations, but now has been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets.”  (To His saints) (The mystery is Christ in you.) (Col.1:26, Ref. Eph.3:25)

 

Isa.42:6 speaks of Jesus—Where Jehovah gives Jesus for a Covenant of the people and for a Light unto the Gentiles.  v.9 speaks of these things: “Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: Before they spring forth, I tell you of them.”

 

Gal.6:15 calls it “a new creation”, speaking about the combining the visible Circumcision and the Uncircumcision as equals in their new existence.

 

Eph.2:15 speaks of the same unity in the body, and calls it “one new man created in Christ Jesus.”  As this is also confirmed in Eph.4:22-24, and Col.3:10 and 11.

 

1Cor.5:7 calls those of the body “a new lump, even as we are unleavened.”

“Wherefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation.  Old things are passed away, behold, they are become new.  But all things are of God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation: That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not accounting unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” (2Cor.5:17-20)

 

          aaron-We find that there is much opposition to the true Church in the world today.  Many denominations disregard the commands of God in order to promote their own theological understandings.  This, my brothers and sisters, is to our shame.  Through these many Scriptures, the Lord has spoken to us concerning our love of God and our love of the brethren.  But there can never be true unity in the body of Christ, the Church, so long as we continue to disagree about the identification of God's children: The nations of Israel; the Jews; the saints in the Church?  Does God make distinction between His children?  We know those in the Church who would make that distinction between Israel and the Church: Supposing that God will deal with Israel in a future time, and in different ways.  And we also know, that if we look at Israel through just the Old Testament, there is little doubt in the conclusions we would reach.  We will see peoples chosen by God and separated from all of the other nations.  But when we receive the New Testament literally, this distinction and separation completely disappears from God's program of reconciliation.

 

The New Covenant established by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is the consummation of God's Covenant promises to Abraham.  Jesus is that promised salvation and reconciliation.  Brethren, unity in the body of Christ, the Church, is not optional, it is a command of God!  A salvation that is enacted on better promises.

 

Then the elect priest of God that are hidden within the Christian Church, must become an inclusive part of God's historic family. 

1. They must become a Jew on the inside, because this invisible Jew is the only Jew that God will accept into the invisible Covenant of Promise. 

2. They must become a part of the invisible Israel, and only the invisible children of the promise are counted for a seed; part of the hidden Israel of God. 

3. They must also become a part of the invisible Circumcision, part of the Circumcision not made with hands—the Circumcision of the heart. 

4. And they must become a part of the Natural Olive Tree. 

With these facts in view, how can we ever distinguish between the invisible priests within the Christian Church and invisible priests within Israel? 

We cannot divide or sever that continuous hereditary thread that has, from creation to eternity, always been hidden in God! That is, that hidden hereditary thread that represents the true congregation of God that is made-up of only Jews, the Circumcision, and Israel.

 

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, even them that believe on His name.  Who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (Jn.1:12 and 13; Ref. Phil.2:15; and 1Jn.3:1 and 2)

 

This need to distinguish between the Church and Israel is the result of a larger problem: The inability to accept the Scriptures at their face value.  As we establish our interpretation of the Scriptures, we must never allow our understanding to dictate that interpretation.  This condition is evident in the theology of those who futurize eschatology.  The teaching of a future enactment of the New Covenant with national Israel’s return to God’s favor, is without any factual New Testament support.  Dr. Scofield should have given more adherence to his own advice: “Never use a doubtful or obscure passage to contradict a clear and positive one.” 

 

-THE TWO COVENANTS-

(Extensions of the Everlasting Covenant)

    OLD                                            NEW      (Covenants/Testaments)

    First Covenant                          Second Covenant

    Visible/Invisible Israel              Church/Invisible Israel

    Visible/Invisible Jew                 Church/Invisible Jew

    Visible/Invisible Circumcision    Church/Invisible  

                                                    Circumcision

(Ex.19:5,6)                       (1Pe.2:9,10)

    God's own possession                 God's own possession

    A holy nation                          A holy nation

    A kingdom of priests                A kingdom of priests

    Part of the Olive Tree              Part of the Olive Tree

    Natural olive branches         Natural/Wild olive branches

    The household of God                 "         "

    Children of promise                    "         "

    Fellow-citizens                           "         "

    Sons of Abraham                         "         "

    Members of the body                   "         "

    Sheep                                      Sheep/Another sheep

    Fellow heirs                                "         "

    Children of God                           "         "

                                                             -Amen-