Taking Jesus Seriously: All Nations
February 25th, 2013 by Matt Elton
A Witness Unto All Nations
Matthew 24:14 – And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
There are about 200 nations in the world today, and there are Christians in every one of these nations. But Jesus was not talking about today’s political entities, nor was he talking about the kingdoms of his day, most of which no longer exist.
The Greek word for nations in this verse is ethnesin, derived from ethne, which is the root of the English word “ethnic.†This word means more than simply “nations†in the political sense. It refers to ethnic and cultural groups – groups of people who share a distinct ethnicity, language, and/or culture. Anthropologists simply call these groups “people groups.â€
Anthropologists estimate there are 11,000 distinct people groups in the world today. If we define a people group as “reached with the gospel” if just 2% or more of its individuals have heard the gospel message, missionaries estimate that 6,000 different people groups are currently unreached.
We don’t know exactly how closely the ethne groups that Jesus spoke of match the people groups defined by modern anthropology. But in light of Matthew 24:14, the fact that the end of the age has not yet come seems to suggest that not every ethne has been reached with the gospel message yet.
No one knows when Jesus will return, but according to Matthew 24:14, he will not return until ethne – every people group – has been reached with the gospel message. This is not surprising when we consider the character of God, who takes “no pleasure in the death of him that dieth†(Ezekiel 18:32) but “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth†(1 Timothy 2:4 NASB). For the sake of those who have not yet heard the gospel, God is holding back the coming wrath for a little while so they will have a chance to hear the gospel and repent before it is too late (2 Peter 3:9).
It has always been God’s plan to reach every people group in the world with the gospel message, and bring people of every ethnicity, nationality, language, and culture into his Kingdom. This is such an essential part of God’s plan of salvation that the end of the age will not come until every people group has been reached (Matthew 24:14).
The Great Commission
Jesus commands us to reach every people group in The Great Commission:
Matthew 28:19 – Go ye therefore, and teach all nations (ethne), baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost
Why does God want us to reach “all nations†with the gospel message? Because God’s plan for salvation extends to all people of the earth. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ paid the price for all sins of all people for all time. At the moment he died, the Temple veil was suddenly torn (Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45). This veil divided the inner courts – which were for Jews only – from the outer courts the Gentiles were relegated to. The tearing of the Temple veil symbolically destroyed all division between Jew and Gentile, and by extension, it tore down all racial, class, and gender divisions.
Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.â€
This is very unusual for a religious faith. Most religions are proudly rooted in a specific culture – for example, Hinduism is deeply rooted in India and Shintoism in Japan. As a result, these mono-cultural religions rarely gain any ground outside of their native culture. But Christianity is a truly global faith not tied down to any one specific culture or country. There are Christians in the big cities of China who worship quite differently than Christians in a rural African village. Nevertheless, both are Christians by faith in Jesus Christ, both are on equal footing before the Lord, and both will be our brothers and sisters for eternity in the Kingdom of God. Through obedience to the lordship of Jesus Christ, disciples in all parts of the world are carrying out Christ’s redemptive work in the world today.
It has always been God’s plan to redeem not just some cultures but ALL cultures into His Kingdom for his glory. Our Heavenly Father is the God of diversity – proof of this is clearly manifested in the vast diversity of his Creation!
Why aren’t we reaching all people groups with the gospel?
It’s not because of a lack of resources. If all of the churches of the world devoted just a portion of their resources to global outreach, there would be more than enough resources available to reach every people group in the world with the gospel message.
But according to some estimates, the average church spends just 2% of its resources on foreign missions. The problem is not a lack of resources, but a lack of willpower. American churches spend millions of dollars promoting Christianity in a country that already has dozens of churches in every town and city. Meanwhile, there are 6,000 unreached people groups in the world, and over a billion people who have never even heard the name of Jesus.
- In Africa, millions of people influenced by animism live in spiritual bondage, trying to appease spirits through witchcraft.
- In India, millions of people influenced by Hinduism worship many gods and goddesses without knowing the Name of the one true God.
- In the Middle East, North Africa, and Indonesia, millions of people influenced by Islam are taught that the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was a mere illusion that never actually happened.
- In countries influenced by communism such as China, Vietnam, Cuba, North Korea, and the former Soviet Union, millions of people are indoctrinated with an atheistic worldview that leaves no room for the existence of God.
- In Europe and North America, millions of people influenced by secular humanism trust in their own self-sufficiency, in science, technology, and human reasoning, and think that the modern world has no need for God.
Satan’s Policy of Containment
Each culture in the world faces its own unique challenges for evangelism. We are engaged in a spiritual war, but Christ has already guaranteed us the victory. Regardless of the circumstances, when Christians led by the Holy Spirit step out in faith to do the work Christ has called them to do, there is nothing that can stop them. Even the worst persecution ultimately results in the message spreading further and faster. Satan knows that he is not powerful enough to stop the gospel message from spreading. So Satan is desperate. Satan can’t stop the gospel from moving, but he can at least distract us from moving it into new territory.
Perhaps Satan is satisfied with a policy of containment. As long as the gospel message stays within areas already saturated with Christianity, the unreached nations will remain unreached, and the end of the age will not come. Satan knows that once every people group has been reached with the gospel, this present evil age will come to an end. And for Satan, the end of the age means the end of his existence. He is fighting this tooth and nail.
I’m certainly not suggesting that it is wrong to witness to people from our own culture, in our own local communities. Jesus commands us to preach the gospel to all nations, and that includes our own nation! Evangelism must begin wherever we are currently planted. It must begin there, but it must not end there.
Churches should act counter-culturally and cross-culturally to intentionally reach unreached people groups with the gospel message. There are a myriad of ways to go about doing this. But the first step is to recognize that it needs to be done.
What can we do to reach those who have never heard of Christ?
Wonderful,thank you for sharing the word that inspirers all who read to acts,Love gw
Matt,
you mention above
do you realize that with this logic there could never be the return of Christ, seeing that with every second somewhere on earth another person in some ethnic group will be born who has not heard the gospel and will need to hear the gospel message ? It will continue and continue and continue to be so … or are you saying that at some time God will first stop people from having children so that perhaps there can come a point in time where “all men” will have had an opportunity to hear the gospel?
In addition, we know from a few passages in the apostle Paul’s epistles that he considered toward the end of his life that the gospel had by then been preached in all the world (cp. Col 1:6 — “Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:”) and to every creature under heaven (cp Col 1:23 — “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;”) … or do you think Paul was in error when he wrote those statements?
Matt
a short further note on another passage from your post
even with all their promotion spending, there are quite many people who seem to be quite aliented from God in “hometown” as well … I remember some statistics being mentioned here by Sean about the Albany area …
It also seems that American churches do spend quite some sums in “foreign mission programs”, and have done so over many decades, but to what avail?
Could it be that Mt 28:19 is not about what modern day Christian churches try to interpret into it? Could it be that there are a few things more fundamentally inaccurate with interpretations using modern day perspectives and modern day words usages and definitions when interpreting passages such as Mt 24:14 or Mt 28:19 (or any other passage in the Bible)?
Wolfgang
Why does Paul feel there is more people to preach the gospel?
1:27 God wanted to make known to them the glorious 47 riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 1:28 We proclaim him by instructing 48 and teaching 49 all people 50 with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature 51 in Christ. 1:29 Toward this goal 52 I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully 53 works in me.
4:2 Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. 4:3 At the same time pray 1 for us too, that 2 God may open a door for the message 3 so that we may proclaim 4 the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 5 4:4 Pray that I may make it known as I should.
… “the whole world has gone after him” Did all the world go after
Christ? “then went all Judea, and were baptized of him in Jordan.”
Was all Judea, or all Jerusalem, baptized in Jordan? “Ye are of God,
little children”, and the whole world lieth in the wicked one”. Does
the whole world there mean everybody?
Jas
i suppose because there are people also after the time when the gospel had been preached to all the world to whom the gospel needs to be preached
The following illustration is sort of weak, but perhaps it can help illustrate a particular point:
In football the teams start out into the season in the fall and I can make a statement that after the playoff games there will be the Superbowl game to determine the championship. In other words, once the playoff games have been played, the Superbowl game will be played. However, does that mean that there won’t be anymore football games? No. There will still be football games after the Superbowl, BUT the Superbowl will be after the playoff games are played. So then, my claim that after the playoff games will be the Superbowl will have been fulfilled when the Superbowl has arrived and is played. But that does not mean that there won’t be more football games afterwards (in the case of football, in the next season, etc …)
I think the error concerning the gospel into all the world which people often make is in how they picture this by assuming that there will be a point when the gospel has been preached to all the world and then will be sort of the final whistle blow and there will be no more people to whom to preach the gospel, perhaps no more people living on earth, since all “bad guys” will have been done away with and from that time on there will only be “good guys” (who no longer need the gospel preached) left on earth ….
Jas (5)
you point out a very important point in regards to arrive at a correct interpretation of the Scriptures when it comes to understanding the word “all”.
“All” quite obviously — as is seen from the examples you provide — does not always mean “all without exception”.
Thus, when Jesus spoke about the gospel being preached to all nations, as well as when Paul mentions that this had been accomplished, one must keep in mind (a) the time at which the statements were made, (b) that they were not speaking about “every person on the globe”, (c) that they were not speaking about there being no preaching of the gospel after the gospel had been preached to all the world
Wolfgang
The difference between Jesus’ words and Paul’s is Jesus said the end would come and Paul states it hasnt been preached to the whole world in later verses.
Otherwords It Is Finished in the words of Jesus and Not even close in the words of Paul.
Evidently this is one of those statements of Paul Peter warned us about.
Wolfgang
Yes i do see the flaw in Matts assumption because he relates it to the start of Millennium Kingdom without regard to the fact that those who enter it will be priest to the nations. If put in proper place at end the flaw in Matts assumption disappear and the words of Jesus “the end would come”makes perfect sense
Matthew,
you have written:
“This veil divided the inner courts – which were for Jews only – from the outer courts the Gentiles were relegated to. The tearing of the Temple veil symbolically destroyed all division between Jew and Gentile, and by extension, it tore down all racial, class, and gender divisions.”
This is absolutely false!
Are you learning these things from your new pastor?
Do you really know what this means:
John 14: (kjv)
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
And this:
Hebrews 6:20
20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Timothy
Matt
the above post by Timothy caught me attention to go back to what you had written:
this statement is inaccurate … it was not the temple which was torn, it was the veil inside the sanctuary, dividing the main part of the sanctuary from the holy of holies section into which during the OT age only the high priest had access once a year.
This is an inaccurate application made on an inaccurate premise (see above). In addition, it reflects again what I mentioned in an earlier comment, that you seem to make modern day applications which are unfounded and somewhat unrelated to the biblical text which should be interpreted in light of not only its textual context but also its historical context.
Matthew,
Add this and take a keen eye look:
http://possessthevision.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/tabernacle-diagram2.jpg
Timothy
The tearing of the Temple veil was a physical manifestation of a spiritual truth – that through his atoning sacrifice on the cross Jesus Christ our great High Priest made it possible for anyone to enter into the presence of God symbolized by the Holy of Holies. Prior to this time, only the Jewish high priest could enter, and even he could only enter one time per year. The tearing of the Temple veil absolutely tore down the division between Jew and Gentile because it symbolizes that ANYONE – regardless of race, class, or gender – can now enter into the presence of God through faith in Jesus Christ and what he accomplished for us on the cross. The tearing of the Temple veil symbolizes that anyone in the world can have a direct relationship with God through Jesus Christ because Jesus bridged the gap between God and man when he paid for our sins upon the cross.
This is why the author of Hebrews was able to write, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). While previously only the high priest could enter the presence of God – and only once per year – now anyone in the world with faith in Jesus Christ has that same authority to enter the Holy of Holies, even down to the lowliest of executed criminals, to whom Jesus said, “you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). This absolutely tears down all racial, class, and gender barriers because it means that ALL believers are on equal footing before the throne of grace because of what Jesus accomplished for us.
Is this a “modern day application”? I find that laughable considering I am only saying what the Apostle Paul himself said almost two thousand years ago, when he wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28) and “there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him” (Romans 10:12). The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is for all people and for all time, so that in the end, the four beasts and twenty-four elders will fall before the Lamb and proclaim, “Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:9-10).
I stand boldly on what the Word of God says and not upon the interpretation of any man or the opinion of any so-called “pastor.”
Matt,
do you think you were in error in your article with your writing about the temple was rent? do you think what was pointed out to you about the veil in the temple not being between the inner and outer courts of the temple was correct? If so … why do you not admit it?
Instead you write a comment about something again (that all, whether Jew or Gentile) which was not the point of the veil in the temple. The veil had nothing to do with a difference between Jew and Gentile …
I appreciate your note about taking personal responsibility for your interpretation … unfortunately among many Christians, people are used to hide behind “the interpretation / opinion of their pastor or their teacher”.
I made a error about the location of the veil, and for that I apologize. I can appreciate you pointing out this technical error, but my interpretation of the meaning of the veil tearing is still accurate.
The main meaning of the tearing of the Temple veil is that the finished work of Christ enables anyone to enter the presence of God (the Holy of Holies), which was previously restricted because of sin separating us from God.
The extension of this meaning is that “anyone” includes Gentiles as well as Jews, as well as all people of the world regardless of their background. This would have been an extremely radical idea for a first century Jew.
This is not just my interpretation, but many Bible commentators. For Matthew 27:51, Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible says: “This rending of the veil was emblematical, and pointed out that the separation between Jews and Gentiles was now abolished, and that the privilege of the high priest was now communicated to all mankind: All might henceforth have access to the throne of grace, through the one great atonement and mediator, the Lord Jesus. See this beautifully illustrated in Hebrews 10:19-22.”
And John Wesley wrote, “God thereby signifying the speedy removal of the veil of the Jewish ceremonies the casting down the partition wall, so that the Jews and Gentiles were now admitted to equal privileges, and the opening a way through the veil of his flesh for all believers into the most holy place.”
Hi Matt,
your interpretation of the meaning of the renting of the veil is really only partly accurate ….
Yes, direct access to God without another priest’s intercession is now available to any believer … However, the veil did not signify the previously existing separation between Jew and Gentile, this was signified by the wall of separation between the outer and inner courts in the temple area.
What you quote from Clarke’s commentary is not quite biblically accurate ! It was as Wesley also mentions the casting down of the partition wall which allowed Gentiles the same privileges and access to the sanctuary as the Jews, that both then had direct access into the holy of holies was signified by the renting of the veil between sanctuary and most holy place.
I disagree with every statement made. Who wants to praise a God who changes his mind contradicting himself when He is known not to make mistakes, all wisdom and perfect. Then people can argue and question God. The New Testament is nothing without the old. God the King does not make mistakes. He never denied “people†who loved him to be banished.
BUT…
The Old Testament clearly distinguished Israel from other nations. God chosen nation was Israel and proclaimed to be only Israel to the end of days. Israel was given the commandments to obey and thereby inherit the riches, blessings and ruler ship of this world. There was a warning by which God multiple times informed Israel through His Apostles not to mangle with other nations. NEVER to do so and what would happen if they disobey. (Deu7:1-6). Reading the Old Testament it is clear that it is a book of Israel and the punishment God let happened because of their sins. Through the Apostles God also promised resurrection of Israel and how it would happen with His Son taking the thrown which was last ruled correctly as King David did. King David ruled with an Iron first. The enemies (other nations) was kept at a distance and destroyed who dared to challenge Israel. No other nation was followed or blessed accept Israel. Blessings and prosperity came to all when Israel obeyed.
By the time the 12 tribes of Israel got split in (1ki11:1) was because of what? Yes it was because the people of Israel followed King Salomon who mangled with wives he took from other nations. Israel did the same and intermarried. God once again did not accept it and was angry. Remember this is now 100 of years after Adam and yet God did not change. Since then the 2 houses left of the 12 tribes of Israel was known as the house of Judah and other 10 the House of Israel. THIS fact is important…
When a change was given to restore the temple of God and Israel wanted to be free God made it happen. The scriptures were returned and when examined found that Israel had a problem. Everything they thought was right was not? For days, weeks and months the temple was rebuild. Israel was rejoiced and praised God. When Apostle Ezra (book 9 and 10) read the scriptures Israel was corrupted. There were men, women and children of no pure blood descendants of Israel. When asked God what He has to say…God instructed them true Israel to banish away those who were not true Israel and let man, woman and child go!!! God firmly stands again to His decision through centuries and did not change.
Things became seriously bad for Israel. The Word followed recorded the 2 Houses and the 10 Houses. A lot of prophecy was said and indicated how Israel as all 12 will return.
The New Testament…
God sent his only Son for His people sins Matt1:21. Don’t get confused trying to make all people (world) his people. Nowhere in the Word of God can you claim such a false sense of interpretation that it is not just for Israel. Jesus made it clear to the disciples that the Law of his Father AND what the prophets preached was to be fulfilled. Matt5:17-18. Jesus made it also clear to the disciples that he came for His people which God gave him in Matt10:5-19 (v6) and Matt15:24. Note “the lost sheep the HOUSE OF ISRAEL†(10 tribes). Jesus referred a lot to Israel as his bride to marry. The laws of marriage set by God were a serious bond. Israel committed adultery and left God. The divorce was Israel’s doing and yet God loved Israel His Bride to return and He will forgive. God himself cannot commit adultery. He had to die and make that forgiveness of sin a reality. Beautifully constructed the all-powerful God conquered death through his Son and Israel can be His bride once again. (Don’t get confused here…the Spirit of God will reveal the truth) When Jesus left earth to prepare the Kingdom for his Bride the instructions He gave at Matt28:19 “all nations†cannot contradict all that God has done. The 10 tribes of Israel were spread all over the world. That is why God explained and guided the disciples in Matt10 what to do and not to do. Don’t get confused when the words Gentiles are used. It refers to Israel the 10 lost tribes. YES between the nations of this world Israel are found. To state the decision that Jesus refers all nations makes everything and every word the Apostles proclaimed false. Even God decision not to accept any other nation within Israel will make Him look BAD. Did God make a mistake? Are you even out of your mind to question God?
All nations verse the World?
Matt 10. Is Israel within Middle East, Africa or Asia? NO!!! A waste of time and fruitless missionaries. Decades of trying and no success! Constantly have to listen to how hard it is and difficult for those Christians. Now you will understand why they struggle…Israel are not there; priests and so claimed Christians. Your intensions might seem right but the location is wrong.
Why can God only make the end happen and we cannot do it now? The problem is Jacob’s brother Esau’s generation. They are also of European character but not of Israel. This world of today is such a blend because of Christians who do not understand the Word of God that Corruption of Israel and Esau between us makes it impossible to clear Israel. That is why Israel symbolized corn and yet with wheat which looks the same between us. Only God’s Angels will separate the corn from the wheat and then BURN the wheat. How is it possible that Christians does not see this truth and yet in a nutshell I just laid it out clearly? The Churched of today follows the government is charge…all is equal, no apartheid, no discrimination, Human rights….all the doing of the Devil and the Christians fed; out of context; biblical versus which makes them all look blindly to a God that does not exist. It pains me that ignorant Priests have no answer to state me wrong. What about I just wrote is not the truth. To claim all “people†of this world is Gods wish is out right a lie. Did God create all…sure in the beginning but the seed of Satan changed that. Satan’s bloodline will never enter the Kingdom. The 12 disciples were told that the New Jerusalem will have 12 entrances by which they will judge the people of God. Only Israel was claimed by God and made His people. For the rest of the world…that is up to God’s wishes. There will be other but once again the bible clearly points out that Israel will be separated from them and will be given back the Promised Land which God gave Abraham. A Bustard will never be allowed inside the Kingdom of God. None purity of any nation will be allowed. That goes for all God’s creation including nature which man manipulates. IT IS WRITTEN! God does not accept what the world is doing lately. This world intermarries and blesses God by mouth. They only want to read the bible not searching the truth. The bible book is claimed to be difficult to understand…Nonsense. It will stay difficult if the truth is hidden. The inner soul is disturbed not understanding the truth. Now you know. Read it again. Black letters on paper is clearly telling the truth. Every disciple phrase makes sense. The Jews (slang for Judah) and the Greeks (Israel)… all 12 Tribes of Israel. Pray and God will help. The world immigrates so heavily and Israel people corrupting their bloodline stupidly. If God does not come soon there will be no Israel left and God failed.
Gordon
I believe God must fulfill every promise he made to Abraham ,Isaac ,Jacob and Israel which includes a resurrection and gathering of the exiles of Israel in the Last Days. Yes the Law is very important to being identified as Israel even more then bloodline. Israel who obeyed the law but fell short of perfection had the Aaronic Covenant as a method for forgiveness in the OT and now have the New priesthood covenant mediated by Jesus if they fall short of perfection. As for the non-Israelites which is everyone who do not try to obey the law,do not understand how to enter a Relationship with God by use of New Priesthood Covenant or were deceived into believing the law ended at the tree or never had the chance to even hear about God. these all will still receive Grace and will be raised from the grave to be judged by how they treated all God’s Creation with a great multitude receiving eternal life in the New Heaven upon the New Earth. Israel will recieve life in the Land promised to Abraham during the 1000 year prior to the rest of the dead(NonIsraelites) being raised and Judged
Ray
May God Bless You
Jay
“Yes the Law is very important to being identified as Israel even more then bloodlineâ€
This is absolutely false to make such a ridiculous comment. The bloodline is everything by which God kept unique. If Israel cannot be identified then the law means nothing and so the Bible has no foundation. Every time throughout history when between two brothers a conflict happens then God steps in and make it clear by which bloodline He will be known…Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel), 12 Sons. Note that those brothers corrupted the bloodline which God despised. That is even why those Pharisees who claimed Abraham as father lost the plot and was it made clear that through further bloodline Isaac and Jacob is He the God.
It is not up to Westerners which carries the word of God for centuries to worry about those none-Israelites. Israel was instructed to be unconditionally Gods people; who by their actions the rest will see and follow. NOT preach too.
The only change Jesus presence made was that the Holy Spirit has the Laws of God on the hearts of Israelites. No more Catholic confessions and offerings. That bond between Adam and God is repaired. Israel can return as Bride. Nothing God did or prophesied will ever change.
Gordon
Is an Israelite by blood who choses to deny the Law actually part of God’s Israel ? In Isaiah 56 God’s states if a Non Israelite takes hold of the Commandments they will also be included when God gathers Israel.
So who is making absolutely ridiculous comment ,you or God?
Yes the reward of Israel is based upon obeying the Law to the best of your ability and using the Priesthood Covenant for atonement when you step off path in the OT and in the New using the sacrifice of Jesus to enter and Using A Holy Spirit to teach how to stay on path. Either way one must agree with the terms to enter whether Israelite by blood or Israelite by choice.
“Is an Israelite by blood who chooses to deny the Law actually part of God’s Israel?â€
Yes. What Logic do you approach me by? If you deny your father to be known as his son does not mean you are not his son but blood. You can only be an Israelite if born pure from within. Corrupt your bloodline and you are not. Deny God and be punished for eternity. Are you stating for outsiders to believe in God makes you an Israelite!
Isaiah56…That is right that there will be others in heaven. I did not say there will not be. It is not you or me to make sure that is the case. The Bible and the Laws are Israel’s. Even though others will be in heaven the Word of God still remains that we will not share common ground. Jerusalem will be restored as with the days of King David and only Israel will occupy it. Other nations will be there and will live apart from Israel. Jesus preached in parables…why is that? That question was actually asked by the disciples. Do you or can you recall what Jesus replied to that question? Mar4:10-“12â€. Jesus said he does not want other not of his Kingdom to see and perceive…He has to forgive them their sins†God does not want them. Who are you or any church to go and do the opposite?
Don’t mistake that the Israelite who is in heaven will be cruel and discriminated to others. As all Angels are in ranking order they fulfill the task given. God is organized. Respect is equal but not by creation.
God warns Israel not to mangle with them. Not to be friends with them. Not to give your daughter or your son to them. God claimed Israel for Himself. Satan knows this and he will do whatever it takes to destroy Israel. Look around in this world. Christianity is a joke. Satan has watered down the Word for Israel. The truth will not be told and now outsiders are so close to Christians that the God they praise too does not exist. We have violence among us and it becomes Israelites problem to resolve world issues. Christians are sadly misled and Priests are dumb. Others are not Israel’s concern. They are not welcome in the Cities or Church of Israelites.
God is not sadistic. He is righteous to all approaching Him. The few others mentioned is God being righteous. God does not make them Israelites or claim them brothers. Your statement still has no ground. You cannot claim being Israelite by choice.
Gordon
Israel became a nation by accepting the Commandments not because of Blloodline. Actually many Died in the wilderness and never became an Israelite because of disobedience . Those that became Israelites were required to be obedient to The Law plus statues and decrees or they would be alienated from citizenship nolonger be Israelites if their sin was not a death sentence. Israel was a nation of people who honored the Law and the requirements for atonement and showed the signs (mark) God gave them to be identified by.
Even in the OT many gentiles became Israelites by accepting the Word of God and enter that special relationship with God. The reason for the Israelites not mixing with certain nations was to keep a buffer around the bloodline that produced Jesus , this reason ceased with the coming of Jesus in the fulfillment of the Prophecy God gave Eve and Satan. While Both house of Israel were exiled only the ones local to Jerusalem returned the rest were scattered to the four corners but in the prophecy that predicted their exile and renaming as gentile was also the Prophecy of the Gathering and their renaming as Israel. The New Priesthood Covenant was and is the means of the Gathering and them becoming Israelites yet there were many of non-Israelite blood that came to God by The New Priesthood Covenant to become an Israelite of God and Multitudes of Israelites who refused the Covenant who remained as gentiles.
Bloodline only guaranteed they would be offered the knowledge of The New Priesthood Covenant not reacceptance within the Israel of God.
Gordon you are like many who come here with their legalistic views not knowing that salvationin the bible has several meanings and atleast one meaning applies to ALL mankind.
Take you condemnation somewhere else.
Btw I am a Torah observant Israelite by blood to the best of my ability and I am searching for a way to become an Israelite of God but christianity and judaism has screwed up the truth so bad I am not sure if it is even possible today.
But I still have Grace and hope I fair well at Judgment of those who missed out on the 1000 year reign of Jesus while God rest his Sabbath again.
Jas
Provide me scripture to prove me your opinion. Everything you just answered is an absolute disgrace. How blind your vision. You should not be even writing this nonsense. I do not believe you are an Israelite. All I see is what you and the rest of the blind Christians recall from false preaching. Israel was chosen before accepting the Law. Not because they accepted the commandments.
“Israel became a nation by accepting the Commandments not because of Blloodline” What an utter lie! Do you know where the name Israel comes from? Do you know the meaning of Israel? You are hard headed and in denial to the truth. Answer me with scripture and I will see where you interpreted your opinion. If you cannot then stay away! You must be ashamed of yourself. You clearly have not done your history research either. The question on my mind is what are you?
Explain to me Ezra 9 and 10. If People then were willing to accept God and yet God still separate Israel…where does your opinion fit in all this? If Jesus refuses others to understand and he needs to safe them… the willingness to be under the law is not accepted. What is Israel then to you?
Israel is a confused concept to you? The truth is not for you…
By the election of God and his promise to Abraham Israel became a great nation.
I saw a bit of video on the Reinhard Bonnke gospel crusades on TBN the other night. Amazing! People standing by the millions.
Gordon
Isaiah 56 proves that future Israel is determined by the Law not blood. The Law is so important that if a non-Israelite by blood takes hold of it they will receive greater honor then a natural Israelite.
As for Esra 9-10 foreign wives issue amongst the remnant that returned from the fall of Jerusalem this seperation was necessary as a buffer to protect the Bloodline of Jesus to fulfill the Prophecy made to Eve and Satan.
Yes I know where thename Israel comes from and before a Nation was created and named Israel the people were just called children of Israel ,or Isaac or Abraham.
Gordon it is sad when people turn to attacking the person instead of the subject and just came off a discussion with Ray that turned that way so please leave your opinions about me out and stay on the subject.
Rom 11 proves that future Israel will be determined not by law but by faith in the gospel of Christ. (note vs 27 concerning sins, something the blood of goats and heffers could never take away, Heb 10:4)
Ray
Romans was written to explain to the Jews that the gentiles that were coming to God were descendants of the exiles of Israel spoken of in Hosea and also restates the purpose of The New Priesthood Covenant mediated by Jesus spoken of by Jeremiah . They are saved Faith in the faithfulness of the ONE who made the promises. Yes the Old Priesthood Covenant was faulty along with the Priesthood especially the High Priest . No where does it state the law was done away with but do describe why the Old Priest Covenant was replaced.
God gave the law to Israel and said it was for ages and ages(eternal) and also makes it very clear that even non-Israelites could take hold of it and be gathered with natural Israel. The doctrine you claim this by was not even created till nearly 100 years after Jesus died.
Me ,you and the whole of humanity including lawless christianity will be saved by Grace after Israel receives their reward.
Jay
No mate; read that chapter again. You are making this one chapter a mountain and in the meantime you are making the 1% in contrast to the rest of the Bible. Nothing in the word is backing up to this vision of yours in Isaiah 56. Isaiah is talking about the 10 tribes of Israel and their return. They are seen not part of God’s chosen Nation. They are strangers to their nationality which is Israel. At that time the two remaining houses Known as House of Judah are gathered under Him. The people of Judah were jealous that God is willing to accept the strangers’ offerings to Him. Isaiah is telling them in verse 8…God who gathereth the outcast of Israel (10 tribes), will gather others to Him, besides those that are gathered (house of Judah already) unto Him. The book of Isaiah in whole proofs this chapter and not the way you see it. Paul explains it so beautiful in Rom9. Especially verse 4 which refers again only to Israel has the right to return.
“Yes I know where the name Israel comes from and before a Nation was created and named Israel the people were just called children of Israel, or Isaac or Abraham.â€
You need serious education. The people of Israel…did not exist until Jacob. Mate, who is feeding you this information? Only after Jacob fought God that God renamed him Israel. His 12 sons then became the people of Israel. Israel means “Prince with Godâ€. Israel did not exist until after Jacob. You have to have knowledge when you come to websites which teaches others the truth. These sorts of remarks are wrong. You are presenting the Almighty. Be careful what say…
“Isaiah 56 proves that future Israel is determined by the Law not blood.†There is no such proof in this vision of yours. You are trying to turn the physical Israel into spiritual Israel. Get that false preaching out your head. It is exactly that view point which makes Christianity a joke in this world.
“Gordon it is sad when people turn to attacking the person instead of the subject…â€
I will never sit back and let anybody in this World preach about the Almighty falsely. Your ignorance to the truth is clear and I have been educating you. Not once have you asked the right question accept trying to proof your view without facts. Dwelling on Isaiah 56 alone does not look good. I have gone to the best of my knowledge to let you get wisdom and yet you have a tunnel vision without proof. How you separate Israel as God’s plan from a so called new reformed Israel is beyond me. The bible is talking about the same physical Israel…referring to their forefathers in slavery (Egypt). Even when the Pharisees brought Abraham up as decedents to Jesus attempting to stand on their right to Heaven; (John8:31-39) Jesus answered them and they answered truthfully… VERSE 33: “They answered Him; we are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Only true Israelites were is slavery. They were not from Jacob…physical Israel….Bloodline.
Typo mistake…Jas not Jay!
“Isaiah is talking about the 10 tribes of Israel and their return.”
Gordon
Now your not reading what God stated clearly, matter of fact these will receive a name better than the sons and daughters of God Aka ISRAEL.
You think you have somekind of exclusive because you believe you are an Israelite by blood.
“You need serious education. The people of Israel…did not exist until Jacob. Mate, who is feeding you this information? Only after Jacob fought God that God renamed him Israel. His 12 sons then became the people of Israel. Israel means “Prince with Godâ€.”
The Nation of Israel did not exist till they entered the land before that they were known as children of (Jacob) Isreal, of Isaac and of Abraham . Many foriegners who came the sons of Jacob in the exodus also took hold of the Commandments and became a people name Israel.
“I will never sit back and let anybody in this World preach about the Almighty falsely. Your ignorance to the truth is clear and I have been educating you. ”
Gordon actually you provided not support and attacked me personally to hide that fact. You sir as far I can tell could not educate anyone on the subject of the bible.
” Even when the Pharisees brought Abraham up as decedents to Jesus attempting to stand on their right to Heaven; (John8:31-39) Jesus answered them and they answered truthfully… VERSE 33: “They answered Him; we are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?†Only true Israelites were is slavery. They were not from Jacob…physical Israel….Bloodline.”
Wow you are right about one thing which is the Pharisees Jesus was adressing were Edomites who converted to judaism like most of the jews in judea
I believe future Israel will be determined by obedience to the word of Christ whatever that will be, and by faith in the everlasting gospel, and the redemption through his blood.
Ray
Revelation 12:17 and 14:12 states the elect obey the Commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus.
Part of Jesus was not one jot and tit shall pass from the law to ALL THINGS ARE FULFILLED.
So obedience to the word of Jesus would be being obedient to God’s Commandments. Redemption means from a punishment for an act of disobedience which only a citizen of the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel were ever spoke of doing. The change from Old Priesthood Covenant to New is how his blood redeems those cast off
Jas
“Many foreigners who came the sons of Jacob in the exodus also took hold of the Commandments and became a people name Israel.””
Where have you got this information? Even when the Israelites left Egypt; non Israelites who followed was not allowed traveling within the middle of His people. Does not make them Israel! Go and study Israel. You do realize you just stated through this comment that Israel as a Nation are corrupted. That Deu7:1-6 which God laid out for Israel is wrong. What does Deu7 then mean to you?
Num25:4…Jas, this time a man from Israel who brought his wife near the tent where Moses was. Read the entire chapter how God punished Israel at the time. This man came in believe with his wife to Moses and yet God did not accept her as an Israelite. Phineas, Son of Eleazar, killed them both. God did not call Phineas a murderer…in fact he was blessed. How do you see your thinking-puzzle fit in this?
“Gordon actually you provided not support and attacked me personally to hide that fact. You sir as far I can tell could not educate anyone on the subject of the bible.â€
I far as I can read I have provided more than you who are ignorant to the truth. To try and justify your view without proper Biblical reference makes you weak in my view. You know nothing…you are what this world are today.
“The Nation of Israel did not exist till they entered the land before that they were known as children of (Jacob) Israel, of Isaac and of Abraham.â€
What Land? Are you referring Promised Land after Moses died? You are digging yourself in further with your believes without biblical truth. Sons of Israel are still known as Israel. The very first book of Exodus refers to Israel in slavery. I am speechless.
“Now your not reading what God stated clearly, matter of fact these will receive a name better than the sons and daughters of God Aka ISRAEL.â€
For the last time…Those sons and daughters of God known were the house of Judah. God distant Himself from Israel – Loammi (Hos1:9) then later(Hos2:22). To take your view does not fit the rest of the Word. Take the whole of Isaiah. The split into chapters is done for referral purposes and not as an isolated chapter which confuses you.
Gordon
At the time Isaiah wrote was before any of either kingdoms were exiles. Besides that it says others when God gathers Israel which is set in context of the foreigner which God said would deceive a better name then the sons and daughters of Israel.
It is absolutely baseless to state God was talking about a natural Israelite.Hosea states a prophecy while isaiah 56 is a promise from the Most High to a non-israelite that enters a agreement to be obedient to God’s Commandments.
You need to understand the difference between a child of Israel and citizen of Israel which started when they enter the land. All citizens were required to obey whether they were natural or not and if they did they were an Israelite.
Now there were certain nations God forbid any contact with which again was to fulfill the prophecy made to Eve and satan. This was to keep Seth’s bloodline seperate from Satans’ bloodline through Cain till the one that was prophesied about came into existance.
Like I said
You think you have somekind of exclusive because you believe you are an Israelite by blood.
But you do not! and have obtained no more then the world today which is just Grace, the elect who had all the truth passed down generation to generation were persecuted into extinction several hundred years. But be glad because the gates of hell(THE GRAVE) will not pervail against his setapart because of the first resurrection and gathering.
Jas
Your anger and prompt responses let you write without facts. Just a brief summary of your comments below…
-“At the time Isaiah wrote was before any of either kingdoms were exiles.”
-“Many foreigners who came the sons of Jacob in the exodus also took hold of the Commandments and became a people name Israel.—
-“Yes I know where the name Israel comes from and before a Nation was created and named Israel the people were just called children of Israel, or Isaac or Abraham.â€
-“Israel became a nation by accepting the Commandments not because of Blloodlineâ€
-“Actually many Died in the wilderness and never became an Israelite because of disobedience .â€
-“The reason for the Israelites not mixing with certain nations was to keep a buffer around the bloodline that produced Jesus, this reason ceased with the coming of Jesus in the fulfillment of the Prophecy God gave Eve and Satan.â€
Every time you write, you have no facts. You are stubborn and do not know your Bible. Your ignorance is starting to show your foolishness and stupidity. You should be ashamed of yourself. I am starting to see that you believe in a god that does not exist. You are not of Israel and seek equality justifying your believe. You are just like the Pharisees who think they are Christians believing but cannot follow. This last paragraph is directly pointing you and you can take it personally. All above comments made by you is enough to proof of my thoughts of you.
I am of Israel and have the right to exclusiveness. We will certainly see each other face to face. Rude awakening awaits you!
I can only hope that those who are seeking the truth will see what I wrote.
Gordon
Not even a very rude person like you can make me angry but lets not test it any futher.
You are the first person that I hope the moderator bans because I would not wish you on my enemies because nobody should have to be subjected to your personal attacks.
Good bye
Ray
I have just noticed your comment on Rom11.
“Rom 11 proves that future Israel will be determined not by law but by faith in the gospel of Christ.â€
Ray you are reading this completely wrong!!
In verse 1 Paul makes it clear that from which bloodline he descends from and that God has not forgotten Israel. But Paul says His bloodline is from Israel referring to His Father Jacob renamed and mentioned further Benjamin which is part of the House of Judah. Most people do not understand the bible here and gets confused the context of the verse.
Verse 2 Paul points out clearly that He has not forgotten His people whom He casted away before…(referring to the House of Israel which is referred to a lot as Israel)
Verse 8 God punishes them house of Judah by blinding them from the truth
Verse 11 He let Judah, His People fall (deliberately) and let the blessings which was theirs come upon the gentiles (Lost sheep of Israel) to make them jealous.
Verse 14 Paul says (knowing the truth about God restoring the House of Israel by which His Son was send Matt 10 and 15) that he is a prophet for Israel
Verse 15 He wishes that the fallen from the House of Judah by which he relates too, can be saved as well.
From verse 16-24 Paul refers back to the root when all was Israel and that those who once were part of the same can be returned.
Verse 25 (important comment made by Paul) He tells that Judah must not be ignorant to the mystery and wise in their own conceits. (God plan is to reunite Israel with the House of Judah)and that those gentiles which is Israel will become part of them in full.
Verse 26 …(a reference is made by which the OT prohibited). …it is written.
Verse 27…only to Israel was a covenant made throughout the Bible and with no other nation…EVER
The chapter goes on how deep God plan is and who can question Him. He let Judah fall to the same level so that His mercy comes to all Israel united.
Verse 26 …(a reference is made by which the OT prohibited). …it is written.
Did not see this text wrong correction…”OT prophesized”