Replacement Theology – Is, Was and Will Be – The Unknown Character of Christ and His Word https://www.iswasandwillbe.com Revelation 1:8 "I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty Thu, 19 Feb 2015 19:29:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.iswasandwillbe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/cropped-headerlogo-32x32.png Replacement Theology – Is, Was and Will Be – The Unknown Character of Christ and His Word https://www.iswasandwillbe.com 32 32 The Heir and The Servant https://www.iswasandwillbe.com/the-heir-and-the-servant/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-heir-and-the-servant Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.iswasandwillbe.com/?p=4563 Below is an exchange centered around the article, Strong Delusion. Mike is addressing this acquaintance’s concerns which are here representing the more liberal approach to the question of the need for spiritual maturity.

Mike Vinson wrote:

Hi L____,

Thank you for your input here. I can now see that I need to dwell a lot more on the ‘my yoke is easy’ part of the gospel. I’m also considering Gary’s comment about having an introduction to that article. The last thing in the world I want to do is to discourage anyone.

Having said that, I must say that, I want to tell you that this whole article, Strong Delusion, is nothing but an e- mail to an acquaintance. His position was identical to yours. He had the exact same prayer you have here in this e- mail to Gary; “Lord please show me if I am wrong.” That is my prayer too. In the confidence that we both want Truth (Christ) above all, I am taking the time to attempt to give you scripture on this subject. I am well aware that I can change no one. I firmly believe that all Truth is only by divine revelation. Flesh and blood [ that’s me] hath not revealed it unto you but My Father which is in heaven (Mat 16:17). I’m not set in concrete on anything, but I do believe that I am founded in scripture. It is with these convictions and with the confidence that we are both sincere in our prayer that I am taking the time to give you these scriptures and ask you some questions. My questions are not asked in a condescending spirit. I hope that they don’t come across that way. But I admit that I do not understand how you cope with the scriptures I am presenting, if you do not acknowledge some kind of difference between those who are ‘called,’ and those who are ‘chosen.’ Must God be guilty of ‘looking despairingly,’ on those who are in the called but not chosen group? Let me know if I am missing something here.

I am going to go through your comments and ask some questions, and probably make some observations. Afterward, I want to make a few statements and observations about the teachings of Mr. A. E. Knoch. You started with the following:

I have already thanked you for pointing out a need for balance on my part. But I’m at a loss to understand how you can consider chastening and suffering as “unrelated” to spiritual maturity.

You might want to consider the following three scriptures if you really want the Lord to “show me if I am wrong:”

  1. 2Ti 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
    Is Paul unaware that we have nothing to do with our salvation? Does He not realize that everything is in the hands of a loving Father? I believe that we would both agree that Paul is aware of God’s sovereignty and His love. So why does he say things like this, as if we ought to expect to suffer if we want to reign with Him, as if it might really be possible to deny Christ? Could it possibly be that the Holy Spirit inspired him to say these things because there is absolutely no contradiction between “being careful to maintain good works” (Tit 3:8), and understanding the sovereignty of a loving Father? Could God’s sovereignty include the need for “the foolishness of preaching?” Could it be that a sovereign, loving Father actually wants His children to learn vigilance?
  2. 1Co 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
    1Co 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned [ to the 2nd resurrection] with the world.
    Do you find the last part of this verse to be despairing and disgusting?
  3. Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son [ the spirit could have used ‘nepios‘ here but it didn’t] whom he receiveth.
    This entire book is designed to mature the Hebrews who were as attached to nothing beyond ‘the law,’ as Christians are “nothing … but Christ and HIM crucified.”

Please tell me, why was it so important to Paul that the Corinthians get beyond the “milk” of the word? He tells us that he shed tears over this. Why would he do this? Had he ‘lost his joy?’ Or could it be that the maturing process involves times of ‘shedding tears,’ ‘chastening,’ and ‘scourging’ which, for the present, is not joyful but, “afterwards … yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness?” Is this not the process that Paul and Peter and James and John all reveal to be the way God has determined to bring his sons to maturity? Or do the scriptures reveal an emphasis on the sovereignty of God to the exclusion of any need for chastening and scourging?

Here we are. You quote Gal 3:26. You say that my “version of the gospel (Lord please show me if I am wrong) … kind of takes away one’s joy.” The last thing I want to do is to see my own three sons without joy. To that very end I have given them pain and spankings and made them learn to be accountable for their actions. Why would I inflict pain on the very people I love? Because I know that “afterwards it would yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness.”

Now it is for that same reason that I ask you, because you truly want to know if you are wrong, are you aware that only three verses after Paul says, You are all sons [uihos] of God through faith in Christ Jesus … and if you are sons, then heirs, He also makes this statement:

Gal 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child [nepios], differeth nothing from a servant [ who is not an heir], though he be lord of all;
Gal 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
Gal 4:3 Even so we, when we were children [nepios], were in bondage under the elements of the world:

L____, this is a warning against succumbing to ‘strong delusion,’ (I am Abraham’s seed, I have never been in bondage to anyone because I have believed in Christ and Him crucified). In your present understanding of the scriptures such an interpretation of these verses ‘ takes away your joy,’ but notice how this chapter ends:

Gal 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise [ the elect].
Gal 4:29 But as then he that was born after the flesh [ Born of the same Father but of an Egyptian wife, these are the called but not chosen] persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
Gal 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

This last verse is tied to the first three verses:

Gal 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child [nepios], differeth nothing from a servant [ the son of God who is born of an Egyptian, who is not an heir], though he be lord of all;
Gal 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time [ second resurrection – Eze 16:55 – When? Answer: Then. Look at that scripture] appointed of the father.
Gal 4:3 Even so we, when we were children [nepios], were in bondage under the elements of the world:
Gal 4:31 So then, brethren, we [ if we are no longer nepios] are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

That word, ‘exceptional,’ is not mine, nor is it scripture. ‘Overcomer,’ on the other hand, is scripture. It is all through Paul and the so- called ‘circumcision epistles.’

So the immature differ nothing from the mature? The called are just as well off as the chosen? And the many differ not from the few?

Look at what you are saying. You are saying that, because you are disgusted with the idea of any real need for maturing, that therefore, in reality, the heir, though a nepios, differs nothing from a uihos, because no loving Father, “from a human standpoint,” would dare to call many to Him and then send them strong delusion. Not only does the nepios differ nothing from a uihos, but the ‘many’ differ nothing from the ‘few’, and the called differ nothing from the chosen. And why is this all so? Because, “The thought is so repulsive, even from a human standpoint.” ‘The human standpoint’ does not dictate to the scriptures, L____. “Many are still called and few are still chosen; a nepios, though the heir, still differeth nothing from a slave; the called are still not the chosen.”

Rom 9:13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.[ while they were in their mothers womb]
Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Rom 9:16 So then [ it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Hey, it doesn’t sound fair to me either, but I have come to where I accept these plain statements of scripture.

2Th 2:11 And for this cause [ because they receive not a love of the truth] God shall send them [ those who are “unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe”] strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
2Th 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness [ Saw no need to be overcomers].

Paul tells us that every thing that happened to Israel in the wilderness happened to them “for our admonition:

1Co 10:7 Neither be ye idolaters, as [ were] some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
1Co 10:8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
1Co 10:9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
1Co 10:10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
1Co 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Does this sound like we are being told ‘Don’t concern yourself with whether you are maturing in Christ. After all you have a loving Father who would never say to those who see no need to overcome, ‘I never knew you’. What does that last verse say for the belief that ‘a nepios differs nothing from a uihos?’ I only want you to consider what you are believing, and ask yourself, “is there any scripture for my beliefs?”.

If indeed the events in the wilderness are written for our admonition, what does the story of Korah’s rebellion have to tell us?

Num 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took [ men]:
Num 16:2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:
Num 16:3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them [ the nepios differs nothing from the uihos]: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?

These are all Israelites, all covered by the blood of the lamb, all baptized in the sea. But there is what appears, “from a human standpoint,” an unfair distinction being made between the priest and the people. I think you are familiar with how this story ended. Those who, “from a human standpoint,” were “disgusted” with God’s apparent favoritism were swallowed up by the earth.

L____, I don’t know you from Adam, but I do know that we both were born in Adam. I, like you and like Paul, continually struggle against the flesh. But you are dead wrong about the joy of the overcomers. It is not until you come to believe and know that, in Christ, you really can be “free from sin” that you begin to experience the joy that Christ in you produces. I, like Paul, am still “dying daily.” But in the meantime:

Php 3:8 I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Php 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Php 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Php 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the [ first] resurrection of the dead.
Php 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Php 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Php 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

There is a “prize” for the “overcomers” only, and that ‘prize’ is to rule over and to bring to maturity those who do not see the need to “press toward the mark for the prize…”

Rom 11:30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
Rom 11:31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

What it all boils down to is will you believe the beast that sits in the temple and tells you that you can never make war with him and ever have any hope of overcoming him, or will you believe the Truth which says that “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me”? Don’t believe that lie of ‘the beast.’ Believe the truth, “you can do all things through Christ,” including being “free from sin.”

Rom 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Rom 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

Here is what Paul means by ‘free from sin:’

Rom 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Rom 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you:

In one sense, you are right, because we do have joy in Christ. But that joy does not rest on the ability of grace to continuously cover my never diminishing sins; rather it rests in the fact that:

Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Tit 2:12 Teaching [ chastening] us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Now you know what Paul had in mind when he said:

Rom 5:20 Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

We will never out- sin grace because God knows how to deal with each and every one of us to deliver us from evil.

“Little flock” is just another way of saying the “few chosen.” This verse that you’re quoting is actually saying that God gives the kingdom to the few overcomers.

Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

On the other hand, here is what we are told happens to the nepios who refuses to come to maturity and to bear fruit:

Mat 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Same Jesus saying the same thing, just in other words, because we are assured that “many are called but few are chosen. It is really good news, because He works all things after the counsel of his own will.

I have as much trouble as any average person expressing myself. Forgive me if I have given you the impression that ‘immaturity,’ as it is discussed by Paul or Christ has anything to do with how recently we have come to understand God’s word. It is obvious from the fact that Paul was called several years after the other apostles that maturity is not necessarily connected to how long we have known the Lord. But be honest with yourself. How would you sum up the tone of your questions and comments above? Are you telling me that we don’t “need to be crucified and suffer?” In the light of Paul’s many statements to the contrary, I seriously doubt that you are saying that.
I feel foolish having to ask you to forgive me while I quote just one such scripture, but please realize this is just for the sake of this discussion:

Php 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

What I’m thinking is that you are not aware of the fact that I am constantly combating Mr. A. E. Knoch’s “Works have nothing to do with our Pauline, grace only calling.”

Of course, the truth is that Christ and every other writer of the New Testament agree with Paul, when he states that Christ will render to every man according to his deeds [ Greek – ergon – works] (Rom 2:6).

Mr. Knoch states that what sets the Concordant Version apart from other versions is that it assigns one English word to each Greek word using the Concordance. However you will notice that they are very conscientious not to follow their own rule when it come to this word ‘ergon.’ ‘Ergon‘ could and should consistently be translated ‘works.’ The one good thing about the Concordant Version is that it is consistent in translating the word ‘aion.’ That is because this word is consistent with their correct understanding of that word. Not so with the word ‘ergon.’ It interferes with Mr. Knoch’s “no works” doctrine every time it appears in any epistle written by Paul. But to Mr. Knoch’s dismay, Paul uses this word ‘ergon,’ more than all the other writers of the new testament combined.

Mr. Knoch didn’t let that deter him from teaching that we should “learn to revel in our freedom from law.” I am attaching a letter I sent to Gary Amirault the week before Ray sent me your letter, which demonstrates that we are indeed free from the law of Moses, yet we are not now, in Christ, lawless. Rather, like Paul, we had better be “delighting in the law of God after the inward man” (Rom 7:22), “under the law to Christ” (1Co 9:21), and “fulfilling the law of Christ”(Gal 6:2), etc., etc.

There are obviously two conflicting laws being discussed in the new covenant writings. One is called an “administration of death” and the other is called the “ministration of the spirit [ which] gives life” (2Co 3:6-7). But none of Paul’s statements about “being under law to Christ,” stood in Mr. Knoch’s way. He simply consistently changed the translation of the word ‘ergon‘ to ‘acts,’ ‘ideal acts,’ or ‘deeds.’ Anything but it’s best translation, ‘works.’ That word must not be allowed to appear in Paul’s epistles. Conversely, he just as consistently translated it as ‘works’ whenever it appeared in the so- called ‘circumcision epistles.’ The consistency with which he adhered to this double standard reveals his bias against admitting that Paul stresses ‘works’ more than all the other writers combined.

Speaking of those who refuse to “go on unto maturity” (Heb 6:1), Paul has this to say in Titus:

Tit 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

This epistle is short but is the heaviest of all on this word ‘ergon.’

This is getting too long, but you did pray, “(Lord please show me if I’m wrong),” so I am taking the time to discuss this with you. I hope that you and Gary will be as considerate of me.

To that end I have but one question for you and all our Concordant brothers. What does “Many are called but few are chosen,”mean to you? Does this mean that God calls many but then, “The Father shows up and the children all run outside to meet him (as my children often do). Instead of hugging and kissing all of them (as I do) the Father hugs the older, more mature ones, and looks despairingly at the other, younger children, their faces beaming with joy, and says, sorry, you can’t be with me… you’re not mature enough. The thought is so repulsive, even from a human standpoint.” If you are so disgusted with the idea of some of God’s children being disqualified from the first resurrection, who do you believe the scriptures are referring to when they warn us against what happens to those who are “called to be saints” (1Co 1:2), but are ” cast away.”

1Co 9:27< But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Do you really think this is just a rhetorical statement by Paul? Are you truly comfortable having no such concerns of your own?

What do scriptures such as, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (1Co 10:12), mean to you? I don’t mean to discourage you, but I truly believe that the teachings of A. E. Knoch are as near to “strong delusion”, sent to those who do not “receive the love of the truth,” as anything out there.

Don’t allow the fact that you may not be making the progress that you would like at this time to influence you to ignore the entire thrust of the scriptures which is, in a nutshell:

Mat 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

I am well aware that I am totally incapable of making you see anything, but I with you pray that if I am wrong that the Lord will send someone along who will take the time to help me as I feel I am doing for you.

I Pray that I am humbly in His service.

Mike

]]> The Meaning of “To The Jew First” https://www.iswasandwillbe.com/the-meaning-of-to-the-jew-first/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-meaning-of-to-the-jew-first Wed, 05 Oct 2005 23:59:59 +0000 http://www.iswasandwillbe.com/?p=4731

Hi Mike,

I have been re- reading the gospels and wondering if you can explain why Jesus went only to the Jews. Also wondering what he meant in Matthew when it says he came to save His people? Mat 1:21. Also, since Jesus hadn’t been crucified yet, I assume the gospels up until his crucifixion are shadows of good things to come, to fulfill the law. Am I right? Hope you have time to respond.

Thanks again.

L____

Hi L____,

Thank you for your questions.

Why did Christ go only to the Jews while He was here in the flesh? The answer to this question is found in Romans.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

What is meant by ‘He came to save His people? This means what it says. It is only through the name of Christ that anyone will ever be saved. Christ was not known before He came. And His reason for coming was to save all men:

1Jn 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

“The sins of the whole world” would certainly include the sins of “His people.”

You are right on target about the gospels having types and shadows in them. The fact that the apostles cast out demons and healed the sick while they were yet carnal, is a type and shadow of what is taking place in the orthodox Christian world to this day.

Luk 22:32 But I have prayed for thee [ Peter], that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Contrary to what is taught in the orthodox Christian world, simply believing in Christ is not the definition of being ‘converted’ or being ‘saved. Here is the scriptural Truth about being ‘saved:’

Mat 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

I hope I have answered your questions.

Mike

]]> The Gospel of Paul https://www.iswasandwillbe.com/the-gospel-of-paul/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-gospel-of-paul Fri, 02 Sep 2005 23:59:59 +0000 http://www.iswasandwillbe.com/?p=4549

Dear Mike,

I am searching for the true gospel, and your site has been very helpful. But I am still puzzled over two issues, raised elsewhere:

  • Did Paul supplant the gospel given to the twelve apostles when he preached the ‘mystery’ to the gentiles?
  • Is election equal to sanctification and justification (and constitutes predestination)?

I would be very grateful if you clear my mind on these issues.

Best,

P____

Hi P____,

Thank you for your questions.

I was personally acquainted with Doctor Ernest Martin. It was through Dr. Martin that I first heard of the doctrine of the eventual universal salvation for all in Adam. Dr. Martin told me himself that he had learned of this truth through A. E. Knoch. I fear that A. E. Knoch’s false doctrine of two administrations has affected Dr. Martin’s teachings. Allow me to demonstrate how he contradicts himself as he tries to prove that Paul’s doctrine of the mystery has “supplanted the partial gospel” first given to the apostles: Here is a cut and paste from the web page you sent me:

“Paul told the “Ephesians” (actually, Laodiceans) that a revelation containing this new teaching had just been given to him and he wondered whether they had yet heard it,

“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you- ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; ( as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.” Eph 3:1-5”

Though Paul had not met them face- to- face, these people had long been Christians because some of Paul’s professional companions were from their area (Col 4:9, 12). Paul’s querying them IF they had yet heard “the Mystery” shows its revelation had come to Paul only recently and he was not sure IF his readers yet knew of it. Though they had long ago heard the original Christian message (the partial Gospel), Paul told them that this revelation of “the Mystery” had not been disclosed to previous ages or generations as it was NOW made known to him and others (Eph 3:5 above; see also Col 1:26, “but now is made manifest to his saints”).

This was written in his last paragraph:

This [ revelation of the mystery, right here in the book of Ephesians] was mature teaching that most of the Christian world had not yet heard.

Yet later, Dr. Martin makes this claim:

Contrast Number Two

2. Earlier Gospel. In the first Gospel, the tribes of the commonwealth of Israel were the only people on earth who had the covenants of promise and all Gentiles were reckoned as aliens to Israel. All people except Israelites were cut off from the promises of salvation “having no hope and without God in the world” (Eph 2:12). To be saved from 30 C. E. to 62/63 C. E., the Gentiles (though they did not have to be circumcised) were required to accept Christ and be grafted into Israel (Rom 11:11–25). All people had to become “Israelites” by their attachment to Christ who was the perfect Israelite. If people were not reckoned as “Israelites” (or children of Abraham), they could not be saved. But being “in Christ” made them “Israelites” and inheritors of the promises given to Abraham.

2. Mystery. With “the Mystery,” however, being an Israelite ceased to be important. Now both Israelites and Gentiles are joined together to form “one new man” [ a new type of human] who is neither Jew, Greek, or whatever (Col 3:10–11) and both together as a new man have become joint heirs, joint bodied, and joint partakers of the promise IN CHRIST (Eph 3:6). But now, being “in Christ” does not make one an Israelite or an heir of Abraham. One is now an heir of Christ solely, and will receive all that Christ (as the divine Son of God) is entitled to, and not simply what Abraham is entitled to. Now, all people in Christ have become the “new man” and they now have a heavenly citizenship (not a citizenship in the commonwealth of Israel). Now we are all sitting in Christ on the very throne of God at the Father’s right hand (Eph 2:6; Col 3:1).

Dr. Martin is, in these two paragraphs, claiming that Col 3:10-11 changes and negates the Truths revealed in Eph 2:11-22. Nothing could be further from the Truth. Here are those scriptures for our consideration:

Eph 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye [ being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [ between us];
Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Eph 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Eph 2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Here is Paul, in the very epistle that Dr. Martin is using to show that the mystery supplanted the “partial gospel,” stating that being part of that “One Body” is equivalent to being “made near unto the commonwealth of Israel and no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens [ of that commonwealth of Israel] with the saints, and of the household of God.” Now I ask you, where in these verses from Colossians does Paul in any way deny what he has just said here in Ephesians:

Col 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Col 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Does “put on the new man” mean that one who does so is no longer a part of the commonwealth of Israel? Does “Christ is all in all” mean in any way that “He is a Jew which is one inwardly” is no longer true?

Notice again how Dr. Martin uses the very epistles which tell us that we are “of the commonwealth of Israel” Ephesians2; “are the circumcision,” Phillipians 3:3 to, at the same time prove that these truths are no longer relevant:

Contrast Number Three

3. Earlier Gospel. Being “in Christ” in the partial Gospel provided several blessings to the recipients. Israelites by being “in Christ” were made “pure Israelites” and Gentiles were made to be “spiritual (and also pure) Israelites.” All were also made to be true children of Abraham. Through baptism, all were accounted “dead” in Christ and as having come out of the water of death to be reckoned as “resurrected” in Christ. They were then reckoned to be in a legally resurrected state and awaiting the Judgment Seat of Christ to be judged for their sins on earth (Rom 14:10–11; 2Co 5:10–11).

After this future Judgment (to determine what positions people would have in the Kingdom of God), all were finally promised to be a part of the New Covenant marriage to be given to Israel just after the Second Advent. Their positions in that Kingdom were to be decided in accord with their deeds on earth that the future Judgment would determine (1Co 3:11-15). The reason that all early Christians partook of the Lord’s Supper was in anticipation of the future marriage to Christ after they passed the Judgment Seat of Christ.

During this life, however, all Christians were to remain in an espousal state with Christ (2Co 11:2) until after the Judgment by Christ and then the great marriage supper would occur. Being “in Christ” during the period when the first Gospel was taught (though that partial Gospel was glorious and wonderful), the guarantees of the Gospel WENT NO FURTHER THAN THESE PROMISES. In the partial Gospel taught in the first 33 years of proclaiming Christian doctrine, all the assurances of salvation and rewards in the Kingdom were solidly anchored only to those promises given to Abraham and to Israel. At that time, being “in Christ” gave one the right to be reckoned a “pure and virgin Israelite” and to inherit the promises given to lsrael (Eph 2:12-18).

3. Mystery. But with “the Mystery,” one being “in Christ” made both an Israelite and a Gentile to be a “new man” [ a new humanity] — not simply a pure and virgin Israelite. In the Mystery one’s citizenship is in heaven, not simply to be an Israelite on earth (Php 3:20). With “the Mystery,” Christians are reckoned as now married (not espoused) to Christ (Eph 5:32) and members of the household of God (Eph 2:19-22). All in “the Mystery” who are “in Christ” are not only regarded as going back to Abraham as their father, but they go back farther — to being in Christ before the world’s foundation, long before Abraham was born (Eph 1:3-13; 2Ti 1:9). And since all people who die are to be judged for their lives on earth (Rom 14:10-11; 2Co 5:10-11), this also included Christ (Heb 9:26).

But the Father found nothing wrong with Christ in His Judgment. God sat Christ on his right hand in glory and places us in the same position (Eph 2:6; 1:3; Col 3:1–4). We passed the Judgment with Christ and we by- passed all the lesser Kingdom promises of ruling over a few cities (Luk 19:17–19), or maybe a nation (Mat 19:28), or even ruling over all nations on earth (Rev 5:10). We go to the highest position of all, on the Father’s right hand ruling the entire universe with Christ (Eph 2:6).

Our rule occurs within the heavenlies (Eph 1:3). Paul firmly believed at the conclusion of his ministry that his exaltation in Christ would be to inherit “the heavenly kingdom” (2Ti 4:18), not alone the one on earth during the Millennium. Indeed, we are even now regarded as joint bodied with Christ (Eph 3:6) and this places us right now in a legal sense within the Godhead bodily:

“For in him [ Christ] dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, AND YOU ARE COMPLETE IN HIM.” Col 2:9–10

In other words, we are accounted by the Father as having passed the Judgment (that all people have to endure) and we are already sitting in Christ as a deified person on the right hand of the Father. Of course, we do not yet possess the power of the Godhead, but when we are resurrected from the dead, we will pass through the Judgment without a word being said because we already went through that ordained Judgment with Christ and we are now assured the same grace and position that

Dr. Martin does not understand the one thing that Christ emphasized more than most any other point. And that is that He, and therefore His Word “IS, was and will be.”

Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Words “that are spirit” do not become untrue tomorrow. If we are plainly told that certain words are only “until the times of reformation,” then we should believe that is true. On the other hand, if we are plainly told “My words will never pass away,” and we are told that all scripture is given by inspiration of God, then we need to also believe that.

Dr. Martin’s writings reveal that he does not understand the scriptural use of the word heaven. His writings reveal that he believes that heaven has to do with the physical universe. Nothing could be farther from the Truth. Read How To Rightly Divide The Word Using A Principle Only The Apostles Understood. Then also read a paper I have just this week posted entitled Where and What is Heaven?

Read these papers. Then if you still have questions about the gospels let me know.

Contrast Number Four

4. Earlier Gospel. In the partial Gospel it was possible to miss out on inheriting the promises of the New Covenant. If Israelites or Gentiles persisted in unbelief and sinful ways in a deliberate and premeditated way in order to spite the Father and Christ, they were told that they would not inherit the Kingdom of God, though they would finally experience salvation (1Co 3:10-15; 5:5; Heb 10:16-31) – the sanctification of a person in Christ has perfected all people forever (Heb 10:14). But one can miss out on the reward of experiencing the Kingdom of God which will start with the first resurrection at Christ’s Second Advent if one persists in unrepentant and premeditated sins designed to spite God and his ways.

4. Mystery. Those who understand the teaching of “the Mystery” can also miss experiencing the first resurrection and being in the Kingdom of God (earthly or heavenly) if one persists in unrepentant and premeditated sins that are designed to spite God and his ways. Though all people will eventually receive salvation in Christ, a person even though he or she understands “the Mystery” can still miss out by not receiving their salvation at the resurrection associated with the Second Advent.

Paul said that his desire was to have a part in “the out- resurrection out of the dead” (Php 3:11, see the Greek). Paul was talking about the “earlier” resurrection (i. e. the first resurrection) which takes place at Christ’s Second Advent. Paul also warned the Ephesians (to whom he taught “the Mystery”) that a proper and reasonable conduct was necessary on their part in order to inherit the Kingdom phase of God and Christ along with salvation (Eph 5:3–5). So even in the mature Gospel of “the Mystery,” Christians are warned to live with a reasonable conduct if they hope to achieve the “out- resurrection” (the first resurrection) at Christ’s Second Advent.

This is labeled ‘Contrast Number Four,’ but I fail to see where the contrast is between what Dr. Martin calls the ‘Earlier Gospel’ and the ‘Mystery.’ Let me know if you see some ‘contrast.’

Contrast Number Five

5. Earlier Gospel. In the partial teaching of the Gospel in the first 33 years of Christian doctrinal development, the physical Israelites continued to circumcise their sons, people were baptized on their conversion to Christ, and they kept the Sabbaths and the Lord’s Supper on the eve of Passover. The apostles were also recognized as mediators involving doctrines associated with conduct and eating (or not eating) certain things (Act 15). The apostles as mediators were even able to forgive sins (Mat 16:19; 18:18; Joh 20:22).

During the partial Gospel, the apostles reckoned that Gentiles did not have to be circumcised if they were in Christ because Abraham received the promise in an uncircumcised state. But Gentiles were still required to be baptized, refrain from certain foods, and keep the Lord’s Supper as a token of their espousal to Christ so they could inherit the promises given to Israel.

5. Mystery. All that changed with “the Mystery.” No longer are human mediators needed — including human apostles or hierarchical ministers (1Ti 2:4–6). Being “in Christ” in the COMPLETE and FULL doctrine of God makes both Israelites and Gentiles reckoned together as a “new man” who is no longer an Israelite or a Gentile (Col 3:10–11). We are now viewed as having been “in Christ” from before the world’s foundation (Eph 1:3–13).

When Christ entered the world, we entered with him. When Christ was circumcised at eight days of life, we are recognized by the Father as having been circumcised at the same time (Col 2:11). When Christ was baptized by John the Baptist, the Father reckons us as also being baptized by John (Col 2:12), and this is the “one baptism” that the Father accepts — not our own physical baptisms (Eph 4:5).

When Christ was crucified, we were regarded as crucified with him (Col 3:3). When Christ was resurrected we were deemed as resurrected with him (Col 2:13; 3:1). When Christ passed the Judgment Seat of God, we victoriously passed that Judgment Seat with him and are now accounted worthy (with Christ) to sit on the Father’s right hand (Eph 2:6).

In truth, Christ became a SUBSTITUTE for us in all requirements that God has ever made for mankind. Being “in Christ” in the FULL and COMPLETE teaching of “the Mystery” means we have met all the requirements of the Father in a perfect way. This is the Good News (the Gospel) that Christ told Paul (and Christ tells us) to teach to all the world.

This fifth and final ‘contrast’ is Dr. Martin’s worst effort of these five. It is of course based upon his false premise that there are two gospels. While he is correct in pointing out the fact that the earlier preaching of the gospel was not as full as the later revelations, it is totally erroneous to use this time of transition to justify a nullification of earlier understanding. The law of Moses itself is “established” for the purpose of “bringing us all to Christ” and to “shut every mouth and declare the whole world as guilty before God.” It always has and always will perform this function very well so long as we are not “in faith.” Of course “after faith is come, we are no longer under that schoolmaster.”

All of this being true of the law of Moses, it follows that what Dr. Martin calls ‘The Partial Gospel’ is also “established” simply as a period of transition, not only in the experience of all of the New Testament apostles, Paul himself included, but also in the lives of every convert to Christ in every succeeding generation. This is the unknown character of the Word of God. This is the “Is, Was and Will Be” character of the Word of God so amply demonstrated in the way all of the New Testament writers handled God’s Word. They themselves demonstrate for us how we are to “rightly divide the Word of Truth.” Surely we ought to follow their example. Surely they would not ‘rightly divide’ it in one manner and expect us to do so in some other way.

Dr. Martin points out that Christ told his original apostles:

Joh 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

This again, is not something that was true just for Christ’s apostles while He was in the flesh, but is no longer true for us today. No, not at all. It is still true for us today. This again demonstrates that unknown character of the Word of God, the Is, Was and [ always] Will Be application that is demonstrated by all the writers of the New Testament. I am becoming redundant here on this point, but I will not delete what I have written. It cannot be over emphasized.

Look once more at what Dr. Martin calls the “earlier gospel:”

Contrast Number Five

5. Earlier Gospel. In the partial teaching of the Gospel in the first 33 years of Christian doctrinal development, the physical Israelites continued to circumcise their sons, people were baptized on their conversion to Christ, and they kept the Sabbaths and the Lord’s Supper on the eve of Passover. The apostles were also recognized as mediators involving doctrines associated with conduct and eating (or not eating) certain things (Act 15). The apostles as mediators were even able to forgive sins (Mat 16:19; 18:18; Joh 20:22).

During the partial Gospel, the apostles reckoned that Gentiles did not have to be circumcised if they were in Christ because Abraham received the promise in an uncircumcised state. But Gentiles were still required to be baptized, refrain from certain foods, and keep the Lord’s Supper as a token of their espousal to Christ so they could inherit the promises given to Israel.

Show me one thing in this supposed ‘contrast’ that I and Dr. Martin himself have not struggled with in our own ‘Transition Period.’ We must all spend long years wandering around in the wilderness. We must all cross the Jordan and fight the giants in the land. But the end or the goal of our pilgrimage, we are one and all predestined to go into and to come out of Babylon. The Truth of God’s Word, however, is that while virtually everyone wants to leave Egypt, very few indeed want to leave the luxurious life that they have established as merchants in Babylon. “All these things happened to them and they are written for [ one reason]; They happened to them and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”

1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

That word ‘ensamples’ is the Greek word ‘tupos’ and is usually translated ‘example,’ ‘figure,’ ‘pattern’ or ‘form.’ In other words, these things that happened to Israel are examples of us. We will not avoid the transition period that brings all of God’s elect “out of Babylon.”

If indeed there were two separate gospels, Paul would have been hard pressed to call Peter and Barnabas “dissimulators” or hypocrites as he does in Gal 2. But what is so interesting is the reason Paul gives for calling them hypocrites:

Gal 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before [ them] all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Did you catch that? It was “the” singular, not plural gospel, that both Peter and Barnabas were unfaithful to.

Dr Martin draws a supposed ‘contrast’ as if a change was made that had not been understood before. He then intimates that since that change, the pre- existing conditions are no longer extant. The worst part is that he thinks that physical rituals substitute for our experience in Christ. Look at what he is teaching:

When Christ entered the world, we entered with him. When Christ was circumcised at eight days of life, we are recognized by the Father as having been circumcised at the same time (Col 2:11). When Christ was baptized by John the Baptist, the Father reckons us as also being baptized by John (Col 2:12), and this is the “one baptism” that the Father accepts — not our own physical baptisms (Eph 4:5).

So according to this doctrine we do not need to be ‘circumcised’, and we do not need to be baptized. But what does Paul himself teach us about baptism, right here in this Ephesian epistle?

Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

Our baptism is not by Christ’s physical baptism, it is by the cleansing power of God’s fiery Word, working it purifying work in us.

Dr. Martin actually states earlier that Christ is our “substitute” in all these things. Nothing could be further from the Truth! Christ did not die to the flesh so we could live in it. He died to the flesh so He could “fill up in our bodies that which is behind of His sufferings.” He died to the flesh so that He could die to the flesh in us. “We are His workmanship.”

Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Despite what Dr. Martin taught, the way to salvation is still the same as it was when Christ made this statement:

Mat 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all [ men] for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

It is still the same as when Paul made this statement:

Rom 2:6 Who [ God in Christ] will render to every man according to his deeds:
Rom 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

I hope this has answered your first question about the teachings of Dr. Martin’s page. I simply do not at this time have the time to do the same for the other page you sent me. But rest assured of the Truth of these last two verses of scripture. No one is “saved until they have “endured to the end.”

I hope this is all of some help to you.

Mike

]]> Replacement Theology https://www.iswasandwillbe.com/replacement-theology/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=replacement-theology Mon, 13 Jun 2005 04:59:59 +0000 http://www.iswasandwillbe.com/?p=3759

Hi there,

I found this web site [ advocating an anti- Jesus/ Christian/ New Testament, strictly Torah form of pharisaic Judaism], and I think that you may find it interesting.

Take care,
K____

Hi K____,

Thanks for thinking of me. I will point out but a very few of the dozens of scriptures in both the Old and the New Testament that conflict with the teachings and doctrines of this web page.

The most popular thing in all of orthodox Christianity is to side with the apostate nation of physical Israel and condemn all who refuse to do so as ‘replacement theologians.’ According to the scriptures, the flesh and the physical and the letter have indeed all been “replaced” by “the things of the spirit.” Here are but a few of the dozens of scriptures that conflict with this carnal, fleshly approach to the Word of God:

Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Rom 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the praise is not of men, but of God.

The authors of the web page you presented do not believe this pre-135 AD verse of scripture. So let us consider another one:

Gal 4:28 Now we [ Gentile Galatians], brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
Gal 4:29 But as then he that was born after the flesh [ physically descended from Abraham] persecuted him that was born after the Spirit [ Isaac was born supernaturally after Abraham was incapable of having children], even so it is now [ Those who see Israel as a physical nation, to this day, hate those spiritual Israelites (Eph 2:11-19), who are “inward Jews,” “born after the spirit.”
Gal 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son [Gal 4:25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.]: for the son of the bondwoman [ Jerusalem that now is] shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
Gal 4:31 So then, brethren, we [ Gentile Galatians] are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

How about these verses:

Rom 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
Rom 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
Rom 9:5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
Rom 9:7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
Rom 9:8 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.

Paul was a replacement theologian! Let’s look at just one more of the dozens of scriptures which tell us that all the physical types of the old covenant were but mere shadows of the new covenant spiritual realities.

Who, then is the new covenant ‘circumcision?’

Phi 3:3 For we [ Gentile Philippians] are the circumcision, which worship God in the spiri t, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

If only today’s orthodox Christians would “put no confidence in the flesh.” If only this were the attitude of orthodox Christianity, we would not be misconstruing the spiritual meaning of the old covenant statement God made to Abraham:

Gen 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee [“Those in Christ”] shall all families of the earth be blessed.

This is a promise made applicable only to “Abraham and his seed.”

Gal 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made…

And who is “Abraham and His seed?” Only those “given eyes to see” will be able to accept this truth:

Gal 3:16 He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Gal 3:29 And if ye [ Gentile Galatians] be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Paul taught that converted Gentiles were the true Jews, the true circumcision, the true son of the free woman and the true seed of Abraham. I submit to you that Paul taught replacement theology long before 135 AD. Replacement theology is a term used to denote how Paul and Christ taught physical Israel was ‘replaced’ by spiritual Israel.

One final scripture which gives the lie to the doctrine promulgated on that carnal- minded web site:

Eze 16:53 When I shall bring again their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, then [ and not until then] will I bring again the captivity of thy captives in the midst of them:
Eze 16:54 That thou mayest bear thine own shame, and mayest be confounded in all that thou hast done, in that thou art a comfort unto them.
Eze 16:55 When thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate, then [ and only then] thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate.

Paul is naturally in complete accord with Ezekiel:

Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles [ Sodom and Samaria] be come in.

This time line of events is reiterated twice in these verses. Yet the carnal minded Christians of orthodoxy insist that the ‘valley of dry bones’ of Eze 37, refers to what God will do with Israel at the beginning of the millennium. For these carnal minds, I have but one question: Will Sodom be restored to God at the beginning of the millennium?

I submit to you that both Paul and Ezekiel taught ‘replacement theology.’

Just some food for thought.

Mike

]]> The Separation Of Sheep And Goats https://www.iswasandwillbe.com/the-separation-of-sheep-and-goats/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-separation-of-sheep-and-goats Thu, 21 Apr 2005 04:59:59 +0000 http://www.iswasandwillbe.com/?p=4849

I know you are very busy. But it is such a relief to FINALLY have someone who has been shown the same things I have! Thank you Jesus!

I am stealing time here and there to read more of your entries, I have not yet found an answer: Do you believe it is necessary to speak in tongues?

Also, I have not yet read your info on it, I was simply thrilled to find that you believe all are saved as God recently showed me, but, could you direct me to your view on what happens in the times to come, when we are separated the sheep from the goats what happens?

Thanks

C____

Hi C____

Please go to the tongues section of the web page and read those letters. I believe this is the most in depth treatment of this subject that is to be found. Languages need translators. Unknown babbling needs no translation, because there is nothing to translate. If you try the spirits, you must try them against the Word. The Word calls for “languages.” It does not call for “Unknown tongues.”

You also asked about separating the sheep from the goats. This has nothing to do with Christ’s next coming. Physical Israel will be converted “when Sodom and Samaria [ are converted] then will you [ physical Israel and Jerusalem] be restored to your former estate [ find favor with God].” This will not happen “until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” In other words “When Sodom…” comes to God, “ then you [ physical Jerusalem and physical Israel] will be restored to your former estate.”

Eze 16:48 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters. Eze 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
Eze 16:50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.
Eze 16:51 Neither hath Samaria committed half of thy sins; but thou hast multiplied thine abominations more than they, and hast justified thy sisters in all thine abominations which thou hast done.
Eze 16:52 Thou also, which hast judged thy sisters, bear thine own shame for thy sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they: they are more righteous than thou: yea, be thou confounded also, and bear thy shame, in that thou hast justified thy sisters.
Eze 16:53 When I shall bring again their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, then [ will I bring again] the captivity of thy captives in the midst of them:
Eze 16:54 That thou mayest bear thine own shame, and mayest be confounded in all that thou hast done, in that thou art a comfort unto them.
Eze 16:55 When thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate, then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate.

Jerusalem here symbolizes both physical Israel, which has rejected her Messiah, but it also symbolizes “those who say they are [ spiritual- Christian] Jews and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan.” This chapter of Ezekiel is a prophecy of those who will be cast into God’s purifying ‘lake of fire.’

When will this occur?

Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

In other words Israel will be brought back to God “ when Sodom comes in…” Until that time the truth concerning physical Israel is:

Rom 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
Rom 11:8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

Why has this knowledge and grace been given to the “election?” The answer is right here in this same chapter. In spite of what orthodox Christianity teaches, there is a “fall harvest.” There will yet be a “feast of ingathering, at the end of the year.”

Here is the reason for an elect firstfruits:

Rom 11:15 For if the casting away of them [ physical Israel] be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? [ The second resurrection of all the dead of all time. “When Sodom is restored…”]
Rom 11:16 For if the firstfruit [ the elect] be holy [ all mankind], the lump is also holy [“God is love”]: and if the root [ Christ] be holy, so are the branches.
Rom 11:17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
Rom 11:18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
Rom 11:19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
Rom 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
Rom 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
Rom 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
Rom 11:23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief [ now and at the second resurrection], shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.
Rom 11:24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
Rom 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, unti l the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. [ Until “thy sister Sodom is restored…”]
Rom 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Rom 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Rom 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.
Rom 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Rom 11:30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
Rom 11:31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
Rom 11:32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

It is ” through this mercy of yours that they also obtain mercy.” But even though they will be raised as spiritual bodies, they must yet endure the ‘lake of fire… in the presence of the lamb.”

That the elect administer this lake of fire is proven in Isaiah.

Isa 33:14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?

So who is this “devouring fire?” Who is this “everlasting burnings?” Who “dwells with… Our God… a consuming fire?” Is it Satan and his angels? Is it the wicked? No, it is not:

Isa 33:15 He that walketh righteously [ the firstfruit elect], and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
Heb 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

These are those who are at home in the spiritual fire in the presence of the lamb. These are those who “will not be hurt of the second death… which is the ‘lake of fire.”

Exactly what this symbolic fire is is symbolized by the torment of Joseph’s brothers in Joseph’s presence when he spoke to them by an interpreter. Joseph could easily has said ‘Hey, boys it’s me, Joseph. I’m going to save you and all the known world.” But that is not what he did. He literally tormented his brothers to bring them to see what they were and what they had done. Even after revealing himself to them and assuring them that he was their salvation, they were still tormented another 17 years by their own unconverted minds. They truly believed that as soon as their father Jacob died that Joseph would then kill them all for what they had done to him in his youth. They were yet, even while in this ‘lake of fire,’ still carnal minded, and that carnality has to be burned out of us all. This is all only in type and shadow. The ‘lake of fire’ is Genesis hidden in Revelation. It is also Revelation revealed in Genesis.

I hope this answers your questions.

Mike

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