Is land restoration a part of the new covenant?

One Son

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Not one person on this entire forum has been able to provide scripture from the NT that explicitly and clearly states land restoration to the physical land of Israel is a part of the new covenant.





Num.18:19(ASV) All the heave-offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto Jehovah, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, as a portion for ever: it is a covenant of salt for ever before Jehovah unto thee and to thy seed with thee. 20And Jehovah said unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land(earth), neither shalt thou have any portion among them: I am thy portion and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.



I am thy portion and thine inheritance…..Deut.10:9+Josh.13:33+Eze.44:28.



2Cor.5:19 to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation.



reconciling the world unto himself,


I am thy portion and thine inheritance



Rev.5:9 And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, 10and madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth.



a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth.




Jn.17:20 Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; 21that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me.

22And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we are one;




they may be one, even as we are one;


to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself,


I am thy portion and thine inheritance






Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.(2Cor.5:17).



For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.(2Cor.1:20).
 
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Nige55

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I wasn't aware that the Bible was originally written in the English language.

Interestingly enough, in the Hebrew language, in which the Bible was originally written, there are plural and singular forms of offspring. Additionally, in the Greek language (LXX) there are plural and singular forms of offspring.

Hebrew:


זַרְעֲכֶ֔ם- Plural
Singluar - לְזַרְעֲךָ֗

Greek

σπέρματι - Singular
σπέρμασιν - Plural

In both the Hebrew manuscripts and the Septuagint, offspring is in the singular form in regards to the recipient of the promises of Abraham. Thus the promises are to a singular seed. Paul confirms that the singular form of offspring points to Christ.

Galatians 3:16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ



I agree. But did you know the plural form of Offspring exists in the Hebrew and greek languages, which is what the Bible was originally written in?

That's fine, no problem. No need to be facetious, particularly as you were stating a word that does not exist in English and assuming that everyone would recognise you were paralleling English to the Greek. Maybe a little less cheek and a little more clarity in communication would be good.
 
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LittleLambofJesus

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claninja said:
What NT verse states Israel and gentiles will be restored to the present physical land of Israel to substantiate your interpretation?
Hello, just a couple of points...
  • Hebrews 12:18...is referring to mount Sinai, NOT mount Zion...
I think you've Already found the answer to your Own question in OP, "whether the land restoration part of the new covenant " ....According to the verse you quote in Ezekiel 43:7..(As the Lord said to the prophet Ezekiel)...He said "Son of man, this is the place of My throne and place for the soles of My feet. This is where I live among the Israelites forever...
Mount Sinai........Mount Zion...........

Out with the OLD [Hebrews 12:18 Revelation 8:8] and in with the NEW [Hebrews 12:22 Revelation 14:1]:

Matthew 21:21 Yet Jesus answering said to them, "amen I am saying to ye, if ever ye may be having Faith, and no ye may be doubting, not only the of the fig-tree ye shall be doing, but even-ever to this Mountain ye may saying,
'Be being lifted up! and be being cast! into the Sea', it shall be becoming"; [Revelation 8:8]
=============================
ASV)
Galatians 4:
21Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? 22For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewoman. 23Howbeit the'son by the handmaid is born after the flesh; but the'son by the freewoman is born through promise.
24Which things contain an allegory: for these women are two Covenants;
one from mount Sinai, bearing children unto bondage, which is Hagar. 25Now this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answereth to the Jerusalem that now is: for she is in bondage with her children.
26But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is our mother.

30Howbeit what saith the scripture? Cast out the handmaid and her son: for the son of the handmaid shall not inherit with the son of the freewoman.
31Wherefore, brethren, we are not children of a handmaid, but of the freewoman.
========================
Hebrews 12: [Deuteronomy 4:11 Revelation 8:8]
18 For ye have not come to a Mountain that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and to blackness, darkness, storm, 19 the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which those who heard it begged that not one more word should be spoken to them,

Deuteronomy 4:11 “Then you came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, and the mountain burned with fire to the midst of heaven, with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness
Exodus 19:13 ‘................. When the Trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the Mountain.” 16 And it cometh to pass, on the third day, while it is morning, that there are voices, and lightnings, and a heavy cloud, on the Mount, and the sound of a Trumpet very strong; and all the people who are in the camp do tremble.
19 and the sound of the Trumpet is going on, and very strong; Moses speaketh, and Elohim doth answer him with a Voice.
Revelation 8:8 And the second messenger trumpets,
and as it were a great Mountain with fire burning was cast into the Sea, and the third of the sea became blood,

=========================================
=========================================
Hebrews 12:22 But ye have come to Mount Zion, and to the City of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to a myriad of Messengers...........

Revelation 14:1 Then I looked, and behold! a Lambkin<721> standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads.
Isaiah 4:5
then the LORD will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a covering.
==============================================
We continue in our verse by verse Bible study in the Book of Hebrews on Wednesday Nights with Pastor Gino Geraci at Calvary South Denver in Littleton CO. This week we look at Hebrews 12:18-24 in a sermon called “Two Mountains; Two Covenants.”

[/quote]
 
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claninja

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There is a difference between those foreigners who choose to join Israel, [or become Christian] and become true believers; Israelites by faith.
Or; those people groups who keep to their own religions and cause disruption and backsliding among the Israelites.

I view your picking on this issue as a red herring.


I typically find it a red herring when people avoid answering a question posed to them, so i'll ask you again.

What scripture promises that it would only "exclusively" be Israelites living in the land of Israel under the mosaic covenant?


Sure he did.

I am glad you finally agree.

Jeremiah 30 to 33 consists of prophesies that remain unfulfilled, incl the New Covenant; Jeremiah 31:31-34, and the restoration of the holy Land with all of His faithful people living there. Jeremiah 33:1-26
In these prophesies, it is Judah and Israel mentioned, but since Jesus came ethnicity has no bearing on who is a true Israelite. FAITH in Jesus, belief in God and keeping the Commandments are the ONLY criteria. Ephesians 2:11-18

Note in Jeremiah 33:3 If you call to Me, I shall answer and tell you about great and mysterious things, about which you are still unaware.

I disagree that the new covenant remains unfilled.
 
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claninja

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Romans 9:24-26 is talking about ALL Christians, we all achieve righteousness through our faith. Romans 9:30
We will gather in all of the holy Land, to be the people God always wanted there, but has never yet had. It is the culmination of the whole story from Abraham. John sees us there in Revelation 7:9; the people who stood strong in their faith through the disaster of the Sixth Seal. Revelation 7:14
Do you think the holy Land is no longer of any consequence?

Romans 9:24-26 has hosea 1:10 and 2:23 being fulfilled in the 1st century with gentiles being included with the remnant of Jews in the vessels of mercy.

Romans 9:24-26 does not mention land restoration as a part of the new covenant.

God declared gentiles clean to peter in Joppa and the centurion in Caesarea, which are both found in the land of Israel. Thus "in the very place" has been fulfilled.

Additionally, neither revelation 7:9 nor revelation 7:14 mention land restoration as a part of the new covenant
.

The New Covenant as described in Jeremiah 31:30-40 DOES promise Land restoration.
Jeremiah 31:38 The days are coming, when Jerusalem will be rebuilt to the Lords honor..

1.) Jeremiah was a prexilic and exilic prophet and Jerusalem was rebuilt following the return from Babylonian captivity

2.) God spoke to the prophets in riddles, dreams, and visions (numbers 12:6-8, hosea 12:10).

3.) the author of Hebrews declares Jerermiah 31: 31-34 as fulfilled (Hebrews 8:8-12)

4.) Paul and the author of Hebrews declare the heavenly Jerusalem the true Jerusalem (galatians 4, Hebrews 12). Paul even states the earthly Jerusalem which was represented by the slave woman and old covenant was to be cast out (galatians 4).


So I would disagree that the earthly land is what is in view here based on the interpretations provided by the NT.

That is why I have repeatedly asked for NT scripture that specifically and clearly mentions land restoration as a part of the new covenant.
 
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claninja

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Hello, just a couple of points...

Correct. the author of Hebrews clearly is contrasting mount Sinai, a mountain that "can be touched", with mount zion and the heavenly Jerusalem. Thus, the mount zion and heavenly Jerusalem, in view in Hebrews, that believers have come to is not an earthly/worldly one, for it is not like mount zion, which can be touched.

Hebrews 12:18-22 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken. For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.” Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels

You have put the location of the Body of Christ (Church) or the New Jerusalem to the location of the Temple in Ezekiel 43...Which is in Israel....

I would disagree with this conclusion. I would disagree that the body of Christ is located in the physical land of Israel. For that would then mean that anyone not living in Israel is not in the body of Christ.

Paul calls the roman believers a part of the body of Christ, and they weren't located in Jerusalem. Thus, we know that the body of Christ/new Jerusalem/Ezekiel's temple is not solely located in Israel.

Romans 12:5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another
 
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claninja

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That's fine, no problem. No need to be facetious, particularly as you were stating a word that does not exist in English and assuming that everyone would recognise you were paralleling English to the Greek. Maybe a little less cheek and a little more clarity in communication would be good.

I apologize for the facetious comment. I shouldn't have done an eye for an eye, but If you don't like facetious comments, maybe don't start with demeaning comment like "whoa, I need correct you on basic language".

Anyways, Paul is drawing on a grammatical argument. As shown previously, offspring has both a singular and plural form in the greek and Hebrew language. Paul specifically shows that the singular form was used for the promises spoken to Abraham and his offspring. Thus, the Abrahamic promises were spoken to the singular offspring of Abraham, who is Jesus.
 
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claninja

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Num.18:19(ASV) All the heave-offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto Jehovah, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, as a portion for ever: it is a covenant of salt for ever before Jehovah unto thee and to thy seed with thee. 20And Jehovah said unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land(earth), neither shalt thou have any portion among them: I am thy portion and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.



I am thy portion and thine inheritance…..Deut.10:9+Josh.13:33+Eze.44:28.



2Cor.5:19 to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation.



reconciling the world unto himself,


I am thy portion and thine inheritance



Rev.5:9 And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, 10and madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth.



a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth.




Jn.17:20 Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; 21that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me.

22And the glory which thou hast given me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we are one;




they may be one, even as we are one;


to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself,


I am thy portion and thine inheritance






Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.(2Cor.5:17).



For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.(2Cor.1:20).


Thank you One Son for the input. Are you implying that it is not the land, but the Lord himself who is our inheritance?
 
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keras

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I disagree that the new covenant remains unfilled.
Apart from your disbelief in all the scriptures that say how all the Lord's faithful people will live in all of the holy Land, your belief that the New Covenant is in effect, shows you to be doubly wrong.
Hebrews 8:8-12....the time is coming, says the Lord; when I shall make a New Covenant with My people.....I shall set My Laws in their hearts....they will all know the Lord and I shall pardon their wicked deeds.
Where do you live, where has this happened?
Obviously not yet, but it will when we all gather and live in the holy Land. Psalms 148:1-15, Jeremiah 33:6-14, Hosea 14:4-7, Isaiah 65:20-23, Revelation 5:9-10
 
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claninja

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Apart from your disbelief in all the scriptures that say how all the Lord's faithful people will live in all of the holy Land,

There is not one NT scripture that states that all the Lords' faithful will live in the physical land of Israel.

As God spoke to the prophets of Israel in visions, dreams, and parables (numbers 12:6-8, Hosea 12:10), we need to the NT to show us how to appropriately interpret the OT. So please provide NT scripture that explicitly and clearly mentions land restoration to support your own interpretations of the OT.

your belief that the New Covenant is in effect, shows you to be doubly wrong.
Hebrews 8:8-12....the time is coming, says the Lord; when I shall make a New Covenant with My people.....I shall set My Laws in their hearts....they will all know the Lord and I shall pardon their wicked deeds.

You are incorrect if you believe the new covenant is not yet in effect.

The author of hebrews states "he is" (present tense) the mediator of a better covenant

Hebrews 8:6 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.

The author of hebrews states "he is" (present tense) the mediator of a new covenant.
Hebrews 9:15 Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

The author of Hebrews states he "established" (aorist: past tense) the 2nd.
Hebrews 10:9-10 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Christ already established the new covenant and is presently its mediator according to scripture.

Teaching that is not in affect is polar opposite of scripture.


Where do you live, where has this happened?

I live in the western hemisphere and Christ shed his blood for the forgiveness of sins 2000 years ago in Israel.

Luke 22:20 and likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
 
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pasifika

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Correct. the author of Hebrews clearly is contrasting mount Sinai, a mountain that "can be touched", with mount zion and the heavenly Jerusalem. Thus, the mount zion and heavenly Jerusalem, in view in Hebrews, that believers have come to is not an earthly/worldly one, for it is not like mount zion, which can be touched.

Hebrews 12:18-22 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken. For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.” Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels



I would disagree with this conclusion. I would disagree that the body of Christ is located in the physical land of Israel. For that would then mean that anyone not living in Israel is not in the body of Christ.

Paul calls the roman believers a part of the body of Christ, and they weren't located in Jerusalem. Thus, we know that the body of Christ/new Jerusalem/Ezekiel's temple is not solely located in Israel.

Romans 12:5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another

Hello, I think the Hebrew writer is describing the church in her literal form (mount zion, city of God the heavenly Jerusalem and the assembly of all joyful angels ) to an Israelite audience which familiar with the story of their ancestors when they gather to meet the God of Israel in Sinai....

All of these places (mount zion, heavenly Jerusalem) are literal places but Not yet Reveal until the appropriate or the set time....

I think our different views regarding the restoration of Israel in the future is because we look at Israel in her present earthly form But the Bible is describing Israel mainly in her holy or heavenly form.."HOLY nation"

Is just like you and me in this earthly body that if we belong to Christ then our earthly body will transform to a heavenly body, so also Israel because God chose it to make her holy will be transformed from this physical earthly land to a Holy Land, with the Holy City and her holy people...

If you locate the temple in Ezekiel 43 on the division of the land of Israel in Ezekiel 47 you will find the location of the Holy city here on earth in Israel the holy land...
 
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claninja

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Hello, I think the Hebrew writer is describing the church in her literal form (mount zion, city of God the heavenly Jerusalem and the assembly of all joyful angels ) to an Israelite audience which familiar with the story of their ancestors when they gather to meet the God of Israel in Sinai....

If you mean, the heavenly Jerusalem = those in Christ under the new covenant, then I absolutely agree.


All of these places (mount zion, heavenly Jerusalem) are literal places but Not yet Reveal until the appropriate or the set time....

"you have come" is perfect indicative active. The perfect tense is an ongoing result of a COMPLETED action. Thus the action of coming to the heavenly Jerusalem is already completed and the result of the action is still being felt in the present.

Hebrews 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering


I think our different views regarding the restoration of Israel in the future is because we look at Israel in her present earthly form But the Bible is describing Israel mainly in her holy or heavenly form.."HOLY nation"

Correct me If I am wrong, but I would argue the distinction between our views is that I don't believe that Israel and the body of Christ are separate, while you appear to believe so.

I believe the restoration of Israel began with the work of Christ and continues today by those being born again, whether Jew or gentile. Thus I believe the work (cross) is completed and the effect of that completed work is still being felt in the present.

Is just like you and me in this earthly body that if we belong to Christ then our earthly body will transform to a heavenly body,

I agree. This occurs at the resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body

If you locate the temple in Ezekiel 43 on the division of the land of Israel in Ezekiel 47 you will find the location of the Holy city here on earth in Israel the holy land...

This would be assuming that Ezekiel 40-47 should all be taken literally. However, we know that God spoke to the prophets of Israel in visions, dreams, riddles, and parables.

numbers 12:6-8 And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?”

Hosea 12:10 spoke to the prophets; it was I who multiplied visions, and through the prophets gave parables.

And we know Ezekiel was given a vision in chapter 40-47. So, as testified by scripture, this should be understood as a symbolic.

Ezekiel 40:2 In visions of God he brought me to the land of Israel, and set me down on a very high mountain, on which was a structure like a city to the south

Thus, using scripture to interpret scripture, we can see that the temple building and city of Jerusalem in Ezekiel 40-47 matches the description of the New Jerusalem in revelation 21-22. Thus the temple and city of vision/parable Ezekiel 40-47 are not a literal temple building, nor literal city, but instead representative of the New Jerusalem.

And because the NT never mentions believers living in the present physical land of Israel as a final destination, then I would argue that the land divisions in Ezekiel 40-47 are also symbolic.
 
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Nige55

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If you mean, the heavenly Jerusalem = those in Christ under the new covenant, then I absolutely agree.




"you have come" is perfect indicative active. The perfect tense is an ongoing result of a COMPLETED action. Thus the action of coming to the heavenly Jerusalem is already completed and the result of the action is still being felt in the present.

Hebrews 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering




Correct me If I am wrong, but I would argue the distinction between our views is that I don't believe that Israel and the body of Christ are separate, while you appear to believe so.

I believe the restoration of Israel began with the work of Christ and continues today by those being born again, whether Jew or gentile. Thus I believe the work (cross) is completed and the effect of that completed work is still being felt in the present.



I agree. This occurs at the resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body



This would be assuming that Ezekiel 40-47 should all be taken literally. However, we know that God spoke to the prophets of Israel in visions, dreams, riddles, and parables.

numbers 12:6-8 And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?”

Hosea 12:10 spoke to the prophets; it was I who multiplied visions, and through the prophets gave parables.

And we know Ezekiel was given a vision in chapter 40-47. So, as testified by scripture, this should be understood as a symbolic.

Ezekiel 40:2 In visions of God he brought me to the land of Israel, and set me down on a very high mountain, on which was a structure like a city to the south

Thus, using scripture to interpret scripture, we can see that the temple building and city of Jerusalem in Ezekiel 40-47 matches the description of the New Jerusalem in revelation 21-22. Thus the temple and city of vision/parable Ezekiel 40-47 are not a literal temple building, nor literal city, but instead representative of the New Jerusalem.

And because the NT never mentions believers living in the present physical land of Israel as a final destination, then I would argue that the land divisions in Ezekiel 40-47 are also symbolic.

Whilst I agree with some of the detail of your posts (and I find the topic of actual land restoration interesting), I think it's a muddy approach to lean towards the 'not a literal city/ place' stance. There's too much evidence demonstrating that the actual land is part of the course of events to come (albeit, fully agree that it's certainly not the final destination, that is indeed the new Jerusalem).
Zechariah 12:10–11 describes the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and connects them (the Jews) as being the ones who pierced him.
And the land shall mourn, every family by itself: the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of oNathan by itself, and their wives by themselves; 13 the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves
This is their realisation that Yeshua is really the Messiah.
“And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.’ As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.”
 
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claninja

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I think it's a muddy approach to lean towards the 'not a literal city/ place' stance. There's too much evidence demonstrating that the actual land is part of the course of events to come (albeit, fully agree that it's certainly not the final destination, that is indeed the new Jerusalem).

I am glad we agree, the present earthly land of Israel is not the final destination.

However, what NT scripture teaches us that land restoration is a part of the new covenant to confirm that true interpretation of Ezekiel 40-48 is about literal land?

If anything we can use scripture to interpret scripture to show that the Ezekiel temple/Jerusalem = New Jerusalem

Both the New Jerusalem and the Ezekiel temple/Jerusalem are where God dwells (Ezekiel 43:7, Revelation 21:3). Both the Ezekiel temple/Jerusalem have a river flowing from the temple (Ezekiel 47:1 revelation 22:1). Both the Ezekiel temple/Jerusalem have fruit growing near the river and leaves for healing the nations (Ezekiel 47:12, Revelation 22:2). Both the New Jerusalem and the Ezekiel temple/Jerusalem have 12 gates with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel on them (Ezekiel 48:30-35, Revelation 22:12). Thus the Ezekiel temple/Jerusalem = the New Jerusalem.

Zechariah 12:10–11 describes the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and connects them (the Jews) as being the ones who pierced him.
And the land shall mourn, every family by itself: the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of oNathan by itself, and their wives by themselves; 13 the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves.

I agree

This is their realisation that Yeshua is really the Messiah.
“And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.’ As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.”

How is it that only a remnant will be saved.....
Romans 9:27 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved

........and yet all Israel is saved?
Romans 11:26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written

Because not all Israel is Israel
Romans 9:6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel.

Only those in Christ under the new covenant, whether Jew or Gentile, are Abraham's offspring
Galatians 3:28-29 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

Part of natural Israel was hardened so that they would reject the messiah resulting in Jesus' crucifixion. This resulted in riches for the vessels of mercy = remnant of natural Israel and grafted in gentiles.

Romans 9:22-24 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?

Romans 11:25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

Romans 11:11 So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles,

the "fullness of gentiles" is found in only one OT passage and it refers to what was to become of the descendants of Ephraim. Jacob prophesied that the descendants of Ephraim would become a fullness of nations.

Romans 11:25-26 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written,

Genesis 48:19 But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!” he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a fullness of gentiles.


The tribe of Ephraim was part of the northern kingdom of Israel, which was divorced by God, scattered among the nations by Assyria, and became no longer God's people. This would result in the descendants of the northern kingdom (Ephraim) mixing with the nations and effectively becoming gentiles from a covenantal standpoint with God.

Hosea 1:9 And the LORD said, “Name him Lo-ammi, for you are not My people, and I am not your God.

Hosea 7:8 Ephraim mixes with the nations; Ephraim is an unturned cake.

Jeremiah 3:8 Because faithless Israel had committed adultery, I gave her a certificate of divorce and sent her away. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear and prostituted herself as well.

However, God promised that one day, they would again be His people

Hosea 1:10 Yet the number of the Israelites will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or counted. And it will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.

Paul quotes Hosea 1, which is about the northern kingdom of Israel, as being fulfilled with the inclusion of the GENTILES with the Jews in the vessels of mercy.

Romans 9:24-26 including us, whom He has called not only from the Jews, but also from the Gentiles? As He says in Hosea: “I will call them ‘My People’ who are not My people, and I will call her ‘My Beloved’ who is not My beloved,” and, “It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”I

this effectively ties into Paul's conclusion, that all of Israel is saved in this way: part of Israel being hardened while the fulness of the gentiles come to Christ.

Romans 11:25-26 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written:

So by the Gentiles, of whom some descended from the northern kingdom of Israel, being included with the Jewish remnant in the vessels of mercy, God saves all of Israel.
 
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pasifika

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If you mean, the heavenly Jerusalem = those in Christ under the new covenant, then I absolutely agree.




"you have come" is perfect indicative active. The perfect tense is an ongoing result of a COMPLETED action. Thus the action of coming to the heavenly Jerusalem is already completed and the result of the action is still being felt in the present.

Hebrews 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering




Correct me If I am wrong, but I would argue the distinction between our views is that I don't believe that Israel and the body of Christ are separate, while you appear to believe so.

I believe the restoration of Israel began with the work of Christ and continues today by those being born again, whether Jew or gentile. Thus I believe the work (cross) is completed and the effect of that completed work is still being felt in the present.



I agree. This occurs at the resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body



This would be assuming that Ezekiel 40-47 should all be taken literally. However, we know that God spoke to the prophets of Israel in visions, dreams, riddles, and parables.

numbers 12:6-8 And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?”

Hosea 12:10 spoke to the prophets; it was I who multiplied visions, and through the prophets gave parables.

And we know Ezekiel was given a vision in chapter 40-47. So, as testified by scripture, this should be understood as a symbolic.

Ezekiel 40:2 In visions of God he brought me to the land of Israel, and set me down on a very high mountain, on which was a structure like a city to the south

Thus, using scripture to interpret scripture, we can see that the temple building and city of Jerusalem in Ezekiel 40-47 matches the description of the New Jerusalem in revelation 21-22. Thus the temple and city of vision/parable Ezekiel 40-47 are not a literal temple building, nor literal city, but instead representative of the New Jerusalem.

And because the NT never mentions believers living in the present physical land of Israel as a final destination, then I would argue that the land divisions in Ezekiel 40-47 are also symbolic.
Hello, if the vision God gave to the prophet Ezekiel of the temple and it's wall like a city as in Ezekiel 40..matches the description of the Holy City or the New Jerusalem which John saw in Revelation 21...

Since you claim that the vision in Ezekiel 40 is symbolic....

so, the question is
(1) Is the Holy City or the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 symbolic as well since the two accounts by (Ezekiel & John) are describing the same thing...

(2) if the two accounts (by Ezekiel &John ) are symbolic then symbolic of what exactly?

(3 )if the of the Holy City or new Jerusalem in Revelation is about a literal City then Ezekiel 40 vision is describing a literal place....

Remember Jesus Christ, resurrected in a literal body and Revelation 21 describing Jesus (Lamb) as live in the city..

(3) If you say it symbolise the body of Christ or the Church then then there must be people live in that city since people (Christians ) as a collective people are the Body of Christ 1Corinthians 12:27...

Notice, the two accounts describing a city with a temple Only...

interestingly the vision in Ezekiel 40 regarding the building like city and temple is located in Israel whereas the New Jerusalem or the Holy City in Revelation 21 is located in heaven and is coming down out of heaven...

Ezekiel 40:2...In the vision of God he took me to the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, on whose south side were some buildings that looked like a city...

Revelation 21:2..I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautiful dressed for her husband..

If you said the city and temple in Ezekiel 40-47, matches the new Jerusalem in Revelation 21-22 then one describe the city in Israel and one describe the same city in heaven which is coming down out of heaven...
 
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pasifika

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If you mean, the heavenly Jerusalem = those in Christ under the new covenant, then I absolutely agree.




"you have come" is perfect indicative active. The perfect tense is an ongoing result of a COMPLETED action. Thus the action of coming to the heavenly Jerusalem is already completed and the result of the action is still being felt in the present.

Hebrews 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering




Correct me If I am wrong, but I would argue the distinction between our views is that I don't believe that Israel and the body of Christ are separate, while you appear to believe so.

I believe the restoration of Israel began with the work of Christ and continues today by those being born again, whether Jew or gentile. Thus I believe the work (cross) is completed and the effect of that completed work is still being felt in the present.



I agree. This occurs at the resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body



This would be assuming that Ezekiel 40-47 should all be taken literally. However, we know that God spoke to the prophets of Israel in visions, dreams, riddles, and parables.

numbers 12:6-8 And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?”

Hosea 12:10 spoke to the prophets; it was I who multiplied visions, and through the prophets gave parables.

And we know Ezekiel was given a vision in chapter 40-47. So, as testified by scripture, this should be understood as a symbolic.

Ezekiel 40:2 In visions of God he brought me to the land of Israel, and set me down on a very high mountain, on which was a structure like a city to the south

Thus, using scripture to interpret scripture, we can see that the temple building and city of Jerusalem in Ezekiel 40-47 matches the description of the New Jerusalem in revelation 21-22. Thus the temple and city of vision/parable Ezekiel 40-47 are not a literal temple building, nor literal city, but instead representative of the New Jerusalem.

And because the NT never mentions believers living in the present physical land of Israel as a final destination, then I would argue that the land divisions in Ezekiel 40-47 are also symbolic.
Hello, I forgot to comment on other points mentioned...

You said that the distinction of my view and your view regarding Israel is that you view Israel the same as the Body of Christ and my view they are separate...

So, this my view on Israel in regards to the Body of Christ (church)

  1. Israel refers to Both Land (land of Israel ) but also people that belong to Israel .
  2. Body of Christ or Church refers to People belong to Christ. (Both Israel and Gentiles ).
So, the Land who became the Land of Israel is the land whom God swore to give to Abraham and his descendants...God spoke to Jacob (Israel ) in Genesis 35:12.. The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you(Israel ), and I will give this land to your descendants after you...

  • The land was given or promised to Abraham and his descendants as an everlasting possession Genesis 17:8...not also the land but the people, Genesis 17:7...I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you...

Things to take notice of, is all the things promised by God to Abraham is to be everlasting because it was promised through an everlasting covenant ...ie land, people etc, because God now is declared to be their God...and since God is forever existing so are the things He had promised...

  • The people, (the descendants that belong to the land or Israel)...are those who belong to Christ (Body of Christ)

Galatians 3:29..if you belong to Christ then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Romans 9:6-8...For not All who are descended from Israel are Israel.

Verse 8....in other words it is not the children by physicaldescent who are Gods children, but it is the children of the PROMISE who are regarded as Abraham's offspring...

Summary;

Both Land (land of Israel ) and the people (Israel and Gentiles in Christ ) are both God's promises to Abraham through a Covenant that is called an Everlasting Covenant ...

So the Body of Christ or the Church refers to the people of the land of Israel.
 
  • Agree
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claninja

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so, the question is
(1) Is the Holy City or the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 symbolic as well since the two accounts by (Ezekiel & John) are describing the same thing...

Yes, the symbolic visions of Ezekiel and John are both describing the same thing.

(2) if the two accounts (by Ezekiel &John ) are symbolic then symbolic of what exactly?

Body of Christ under the new covenant.

BOTH the body of Christ and the New Jerusalem are the bride of Christ. (ephesians 5:31-32, revelation 21:9)

BOTH the body of Christ and the New Jerusalem are built on the foundation of the apostles (ephesians 2:19-21, revelation 21:14

BOTH the body of Christ and the New Jerusalem are where God dwell with His people (ephesians 2:22, 2 Corinthians 6:16-17 revelation 21:3)


(3) If you say it symbolise the body of Christ or the Church then then there must be people live in that city since people (Christians ) as a collective people are the Body of Christ 1Corinthians 12:27...

Per Paul, the heavenly Jerusalem is allegorical for the new covenant.
Galatians 4:24-26 These things serve as illustrations, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery: This is Hagar. Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present-day Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.

Per the author of Hebrews, we have already come to the heavenly Jerusalem.
Hebrews 12:22 Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels

The new Jerusalem is symbolic for the body of Christ under the new covenant. Those that dwell in the New Jerusalem are believers

Notice, the two accounts describing a city with a temple Only...

interestingly the vision in Ezekiel 40 regarding the building like city and temple is located in Israel whereas the New Jerusalem or the Holy City in Revelation 21 is located in heaven and is coming down out of heaven...

Ezekiel 40:2...In the vision of God he took me to the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, on whose south side were some buildings that looked like a city...

Revelation 21:2..I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautiful dressed for her husband..

If you said the city and temple in Ezekiel 40-47, matches the new Jerusalem in Revelation 21-22 then one describe the city in Israel and one describe the same city in heaven which is coming down out of heaven...

Using NT scripture we can see that the New Jerusalem and Ezekiel temple/Jerusalem point to the body of Christ under the new covenant. However, we have not NT scripture that states believers will dwell in the physical land of Israel under the new covenant.
 
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claninja

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So, the Land who became the Land of Israel is the land whom God swore to give to Abraham and his descendants...God spoke to Jacob (Israel ) in Genesis 35:12.. The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you(Israel ), and I will give this land to your descendants after you...

In Hebrew and in the Septuagint, descendant is singular. Paul points this out in Galatians. The promises (plural) spoken to Abraham and his offspring are to Jesus. Thus the promise of the land of Israel as an everlasting promise is found fulfilled in Jesus.

Galatians 3:16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.
 
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pasifika

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In Hebrew and in the Septuagint, descendant is singular. Paul points this out in Galatians. The promises (plural) spoken to Abraham and his offspring are to Jesus. Thus the promise of the land of Israel as an everlasting promise is found fulfilled in Jesus.

Galatians 3:16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.
Hello, could you please elaborate more on what do you mean by the promise land of Israel found its fulfillment in Christ?
You mean the land is Jesus Christ? ?
 
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Hello, could you please elaborate more on what do you mean by the promise land of Israel found its fulfillment in Christ?
You mean the land is Jesus Christ? ?

God promised to give the land of Israel to Abraham and his offspring.

Genesis 12:3,7 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blesse. Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land

Genesis 15:18 On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates,

Genesis 17:6-8 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will descend from you. I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your offspring after you, to be your God and the God of your offspring after you. And to you and your offspring I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.”

We know all the promises of God find there yes in Jesus.

1 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him

And Paul specifically states that the promises spoken to Abraham and his offspring were to Jesus. As promises is plural, that would include the land of Israel.

Galatians 3:16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.

At Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension, He was given all authority over Earth and placed above all authority, dominion, and power at his ascension to the right hand. The NT very clearly testifies that Christ is the heir of all things. And as He is the "offspring" spoken of in Genesis, according to Paul, then the land is His as well.

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me

Ephesians 1:20-21 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come

Hebrews 1:2 in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

The land was promised to the offspring of Abraham. The offspring is Jesus. At Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension, he was given all authority over earth. The earth is his, and this includes the present land of Israel. This fulfills the promise to Abraham according to NT scripture.
 
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