Part one – PREMILLENNIALISM OVERVIEW

THERE are some present denominations that continue to promote a distinction between the institutions of the Christian Church and the nations of Israel: Supposing that God is going to reinstate Israel at some future time.  They that hold this view, contend that the Scriptures never place the nations of Israel and the Gentiles nations under the same program.

Dr. Scofield, in his book - RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH, goes through an extensive exercise to show this distinction between the Church and Israel: He attempts to show a distinction in the blessings that each should expect.  Dr. Scofield contends that Israel's blessings are earthly, and the blessings promised to the Church are heavenly.  He uses:

Gen.12:1, Abraham was to leave his country.

Deut.8:7-9, That God would bring him into a good land.

Gen.24:34-35, Abraham was greatly blessed.

Deut.28:7, Israel had victory over all enemies.  And

Deut.28:13, Israel was head and over.

But Dr. Scofield has failed to include Scriptures like Heb.11:8-10: (By faith, Abraham, when he was called, obeyed...)  By faith (Abraham) became a sojourner in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For (Abraham) looked for the city which (has) foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God.  And Heb.11:13-16: (All these died in faith, not receiving the promise...)  But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly (country): Wherefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God; for He has prepared for them a city.  Scriptures which clearly contradict Dr. Scofield's postulation on Israel’s blessings being “earthly”.      

Dr. Scofield concludes on p.8: “Of course, it is not meant that a godly Jew did not, at death, go to heaven.  The distinction is that the incentive to godliness in his case was earthly blessings, not heavenly.” 

This is absolutely contradictory to the Scriptures.

“It should be needless to say that, in this dispensation, neither Jew nor Gentile can be saved otherwise than by the exercise of that faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, whereby both are born again.”

Here, I would add—And by the grace of our Sovereign God, and partially agree with Dr. Scofield on this point.

Those who hold this view of distinguishing between the institutions of the Church and Israel, are simply trying to view the Church through the New Testament and Israel through the Old Testament.  And what would we expect to find in the Old Testament, but a nation, Israel, initially separated from all of the other nations.  The examples they use to prove this distinction are nothing more than Old Testament facts.

Dr. Walvoord, in his book - THE RAPTURE QUESTION, defines the Premill /Pretrib system (RQ p.19):

“The premillennial system of interpretation has especially relied upon a proper (should read particular) understanding of the doctrine of the Church as a body distinct from Israel and from saints in general.  What is essential to premillennialism becomes an indispensable foundation in the study of pretribulationism.” 

“It is safe to say that pretribulationism depends upon a particular definition of the Church, and any consideration of pretribulationism which does not take this major factor into consideration will be largely beside the point.  To a large extent, premillennialism is dependent upon the definition of the Church.” (RQ pp.16 and 17)

The above serves not only to divide Israel from the Church, it also divides the Church within itself.  This teaching goes directly against the clear biblical teaching of the complete unity in the Body of Christ: Then this teaching greatly diminishes the complete work of the cross of Christ as well.

Dr. Scofield continues: “The contrast between Israel and the Church further appears in the rules given for the conduct of each: ISRAEL: When the Lord shall bring you into the land where you go to possess it, and has cast out many nations before you...  You shall strike them and utterly destroy them: You shall make no covenant with them, nor show mercy unto them. (Deut.7:1-2)   Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.” (Ex.21:24-25)

These comparative examples given by Dr. Scofield are completely inappropriate: These examples given in Ex.21:24-25 represent the punishments for transgressing the law.  God's desire for His people in the Old Testament was exactly the same as His desire is for His people in the New Testament.  Lev.19:18—You shall not take vengeance nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am Jehovah.  The change in God's program which made this policy of love your neighbor as yourself expand, was the change in God's salvation program: All nations are now included within His reconciliation.  What we see happening here, is simply God’s revealed open door policy.  It is also imperative that we see these Old Testament peoples of God in their proper context—they were God’s first established examples set forth for our understanding.

Those holding the Premillennial /Pretribulational view imply by their teaching, an incomplete work with respect to the cross of Christ. 

Dr. Scofield writes: “But the Jews would not receive their King in the form in which He was presented, meek and sitting upon an ass and they crucified Him.  But we must not conclude that the wickedness of man has baffled the deliberate purpose of God, for His counsel includes a second advent of His Son, when Messiah's earthly glory will receive the same precise and literal fulfillment as did those which concerned His earthly sufferings.”

“Dr. Walvoord writes: Israel's hope is the second advent of Christ: the coming of Christ as King and Messiah.”

There is no Scripture in the entire Bible that would even begin to suggest, that Messiah would come to Israel a second time.  We are not talking about the Second Coming of Christ, but we are talking about a Second Coming of MESSIAH.  This teaching keeps the nations of Israel blind and walking in darkness.  2Cor.3:12-16—“Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech, and are not as Moses, who put a veil upon his face, that the children of Israel should not look steadfastly on the end of that which was passing away: But their minds were hardened: For until this very day at the reading of the Old Covenant the same veil remains, it not being revealed to them that it (the Old Covenant) is done away in Christ.  But unto this day, whensoever Moses is read, a veil lies upon their heart.  But whensoever (a man shall turn) to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to them that (are perishing): In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving...”  2Cor.4:3,4

It is high time for Israel to be told the complete truth.  Their Messiah came for them nearly two thousand years ago: He came in the person of Jesus Christ.  To place the house of Israel and Judah back under the Old Covenant, dishonors the cross of Christ and does a great disservice to visible Israel and Judah: Keeping the veil upon their hearts.

Dr. Walvoord gives the Premill /Pretrib's definition of the Church age: “Generally speaking, however, those who distinguish clearly between the Church and Israel have recognized the present time as an unexpected and unpredicted parenthesis as far as the Old Testament prophecy is concerned. (RQ p.23)  The Church as the body of Christ is therefore a new entity.”

The Premill /Pretrib's consideration of the Church as a new entity, is in essence, saying—the Church age has come into existence only because of Israel's refusal to receive the Lord Jesus as their Messiah.  Because of this rebellion on the part of physical Israel, God was required to bring into existence this new organism that He called the Church.  An unexpected and unpredicted parenthesis as far as Old Testament prophecy is concerned.  It would appear, according to the Premill /Pretrib interpretation, that God was caught off guard.  The Premill /Pretrib's interpretation of the Church as a body distinct from Israel is their own speculative interpretation, and there is NO Scripture in the entire Bible that would directly support this dubious explication.

The teaching of a time for salvation after the pre-Armageddon gathering of the hidden priesthood is of major concern.  This is a doctrine that continues to be widely taught in a number of denominations.  One will find a great deal of literature in circulation from every media source espousing this fallacy.  For example, the movie video "The Day After"; or, If you find this tract after the rapture of the Church, you still have an opportunity to trust in Jesus and be saved during this time of trouble—the great tribulation.  As we have stated early on—the teaching of a time for salvation after the hidden priesthood is taken up into heaven, is basically teaching another salvation: Which is an extremely serious matter.  As the Scriptures clearly prove this teaching wrong, it must be called a most grievous error.  Again, NO SCRIPTURE FROM THE ENTIRE BIBLE CAN BE OFFERED THAT WOULD DIRECTLY SUPPORT THIS TEACHING.  IT IS TOTAL SPECULATION!!!

The Premill /Pretrib's claim to have the truth in Scripture: And they claim that their understanding comes from a literal interpretation of the Scriptures.  While the Premill /Pretrib's interpretation is impressive, with its seven dispensations, two advents, two resurrections, and five judgments, it is without the necessary basic biblical support.  The lack of solid scriptural witness for their futuristic theology, does subsequently dictate that they fabricate their own interpretation.  This fact is clearly evident by the differing views held by the various Premill /Pretrib groups. 

One example of their differing views would be the hundred and forty-four thousand saints of Rev.14.  Are they in heaven, or are they upon the earth?  Many Premill /Pretribs, but not all, believe this picture is an earthly picture.  The Mt. Zion that is pictured here in Rev.14 is most likely in heaven. These differing views would also extend to many other areas of eschatology. Their lack of agreement reveals some lack in understanding.  MILLENNIALISM IS A DOCTRINE BUILT UPON SAND!   THE PREMILL /PRETRIB DOCTRINE IS BASED COMPLETELY ON SPECULATION SUPPORTED BY SPECULATION, RESULTING IN THEIR TRUTH.  Without a second witness, how can we say "Thus says the Lord"?  2Cor.13:1 – “At the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every word be established.”  1Thes.5:21 tells us to "prove all things".  Their futuristic interpretation of Scripture requires much duplication, and therein lies the problem.  It appears their understanding dictates their interpretation, instead of their understanding being the result of their interpretation.

Part – two – PREMILLENNIAL PROOF SCRIPTURE CRITIQUE

Since some basic questions must be addressed concerning the Premill /Pretrib's scriptural teachings, I would now offer this series of obvious considerations:

[1] Their doctrine seemingly puts forth a salvation program after the close of this present dispensation of grace.

 (a) Will God deal with visible Israel again in the future—in a supposed seventh dispensation?

 (b) Will there be another time in the future for salvation?

[2] Did Jesus establish the kingdom at His first coming? Or, will the kingdom be established in the future?

[3] Did Jesus establish the New Covenant of Promise at the cross? Or, will the New Covenant be established in the future?

[4] Does the great tribulation period contain the judgments and wrath of God?  Is it defined within Revelation chapters 4 through 19?

[5] Is Satan now bound (restrained) during this dispensation of grace?

            Or, will Satan be bound (restrained) in the future?

  [1]The primary Scriptures used by the Premill /Pretribs to establish their doctrine on God’s dealings with Israel, are:

  I  Rev.20:4-6  This is the only Scripture in the entire Bible that would even suggest the doctrine of millennialism.

“And I saw thrones, and they that sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: And I saw the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as worshipped not the beast, neither his image, and received not the mark upon their foreheads and upon their hand; and they lived, and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  The rest of the dead lived ** not until the thousand years should be finished.  This is the first resurrection.  Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: Over these the second death has no power; but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”

THE ENTIRE MILLENNIUM DOCTRINE IS BASED ON THIS SINGLE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE.

By what method of Scripture interpretation can we assume that the pictures given in Rev.20:4-6 take place upon the earth and not in heaven?  Though these Scriptures do not specify the location, whether heaven or earth, the Scripture language does give us some insight.  First we see thrones, and judgment was given to those who sat upon these thrones.  We are not told precisely how many thrones are pictured here.  But, according to the Scriptures, we know about twenty-four thrones that are located in heaven (Rev.4:4).

Next we see the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and the word of God.  This Scripture clearly tells us that these souls are not living in their natural bodies, but are the departed elect priests in their soul state: And in their soul state, the departed saints lived and reigned together with God and with Christ a thousand years.  

Soul in this case, is the life force of the elect priests in their heavenly rest.  The Greek word for soul is psuche (psoo-khay), which is defined: Breath (life force), by implication—spirit.  These are in a similar state to the souls that we see under the heavenly alter in Rev.6:9.  Souls that had been “slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.”  The Greek word for slain, sphazo, is the same word used in Rev.5:5 to describe Jesus, the slain Lamb.  We are told some additional things about these Heavenly souls: “Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection, over these the second death has no power: But they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and they shall reign a thousand years.”  Many other New Testament Scriptures speak openly to us, about our actually partaking in Christ's resurrection.  Rom.6:5—“For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection...”  Jn.11:25-26—(Jesus states) “I am the resurrection, and the life: He that believes on Me, though he die, yet shall he live; and whosoever lives and believes on Me shall never die.”  Lu.20:35-36—“They that are accounted worthy to attain that world... for neither can they die anymore... they are... sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.”  And 2Tim.2:12—“If we endure, we shall also reign with Him...” 

We know by these Scriptures that we will partake in Christ's resurrection in the next world, and we have also seen that the second death no longer has any power—strongly suggesting, that these have already experienced their first death. 

(Note. Rev.21:7) “He that overcomes shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.  But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.” 

Rev.2:11b—“He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death.”

The next aspect we shall examine, is the one thousand-year reign (the millennium).  Here we are told—We shall be priests of God and of Christ, and we shall reign with Him a thousand years.  I believe that this one thousand-year reign should be defined as the interim reign of the departed elect priests.  That time of rest that we are to enjoy between our natural death and the gathering.  That same gathering when sleeping saints will be raised in incorruption (1Cor.15:51-54).  The apostle Paul writes: “Therefore we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord.  For we walk by faith, not by sight.  We are confident, yes, well pleased rather, to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” (2Cor.5:6-8).  “For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Phil.1:23).  Since we are to reign with God and with Christ, and the reign of God and Christ is eternal, we would have to place the location of this reign in heaven.  God's throne is presently in heaven, where it will remain until God moves His tabernacle down to the new earth.  Then it is only upon the new earth that God will dwell with His people. (Rev.21:3).  

It should be noted that within this scriptural picture the kingdom is missing.  We see only the souls of God's elect priests pictured here.  The kingdom is yet to be delivered up to God when Jesus gathers the hidden priesthood to Himself (1Cor.15:23-24). 

When we examine the term one thousand years, we must determine what God instructs us concerning time.  There are only two other Scriptures in the whole Bible that use this term—Ps.90:4 and 2Pe.3:8: where God plainly tells us “not to forget this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as a day.”  God seems to be telling us that His time may not be the same as our time.  That this interpretation of time is clearly in the hands of God and not ours.  BECAUSE THERE ARE NO OTHER SCRIPTURES IN THE ENTIRE BIBLE THAT WOULD GIVE US ANY ADDITIONAL INSIGHT INTO THE TERM ONE THOUSAND YEARS; OR, A SO CALLED MILLENNIUM.  WE ARE SURELY FORCED TO CONCLUDE THAT WITHIN THE CHURCH TODAY THERE IS NO SOUND BIBLICAL SUPPORT FOR EVEN TEACHING THE MILLENNIUM DOCTRINE.

As we study the Great Kingdom parables for a better understanding of God's eternal program, we are again perplexed by the complete lack of any evidence what so ever for the Premill /Pretrib's supposed millennial kingdom.  But within these parables, we can easily follow God's dealings with His chosen people—visible Israel.  We can also see pictures of the prophets, the apostles, and even God's own Son—going to the children of Israel, where they were all treated badly and killed.  We also see God, apparently making the decision to take the kingdom away from His visible people, and then giving the kingdom to a nation that would bring forth its fruit.  Pointing directly to this dispensation of God’s expanded reconciliation—where God's instructions are to go out to the partings of the highways and constrain peoples to come.  We are to give out an invitation to as many as would come.  But when the Bridegroom finally does come for His bride, and receives her to Himself, the door into the Kingdom is to be permanently shut.  There is NO SCRIPTURE in the entire Bible that would even suggest that the door into the Kingdom would ever be opened again on this side of eternity. 

I believe that this complete lack of evidence for the millennial doctrine, especially here within these Great Kingdom parables, makes the doctrine of Premillennialism /Pretribulationalism completely untenable.

These Great Kingdom parables do allow us the opportunity to glimpse the larger picture of God's eternal blueprint.  They allow us to see into the past, and into the future.  The view into the past is seen through the confirming Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments: Scriptures that tell us of the many things that have happened.  The view forward is seen in the abundance of Scriptures that contain God's eternal promises.  We are able to understand the ordering of God's eternal program, in which God openly shows us the events, past and future, as well as their sequence.

Within these many parables, our Lord was painting a word picture of the past, the present, and the future.  In the past, God did send prophet after prophet to the children of Israel: Where the children of Israel did in fact refuse to hear their message.  We also see the children of Israel treating all of God's messengers badly, and even killing them.  God sent even more of His servants to the house of Israel—starting with John the Baptist, and then even His very own Son, Jesus Christ and His disciples.  The children of Israel again treated these servants badly and killed them as well: Including His dear Son.

When the Lord became angry, He determined those who were called to be unworthy, and He gave the Kingdom to another nation that would bring forth the fruit thereof.  This is simply a process of transition.  It was necessary for God to move visible Israel out of their place of preeminence and onto a level with the Nations.  This chosen nation that God was giving the Kingdom to, was to be gathered out of every tribe, tongue, People, and nation: They were to be gathered from the good, the bad, the lame, the blind, the maimed, and the poor.  So He sent His servants out again to the partings of the highways to constrain them to come: Where the Lord told His servants to give out an invitation to as many as would respond.  This clearly represents this present age; the Church age, and has been in full effect since our Lord ascended into heaven and the passing of Pentecost.  From this gathering time: from this present dispensation of God's unfavored grace toward all peoples, these parables place all those who were chosen in attendance at the marriage feast—where they were clothed with special wedding garments.  The Lord also states this: That all of those who did not respond to God's call into the Kingdom, will not taste of this special marriage supper.  THE DOOR IS SHUT!!!  AND I REPEAT, THERE IS NO SCRIPTURE THAT WOULD EVEN SUGGEST THAT THE DOOR INTO GOD'S KINGDOM WOULD EVER BE OPENED AGAIN ON THIS SIDE OF ETERNITY. This refrain is referring to the completed development through the gathering in of God’s hidden priesthood.

-Visible Israel, as a chosen people, loose right to Kingdom-

“Therefore I say unto you, the Kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and shall be given to a nation bringing forth the fruit thereof.  The chief priests... (understood) that He spoke of them.” (Mat.21:43 and 45)     

Jesus said unto them: “(Truly) I say unto you, that the publicans and harlots go into the Kingdom of God before you.” (Mat.21:31)     

“Many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in "THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN": but the sons of the Kingdom shall be cast forth into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”  (Mat.8:11 and 12; Ref. Mal.1:11; Isa.59:19; Lu.13:28 and 29 - Sit w/prophets.)

But it is not as though Israel has been completely cast away, it is just that they have lost their favored nation status through the passing away of the First Covenant and the initiation of the Second Covenant.  Where the circumcision of the flesh did represent the sign of the first Covenant, God now openly manifests the true Kingdom seal as the Circumcision of the heart.  The Second Covenant also incorporates all nations into God's family without distinction.  God's elect child, in addition to having had their hearts Circumcised, must be identified as a Jew—hidden on the inside (Spirit).  Then these elect must also be identified as the seed of Abraham and kin to Isaac.  Thus, all the elect are received into God’s Kingdom in precisely the same way that Isaac was—according to promise.

But look once again: All of these parables given by our Lord, make no mention of another dispensation when God will again turn His attention to the visible house of Israel.  This is that speculated event that is openly taught by many denominations: Where the Lord Jesus is supposed to come back to the earth and establish the throne of David in Jerusalem—Where He is to reign for a thousand years over the nations of the earth.  Now it is most difficult here to conceive, that an event of such magnitude as that taught by the Premillennialists would NOT ONCE be described with some minute detail in these Great Kingdom parables. 

Although we can, through these instructive parables, clearly follow God's attempt to patiently deal with His first peoples Israel and also the fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies.  The obvious fact presented here, is that God's decision to give their inheritance to another nation was the natural evolution in His program of reconciliation.  The visible peoples of God had finished their initial task of being an example for us to follow: That God, through this people, has allowed us a small bit of insight into Him and His expectations.  We can now understand that God has a desire to relate to all of creation: And we also have some understanding about how that relationship is to progress.  But the clearest thing to be seen here from these teachings, is that no where in the New Testament does God even suggest that He will ever deal with the Old Covenant peoples individually again: That is, outside of His judgment.

-Dr. Scofield defines millennialism - The seventh dispensation-

“Man under the personal reign of Christ: After the purifying judgments which attend the personal return of Christ to the earth, He will reign over restored Israel and over the earth for one thousand years.  This is the period commonly called the millennium. The seat of His power will be Jerusalem, and the saints, including the saved of this dispensation of grace, the Church, will be associated with Him in His glory.” (Ref. Acts.15:14-17; Isa.2:1-4; Rev.19:11-21; Rev.20:1-6; Isa.11:) Scofield RDWT p.16

Now here is what the Premill /Pretribs are attempting to establish.

“(Israel) And behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: And the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: And He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever: And of His Kingdom there shall be no end (Lu.1:31-33).  Of these seven promises to Mary, five have already been literally fulfilled.  By what rule of interpretation are we authorized to say the remaining two will not also be fulfilled?”  Socfield RDWT p.10

II Dr. Scofield, in his book - Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth, now attempts to establish proofs for the fulfillment of Lu.1:31-33:

"Simeon has declared how God at first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name.  And with this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written; After this I will return, and build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down, and I will build again the ruins thereof, and will set it up."

This is a quote from Acts.15:14-16 /Amos.9:11, which is also an incomplete quote.  Dr. Scofield has cut this quote short to prove his theology for their supposed seventh dispensation.  When in fact, this Scripture is speaking about this present dispensation and God’s universal reconciliation. 

Let us now complete this scriptural quote so as to look at it in its completed context—

“That the residue of men (the remnant of visible Israel) may seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom My name has been called, says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old.” (Acts.15:17-18 /Amos.9:12)

The context of which is then given in Acts.15:19—“Wherefore my judgment is, that we trouble not them that from the Gentiles turn to God.”  Referring to Peter's rehearsed preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles: Acts.15:7-10; Ref. Acts chapters 10 and 11.

Dr. Scofield writes—“The purpose of God in this dispensation is declared to be, not the conversion of the world, but to gather out of the Gentiles a people for His name.  After this He will return, and then, and not before, will the world be converted. See Acts.15:14-17, Mat.24:14.”  Scofield RDWT p.25

Clearly, Acts.15 is a major support Scripture for the Premill /Pretrib theology.  But a careful reading of these passages should quickly reveal the error of the Premill /Pretrib's interpretation.  They have forced an interpretation from these verses that is completely out of context with its intended meaning.

Acts.15:1-35 exegesis: (KJII Interlinear translation)

V.1 sets the tone for the next 34 verses that follows.

(Location - The Church of Antioch.)

“And certain people going down from Judea were teaching the brethren: Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. 

Then discord and not a little discussion was occurring among them, which included Paul and Barnabas.  They chose Paul and Barnabas with a number of them, to go up to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders to consider this question.

This problem over the initiatory rite of circumcision is quite understandable.  The Church, at this point in time, was made up of only the Circumcision.  This was apparently their first encounter with saved Gentiles.

(The journey to Jerusalem.)

“Then they, being sent by the Church, passed through Phoenicia, and Samaria, telling all about the conversion of the Gentiles, which caused great joy to all the brethren.”

(Arrival at Jerusalem, and subsequent Church meeting.)

“And having arrived into Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the apostles, the elders, and the Church.  They reported all that God had done with them.

And certain men of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, rose up, saying, it is necessary to circumcise them, and command them to keep the law of Moses.  And the apostles and elders were gathered together to examine this matter.”

This portion of Scripture is given to remind us of the reason for this journey.  It also discloses the identity of the brethren who had gone to Antioch, teaching—the Gentile brethren must be circumcised to be saved.  

“After considerable discussion, (Simon) Peter rose up and said to them: Men, Brethren, you know that from the first God chose among us, that by my mouth, the Gentiles were to hear the word of the gospel, and believe.  And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, as (He) also (gave) to us.  He placed no difference between both us and them, having ** (also) CLEANSED THEIR HEARTS BY FAITH.  Now, then, why do you tempt God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?  But through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we believed and were saved, just as they.”

Peter makes some very special points in this portion of Scripture:

1) The Gentiles heard the gospel and believed.

2) The Gentiles received the Holy Spirit - The same witness as the Jews received.

3) That God placed no difference (distinction) between the Jews and the Gentiles.  [All hearts are cleansed by God's saving faith.]  [That is, God has removed all distinction in peoples.]

4) All believe and all are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

5) That the law is an impossible burden.

“And the multitude was silent, and heard Barnabas and Paul rehearse what God did: The miracles and wonders among the Gentiles through them.”

`“And after they finished, James answered, saying: Men, Brethren,

D   hear me: Simeon (that is, SIMON PETER) RECOUNTED how even as (at)

I—>first God oversaw to take a people out of the Gentiles for His name.

S   And with this agree the words of the prophets.  As it is written:

P   After these things I will return and build again the tabernacle of

E   David (which) is fallen, and will rebuild it, and I will set it up,

N   so that the rest of men (Israel's remnant) may seek the Lord, even 

S   all the nations on whom My name has been called, says the Lord, who  

A   is doing these things.  For this reason, I judge not to trouble those

T   (who) from the Gentiles (have) turned to God.  But to write to them,

I   to hold back from the pollution of idols, and (from) fornication, and

O   that (which is) strangled, and (from) blood.  For Moses, from the

N—>beginning, has proclaimed these things, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”

As an added note, this passage is in complete agreement with those congregations who publicly recite the Law (the Ten Commandments) every Sabbath.

It is clear that the prophetic agreement spoken of in this passage, is with the event that the apostle James had just made reference—it was the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles by the mouth of Simon Peter—even though the manuscript lists the name of Simeon. [Acts.15:17b - Even all the Gentiles on whom My name has been called.]   Remember, that before this point in time, the Gentiles were excluded from any relationship at all with God.  But through the fulfillment of the prophecy in Amos.9:11 and 12 by Simon Peter’s preaching, the gates of salvation have now been opened to all.  In fact, God SOVEREIGNLY ELECTED to expand His salvation program way back in the Garden of Eden.  But then even more clearly for our sakes, when He gave the Everlasting Covenant to father Abraham. "All His works are known to God from eternity."

“Then it seemed (good) to the apostles and the elders with all the Church, to send chosen men from them to Antioch, (along) with Paul and Barnabas.”

“Judas, being called Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren, having written by their hand, the following: The apostles and the elders and the brethren, to those throughout Antioch, and Syria, and Cilica: Brothers from the Gentiles, greetings. Since we heard that some of us, having gone out (from us) have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, be circumcised and keep the law: To whom we gave no commandment. It seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Paul and Barnabas; men having given up their souls on behalf of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We have Judas and Silas to witness the same.  For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to put no greater burden on you than these necessary things: To hold back from idol sacrifices, and blood, and things strangled, and fornication: From which continually keep yourselves, (and) you will do well.  Be prospered.”

(Return to Antioch, and subsequent Church meeting.)

“They (having) returned to Antioch, gathered together the multitude and delivered the letter.  The Church rejoiced in the exhortation.  The brothers and the apostles remained at Antioch a number of days, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord.” (vv.30 through 35 paraphrased)

As the Premill /Pretrib's so succinctly put it: The Church age was not clearly foretold in the Old Testament.  We can see evidence of this same attitude there in the Church at Jerusalem.  The brothers, who were of the sect of the Pharisees, were insisting that the Gentile believers be circumcised and required to keep the law.  The apostle James made his statement in order to clarify this important matter.  Simon Peter's preaching to the Gentiles, and their subsequent response to the gospel, represented the beginning of God's action to take a people out of the Gentiles for His name.  James was saying this: The prophets foretold this new action on the part of God, and that this new action on the part of God would include the Gentiles. (That the words of the prophets agree with the events Simon Peter rehearsed.)   That God would raise up this fallen tabernacle of David—On the third day, Jesus was raised up.    

Then the reason for this action is clearly stated: That the rest (remnant) of men may seek the Lord (the remnant of Israel), (in addition) to all of the Gentiles on whom My name has been called.  This expanded reconciliation that we see initiated here by God, clearly represents a new work of God.  Reconciliation to God is now available to all peoples, tribes, tongues and nations.  The fulfillment of Amos.9:11 and 12 represents another Old Testament conformation for this present dispensation of grace—the Christian era.

As an added comment, it is interesting to note that the visible peoples of Israel were not included in this exhortation from Acts.15:1-35.  It was written specifically to and for the Gentiles.

III  Dr. Scofield then moves on to Rom.11:, quoting vv. 1, 11, and 24-26:

“I say then, Hath God cast away His people?  God forbid...  Have they stumbled that they might fall?  God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.  For if you were cut out of a wild olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree; how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree.  For I would not, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, unless you should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.  And so all Israel shall be saved: As it is written: There shall come out of Sion a Deliverer, and shall turn away the ungodliness from Jacob.” (Scofield RDWT pp.10 and 11)     

One of the first thing that we clearly see in this Scripture is that the blindness predicted for Israel was not total, but was intended to be only a partial blindness.  This is also consistent with Rom.11:5 and 7.  That is, that only an elect remnant of visible Israel, according to the sovereign election of God, is to be gathered into God's invisible Kingdom.  Then this elect remnant is to be combined with the elect Gentile remnant: Which, according to the sovereign election of God, was also saved by this same grace.  Then together, they would represent the hidden priesthood; God’s mystical priestly line; the hidden Israel of God.  At first glance, these Scriptures do have the appearance of being proofs for the Premill /Pretrib's futuristic theology: That is, until we include all of the other Scriptures as well. 

Now let us examine each of these passages for context:

a. The context of v.1 is found in vv.5 and 6: “Has God cast away His people?  God forbid.  At this present time also there is A REMNANT according to the election of grace.  But if it is of grace, it is no more of works, otherwise grace is no more grace.”

b. The context of v.11 is found in v.15: “Have they stumbled that they might fall?  God forbid.  But rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles to provoke them to jealousy. 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.”                

c. The context of v.24 is found in v.23: “For if you were cut out of a wild olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree, how much more shall these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree. [Because] they also, if they continue not in unbelief, shall be grafted in.  For God is able to graft them in again.”             

d. The context of vv.25 and 26 is found in vv.28 through 32: “For I would not, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, unless you should be wise in your own conceits, that blindness in part has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, and so all Israel shall be saved.  As it is written: There shall come out of Sion a Deliverer, and shall turn away the ungodliness from Jacob.  As touching the gospel, they are enemies for your sake, but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sake.  For the gifts and the calling of God are not repented of.  For as you in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience, even so have these also now been disobedient, that by the mercy shown to you THEY ALSO MAY NOW OBTAIN MERCY.  FOR GOD HAS SHUT UP ALL UNTO DISOBEDIENCE, THAT HE MIGHT HAVE MERCY UPON ALL.”

Rom.11: is not a proof for the Premill /Pretrib's futuristic doctrine, but an absolute proof for the election by the grace of our Sovereign God.

Dr. Walvoord also defines three stages of Rom.11:

1) “Israel in the place of blessing.”

2) “Israel cut off and the Gentiles in the place of blessing.”

3) “Gentiles cut off and Israel grafted in again.”

I would suggest that #3 is not scriptural, and #2 is only half-scriptural.

The futuristic interpretation of Scripture, which is put forth by the Premill /Pretrib proponents, is without the basic support necessary for any proper understanding of the Christian era or even the end time events themselves.

We must let the Bible interpret the Bible!

“But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, that He might redeem them that were under the law (The nations of Israel; the visible Circumcision), that we (who are elected from the Nations) might receive the adoption of sons.”  (Gal.4:4 and 5)

“God purposed His will in Himself, unto a dispensation of the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth.”  (Eph.1:9 and 10) (The visible and the invisible)

IV  Dr Scofield now moves to Lu.1:31-33 as one of their proofs.

(31) “And behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.” 

(32a) “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High:”

(32b) “And the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David:”

(33) “And He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end.”

V.31 was clearly fulfilled by the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

V.32a is fulfilled in Ps.2:7; Acts.13:33; and Heb.1:5...  “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

V.32b is fulfilled in Heb.1:8: “He says to the Son, your throne, O God, is forever and ever;” and Acts.2:24-33 (paraphrase): “Of the fruit of David, God would set one upon David's throne.  David, being a prophet and foreseeing the results of this promise, spoke of the resurrection of Christ: This Jesus did God raise up, being now at the right hand of God exalted.”

V.33 is fulfilled in Heb.2:7: “We behold Him, crowned with glory and honor and You did set Him over the works of Your hands; and Heb.1:8: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Your kingdom.

  V   Dr. Scofield also uses Isa.11:11 as a proof.

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover His people...”

To support their futuristic view toward an earthly millennium in which God will again deal with His first peoples Israel, Dr. Scofield also includes Isa.11:12-

“And He shall set up a sign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcast of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.”

But for a more contextual understanding of Isa.11:11-12, Dr. Scofield should have included Isa.11:10 with the above passages—“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Root of Jesse, that stands for a sign of the people (visible Israel), unto Him shall the nations (Gentiles) seek.”  This is also a quote from Rom.15:12, showing the fulfillment of the predicted removal of the distinction between the visible Circumcision and the Uncircumcision (Rom.15:8 and 9).  All of this prophetic Scripture was fulfilled in Christ's first advent.

                 ———————————————————————-

(1)

But we need only read Isa.49:6, where God states—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 of Israel: I will also give You (Jesus) for a light to the Gentiles, that You (Jesus) may be My salvation unto the end of the earth. 

Which is verified by Isa.42:6; I Jehovah have called You (Jesus) in righteousness, and will hold Your hand, and will keep You (Jesus), and give You (Jesus) for a Covenant of the people (Israel), for a light of the Gentiles.

Now this Scripture does not intend for us to understand that Jesus is going to the Gentiles first, or instead of the nations of Israel, but at the same time.  And that fulfilled prophecy is confirmed in the entire New Testament: It is called the Christian era.  Let us call this point number (1) in our series of answers to Dr. Scofield’s postulations.

Then there are additional points along this same line that need to be examined and clarified.

(2) The present position of Jesus.

(a) Is Jesus now upon David's throne?  Or/

(b) Will Jesus establish David's throne in the future?

The answer to this important question is plainly explained to us in Acts.2:24-33a.

Acts.2:24-33a is not a prophecy to be fulfilled in the future, but is the confirmed fulfillment of the prophecy given in Ps.89:3 and 4, and 2Sam.7:12-14a:

2Sam.7:12-14a (Speaking of king David) “When your days are fulfilled, and you shall sleep with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, that shall proceed out of your bowels, and I will establish His kingdom.  He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of His kingdom FOREVER.  I will be His Father, and He shall be My Son...”

And Ps.89:3 and 4; “I have made a Covenant with My chosen, I have sworn unto David My servant: Your seed will I establish FOREVER, and build up your throne to all generations.”

The time element given in these passages is eternal [FOREVER], which strongly suggests that these Scriptures must be Messianic Scriptures.  So when we read the same prophecy in the New Testament, as being fulfilled in Jesus, we should be able to take it at face value—literally.

  It should be noted, that king David was still living when Solomon was crowned king.  (1K.1:43 - 2:10)

Acts.2:24-33a—(Speaking of Jesus), “whom God raised and loosed the pangs of death: Because it was not possible that He should be held by it.  For David said concerning Him, I beheld the Lord always before My face; for He is on My right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore My heart was glad, and My tongue rejoiced.  Moreover My flesh also shall dwell in hope: Because You will not leave My soul in Hades, neither will You let Your Holy One see corruption.  You made known unto Me the ways of life: You shall make Me full of gladness with Your countenance...” 

(Speaking of David): “The patriarch David, both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us today.”  (Now here is the precise prophecy.)  “He (David) being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath unto him, that of the fruit of his loins He would set one upon his (David's) throne.”  (Now here is the clear fulfillment): “He (the prophet David) foreseeing this, (The this here, represents the one who was of the fruit of David's loins, whom God would set upon David's throne.) (David) spoke of the resurrection of Christ, that neither was He left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.  This Jesus did God raise up, whereof we are all witnesses.  Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted...”

Ps.45:6/Heb.1:8—“Of the Son He says, Your throne O God is for ever and ever, and the sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Your kingdom.”

“For David ascended not into the heavens, but he said himself; The Lord said unto my Lord, sit on My right hand, till I make Your enemies the footstool of Your feet.” (Acts.2:34+; Ps.110:1)

-Jesus, The absolute fulfillment of God's promise to David.-

(Absolute facts revealed in these passages)

1) The incorruption of Jesus.

2) The corruption of David.

3) That David was a prophet.

4) That God's promise to David - was to set one, who was the fruit of David's loins, upon David's throne.

5) That David, foreseeing the fulfillment of God's promise to him, spoke of Christ's incorruptible resurrection.

6) That we see Jesus in His exalted position at the Fathers right hand.

7) Jesus—the God Son, is told that His throne is an eternal throne.

8) We see Jesus holding the sceptre of righteousness, which is the sceptre of His kingdom.

9) Jesus, the God Son, is called Lord.

10) Jesus is told, He will remain at the Father's right hand until all His enemies are made the footstool of His feet.

          A) Jesus is the absolute fulfillment of God's promise to David.

          B) Jesus is now in heaven, seated at God's right hand: absolutely upon David's throne.

          C) Jesus is now absolutely the reigning King: Holding the sceptre of righteousness—the sceptre of His Kingdom.

(3) What is the duration of the present reign of Jesus?  (When can He leave His throne at the Father's right hand?)

Acts.2:34b-35 / Ps.110:1—“The Lord said unto my Lord, sit on My right hand, till I make Your enemies the footstool of Your feet.” 

There can be no debate on this point: Jesus will remain at God's right hand until all His enemies are made His footstool.

(4) When will this be accomplished?  When will all the enemies of Jesus be under His feet?

1Cor.15:23-26, speaking of the gathering of the hidden priesthood to Jesus in their pre-Armageddon resurrected bodies: “But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then they that are Christ's, at His coming.  Then comes the end, when He shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father, when He shall have abolished all rule and all authority, and power.  FOR HE MUST REIGN, TILL HE HAS PUT ALL HIS ENEMIES UNDER HIS FEET.  THE LAST ENEMY THAT SHALL BE ABOLISHED IS DEATH.”

I believe this Scripture is speaking of death in the broader sense: In its entirety.   Heb.2:8—“You [God] did put all things in subjection under His [Jesus] feet.  For in that He subjected all things unto Him, He left nothing that is not subject to Him.”  [Jesus is in charge of all things, but He has not yet taken absolute charge of all things.]

The narrower sense of the abolishment of death is seen in Jesus and in those who live and believe in Jesus.  Jesus, in His resurrection, abolished death; and those who live and believe in Jesus, will not taste of death. Ref.Jn.5:25 

But the whole of death will be abolished only in the new earth: Rev.21:1—“And He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more...”  “For He (God) did subject all things under His (Jesus) feet.  But when He said, all things are put in subjection, it is evident that He is excepted, who did subject all things unto Him.  And when all things have been subjected unto Him; then shall the Son also Himself be subjected to Him, that did subject all things unto Him; that God may be all in all.” (1Cor.15:27 and 28)

This passage of Scripture tells us that when all things have been brought into subjection, or brought under the subjection of Jesus, then Jesus Himself will become subject to the Father.

[2] The establishment of the Kingdom:

          a. Did Jesus establish the Kingdom at His first advent?  Or/

b. Will the Kingdom be established in the future?

Because of their supposed millennial kingdom, the majority of the Premill /Pretrib teachings segregate the Scriptures.  They would say that some Scriptures are for Israel and not for the Church.  Such as portions of the gospels, the book of Hebrews, and any other Scripture that would be included in the kingdom message.  Because, according to the Premill /Pretribs, the Kingdom message is for the nations of Israel during the seven years of the great tribulation: The hundred and forty-four thousand from the twelve tribes of Israel (Rev.7:) will preach the Kingdom message to lost Israel.  And the Church has no present right to give out the Kingdom message.  This teaching is an absolute error.

Lu.16:16 tells us—“The law and the prophets were until John: From that time the gospel of the Kingdom of God is preached.”

Mat.4:23; 9:35; Mk.1:14; Lu.1:8; 4:43; and Acts.1:3—“Jesus preached the Kingdom of God.”

Acts.8:12 –“Philip preached the Kingdom of God.”

Acts.14:22; 19:8; 20:25; 28:23 and 31—“Paul always preached the Kingdom of God.”

What some have identified as the invisible Church, is part and partial of the hidden Kingdom that is presently being developed here on earth - the Kingdom of the Son of His love. (Col.1:13 and 14) Rev.1:6 (paraphrased)—“I John, your brother, and partaker with you in the Kingdom.” 

THE KINGDOM HAS DEFINITELY BEEN ESTABLISHED!

[3] The New Covenant of Grace - The Everlasting Covenant

a. Did Jesus establish the New Covenant of Grace at the cross?  Or/

b. Will the New Covenant be established the future?

Four points must be established to better understand the New Covenant:

1) How many Covenants are there?

We need only read Heb.10:9—“Then has He (Jesus) said, lo, I am come to do Your will (Ps.40:7 and 8).  He (Jesus) has taken away the First, that He (Jesus) may establish the Second.”  And Heb.8:7—“If the First Covenant had been faultless, then would no place had been sought for a Second.” It appears by these passages, that there are only two Covenants. A fact that is plainly confirmed in the Gal.4:22-26 allegory.

2) When and how was the Second Covenant instituted?

Heb.9:26 tells us—“But now once at the end of the ages has He (Jesus) been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”  And Mat.26:26-28—“Jesus took bread, and when He had given 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 CUP IS THE NEW COVENANT IN MY BLOOD, that which is poured out for you.”

The New Covenant was instituted at the last Passover Supper of our Lord and His disciples, and was consummated by His death upon the cross.

“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, that a death having taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the First Covenant (visible Israel), they (the Gentiles) that have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.” (Heb.9:14 and 15)

3) The New Covenant is the Second Covenant:

The New Covenant represents the conditions established by God under which He could universally deal with His creation.  (A more excellent ministry of a better Covenant).

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

Heb.8:5—“The First Covenant was but a copy and a shadow of the heavenly things.”

4) To whom was the Second Covenant given?

Heb.8:8—“(Finding fault with it) (the Old /or First Covenant), He says, Behold, the days (will) come, says the Lord, That I will make a New Covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah...” (Jer.31:31)

Heb.10:12-14—“But He (Jesus), when He had offered one sacrifice for sin forever, sat down on the right hand of God; henceforth expecting till His enemies are made the footstool of His feet.  For by one offering He has perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”

Again, Isa.49:6—Jesus, “God's salvation unto the end of the earth.”

This Second Covenant is more than a New Covenant.  It represents the reinstitution, or clear manifestation, of the Everlasting Covenant.  It was the reinstitution of the Covenant that God made with Abraham and his seed: And we like Abraham, are saved by the same grace through faith. 

This New Covenant is also the fulfillment of the Covenant of Promise: And the elect, like Isaac, are children of the promise: For the children of the promise are counted for a seed. 

The New Covenant is also the Covenant of Reconciliation: This time of the New Covenant is the dispensation of the fullness of times; to sum up all things in the heavens and upon the earth—in Christ.  And God has committed unto us (the members of the visible and the invisible Christian Church), the word of reconciliation.

In this complete work of Jesus, the Scriptures demand complete unity in the body—the body of Christ: Which is the hidden priesthood.  Jesus explains this in Jn.10:14-16—“I am the Good Shepherd, another sheep I have which are not of this fold that I will bring, they shall become one flock, one Shepherd.”  The term another sheep given here in this Scripture, is representative of all the elect believers who are saved through God's sovereign grace: All those who are in Christ.  We see, within this Scripture, that the sheep were brought in together—into the pre-existing fold of God—to become one flock.  It is also representative of the combining of the visible Jews and the Gentiles: the visible Circumcision and the Uncircumcision.  The full manifestation of God's expanded reconciliation is clearly in view.

Jn.11:52—“Not for this nation (visible Israel) only, but that He (Jesus) might gather together in one, the children of God.”  Here again, within these Scriptures, we see the promise of Isa.49:6 clearly confirmed. 

Now within the New Covenant, there can be no noticeable distinction within the hidden Israel of God.  The apostle Paul expresses this thought in Gal.6:16—“For neither is Circumcision anything, nor Uncircumcision, but a new creation [creature].  V.16[interlinear]  And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, [even] upon the Israel of God.”  Jesus removed all distinction, bringing the sheep together into one flock: For He is the one and only Shepherd.

The following Scriptures confirm this lack of distinction between the elect children of Israel and the elect Christians.  We, who are the true members of the hidden priesthood, have become the true children of God: A people for God's own possession, a holy nation, and a kingdom of priests. [Rev.1:6])

This is the same description that we find in Ex.19:3-6—

“Tell the children of Israel: If you will obey my voice indeed, and keep My Covenant, then you shall be My own possession above all the nations: For all the earth is mine.  And you shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

Which is directly confirmed to the invisible Church in 1Pe.2:9 and 10—

“But you are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may show forth the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light: Who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God...”

God has been gathering His hidden Israel together all along through time and eternity: The hidden Israel of God.

The Scriptures openly explain this mystery, which had been hidden from the foundation of the world.  It is most clearly stated for our use in Rom.9:25 and 26: a quote from Hos.2:23 and 1:10—“I will call that My people, which was not My people: And her beloved, that was not beloved.  And it shall be, that in a place where it was said unto them, You are not My people, There shall they be called sons of the Living God.” 

Rom.9:24 also explains this true universality in the corporate peoples of God—“Even us, whom He also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles...”  God's expanded salvation program encompasses all peoples. 

Rom.8:14 further explains exactly what the prerequisite is to become one of God's children—“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons (children) of God.”  We must be born of the Spirit (born again /or anew).  When God looks at one of His children, He can see no distinction: He sees only a Jew-a Jew inwardly; a person with a Circumcised heart/ inwardly; one who is part of His Holy nation; His own possession; a royal priest.  The circumcised flesh was only an outward sign for God's first peoples, but the valid Circumcision for God’s hidden priestly line has always been invisible.  That is, the invisible Circumcision of the heart has always been a prerequisite for God’s elect priestly line, and this fact was predicted even from the very beginning:

Lev.26:41—“Israel was instructed to humble their uncircumcised hearts.”

Deut.10:16—“(Israel was told): Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart.”

Deut.30:6—“Jehovah your God will circumcise your heart.”

Jer.9:26—“All the nations are Uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are Uncircumcised in heart.” And/

Jer.4:4—“Circumcise yourselves to Jehovah, and take away the foreskin of your heart, you men of Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem.”

This same principle is most clearly expressed in Rom.2:28 and 29, where we are told—“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; and Circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not of man, but of God.”  Sadly, the majority of today’s Church has not been able to recognize these simple truths.  That being a part of visible Israel, or a part of the visible Circumcision, or being an outward Jew, or being a visible Christian, has no immediate benefit in belonging to God’s hidden Kingdom.  God has manifested what may appear to the world, as a new thing.

Isa.42:9—“Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare.  Before they spring forth, I tell you of them.”

In this new creation of Gal 6:15, the children of God must become:

1. Born of the Spirit (with the invisible baptism of regeneration).

2. A Jew inwardly.

3. Circumcised with the Circumcision of the heart.

All of these conditions are internal.  When God looks at His elect children through the blood of Christ, He sees that there is absolutely no distinction whatsoever.  God’s salvation by grace through faith has absolutely no distinction nor boundary.

The apostle Paul writes in Col.2:11—“You were also Circumcised with a Circumcision not made with hands, in putting off the body of the flesh, in the Circumcision of Christ...” 

“For in Christ Jesus, neither Circumcision nor Uncircumcision avails anything.” Gal.5:6 

“For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jew or Greek, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.  (Where) there can be neither Jew nor Greek... bond nor free... male nor female; for you are one man in Christ Jesus.”  1Cor.12:13 and Gal.3:28

The Scriptures also declare in Rom.3:9—“We before laid to the charge of both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin.”

 Then v.19—“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.  For there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom.3:22b and 23)

“But it is not as though the word of God has come to nothing: For they are not all (a part of the invisible) Israel, that are of (visible) Israel: Neither because they are Abraham's seed, are they all 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)

We have seen through these past Scriptures, some added things that the child of God must become to be counted as a part of this hidden priestly line:

4. Part of the invisible Israel (the hidden Israel of God).

5. One of the invisible children of the promise (one of Abraham’s seed).

Let us now review the visible Jews and those of visible Israel, as to what their current status is within God's program of reconciliation—the New Covenant.

“Did God cast off His people?  God forbid (no)!  AT THIS PRESENT TIME ALSO THERE IS A REMNANT ACCORDING TO THE ELECTION OF GRACE.” (Rom.11:1 and 5)

“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.” (Rom.11:15)   “We are all dead in sin.” (Eph.2:1)  

Then observe how the visible and the invisible, though coexistent, are yet distinctively different:

“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive branch, was grafted in among them, and did become partaker with them.” (Rom.11:17)   “Glory not that the branches were broken off.  But say this rather, the branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.” (Rom.11:18 and 19)   “Well, because of unbelief they were broken off, and you are standing by faith.” (Rom.11:20)  “But if they continue not in unbelief, they shall be grafted in again.” (Rom.11:23)

Since the hidden priesthood is presently identified as invisible Israel (Rom.9:6-8).  And as the Scriptures that we have just covered in Rom.11: points out: That we (those elected and regenerated by God’ Spirit), have been grafted into the natural Olive Tree (not trees).  To become partakers with all of its branches; and of the Root and of its fatness.  It would appear that, as one of the engrafted branches, we are indistinguishable.  It is not as though the visible Jews and visible Israel are exempted all together from God's elect priesthood, but that the invisible saints who are being gathered in during this dispensation are made to be all alike, and included together in the hidden Kingdom of God.  There is only one Olive Tree in view, the Natural Olive Tree.  And without distinction, all the elect must be grafted in together.  We cannot emphasize these points enough.  It would appear that we, who are the members of today’s Church, have taken a very shallow approach in defining the hidden Congregation body.  We have not received the absolute identifying characteristics of the individuals within this hidden Congregation:

1) As the inner Circumcision—and only those who have a Circumcised heart are acceptable to God.

2) As an inner Jew—which is only the Jew who is a Jew inwardly.

3) As part of the hidden Israel: A part of the hidden Israel of God.

4) As part of the Olive Tree—the one and only Olive Tree—Israel's Olive Tree—JESUS; and

5) Finally, like Isaac, the child of God must become one of the children of promise.

Additional revelation is given in the extended promise that God made to Abraham and his seed:

Gal.3:29—“We are Abraham's seed, heirs according to the promise.”

Gal.3:7—“We who are of faith, are sons of Abraham.”

Gal.3:16—“The promise made to Abraham, is extended to us through Jesus.

Gal.4:22-26 (An allegory)—“For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the hand maid, and one by the freewoman.  How is it that the son of the handmaid is born after the flesh; but the son of the freewoman is born through promise.  Which things contain an allegory: For these two women are two covenants:

One from Mt.Sinia, bearing children unto bondage, which is Hagar. 

Now this Hagar is Mt.Sinia in Arabia, and answers to (the visible) Jerusalem that now is: For she is in bondage with her children. 

But the (invisible) Jerusalem that is above is free, which is our mother.”

The two covenants spoken of in this allegory, appear to be representative of the component parts of Abraham’s covenants with God.  The Old visible Covenant, the law, was indeed a covenant of bondage: “For through the law came the knowledge of sin” (Rom.3:20b).  “It (the Law) was weak and unprofitable, for the law made nothing perfect” (Heb.7:18 and 19).

But the New Covenant is intended to manifest and explain the invisible Covenant of Promise that was to be perpetuated only in the line of Isaac.

Now within this allegory, as a conformation of the complexities within Abraham’s Covenants with God, we also see two Jerusalem’s being pictured.  The visible Earthly Jerusalem—which is in eternal bondage with her children, and the invisible Heavenly Jerusalem—which is free.  These examples reflect the Supernatural aspects of the Everlasting Covenant that are being demonstrated within the New Covenant—within this final dispensation of grace.

Sadly, we saw in Dr. Scofield's definition of their seventh dispensation, that their seat of power was to be located in the visible Earthly Jerusalem.  We must certainly know that this is not even a possibility, when we receive the Scriptures at their face value—literally.

The method and place of worship for God's people is explained in detail in Jn.4:21b-24—“The hour is coming, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall you worship the Father.  You worship that which you know not: we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews.  But the hour is coming, AND NOW IS, when the true worshipper will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth...”

It is plainly shown in these Scriptures, that the Old Covenant (the law) and the Earthly Jerusalem have no preeminence at all in the New Covenant and in the Covenant of Promise.  Though they continue to be visible types for our benefit.

“For not through the law was the promise to Abraham or 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.”    

“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, the 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 Gentiles), as though they were.  Who in hope believed against hope, to the end that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, So shall your seed be.” (Rom.4:13-18)

It is evident by Rom.4:14—“For if they that are of the law are heirs, that faith is made void, and the promise becomes ineffective”: That salvation has come unto the world by grace through the faith of the One Man, Jesus Christ.  And those who were under the Old Covenant—the law, cannot automatically be heirs in God’s hidden Kingdom, unless God’s elective sovereignty should become void.  Then the Old Covenant for visible Israel and the New Covenant for the Christian Church are necessary contiguous parts of the whole. We are never instructed to look forward to a future time when the Old Covenant will be reinstated here on earth.  We are instructed that today is the day for salvation: And that salvation, according to promise, is received by grace alone through the saving faith of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is because of this absolute need for us to understand the universal character of this dispensation of grace, that I again present this portion of Scripture.  It is when we carefully study Ephesians, that we soon discover God's divine plan for all men.  This all also includes the Hebrews, Jews, etc.: Inasmuch as the promise is to Israel—the hidden Israel of God.  Remember—

Eph.2:1-3 “describes how we Gentiles lived in the world, in sin, under the dominion of the prince of the power of the air.” (lost)

Eph.2:4-10 “shows God's exceeding riches of grace and mercy toward us in Christ Jesus, through His gift of faith unto salvation.” (Tit.3:4)

Vv.11 and 12 “calls to remembrance, how we Gentiles, who are called Uncircumcision, by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands.  How at that time, we (Gentiles) were separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the Covenants of Promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.”

Special note should be given to the thrust of the last portion of this Scripture.  Once again, by reminding us of what we did not have, as God’s elect, it is actually pointing out the things that we now presently possess:

1. We now have a relationship with Jesus.

2. We are now citizens in the commonwealth of Israel.

3. We are now partakers of the Covenants of Promise.

4. We now have hope.   And/

5. We now have God as our heavenly Father.

“But now in Christ Jesus we (Gentiles) that once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ” (v.13).

Jesus is our access and our relationship. 

“For He (Jesus) is our peace, who made both (Jews and Gentiles) one, and broke down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandment contained in ordinances; that He (Jesus) might create in Himself of the two (the visible Circumcision and the Uncircumcision) one new man, so making peace...” (vv.14-15)

Here, within these Scriptures, God has clearly declared the absolute unity in the body of Christ:

6. He made both Jews and Gentiles one.

7. He abolished the ordinances that established the separation. (Ref. Heb.7:18 and 19)

8. Christ the Creator—created in His body (from the two—the visible Circumcision and the Uncircumcision) ONE NEW MAN—the hidden Kingdom of God.

“And might reconcile them both (Jews and Gentiles) in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And He came and preached peace unto (us 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.” (vv. 16 through 18)

Additional evidence for the complete unity in the body of Christ:

9. Jews and Gentiles are reconciled in one body unto God.

10. Conformation that the separation between Jews and Gentiles has been eternally removed.

11. The same peace preached to both Jews and Gentiles.

12. Access to God is given to Jews and Gentiles through Jesus in one Spirit.

“So then we (Gentiles) are no longer strangers and sojourners, but we (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 Cornerstone: In whom each several building, fitly framed together, grows into a Holy Temple in the Lord; in whom we (Gentiles) also are built together (with the Jews) for a habitation of God in the Spirit.” (vv.19 through 22)

More proofs for the complete unity of the Jews and the Gentiles:

13. We have become fellow-citizens.

14. We are now of the household of God.

15. We are part of the Holy Temple in the Lord.

16. The Jews and the Gentiles are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

Paul then describes his ministry to the Gentiles in Eph.3:1-5;

“And, that by revelation, these mysteries were made known to him, which in other generations was not made known, but now it has been revealed by the Holy Spirit. V.6; to witness, that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs, fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel...”

17. The uniting of the Jews and Gentiles was a mystery that was hidden in other generations.

18. The mystery revealed in chapter two was given to Paul by revelation from the Holy Spirit.

19. The revelation of chapter three is like an exclamation mark on chapter two.

The Gentiles are:

a. Fellow-heirs!

b. Fellow-members of the body!  And/

c. Fellow-partakers of the promise!

All in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Now within God's hidden Kingdom, there is now, and forever, only one:

As we saw in Jn.10:14-16—“One flock and one Shepherd.”

Rom.11—“One Root and one Olive Tree.”

And Heb.12:23—“One general assembly and Church of the Firstborn. (Who are enrolled in heaven.)”

But what Paul is actually explaining here, is a detailed description of the hidden Congregation of God-the hidden Israel of God. So let us understand that the Kingdom of God, where ethnicity and gender have absolutely no evident consequence, is in fact the hidden Israel of God: where all of its constituents are identified as being a Jew and a part of the Circumcision.

UNITY defined (Webster's)

The state of being one, oneness, singleness, Something considered complete in itself. The quality of being one in spirit, sentiment, and purpose.

[4] Another major stumbling block in the Premill /Pretrib doctrine is their interpretation of the Great Tribulation and which Scriptures apply to this event.

In a study of Dr. Walvoord's book, The Rapture Question, it become evident to the reader that there is little ground for agreement between the Pre-tribs and the Post-tribs.  The reason for this condition comes from the interpretation of the Scriptures:

(1) Which Scriptures define the Great Tribulation? 

(2) Will the Church be required to go through the Great Tribulation?

The Post-tribs believe the Church will go through the Great Tribulation and are accused by the Pre-tribs of spiritualizing the Scriptures.  While the Pre-tribs believe the Church will be ruptured (caught away) before the Great Tribulation.

The basic problem lies completely in the interpretation of the Scriptures.  If we cannot agree on which Scriptures apply to the Great Tribulation, we will never be able to come to any reasonable agreement.

EVALUATION: The Pre-tribs have combined the judgments and wrath of God (Revelation chapters 4 through 19) into a single period which they call "The Great Tribulation period".  And the Post-trib’s view is yet unclear.  But no matter what we call this period of God's eternal program: The Great Tribulation, or the judgments and wrath of God, I do not believe that either the Pre-tribs nor the Post-tribs believe that any of the elect saints of God will go through these events. (That is, specifically, the judgments and the wrath of God.  For a more detailed analysis, see also the Chapter VI “THE GREAT TRIBULATION” commentary of this study.)

[5] The time of the binding of Satan is another point of disagreement between the Pre-tribs and the Post-tribs.

The pre-tribs believe Satan will be bound at the end of the Great Tribulation: Just before their supposed seventh dispensation (Rev.20: millennium), and the Post-tribs believe Satan is already bound. (I think.)

Because of the Scriptures, I have personally come to the conclusion that Satan is presently bound during this dispensation of God’s grace-this Year of Jehovah’s Favor.  Our Lord gave us clear insight into this matter in Mat.12:25-29/Lu.11:17-23/Mk.3:27 –“And knowing their thoughts He said unto them, every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: If Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself, how then shall his kingdom stand?  And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out?  Consequently they shall be your judges.  Therefore if I (Jesus) by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then is THE KINGDOM OF GOD COME UPON YOU.  Or how can One (Jesus) enter into the house of the strong man (Satan), and spoil his goods, except He (Jesus) first bind the strong man (Satan)?  And then He (Jesus) will spoil his (Satan's) house.”

1Jn.3:8—“Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.”

Heb.2:14—“Jesus brought the devil to nothing.”

Col.2:15—“Jesus spoiled principalities and powers.”

Col.2:10—“Jesus is the Head of all principalities and powers.”

Rev.17:8—“The beast that you saw once was AND NOW IS NOT, and is about to come up out of the abyss.” (paraphrased)

For added detail here, see also the Chapter II commentary of this study.