- Dec 26, 2013
- 4,818
- 598
- Country
- Australia
- Faith
- Christian
- Marital Status
- Married
That is a possible interpretation, one I would probably could agree with: Body of Christ and OT saints.
But as Hebrews 11 clearly states they are not made perfect APART from the church.
I absolutely agree with this.
2 Timothy 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.
2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
I disagree that they are not part of the body of Christ.
Apart from the body of Christ they are not made perfect, as the author of Hebrews clearly states
Hebrews 11:39-40 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
The new Jerusalem is the body of Christ. So if you believe that the OT saints will be in the New Jerusalem, then you believe they are part of the Body of Christ.
1.)BOTH the new Jerusalem and the body of Christ are the bride of Christ
Revelation 21:9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb."
Ephesians 5:31 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
2.)BOTH the new Jerusalem and the body of Christ are built on the foundation of the apostles
Revelation 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Ephesians 2:19-20 but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone
3.) BOTH the new Jerusalem and body of Christ are where God dwells with his people.
Revelation 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling placea of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
Ephesians 2:21-22 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God bye the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 6:16 For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Christ is the heir of the promises made to Abraham. So not sure how anyone outside of Christ could inherit anything.
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.
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 author of Hebrews clearly states the OT saints acknowledged that they were strangers ON EARTH and were longing for a HEAVENLY country. Thus, I disagree that the OT saints are separate from the Church, for they longed for the same things as the NT saints: a heavenly dwelling.
Hebrews 11:13-16 All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Hi claninja,
A lot of ground to cover there. Glad we can agree on some of it. Now let`s get to the basis of what you are saying and see the scriptures. Let`s start with your first statement.
1.)BOTH the new Jerusalem and the body of Christ are the bride of Christ
Revelation 21:9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb."
Ephesians 5:31 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
I do not see that God`s word says - The New Jerusalem is the Body of Christ. (or holds...)
I do not see that God`s word says the Body of Christ is the Bride.
You are inferring from scripture and that is not how we know our doctrine. Care to elaborate more?
Marilyn.
Upvote
0