THE END OF THE OLD PRIESTHOOD 

The night that Jesus was betrayed by Judas, he stood trial before Caiaphas the high priest and witnesses were sought so that they could put Jesus to death, yet they found none. Finally, they found two false witnesses who said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. ~ Matthew 26:61

However, Jesus never said such a thing. Instead, Jesus had said, destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. ~ John 2:19

Because of the false accusation against Jesus, the high priest arose, and said to Jesus, Answerest thou nothing? What is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace, and the high priest then said to Him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. ~ v 63

Under the Law of Moses, the High Priest had the authority to demand a person to speak up if they knew something to be the truth. In response to this authoritative demand, Jesus says, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. ~ v 64

Everyone in the room understood that this was Messianic language, and that Jesus had just declared, under oath, that he is the Messiah, the Son of God, the King of Israel. In response to Jesus’s declaration that he indeed is the Messiah, the high priest then tore his priestly garment – an offense which was punishable by death under the Law. In the presence of Jesus, the King of Israel, Caiaphas had nullified his own priesthood.

At this point there was only one true high priest standing in the room, and they did not know him. They did not know that Jesus was both the lamb of God, and the High Priest who was about to oversee his own sacrifice.

JESUS, OUR MERCIFUL AND FAITH HIGH PRIEST 

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him… Hebrews 5:8-9

Jesus was perfect and without sin. The apostle Peter tells us that we were redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus as of a lamb without spot or blemish ~  1 Peter 1: 18-19. How then was Jesus made perfect through the things he suffered if he was already perfect as the lamb of God without spot or blemish?

Jesus was made perfect by the things he suffered, not as our sacrifice, but as our High Priest.

For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him… ~ Hebrews 5:1-9

Notice that Jesus being made perfect is said within the context of his being called as our High Priest. Again, he was not made perfect as our sacrifice because he was already perfect, holy, and unblemished. He had no sin. He was made perfect as our High Priest, and his perfecting as High Priest came through the things he suffered.

Now, before we move forward it is important to point out that Jesus was fully God, and full man. He is as much God as the Father is God, and as much human as you and I are human. In theological terms this is referred to as the hypostatic union. That Jesus was fully God, and fully man, is one of the most important (if not the most important) tenants of our faith.

The hypostatic union of Jesus Christ as God and man did not end when Jesus died and rose again. He did not cease to be a man after his death on the cross. Since his birth, Jesus will forever be fully God and fully man. He did not cease to be a man when he returned to the Father, just as he never ceased to be God when he came into the world.

After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples numerous times showing them that he was alive in his human body. Consider the following from Luke 24.

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. ~ Luke 24:36-43

Jesus told his disciples to handle him, handle his hands, and his feet and he ate in front of them. Jesus wanted them to know that they were not seeing a ghost, but that it was he himself, and he had risen from the dead. The things Jesus had suffered were fresh in their memory and now he was alive and they were beholding him. What a powerful, life changing moment that must have been.

Now, have you ever given thought to the fact that Jesus can remember the pain, the sorrow, and the depths of despair that he experienced at the cross. He also remembers the hate he felt from his enemies, the hurt from being betrayed, and the injustice of being lied about. Yet in all he endured, his prayer was, Father forgive them for they know not what they do ~ Luke 23:34.

Just as Jesus died for our sins, he also endured the things he suffered so that he could be the perfect High Priest we needed. There is absolutely nothing we could experience that is beyond the scope of his understanding , compassion, and mercy. He knows the pain, the grief, and the sorrow we feel at times in this life, and he’s able to keep us and bring us through it all.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 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 4:15-16

When we go through suffering, Jesus knows what it feels like, and as our perfected High Priest, he set an example for us to follow:

For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously… ~ 1 Peter 2:19-23

So often, what is thought to be an act of God substitutionally punishing Jesus when he went to the cross was actually God perfecting Jesus to be for us a merciful and faithful High Priest. Jesus drank from the cup of human suffering when he was betrayed, forsaken, unjustly condemned, mocked, beaten, and put to death.

In Philippians 3, Paul speaks of his deep desire to know Jesus and the fellowship of his sufferings. How can any truly enter the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings? It is by knowing that his sufferings was the crucible whereby he was perfected for us. Jesus endured severe testing, and triumphed over it. The writer of Hebrews tells us that we are to run our (spiritual) race, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. ~ Hebrews 12:2-3

When we suffer grief and we suffer wrongfully as Peter mentions, we can endure it patiently because we have a High Priest who has been perfected for us. Thus we follow the example that Jesus set for us. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.

As our High Priest, Jesus is there to comfort, and minister to us and draw us close to the Father. Jesus is still healing the brokenhearted. He ministers to us by his Holy Spirit, and often it is in those difficult times that we grow much in his grace. Consider Paul’s words from 2 Corinthians.

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Before we move forward, I want to point out a side note. There are some people who claim that God only speaks to us through the Bible, and while it is true that God absolutely does speak to us through the Bible, I want you to notice that Paul says, For this thing I besought the Lord thrice (3 times), that it might depart from me. And he said unto me…

God did not speak to Paul about this because Paul was an apostle. This was something that Paul was praying about that was hindering him personally, and God answered him by speaking to him. So don’t let anyone ever tell you that God doesn’t speak to us today, he does but we must draw close to him to hear his voice.

Now consider the following from the book of Hebrews.

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. ~ Hebrews 2:14-18

Take notice that Jesus was made like us in every respect for this purpose, that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God. And because his meditation never stops he is able to save us to the uttermost because he ever lives to make intercession for us ~ Hebrews 7:25.

Jesus’s intercession doesn’t mean he’s down on his knees praying to God for us. It means that He ever lives as our perfected High Priest!

THE REAL HUMAN EXPERIENCE OF JESUS

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. ~ 1 Timothy 3:16

The gospel is unique in that it is not based on mythology. One concern that I personally have is the mythological ideologies that many Christians have surrounding their understanding of the gospel, especially the cross of Christ.

For example, when Jesus cried out “My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?”, he did so in the most vulnerable time. Rather than understanding these words from the real human experience of Christ, we often come up with all sorts of mystical ideas as to what God was doing to punish him behind the scenes.

Here is the truth, Jesus truly felt abandoned in that hour. He felt the weight of what was happening. He was dying, and the hand of God was not going to save him from this hour. He must go through it. He was sent into the world for this purpose, and he was now in the painful throes of it.

The fact that Jesus felt abandoned in that hour, in no way indicates that God was unfaithful to him or had turned on him. Suffering is part of the human experience, and tragedy often leads most of us to question God’s concern for us. Jesus experienced the full weight of human suffering coupled with the feeling of “where is God?”

When Christ suffered for us, not only was he making atonement for our sins, but he was also being perfected to be our High Priest forever. Consider, again, the words of the writer of Hebrews.

For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him… ~ Hebrews 5:1-5

The sufferings of the cross were part of the process in which Jesus was being made perfect in his humanity to be our High Priest.

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same… Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour (come to the aid of) them that are tempted. ~ Hebrews 2: 14a, 17-18

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 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 4:14-16 

The desperate cry of Jesus, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me” came at the most intense hour of Jesus’s human experience, in which he was being perfected as our High Priest. Jesus had known this hour was coming and literally dreaded it.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. ~ John 12:24-27

And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. ~ Mark 14:32-42 

Consider the weight of this moment for Jesus. His friends (the disciples) had failed him, unable to pray with him. Judas had betrayed him to the Jewish authorities who despised him and were plotting to kill him. He was about to be beaten, publicly humiliated, sentenced to death, and nailed to a cross. He willingly did this for us, knowing that God had withdrawn his protective hand because this was the only way to save humanity. He also had to be made perfect through suffering to be our great High Priest who is merciful and compassionate and touched with the feeling of our infirmities.

Do not fail to grasp the human experience of what Jesus must have felt as he was experiencing all of this. Yet, he never stopped trusting God. He never sinned. He endured it all for us.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. ~ Hebrews 12:2-4

Notice that the writer of Hebrews tells us to consider what Jesus endured so that we will not be weary and faint in our minds. Christ did not feel abandoned because of God turning his back on him. He felt abandoned because of the things he suffered like we all could feel if we are in the throes of death or tragedy, this is part of the human experience.

In the book of Acts, the real human experience of Jesus was preached by the apostles, and the Holy Spirit confirmed that testimony with power. Do not allow mysticism or or religious myths to creep into your beliefs about the sufferings of Christ. Allow the testimony of scripture about the real human experience of Jesus to fill your heart. The mystery of godliness is based on the truth that God was manifested in the flesh. Jesus redeemed us not by some mystical behind the scenes event. He suffered out in the open for all to see. He redeemed us by suffering in his flesh and enduring the pain of human agony, and his human body and blood were sacrificed for us. He did this for two reasons: He loved God, and he loved us!

THE RESURRECTION AND EXALTATION  

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary in the gospel of Luke, he said concerning Jesus, “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.” ~ Luke 1:32

Though some interpret the reign of Christ from the throne of David as a future millennial throne previously occupied by the anti-Christ, the Bible teaches that Jesus is enthroned now at the right hand of God.

According to the authors of the New Testament, the exaltation of Jesus at the right hand of God is the fulfillment of God’s promise that he would raise up his Son, the Messiah, to reign upon the throne of David.

In Acts 2, Peter interprets the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus at the right hand of God as the fulfillment of the scriptures that the Messiah would reign from the throne of David.

Notice carefully how Peter articulates this:

Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. ~ Acts 2:30-36

In the texts above, Peter is quoting David from Psalm 110 when he says, “the Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou at my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool.”

FIRST, notice the words “the Lord said to my Lord, sit thou on my right hand…”

Peter quotes this in reference to David, as a prophet, knowing that God would raise up the Messiah to sit on his throne. So as a prophet, foreseeing the enthronement of the Messiah, David said, “The Lord said unto my Lord, sit on my right hand.” As a prophet, David foresaw by the Spirit of God that the promise of the Messiah reigning on his throne would not be an earthly enthronement, but a heavenly enthronement, at the right hand of God.

In the gospels, Jesus said: “David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet”‘ (Mark 12:36, See also Matthew 22:41-45).

SECONDLY, notice the next part of the text that Peter quotes from David: “till I make your enemies your footstool.”

These very same words are employed by the author of Hebrews in describing the enthronement of Jesus at the right hand of God (Hebrews 1:13; 10:13) and in 1 Corinthians 15:25-26 the apostle Paul applies them to the exalted Jesus as well.

Also Psalm 110 is the Psalm which testifies that the Messiah would be a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek (v.4). The author of Hebrews expounds on this and tells us that Jesus, the exalted King at the right hand of God, is also our great high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

The historical Melchizedek (Genesis 14) prefigured Christ as a King and Priest, and not a priest only. Under the Law of Moses one could not be a King and a priest.  The priests came only from the tribe of Levi and the Kings were descendants of David from the tribe of Judah.

The writer of Hebrews explains how Jesus, being from the tribe of Judah (the tribe of King David), is qualified to be a priest. He is qualified because His priestly ministry is not earthy (Hebrews 8:4), but heavenly, at the right hand of God where he is now enthroned. ~ See Hebrews 8:1-3

THIRDLY, Notice that David specifically identifies the Messiah as his Lord: “The Lord said to my Lord…”

In Acts 2 Peter says, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both LORD and Christ” (v.36).

Peter doesn’t tell the people of Israel that Jesus will be Lord when he one day returns. Peter declares that Jesus is Lord and Messiah now, at the right hand of God. The gospel which was preached to house of Israel by the apostles, was not a gospel of a futuristic enthronement of the Messiah, but rather, the declaration of His exaltation now!

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ~ Philippians 2:9-11

When he had by himself purged our sins, (He) sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on High…  ~ See Hebrews 1:3

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. ~ Hebrews 1:8 

I (Paul) Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places. Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. ~ Ephesians 1:17-23

Notice that Paul says in Ephesians 1 (above), Christ is already enthroned in Heaven above everything in this world and in the world to come, having all things under His feet.

Jesus enthroned at the right hand of God is not a temporary enthronement as he awaits a lesser throne in Jerusalem, Israel. Rather, Jesus entered into his glory after his resurrection (Luke 24:26; John 17:5, 24; Acts 2:33; 3:13) and was enthroned at the right hand of God, where the New Jerusalem is – the true Holy City of God (Hebrews 12:22-24). From there, Christ will reign forever!

When Christ returns he is not taking a lesser throne, for he has been made Higher than the Heavens, in his exaltation (Hebrews 7:26). Jesus reigns forever, being highly exalted at the right hand of God, and in that Majestic power, authority, and glory; He will come again!

KING AND PRIEST

By all evidence, the book of Hebrews was written before the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. We know this because the writer of Hebrews makes reference to the temple service, the priests, and the sacrifices in the present tense. In the present tense, he makes a comparison regarding the superiority of Jesus’ ministry in the heavens (in the greater and more perfect tabernacle) to that which was on earth (which only served as a shadow and an example) to point men to Christ.

He tells us that if Jesus were on earth he would not be a priest since there are already priests who offer gifts and sacrifices according to the Law. Even though that priesthood which had been ordained by the law was still functioning in the temple it had been made completely ineffective by Christ’s work on earth at the cross, and by his ministry in the heavens as our high priest.

Jesus’ ministry as high priest is not through the Law and when the temple was destroyed in 70 AD, the priesthood which was by the Law and already made ineffective, became completely inoperative.

THE LAW OF A CARNAL COMMANDMENT

According to the Law of Moses, only the descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi were commanded and permitted to serve as priests. Jesus, our great high priest, was not a descendant of Levi. He was from the tribe of Judah and of the house of David instead, and there is no place in all the Torah (the Law of Moses) where Moses spoke anything about a priest coming from the tribe of Judah (Hebrews 7:12-14).

The author of Hebrews refers to the Law’s instructions for appointing priests as, the law of a carnal commandment, and tells us that this command has been annulled because it was weak and unprofitable (Hebrews 7:18). Furthermore, the writer of Hebrews tells us that the changing of the priesthood has necessitated a change of the Law as well (Hebrews 7:12) .

Without its priesthood, the Law of Moses is not functional because the priesthood was given to serve as the mediation between God and the people who were under the Law. Therefore, without its priesthood, the Law has no one to serve as its mediator to make intercession for the sins of the people.

The command given by the Law with regards to its priests required a continuous succession of priests who succeeded one another because those priests were all subject to death. This is why the writer of Hebrews says, “the Law made nothing perfect but the bringing in of a better hope did, through which we draw near to God.”  (Hebrews 7:19-23)

The priesthood which was ordained by the Law could not make anything perfect and therefore it had no power to bring men near to God. Those who served as priests under that administration were men with infirmities, meaning, they were all under the power of sin and subject to death like everyone else.

They were appointed by a carnal commandment (Hebrews 7:16), which employed carnal ordinances (Hebrews 9:10), and as long as that priesthood was in force, the true Holiest of all was not yet open (Hebrews 9:8).

JESUS OUR APPOINTED PRIEST

Unlike those priests who were appointed by the Law, Jesus will continue forever as our high priest because he has been appointed as priest forever with an irrevocable oath from God who raised him from the dead. The author of Hebrews tells us Jesus has an unchangeable priesthood which will go on forever without ceasing.

The scriptures reveal that God has repented (changed his mind) at times in his dealings with man (see Exodus 32:11-14; 1 Samuel 15:10-11; Psalms 106:45). God’s character does not change, but he has reversed what he was going do and has expressed regret at times in various Biblical accounts.

However he has promised that he will never change his mind concerning Jesus as our great high priest of the New Covenant. Jesus is God’s guarantee to us that he will never repent, i.e., change his mind. It is by this oath that Jesus was made the guarantee of a better testament. Jesus is our eternal hope!

CHRIST IS A PRIEST FOR EVER AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK

In expounding on the ministry of Jesus as our high priest, the writer of Hebrews makes several appeals to the Messianic prophecy that Jesus is made a priest after the order of Melchizedek and not after Aaron.

Christ was called of God as was Aaron (Hebrews 10:4-6, 10). Yet his priesthood is not after the order or rank of Aaron’s (Hebrews 7:11).

Christ’s priesthood is after the order of Melchisedek which does not necessarily mean that Melchisedek foreshadowed Christ, but simply that the priesthood of Christ in comparison to Aaron’s is of a different rank.

There are many ways in which Aaron and his descendants under the Levitical priesthood foreshadowed the ministry of Christ and this is expounded especially in the 9th chapter of Hebrews. Yet it is Melchisedek’s priesthood which is similar to Christ’s in it’s order (it’s structure).

If we refer to Melchisedek as a type of Christ we must remember that it is the structure, rank, or order of Melchisedek’s priesthood to which we are referring and not his work as a priest.

Melchisedek’s priesthood is similar to Christ’s in that he was both a king and a priest and scripture records nothing regarding his predecessors or successors. So while the priesthood of Aaron typified the work of Christ, the priesthood of Melchisedek was structured like Christ’s. This is the contrast that is being made by the author of Hebrews with regards to the priesthood of the enthroned Christ and Aaron under the Law.

Beyond the book of Hebrews, there are only four verses throughout the entirely of the scriptures which reference Melchizedek. They are Genesis 14:18-20 and Psalm 110:4.

The writer of Hebrews mentions the name of Melchizedek nine times throughout his epistle. Only two of those references, where the name of Melchizedek is mentioned, concern the historical figure who met Abram (Abraham) after the slaughter of the Kings. The other seven are references expounding on Jesus’ eternal priesthood in contrast to the priests under the law. The emphasis of Hebrews, with regards to the mentioning of Melchizedek, is to reveal the superiority of Christ’s priesthood to those priests who served under the law.

The last mention of Melchisedek by the author of Hebrews is found in chapter seven. At the beginning of chapter eight he sums up everything he has said thus far concerning Jesus our Great High Priest by telling us that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on High.

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens. (Hebrews 8:1)

Melchizedek was a king and a priest, and not a priest only. This is something that was not permitted under the Law of Moses. Jesus our great high priest is both king and priest. Unlike those priests under the Law whose work was never finished, Jesus’ has finished his work and is seated as the king of glory at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty on high.

THREE WAYS MELCHISEDEK IS MENTIONED IN SCRIPTURE

Ruth Lasalle Specter points out the thee ways in which Melchisedek is mentioned in scripture – (1) in history (2) in prophecy (3) in doctrine.

1. IN HISTORY (Genesis 14:17-23)

(a). He is the first mentioned priest in scripture.

(b). He appears more than 400 years before the law was given.

(c). He appears 1000 years before the Messianic prophecy of Christ.

(d). There are other priests mentioned in scripture before the Levitical priesthood was established: (1) The priest of Midian is mentioned in Exodus 2:16. (2) Joseph married the daughter of the priest of On (Genesis 41:50). (3) There were Egyptian priests under the rule of Pharaoh (Genesis 47:22, 26).

2. IN PROPHECY

The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4).

3. IN DOCTRINE IN THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

(a). His name is mentioned 9 times in Hebrews.

(b). His name means “King of Righteousness.”

(c). He was as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ.

WHO WAS MELCHISEDEK?

Melchisedek was a real person who was both a King and a priest. He was the King of Salem which is ancient Jerusalem in the land of Canaan (Psalm 76:2). Salem means Peace, and comes from the word Shalom.

When Melchisedek met Abram the Hebrew, as he is referred to in Genesis 14:13, the nation of Israel did not yet exist and Abraham did not yet have a child.

Melchizedek’s subjects were evidently Gentiles because Israel did not yet exist and there is no evidence suggesting that the inhabitants of Salem, where Melchisedek ruled, were in any way in covenant with the God of Abraham.

(a). Abraham had not yet been justified by faith.
(b). Abraham was childless.
(c). There was no covenant of circumcision as of yet.

Melchisedek met Abraham at the same time that the king of Sodom went out to meet Abraham. Unlike the other divine encounters which Abraham had, there is nothing in the context of Genesis 14 that would lead us to believe that Melchisedek was a pre-incarnation of Jesus.

At other times when God or angels visited Abraham, Abraham built altars and worshipped God. This did not occur when Melchisedek met him.

Abram (Abraham) left his homeland of Haran and went into the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:1-4). Later, Abram was living in the land of Canaan and Lot was in Sodom when both the king of Sodom and Melchisedek came to meet Abram after he and his servants defeated the kings who had plundered Sodom.

WHY DID ABRAHAM PAY TITHES TO MELCHISEDEK?

Abraham’s tithe was an ancient Arab custom. You may find it surprising to know that tithing did not originate with the nation of Israel. Paying a tenth from the spoil of war (to the reigning or ruling king) was a customary practice in Abraham’s day. Abraham’s tithe was a special one time tithe-tax from the spoils of war.

Under the Arab custom, the spoil-tithe tax was ten percent of the spoil. However under the Mosaic Law, the spoil-tithe tax which came from the spoils of war was only one percent and was given to the Levites, and one tenth of that one percent, was given to the priests (information courtesy of Russell Earl Kelley. See also Numbers 31:27-30).

Abraham did not give Melchisedek a tenth of his own personal wealth. In fact there is no record that Abraham gave Melchisedek anything from his personal possessions. At other times when God appeared to Abraham, Abraham offered sacrifice to God from His substance (Genesis 12:7-8; 13:14-18).

MELCHISEDEK WAS NOT GOD OR CHRIST

God does not mediate as a priest for himself. Every priest is taken from among men and ordained for men. (Hebrews 5:1).

MELCHISEDEK was not Christ before His incarnation, there was only one incarnation of the Son of God. Before His incarnation, Christ was “yet to come.”

• (b) The Law of Moses is said to have been added till the seed, who is Christ, was to come. (Galatians 3:24)
• (a) Adam (as the first man) is said to be the figure of Him that was to come. (Romans 5:14)
• (c) When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law… (Galatians 4:4).
• The scriptures do not support multiple incarnations of the Son of God.

Christ, who is divine, is qualified to be our great high priest because he clothed himself with humanity.

1. He was tempted as a man.
2. He suffered as a man.
3. He is acquainted with our infirmities as a man.
4. He offered prayers as a man.
5. He was perfected as a man.
6. He made reconciliation for our sins as a man.

Jesus did not lay aside his deity when he came into this world. Jesus, being deity, was clothed with humanity and took the form or position of a servant though He was Lord of all. The king of glory came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. He did not come to be served though he was worthy of this privilege.

As our great high priest, Jesus is touched with the feeling of our infirmities and he knows firsthand the pain that all of us face at different times in our lives. He knows firsthand the pain of being rejected because he suffered for us being rejected by his people. Yet, he trusted in God and committed himself to the One who judges righteously. According to the scripture he is our example in suffering wrongfully (1 Peter 2:19-25). After he had suffered unjustly at the hands of sinful men, he was vindicated by God when he raised him from the dead and gave him the highest place of honor. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a faithful high priest in the person of Jesus, and in Jesus, God has become personally acquainted with all of our sufferings.

WITHOUT ANCESTRY

Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (Hebrews 7:3)

It is the writer of Hebrews, not the Genesis account, who makes this startling statement. Genesis is a book heavy on genealogical records. Yet there is none given for the historical Melchisedek. He mysteriously appears on the scene and is gone after three short verses.

Genesis never says Melchisedek had no ancestry or descendants, but the absence of the mention of these is by divine design and the writer of Hebrews draws on this to elaborate on the priesthood of Jesus Christ. The absence of any genealogical record makes Melchisedek’s priesthood like unto Christ’s in structure. Christ was made a priest not through his genealogical ancestry, but by an oath from God instead.

The writer of Hebrews is not telling us that Melchisedek had no ancestry or descendants, but rather that he was a priest apart from these.

Consider the following points:

• Ester 2:17 says, “She had neither father nor mother…”
• “Without”, does not mean Melchisedek had no parents or descendants.The Greek word for “without” means “apart from”, or “separate from.” Melchisedek was a priest in scripture “apart from” his ancestry and descendants.
• In this manner Melchisedek prefigured Christ’s priesthood with regards to rank or structure. Christ was made priest apart from his pedigree in the flesh.
• It cannot be true that Melchisedek was a divine figure, i.e. Christ incarnate in the Old Testament, for then Christ would have been a priest before Aaron and there would have been no need for the Levitical priesthood to foreshadow the work of Christ, which was at that time, still to come.
• Neither can it be correct to say that Melchisedek was Christ incarnate under the Old Testament because he was without ancestry or descendants for Christ has ancestry according to the flesh.

MADE LIKE THE SON OF GOD, ABIDETH A PRIEST FOREVER (HEBREWS 7:3)

Melchisedek was not the Son of God. The scripture says, “he was made like unto the Son of God”, similar in rank. It is important to notice that the author of Hebrews does not say the Son of God was made like unto Melchizedek, but rather, Melchizedek was made like unto the Son of God.

…made like unto… (similar to, or a resemblance of…)

It is significant that the author of Hebrews says “the Son of God” rather than “the Son of man” when speaking of Jesus’ Priesthood. Both titles (Son of God and Son of Man) are employed throughout scripture in reference to Jesus, but in reference to Jesus as high priest, the name, Son of God, is specifically referenced.

Jesus’ priesthood is predicated in his being the Son of God. Notice the following scriptures.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (Hebrews 4:14)

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. (Hebrews 5:5)

Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (Hebrews 7:3)

For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. (Hebrews 7:28)

AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK

After the order of… i.e., “after the similitude of”, or “similar to”… (Hebrews 7:15).

Jesus is not a Melchizedek priest with a Melchizedek priesthood. He is no one’s successor and there will be no one succeeding him. He stands alone as the One God called to be our exalted and enthroned priest at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Melchizedek was a king and priest whom God caused to come on the scene in history and recorded within the pages of scripture as a revelation of the order of Christ’s priesthood.

Jesus is our King – Priest. His work is finished and he is exalted forever. The focus is Jesus, and not Melchizedek.

When the Bible is read correctly, we find that none of the apostles in the New Testament made a practice of referring to themselves as “Apostle”. What we do have is references in which apostles such as Paul and Peter acknowledge their apostleship in their letters.

For example, Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians by saying, 

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus… ~ Ephesians 1:1

And Peter beings his first epistle saying, 

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia… ~ 1 Peter 1:1

Notice that neither Paul or Peter introduce themselves as Apostle Paul, or Apostle Peter. The reference to their apostleship had to do with their ministry service and not their personal identity. 

When we read through the book of Acts we never read even once where Luke (the author of Acts), refers to Peter as Apostle Peter, or Paul as Apostle Paul. He simply called them Peter or Simon and Paul or Saul, as he was previously known. He acknowledges their apostleship in ministry and calling context, but not in their identity context. In fact, after his conversion Paul no longer identified himself as Saul, but Paul.

This is important because we are living in a time when many who think they are apostles and prophets want to be called by the title Apostle, or Prophet, as their identity – Apostle Johnson, prophetess Sharon, etc.

Those in the Bible, the real apostles and prophets, did not label themselves in such a manner. Jeremiah never called himself Prophet Jeremiah, neither did other prophets in the Old Testament do likewise. They were referred to by others as prophets.

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying … ~ Matthew 2:17

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying… ~ Matthew 4:14

For those who were called as prophets in the Old Testament, The title Prophet did not become part of their proper name by which they identified themselves.

Isaiah was Isaiah the prophet, not Prophet Isaiah, I hope you get my point.

Just today I heard one person who thinks they are an apostle refer to Paul as “Apostle Paul”. This comes from the same camp that uses the titles Apostle and Prophet as part of their identities.

Again, none of God’s prophets or apostles in the Bible referred to themselves in this manner, and neither did anyone else. For example, we read in Acts about a man named Agabus, who was a prophet.

And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. ~ Acts 21:10

Notice that his name was Agabus, and not Prophet Agabus. He was Agabus, and he was a prophet by calling.

Notice the following from Acts 8.

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost… ~ Acts 8:14-15

Peter and John were part of the collective group of apostles at Jerusalem, but when Luke calls them by name he doesn’t say Apostle Peter and Apostle John, though they were apostles, he calls them Peter and John.

Moses was a prophet, but he was never called Prophet Moses. Neither was any other Old Testament prophet ever called “Prophet” before their proper name. The same is true for the apostles and prophets in the New Testament.

Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Philippians 1:1-2

Many who think of themselves as apostles or prophets (some consider themselves as both) think that Paul’s references to his apostleship gives them a license to do the same. Yet, unlike modern day apostles and prophets who promote themselves with such titles, Paul viewed himself as a servant of Christ, who was called to be an apostle.

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God… ~ Romans 1:1

One’s calling (occupation in ministry) is not their identity. Our identity is who are are, and the sad truth is many modern day ministers do not identity themselves as servants of Christ, but they identify themselves with self promoting titles. I recently saw on a social media site a female minister introduce herself to the community as, “Senior, and electlady, Apostle…” in front of her name.

Paul’s calling as an apostle was not an ego thing, and when he opens his letter to the Philippians, he is simply Paul, a servant of Christ. When Paul referred to himself as an apostle, he was communicating that he was tasked with preaching the gospel to the Gentiles and had no ambition of making them Jewish proselytes. This meant serving the Gentiles for the sake of Christ.

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:5

For Paul, a Jew previously steeped in Jewish customs and traditions, being a servant of Christ with an apostolic ministry to the Gentiles meant total dependance on Jesus. Paul’s view of himself as a servant to the Gentiles for Christ’s sake is much deeper than many of us have ever imagined. Paul viewed himself as a prisoner of Christ for the sake of the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1; 4:1). When Paul speaks of his calling as an apostle he isn’t speaking from a place of self exaltation as is common with modern day apostles, Paul is speaking from a place of indebtedness and servanthood.

Paul thought of himself as an apprehended or arrested servant of Christ (Philippians 3:12), and it is from this vantage point that Paul declared to the Gentiles that God had called him as an apostle to them.

WILL THERE BE ANIMAL SACRIFICES IN THE MILLENNIUM ?

In Elijah’s day, there was a remnant of Jews who did not bow the knee to Baal, even though the nation at large had. In his letter to the Romans, Paul cites this example in his defense that God has not cast away his people whom he foreknew. 

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works (works of the law); otherwise grace would no longer be grace. ~ Romans 11:1-6

Paul’s defense that God has not cast away his people is not predicated on Israel’s national status before God, but rather, the remnant within the nation of Israel. Paul believed there was a remnant within Israel who were called according to grace. By default, we can conclude that not all within Israel were called according to grace.

This is not a reference to the Calvinist doctrine of irresistible grace, but a reference to those who are true Jews from the heart and seek to serve God in truth – they are called according to grace and they are the true Israel within Israel referenced by Paul in the early part of Romans 9.

In Romans 11 Paul uses the allegory of the olive tree to describe the family of Abraham. Israel is referred to as the olive tree by nature (the olive tree cultivated by God), and the Gentiles who, by faith, believe in Christ are called the wild olive branch which is grafted into the family of Abraham (the olive tree).

The Gentiles are not grafted into national Israel through faith. Gentiles do not become Israelis in the flesh by faith in Jesus. Instead, Gentiles are grafted into
spiritual Israel along with the righteous remnant within Israel. This is the true family of Abraham, for Abraham’s true children are those who are of faith and who seek righteousness through faith in Christ.

This is why Jesus could say of Nathaniel, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” and then say to other Jews, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are doing the works your father did.”…”You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires.”

Jesus made a distinction between Nathaniel, whom he called a true Israelite, and those who wanted to kill him, who he said were the children of the devil. 

Throughout scripture there is a distinction made between Israel and Israel within Israel (the unbelieving nation and the righteous remnant within the nation). This is evidenced by Paul’s doctrine that the promise of God did not come through Ishmael but through Isaac.

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. ~ Galatians 4:22-23

Those born of promise are those who are Abraham’s spiritual descendants like Nathaniel. They are the children of promise who serve God from the heart. 

In Romans 11 Paul claims that God has not cast away Israel because there is a remnant within Israel who have a heart for God, and though some of them as natural branches have been cut off from their own tree, God is able to graft them in again if they will believe the gospel.

This is they to whom Paul refers when he says all Israel shall be saved. Paul is not preaching an end-time restoration of a Christ-less national Israel who builds a temple and offers animal sacrifices. 

Paul is referring to the remnant within Israel who will be saved through the gospel.

Thus says the Lord: “As the new wine is found in the cluster, and they say, ‘Do not destroy it, for there is a blessing in it,’ so I will do for my servants’ sake, and not destroy them all. ~ Isaiah 65:8

The all Israel who will be saved are the true Israelites or true Jews. They are the wine within the cluster. They are Israel within Israel. 

But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. ~ Romans 9:6-8

The remnant is the blessing within the cluster mentioned by Isaiah. They are the Israel within Israel referenced by Paul. And as Isaiah says in another place, though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved. God will be faithful and graft them in again into their own tree when they believe the gospel.

Our responsibility to the Jews is to share the love of the gospel with them, in both word and action.

Abraham had two sons, Ishmael and Isaac.

Ishmael was born after the flesh (by Abraham’s human effort) and Isaac was born according to the promise. Ishmael was a descendant of Abraham as was Isaac, but Isaac was the child of promise.

Isaac also had two sons, Esau and Jacob.

Esau was the heir to the blessing (the promise God made to Abraham) because he was Isaac’s first born son. However, Esau did not esteem the blessing and sold his birthright for a pot of stew to satisfy his flesh. Jacob esteemed the birth right and desired the blessing. Through a series of events, Esau lost out, and Jacob inherited the blessing.

Esau was a descendant of Abraham as was Jacob, but God loved Jacob and hated Esau because Jacob desired the blessing and Esau despised it.

As it was with Ishmael and Isaac, and Esau and Jacob, so it was with the children of Israel. Within Israel, there were those who were Abraham’s descendants according to the flesh only. They were never heirs according to the promise because they never had circumcised their hearts towards God. God’s call to Abraham’s physical descendants was to circumcise their hearts and not their flesh only.

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked. ~ Deuteronomy 10:16

And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. ~ Deuteronomy 30:6

Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings. ~ Jeremiah 4:4

Because of uncircumcised hearts, all of the first generation of Israelites which left Egypt, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, died in the wilderness. They never inherited the promised land because of their unbelief. Joshua and Caleb were children of the promise because they (with circumcised hearts) trusted God as did Abraham. The rest were only children after the flesh and died in the wilderness.

Before the second generation of Israelites entered the promised land, Joshua sent 2 spies to spy out the land. While there, Rahab who was a harlot in the land, hid them to protect them from the inhabitants of the land, because she feared the God of Israel. This act of Kindness was rewarded when Israel entered and took possession of the land.

Rahab was saved and became the wife of an Israelite named Salmon, and as a result, she became an ancestress of both King David and the Lord Jesus Christ. Rahab was grafted into Israel because of her faith and fear of the God of Israel.

Being a true Israelite was never about DNA, It was always about the heart, and having a right heart towards God.

Ruth, who married Boaz, was a Moabite woman (Ruth 1:22; 2:2, 21; 4:5, 10). Yet it was in her heart to serve the God of Israel. She said to Naomi, thy people shall be my people, and thy God, my God. ~ Ruth 1:16

Ruth, a Moabite by physical descent, also became an ancestress of King David and the Lord Jesus Christ because of her desire for God. On the contrary, we read in Numbers 25 how some Israelite men committed fornication with some unholy Moabite women and became idolatrous of the Moabites’s false gods. These men were judged by God and put to death. They had not circumcised their hearts and were not true children of Abraham, though Abraham’s descendants according to the flesh.

It has always been about the heart with God. It has never been about race or nationality. Man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart ~ 1 Samuel 16:7. This is why God rejected Saul (an Israelite) and accepted David (an Israelite).

In John 8 Jesus was opposed by some religious Jews who boasted that they were the children of Abraham. Notice the exchange:

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. ~ John 8:36 -39

Jesus goes on to tell them that not only were they not Abraham’s children but they were actually the children of the devil even though they were physical descendants of Abraham.

Now, consider Paul’s explanation from Romans 9.

Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. ~ Romans 9:7-8

We can see from these words of Paul that not all in Israel were the children of the promise, and therefore were not considered the seed of Abraham in the eyes of God. This is consistent with the words of Jesus in John 8 mentioned above.

Only those who were children of the promise were counted as the seed. Who then are the children of promise? They are those who are the children of Abraham by faith, who walk in the steps of Abraham’s faith. Rahab was a daughter of Abraham even though she was outwardly a Gentile prostitute, because she feared God and in faith hid the spies.

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace ~ Hebrews 11:31

Here is what many Christians fail to understand in their approach to the Bible: God never promised Abraham that his children would be of his physical lineage only. It was the law, which separated Israel from all other nations, not God’s promises to Abraham.God’s promise to Abraham was to make him the father of many nations.

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law (Israel in the flesh) be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. ~ Romans 4:13-17 

The promise which God made to Abraham was that he would be the father of many nations. Abraham believed this promise and was declared righteous in the sight of God.

According to Galatians 3:8, when God made this promise to Abraham, He preached or declared the gospel to him. In the fullest sense of the word, Abraham believed the gospel when he believed God’s promise to make him the father of many nations and this is how he was declared righteous. Abraham believed the gospel of Christ in advance!

Christ is the promised seed of Abraham according to Galatians 3:16. And the one through whom the blessing promised to Abraham comes to fruition. It is only in and through Jesus Christ that a person can be justified in the sight of God. Abraham was justified by God because he believed the promise God made in Christ  (Galatians 3:17) when God promised to make Him the father of many nations. This is the promise of the Spirit (the promise given through the spirit to Abraham) mentioned by Paul in Galatians. 

Being a descendant of Abraham after the flesh is not the same as being an heir to the promise.

There are those who are Abraham’s seed according to the flesh, and there are those who are Abraham’s seed according to the promise. Only those who are Abraham’s seed according to the promise are the children of God!For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 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. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. ~ Galatians 3:26-29

As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. ~ Galatians 6:12-16

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers has the following to say about the phrase the Israel of God.

And upon the Israel of God.—The benediction is addressed, not to two distinct sets of persons (“those who walk by this rule” and “the Israel of God”), but to the same set of persons described in different ways. “And” is therefore equivalent to “namely:” Yea, upon the Israel of God. By the “Israel of God” is here meant the “spiritual Israel;” not converts from Judaism alone, but all who prove their real affinity to Abraham by a faith like Abraham’s.

Now consider the following texts:

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. ~ Galatians 3:7-9

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. ~ Galatians 3:13-14

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 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. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. ~ Galatians 3:26-29

And he (Abraham) received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. ~ Romans 4:11-12

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

Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. ~ Galatians 4:28 

In scripture, Jesus did not think the religious Jews of his day, those who were determined to oppose him, had any special privilege with God. When they claimed that Abraham was their Father, Jesus said, If you were Abraham’s children, then you would do what Abraham did. As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the works of your own father. ~ See John 8:39-41

They responded, We are not illegitimate children, the only Father we have is God himself. Take note that these Jews claimed to be the children of God because of their physical descendancy. To this Jesus replied, If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” ~ see John 8

Notice that Jesus tells these religious Jews who were actual physical descendants of Abraham that they were not Abraham’s true children, and thus they were not God’s children. Jesus says, You belong to your father, the devil. 

In contrast, notice the words of Jesus to Nathanael. “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile”! ~ John 1:47

The words of Jesus ought to be enough to convince us that there is something to being a true Israelite in the eyes of God, and simply being born of Israeli/or Jewish descent doesn’t make a person a true Israelite in the eyes of God. A person can be 100% a physical descendant of Abraham, and not be a child of God, because he doesn’t follow the faith of Abraham.  

In his response to the Jews in John 8, Jesus says, And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. ~ John 8:45-47

The children of God are the children of Abraham, and Abraham’s children are the Israel of God. When a Gentile believes the gospel and follows Jesus, he is grafted into the family of Abraham. The Jew is not grafted into a Gentile entity called the church. Rather the Gentile is grafted into a Jewish entity called Israel (Abraham’s family) along with Abraham’s physical descendants who follow Christ. This union of Jews and Gentiles in Christ is the church, and the Israel of God that Paul speaks of in Galatians 6.

It is important to note that in connection with the Israel of God, Paul (a Jew after the flesh) says, But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. ~ Galatians 6:14-15

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul speaks of being circumcised with the circumcision made without hands. This is a reference to the circumcision that occurs in the heart through faith in Jesus Christ. In Romans 2, Paul rebukes the Jew who boasts in the law, while not keeping the law, and says, For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. ~ Romans 2:28-29

When the Pharisees and Sadducees came to John the Baptist, John warned them not to boast in their physical descendancy.

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. ~ Matthew 3:7-9

John the Baptist, a righteous Jew, rebukes those who relied on their physical lineage, rather than having their hearts right with God.

In the book of Acts, the Apostle Paul (a righteous Jew) rebuked a Jewish sorcerer, calling him “thou child of the devil.”

And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Barjesus: Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. ~ Acts 13:6-12

Later in 1 Thessalonians 2 we read the following from the words of the apostle Paul as well:

For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last. ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

Notice that Paul is referring to evil within Jewry. He says of these Jews, (1) the churches suffered from them (2) they killed the Lord Jesus (3) they killed the prophets (4) they drove us out (i.e. they opposed Paul’s ministry). Paul says they displease God, they are hostile to the spreading of the Gospel and because of these things they are heaping up their sins to the limit and the wrath of God has come on them at last.

Though there are many good Jews, and some who trust in Jesus as their Savior, being Jewish doesn’t mean that a person is a child of God. Paul tells us in Romans that not all within Israel (Abraham’s physical descendants) are truly Israel.Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. ~ Romans 9:6-8

According to Paul, those who are Abraham’s children according to the flesh only (like those whom Jesus rebuked in John 8) are not the children of God, but the children of the promise (such as Nathanael) are the seed, Among Abraham’s physical descendants, only a remnant are the children of God. This is what Paul is explaining throughout Romans 9, and it is why God said Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. ~ Romans 9:13

God did not have a personally hate for Esau. Esau represented that which was born after the flesh. Esau was the firstborn of Isaac who did not value his birthright but sold it for a bowl of stew. Esau represents those who sell their inheritance to satisfy their flesh. Flesh cannot please God, nor does it desire God, or seek after God.

Jacob, on the other hand, represents those who hunger and thirst for God, for the living God. Both Esau and Jacob were children of Israel, but one was rejected and the other blessed. One did not esteem his birthright, the other was willing to do whatever it took to get it. Esau represents the physical carnal nature that rebels against God. Jacob represents the heart that longs for God.

Esau and Jacob represent the two types of Israelites. There were those who were physical descendants of Abraham but did not have a heart for God, and there were those who were physical descendants of Abraham who had a heart for God. They are the remnant, the true Israel within Israel, and this true Israel within Israel are the children of God and the family of Abraham.

This is why Jesus often taught the crowds saying, “your Father in heaven”. Over and over again, in his sermon on the mount, Jesus referred to God as their Father. He never used such language with the Jews who opposed him and hated him. But to the common people who came to him to be taught, he taught them that their Father loved them.

If I may, I will also add that Jesus never taught the common people that they we God’s enemy and that they were under God’s wrath because of their sin and that they deserved to be punished, etc. Jesus taught them that their Father loved them, and their Father was the God of Abraham.

And ought not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had bound, lo, eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day? ~ Luke 13:16

Jesus divided the true children of Abraham from those who were not within Israel. Those who were and are the true children of God (whose hearts are circumcised) are the family of Abraham, and we who are Gentiles in the flesh have been united with them by being grafted into their family tree! Together Jews and Gentiles in Christ Jesus are the Israel of God!

Israel was chosen by God.

But why?

They were chosen as the nation through whom God would both deal with the sin of the world, and redeem it. 

Throughout the Old Testament, Israel was often a rebellious nation against God. Yet Israel’s rebellion is no different than how any other nation would have behaved, because of sin. Israel’s relationship with God was established (among other things) to reveal the sin of humanity. Through Israel, God exposed the sins of humanity, for in Adam all (including Israel) sin, and need redemption.

Paul tells us in Romans that whatsoever things the Law says it says to them that are under the Law (a reference to Israel under Moses) so that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God ~ Romans 3:19

Israel under the Law was representative of humanity under sin. Israel’s story was a microcosm of the whole world and in the same way that only a remnant of Israel was saved, so it is with the rest of humanity throughout history. The path to destruction is wide but the gate that leads to life is narrow and this applies to everyone, not the Jews only.

Through Jesus Christ, the Kingdom of God has broken in on humanity, and all who repent and trust in him will be saved! The Gospel is not simply justification by faith, though it includes justification by faith. The Gospel is more, for it is the announcement and demonstration of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ, and it was this gospel which was preached to Israel first. The gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, along with Acts bring this to full light.

In his wisdom, God brought about the salvation of the world through Israel’s rejection of the Messiah, but in His faithfulness God saw to it that the gospel was first preached to the people of Israel and then to the gentiles.

Paul tells us in Romans that the gospel is their sound and their words for the Gospel was testified of by Moses in their Law, and by their prophets, by their sacrificial ceremonies, and their feast days. Throughout the Old Testament the Spirit of the Lord was giving witness to Christ and his Kingdom.

God gave to the people of Israel Moses, the prophets, the priesthood and sacrifices, John the Baptist, Jesus in the flesh, the Apostles, and now the salvation of the Gentiles. 

The Gospel is their testimony, their witness, their message, and if they reject the Gospel there is no other alternative. God does not have another narrative for Israel outside of or beyond the gospel.

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written (in their scriptures), How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. But I say, did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, all day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. ~ Romans 10:11-21

In Acts 15 there were certain men from among the Jews who had come down from Judaea to Antioch and taught the Gentile brethren that if they were not circumcised after the manner of Moses they could not be saved. This did not sit well with Paul and Barnabas who vehemently disagreed with them. Therefore the church decided to send Paul and Barnabas along with some local believers to Jerusalem to discuss this issue with the apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem.

When they arrived in Jerusalem Barnabas and Paul were welcomed by the church, the apostles, and the elders. They reported everything God had done through them among the Gentiles. However, some from a certain sect of the Pharisees protested in opposition to the testimony of Paul and Barnabas, claiming that it was indeed needful to circumcise the Gentiles and command them to keep the Law of Moses. Therefore the apostles and elders decided to meet together to resolve this issue.

During the meeting, Peter stood up and testified saying the following:

Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt God to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. ~ Acts 15:7-11

Notice that Peter doesn’t say, they shall be saved even as we. Instead Peter says, we shall be saved even as they.

In the mind of the first century Jew, covenant relationship with God was dependent on Jewish membership, circumcision, and allegiance to the Law of Moses. However, God had done something so unexpectedly different and entirely new when he sent Peter to Cornelius’ house. He had called out a people from among the Gentiles for his name and he had done it apart from the Law.

In Acts 15:7-11 (cited above) Peter recounts his visit to Cornelius’ house (Acts 10). Peter along with the other Jews who accompanied him saw firsthand the salvation of Gentiles as Cornelius and his house were instantly filled with the Holy Spirit in similar fashion as the Jewish followers of Jesus had experienced in Acts 2. When Peter returned to Jerusalem he was confronted by the Jews for lodging at the home of Gentiles and eating with them.

And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, saying, thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. ~ Acts 11:2-3

Peter then rehearsed to the Jews his experience from the beginning (Acts 11:4- 18). Notice the following from Peter’s explanation to Jews in verses 15-18.

And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. ~ Acts 11-15-18 

The evidence which convinced Peter and the Jewish believers at Jerusalem that the Gentiles had been accepted as the people of God, was the Holy Spirit. God had given to the Gentiles the same gift he had been given to the Jews at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit had now become the new identity of the people of God replacing the old identity of physical circumcision.

This is the experience which Peter is recalling in Acts 15.

After Peter gave his testimony, Barnabas and Paul testified of the miracles and wonders God had done among the Gentiles by their ministry. After Barnabas and Paul testified, James stood up and said the following:

Simeon (Peter) hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world. ~ Acts 15:14-18

The apostle James makes appeal to a prophecy given by Amos concerning the rebuilding of the tabernacle of David, as the scriptural evidence that God would have a people apart from the Law of Moses.

The tabernacle of David can either be a reference to the tent that David pitched for the ark of the covenant after the ark was recovered, or a reference to the Kingdom under David’s descendant who is to reign forever, namely, the Messiah. The latter seems to be the most likely as this theme appears multiple times throughout the book of Acts.

In Acts 15:16 -17, the apostle James makes reference to this prophecy specifically and applies it to the Gentiles becoming the people of God apart from the Law. 

James goes on to say: Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day.

It was therefore determined, based on the testimony of Peter, Paul, and Barnabas; along with James’ interpretation of the scriptures, that the Gentiles were not obligated to come under the yoke of the Law of Moses. Furthermore, it might be worth mentioning that it was the apostle James, and not Paul, who made the final decision to inform the Gentiles that they were under no obligation to be circumcised and to keep the Law of Moses. James says; “Wherefore my sentence is…” ~ Acts 15:19.

Afterwards we read, “then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church…” ~ Acts 15:22.

They then wrote a letter and sent it to the Gentile believers at Antioch.

Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than the necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. ~ Acts 15:24-29 

The council at Jerusalem (the apostles, the elders, and the church) came to the conclusion that if they required the Gentiles to keep the Law of Moses after God had established his name among the Gentiles, they would most certainly be in opposition to the work of God.The testimony of God had already been established by the gift of the Holy Ghost being given to the Gentiles, and the Jerusalem council decided to agree with God. Therefore they said, “it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us.” They were persuaded by the Holy Ghost and agreed! Once this letter was delivered to the Gentile believers at Antioch, and read, the Bible says: “they rejoiced.” ~ Acts 15:30-31

And I think we should too…

In the New Testament, the second coming of Christ is referred to often in the epistles (the letters written by Paul, James, Peter, Jude, and John). While there is a common belief among some evangelicals that there are two futuristic comings of Christ (at the rapture, and the second coming 7 years later), no writer in the New Testament teaches this. There is only one second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Below we’ll consider some of the texts in the epistles which speak of the coming of Christ.  The coming of the Lord is sometimes referred to as his appearing.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom… ~ 2 Timothy 4:1

His appearing and his kingdom means his appearance and the appearance of his Kingdom. The Interlinear Bible says, by the appearing of him and of the kingdom of him. So when Jesus comes, his Kingdom is going to appear. And I might add, take over!

According to Paul, Jesus will judge the quick (the living) and the dead. This is one of the themes that repeatedly arises when the coming of the Lord is referred to in the Bible. Consider for example, the words of Jesus from John 5.

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. ~ John 5:21-29

Jesus speaks of the resurrection of both the just and the unjust occurring at the same time. They that have done good will be raised to the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil, to the resurrection of damnation. Jesus’s words should be the plumb line for how we interpret and understand scripture regarding the coming resurrection of the just and the unjust.

In Acts 24 Paul says something that aligns with the words of Jesus.

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to always have a conscience void to offense toward God, and toward men. ~ Acts 24:14-16

Notice that Paul refers to a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.

Now, consider how we might read Paul’s words differently, in 1 Thessalonians 4, if we read them in view of Paul’s belief that there would be a resurrection of the just and unjust, while also considering Jesus’s words that the resurrection of the just and unjust occurs at the same time.

Consider with me that when Paul describes the resurrection of the saints in 1 Thessalonians 4, that just maybe he is describing the same event that he mentions in Acts 24.  If not, we would have to conclude that Paul believed in more than one resurrection of the saints, and there is nothing in the New Testament that would lead us to this conclusion. 

We’ll consider 1 Thessalonians 4 shortly, but first let’s look again at the wording in 2 Timothy 4:1.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick (the living) and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom… ~ 2 Timothy 4:1

Notice that this judgment happens when the Lord appears, and when his Kingdom appears. With this in mind, consider Peter’s description of the coming of the Lord and notice how it aligns with Jesus’s words from John 5, and Paul’s words from Acts 24. Remember that Paul says, herein do I exercise myself, to always have a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men, because of his belief that there would be a resurrection of the just and unjust.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. ~ 2 Peter 3: 9-14

Notice that Peter’s exhortation regarding the coming of the Lord is to be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. This matches Paul’s conviction, herein do I exercise myself, to always have a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men.

When the coming of Christ is studied from the New Testament epistles, the message to believers is not that we should engage in political conspiracies while looking for various fulfillments of prophecy in current events. The message is to always be ready and to keep our hearts pure before God. This is a recurring theme. 

As we move forward, we will see this recurring theme, but first, consider Peter’s reference to the coming of the Lord as a thief in the night. Paul actually uses this language within the flow of thought in his description of the coming resurrection in 1 Thessalonians 4 & 5. The reason this is often missed as part of the flow of thought is that it appears in chapter 5, and rapture eschatology often stops at the end of chapter 4. Sometimes 5:9 (God hath not appointed us to wrath) is tacked on. Rapture eschatology doesn’t often lead people to read Paul’s entire thought process about the coming of the Lord as it is laid out in chapters 4 and 5 as one flow of thought.

Let’s look now at the Thessalonians section of scripture.

Before Paul gets into what is often viewed by some as the “rapture verses”, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to pursue godliness and purity, which, as already stated, is a theme that appears over and over in conjunction with the coming of the Lord.

In chapter 3, Paul says, Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. ~ 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Notice the words in bold in the text above, and take note how they align with Paul’s words regarding having a conscience void of offense towards God and towards man in Acts 24. Notice also how they align with Peter’s words to be diligent to be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Paul wanted the Thessalonians to have hearts that were blameless in holiness when the Lord Jesus comes again. He specifically refers to it as the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Paul then speaks of possessing our body in holiness in chapter 4 and this is what leads into what is referred to by some as the rapture verses. Seriously though, Paul isn’t introducing an escape from this world and from the antichrist. Rather, he’s going into detail about the very same thing he speaks of in Acts 24, namely, the resurrection of the just and the unjust. The only difference is he details what will happen with the just. Notice the comparison in Paul’s description with that of Peter’s.

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 

Notice that Paul describes this event as happening at the coming of the Lord, rather than 7 years before the coming of the Lord. Paul is not teaching a secret escape (rapture) of believers into Heaven. He’s revealing what will happen when the just are resurrected.

Let’s continue.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Notice that Paul says, so shall we ever be with the Lord. He does not say we will be whisked away into Heaven.

According to Paul, the second coming of Christ and our gathering to him will resemble that which occurred in ancient times when a King who had journeyed to a far away land returned. The citizens under his ruler-ship would go outside the city or country to meet him and escort him back into the country.

This aligns more with the whole of scripture than vanishing from the earth for 7 years. Remember that Peter exhorts us to be blameless and holy, looking for the new heavens and new earth at the coming of the Lord. Peter does not mention vanishing from earth into Heaven for 7 years.

Let’s continue.

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

Notice that Paul is still talking about the same event (in the same timeframe) and he calls it the day of the Lord just as Pater does, and the timing as a thief in the night just as Peter does. Paul then says the following:

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Notice that Paul tells the church at Thessalonica that they are not in darkness, so that that day should overtake them as a thief. Why would Paul even say this if he was teaching them that they would have already been taken out of this world 7 years prior?

Do you see the problem in interpreting Paul’s word in 1 Thessalonians 4 and a secret escape from this world before the coming of Christ? I certainly do!

According to Paul, believers are going to experience resurrection at the coming of the Lord, on the day of the Lord when the Lord’s coming overtakes those in darkness as a thief in the night. This is exactly what Peter is teaches as well.

Paul continues:

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

Watch and be sober of what? For the coming of the day of the Lord which is going to come suddenly as a thief in the night and overtake those in darkness.

For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

When the entire flow of thought is read together, it becomes clear that Paul is not setting forth a rapture doctrine that occurs 7 years before the coming of the Lord, but a revelation of the resurrection of the just at the coming of the Lord.

In 1 John we read the following:

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. ~ 1 John 2:28-3:3 

The words, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is, echoes Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:12

This matches Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15.

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 15: 51-57 

Paul’s words above reveal how those who have not yet died physically will experience the same resurrection as those who have died in Christ. We will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and according to Paul’s words in chapter 13 we will be changed into Christ’s likeness for we will see him face to face.

Now consider Paul’s words to the Colossians:

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. ~ Colossians 3:1-4 

All these verses are talking about the same event from different angles. Paul tells Titus, the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ … ~ Titus 2:11-13 

To Timothy, Paul exhorts, But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ…  ~ 1 Timothy 6:11-14 

In 2 Timothy 4:8 there is a crown of righteousness, laid up for those who love his appearing. In Hebrew 9:28 He will appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Peter also speaks of his appearing as the motivation for our perseverance in the faith.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory… ~ 1 Peter 1:6-8

A few verses later Peter says, Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ… ~ v.13

Finally, consider Peter’s words to those who are faithful to shepherd the sheep.

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. ~ 1 Peter 5:1-4

The flow of thought throughout the New Testament, with regards to the coming of the Lord is not conspiratorial. It is the day of the Lord, when both Jesus and his Kingdom appear, and the new heavens and new earth commence. It is the time in which those who have followed him are changed completely into his likeness by resurrection power. It is also the day when those in darkness are overtaken as a thief in the night.

Many have not rightly divided the word of truth, and misinterpret Jesus’s prophesy concerning the fall and destruction of Jerusalem and the temple which occurred in the first century, as end times yet to be fulfilled. This has led to much confusion, division, and much vulnerability to conspiracy theories, looking to everything but Jesus. Yet we who love him are to be looking for His appearing with blameless hearts!

Heavenly Father, take what I have written here, and encourage the seeking heart and those searching for the truth.