Monday, June 5, 2017

Dispensationalism's Doctrinal Deceptions Paert 1. The Jews Are God's "Chosen People"

         Because the person and work of Jesus Christ as precisely set forth in the Holy Scriptures is the only hope for a lost and fallen humanity it is imperative for each sincere seeker of truth to examine them for exposure of what is in fact true. The widely accepted paradigm of dispensational theology presents a perfect example for investigation because of its wide acceptance as well as its multiple heresies.
            It is undeniably true that God entered into covenant with Israel and made certain promises to them including blessing and a temporal inheritance in the Promised Land. However, what is not understood is the fact that those promised blessings in order to be perpetuated were dependent upon an enduring faith and obedience. The record of God’s faithfulness is undeniable in any honest examination of the Old Testament. The second generation of Israelites under Joshua’s leadership entered and possessed the Promised Land. (Joshua 21:43-45).
Also, we find that after a lengthy period of disobedience and apostasy under the Judges there was a recovery under King David restoring the kingdom.  David’s military victories recovered all of the promised geographical territory and brought about an extended period of blessing under the reign of Solomon including the building of the temple at Jerusalem. This begins to be verified at I Kings 4:20-21and finds further verification in the Old Testament history after those recovery events. So we find the Lord to be entirely faithful to the covenant which was also entirely conditional in its nature and content. Obedience to the law was required and in the event of transgression there was an elaborate system of sacrifice and oblation to appease a Holy God. As long as there was a subservient obedience on the part of the people the Lord would bless and sustain them. 
            However, we find even during Solomon’s reign there began to be transgression and departure from a covenant that was entirely conditional. Solomon set an example of transgression which resulted in the Lord judging Israel by dividing the kingdom into the Northern ten tribes of Israel and the Southern two tribes of Judah each with their separate governments and worship practices. This state of spiritual decay was progressive over the next three or four centuries of Israel’s’ history. It was first obvious with the Northern tribes establishing their spiritual headquarters in Samaria and following a consistent decline having no righteous leadership at any time after the dividing of the kingdom. This apostasy grew progressively into Baal worship and was finally judged by the Lord with the Assyrian captivity about 721 BCE. The devastation and scattering of the Northern ten tribes was complete and without recovery.
            While Judah survived an additional 135 years having an occasional righteous king they too were experiencing a progressive departure and decline from their required obedience to the covenant. Eventually the Lord brought judgment upon them as well through the seventy year captivity using Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. These devastating consequences included the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple and a complete subservience to the Babylonian dynasty. Through the Lord’s mercy there was a recovery for a remnant after the expiration of the seventy years. Daniel received revelation concerning a 490 year time period (70 weeks consisting of seven years each)                                                                           which was to bring to a conclusion God’s dealings with Old Testament Israel. The temple was rebuilt as well as the city and wall and this period was to reach a consummation and finality with the incarnation, ministry and death of Christ. The seventy weeks prophesied by Daniel were completed when the gospel of their Messiah was fully communicated to Israel. A new covenant in Christ was initiated by the apostles and the New Testament reveals that Abraham’s seed was fulfilled in the person of Christ and the old covenant was abrogated and put away entirely for Christ fulfilled the law and the prophets.
            So let us examine the New Testament revelation which is abundantly clear in setting forth this truth. The seed of Abraham which is Christ was set forth that in that seed all nations should have access to that promised blessing through faith. “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” (Acts 10:34-35) “For Christ is the end of the law for everyone that believeth.” (Rom.10:4) “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.” (Rom. 9:8) “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made He saith not as to seeds, as of many, bit as of one, and to thy seed which is Christ.” (Gal.3:16)  “But in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. For as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.” (Gal.6:15-16).”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 Jesus Christ. And if ye be Christ’s then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Gal.3:27-29).
            “He came into his own (Jesus being of the tribe of Judah), and his own received him not, but as many as received him (a remnant from among the Jews did receive him) to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them who believe on his name.”(John 1:11-12). So is salvation in any way determined by ethnicity or any natural distinction? The Scriptures are clear. The Israel of God will be constituted and made up entirely by a people of unwavering faith.

David Lance Dean                                    
Find my book on Amazon: The Israel Deception

Visit my website: authordavidlancedean.com                                  

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