“How To Enjoy The Scriptures”

[Tychicum]

Ever wish you had it all netted down to a couple pages ... ? Well this could come close ...

(A select lesson from J.C. O'hair's book "The Unsearchable Riches of Christ". Pages 26-27)

In II Timothy 3:16 and 17 we read:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for re- proof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

Note Romans 15:4 and I Corinthians 10:11.

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

Let us consider these statements to¬gether with I Corinthians 10:32:

“Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the Church of God.”

Redeemed sinners during this present Divine economy are members of Christ’s Body. They belong to the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood, the House of God, the pillar and ground of the truth. Acts 20:28. Some of the Scriptures are addressed directly and specifically to these Church-members.

Note the wonderful truth addressed to and concerning members of Christ’s Body in Ephesians.

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citi¬zens with the saints, and of THE HOUSE¬HOLD OF GOD.” “In Whom ye also are builded together for an HABITATION OF GOD through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19 and 22.

“But if I tarry long that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thy¬self in THE HOUSE OF GOD, which is THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mys¬tery.” I Timothy 3:15 and 16.

“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edify¬ing of the Body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a Perfect Man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12 and 13.

In rightly dividing the Word of Truth, it behooves God’s workmen to know defi¬nitely that God is building a House, that He is building up the Body of Christ, which He called “the House of God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

The Holy Spirit declares that God is not the author of confusion. God is not responsible for all the different Sectar¬ian groups into which the Church of Christ is divided. God recognizes but one true Bible Church during this present economy of grace, and that Church is not primarily an organization, but an organ¬ism. It is not Israel.

THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AND THE BODY OF CHRIST

No one rightly divides the Word of truth, or can truly enjoy or understand the Scriptures, who confuses “ the House of Israel” with “ the House of God” de¬scribed in Paul’s Epistles to Timothy and to the Ephesians.

“The House of Israel” has fallen. It is going to be rebuilt or re-established during a future Divine economy. If you want a real vivid picture and guarantee of this, read the thirty-seventh chapter of Ezekiel and Isaiah 62:1 to 5.

The Scriptures which were written to and concerning “ the House of Israel” are to be diligently and faithfully studied by members of the Body of Christ. They are for admonition, and they are profitable for instruction in righteousness. They are not written to members of Christ’s Body.

Note in Genesis 35:10 and 11 and 15 how Jacob’s name was changed to “Israel.”

“And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and He called his name Israel. And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a com¬pany of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel.”

When God met Jacob, Jacob said, “ this is none other than “the House of God. ” Genesis 28:17. That desert lonely place was to Jacob “ the House of God.”

Jacob’s name was changed to “ Israel” about 1732 B.C. The first time the ex¬pression “the House of Israel” is found in the Scriptures is Exodus 40:38. That was about 1495 B.C.

Now let us read Exodus 1:1 and 5, and learn that about 1710 B.C. seventy Israelites went down into Egypt. Then note about 1495 B. C.; Exodus 12:41.

“And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt. It is a night to be much ob¬served unto the Lord for bringing them out from the land of Egypt; this is that night of the Lord to be observed of all the chil¬dren of Israel in their generations.”

“And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, besides children.” Exodus 12:37.

Out of “the house of bondage” went “the House of Israel” about 430 years after God called Abram to leave his home and loved ones. Genesis 12:1 to 4—Gala¬tians 3:8.
Israel was forty years in the wilder¬ness, journeying from Sinai to Canaan. Then they went to Canaan to become “the Commonwealth of Israel.” They reached Canaan about 1455 B. C. Now read Acts 13:17 to 23:

“The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought He them out of it. And about the time of forty years suffered He their manners in the wilderness. And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He divided their land to them by lot. And after that He gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. And afterward they desired a king; and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years, And when He had removed him, He raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also He gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all My will. Of this man’s seed hath God according to His promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus.”

As God gave “the House of Israel” judges about the space of 450 years, He gave kings to reign over Israel and Judah about 500 years.

Then about 606 B. C. Nebuchadnezzar came from Babylon to Jerusalem. He be¬sieged and destroyed the city, took the vessels out of the temple and took many of the Jews to Babylon. This was the be¬ginning of “ the times of the Gentiles.” Luke 21:24. Read the last two chapters of II Kings and Jeremiah.


THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL IN THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES


In Isaiah 43:7 God declared that Israel was created for His glory. In Romans 11:25 and 26 we read that a blindness in part is happened to Israel until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Now read the judgment of the Lord Jesus upon that people and city.

“There shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” Luke 21:23 and 24.

What are we to understand from these statements? God is not, by any means, through with the House of Israel.

“For this is the covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest.” Hebrews 8:10 and 11.

The Israelites are today where Christ said they would be, in Luke 21:24. So also is the city of Jerusalem. The future redemption of the House of Israel is re¬corded in Luke 21:27 and 28 and 31.

“And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads for your redemption draweth nigh.” “So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the king¬dom of God is nigh at hand.” Luke 21:27, 28 and 31.

So we should realize how very impor¬tant and imperative it is to know when God created Israel and when God set “ the House of Israel” aside temporarily, if we are to enjoy and understand the Bible.

Before God created Israel, from Adam to Jacob, God had some faithful servants, Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Shem, Eber and Abram. None of these belonged to “ the House of Israel.” Abram belonged to “the House of Shem” to “the House of Eber”, to “the House of Terah.” Terah, Abraham’s father, was an idolatrous Gen¬tile. Joshua 24:2.

(continued ...)


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[Tychicum]

ABRAHAM - ISAAC - JACOB - NOT UNDER LAW

Abram was an Eberite, a Hebrew, a descendant of Adam, Noah, and Shem. But Abram was neither an Israelite nor a Jew. Abram did not belong to the House of Israel because there was no House of Israel at the time he died. Judah was the son of Jacob (Israel). Judah was the great grandson of Abraham. The Jews, as to race, were “Judahites”. But all Israelites became “Jews” by religion.

Abram became “Abraham” when he was 99 years old. Genesis 17:7 to 17. Abram was justified in uncircumcision. Galatians 3:8 and Romans 4:8 to 11. But when Abram was declared righteous he was not baptized into the Body of Christ, as were Jews and Gentiles 1900 years later. I Corinthians 12:13.

Abram was not under the law, or un¬der the Mosaic Covenant that became the “Old Covenant” after Christ died on the cross. II Corinthians 3:13 to 15. He¬brews 8:11.
Note carefully Galatians 3:19 and Romans 5:20 and 21:


THE LAW WAS ADDED.

“WHEREFORE THEN SERVETH THE LAW? IT WAS ADDED BECAUSE OF TRANSGRESSIONS, TILL THE SEED SHOULD COME TO WHOM THE PROM¬ISE WAS MADE; AND IT WAS ORDAIN¬ED BY ANGELS IN THE HAND OF A MEDIATOR.”

“MOREOVER THE LAW ENTERED, THAT THE OFFENCE MIGHT ABOUND. BUT WHERE SIN ABOUNDED, GRACE DID MUCH MORE ABOUND: THAT AS SIN HATH REIGNED UNTO DEATH, EVEN SO MIGHT GRACE REIGN THROUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS UNTO ETERNAL LIFE BY JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.”

Let us carefully compare these two verses of Scripture with Romans 5:13 and 14

“UNTIL THE LAW SIN WAS IN THE WORLD: BUT SIN IS NOT IMPUTED WHEN THERE IS NO LAW. NEVERTHE¬LESS DEATH REIGNED “FROM ADAM TO MOSES.”

‘The period “from Adam to Moses” was subdivided into other periods or dis¬pensations. “From Adam to Noah and the flood, about 1656 years.” “From Noah to the casting away of the Gentiles and the call and circumcision of Abra¬ham, more than 400 years.” “From the call and justification of Abram to the adding of the law, the Old Testament and Israel’s religion (Hebrews 9:10), about 430 years.”

LET US LEARN THESE IMPORTANT LESSONS

First: That from Adam to Moses, about 2500 years, Adam, Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Shem, Eber, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Levi, Joseph, and other men of God were not under the law. They were not Old Testament saints. In fact Moses was 80 years old when God gave the law to Israel at Sinai. They lived “when there was no law.” So God has very definitely marked a period in the Bible, designated

FROM ADAM TO MOSES WHEN THERE IS NO LAW

Second: We learn in Galatians 3:8, Galatians 3:16, 17 and 19, that 430 years before God added the (Old) Testament at Sinai, God preached the gospel to un¬circumcised Abram, and by faith Abram was declared righteous. Let us keep in mind that the covenant given to Israel at Sinai was entirely new to Israel at that time and it did not become “Old” until after Christ had died on the cross.

Abraham was circumcised at the age of 99. Genesis 17:7 to 17. With that cove¬nant of circumcision (Acts 7:8) God cut off the Gentiles and began a new Divine movement. Romans 1:21 to 31.

God made a covenant with Abraham in which He guaranteed to Abraham’s seed (Israel) the land of Canaan. He con¬firmed that covenant with an oath.

Third: We learn in Galatians 3:16 to 19 that God added the law to the gospel preached to Abraham, to the covenant of promise which God gave to Abraham 430 years before Moses was on Mount Sinai. God added the “Law” Covenant to the Abrahamic Covenant. The “Law” Cov¬enant was abolished after Christ died on the cross. But the Abrahamic Covenant has not been annulled. Because of this Covenant Israel will yet be saved. Romans 11:26 to 29.

Fourth: We learn in Matthew 1:1, that Jesus Christ was the Son of David, the Son of Abraham. In Romans 15:8, we learn that Jesus Christ was the Minister of the circumcision to confirm promises which God made to Israel. In Galatians 4:4 we learn that Jesus Christ was born under the Old Testament to redeem them that were under the Old Covenant. In Luke 2:12 to 20 we learn that Jesus Christ was circumcised. In Hebrews 9:15, we learn that Jesus Christ was the Medi¬ator of the New Covenant. Jesus Christ was sent only to the children of Abraham (Israel), while on earth. Matthew 15:24. Luke 13:16. Luke 19:9.

Fifth. We learn in Romans 11:15 that the glorified risen Christ sent Paul with the message of reconciliation to Gentiles when and because Israel was cast away. Then and there began “ the times of the Gentiles” spiritually. Since that time we have been living in “ the times of the Gentiles” in every sense of the word. It is so important that we see “the times of the Gentiles” began with Nebuchad¬nezzar, politically, and with Paul spirit¬ually.

Premillenarians are dispensational Bible-teachers and all dispensational Pre¬millenarians teach that when “ the House of Israel” fell, God began to build a new and different House, “the House of God” of I Timothy 3:15.

Then believing Jews and Gentiles were baptized by the One Spirit into the One Body. I Corinthians 12:13. That One Body is called in Ephesians 3:6, “the Joint¬Body.” Divine Truth concerning this “Joint-Body,” its hope and calling, is called “ the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Ephesians 3:8.

The word “ unsearchable” means “ not-¬to-be-tracked.” That truth was not prophesied by Israel’s prophets. It was called God’s Secret. Ephesians 3:9. It was disclosed to Paul, and by him to us. And it is our duty “to make all see what is the dispensation of the Secret.” Ephe¬sians 3:9. “Having made known the Mystery of His will.” Ephesians 1:9.

WHEN DID THE BODY BEGIN?

The historical beginning of “the Church of the Mystery” was not while Christ was on earth. And assuredly “the Church of the Mystery,” disclosed to Paul, did not begin with Peter on Israel’s feast day, Pentecost.

Let us learn that “the Body of Christ” is “the Church of God,” but “the Church of God” is not always “the Body of Christ.” Note the definition of the Body of Christ in Ephesians 1:23, “the fulness of Him that filleth all in all.” The Church is one flesh with Christ. This was one phase of “the Mystery.” Ephesians 5:30 and 31.

Now let us carefully read and consider the radical change recorded in Acts 14:27. In that verse we learn that God opened up the door of salvation unto the Gentiles shortly after the Holy Spirit said, “separate unto Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them,” (Acts 13:2), shortly after Paul turned from the Jews and said, “lo, we turn unto the Gentiles.” Acts 13:46.

We would impress upon your minds and hearts the importance of marking the change from Jews to Gentiles in Acts 13:46, Acts 14:27, Acts 18:5 and 6, Romans 11:11 to 15, and Acts 28:25 to 28.

NO DIFFERENCE

In Matthew 15:24 to 28 we learn the great difference between Jews and Gen¬tiles, “children” and “dogs.” In Romans 10:10 to 15 we learn that difference no longer existed. Believing Jews and Gen¬tiles were then one in Christ and all bap¬tized into One Body by One Spirit. Gala¬tians 3.26 to 28, I Corinthians 12:13. Romans 6:14: “Ye are not under the law. “

MEMBERS OF CHRIST

Now let us note Romans 12:4 and 5:

“For as we have many members in one Body and all members have not the same office, go, we being many, are one Body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”

Note how this was accomplished in Romans 6:3 and 4: believers were bap¬tized into the death of Christ, buried with Him by baptism, and raised to walk in newness, of life.
Christ’s Body is called in Ephesians 3:6, “the Joint-Body.”

We learned in I Corinthians 10:32 that the members of Christ’s Body were not to offend Jews, Gentiles, or the Church of God.

In II Timothy 2:15, members of Christ’s Body are thus instructed, “rightly divid¬ing the Word of Truth.”

GOD’S DIVINE PRINCIPLE

Let us study the Four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, as well as from Genesis to Malachi, and the first twelve chapters of Acts, in the light of God’s truth revealed after the radical change marked by Acts 14:27.

Then let us study all Divine Truth, from Acts 14:27 to the other radical change, marked by Acts 28:25 to 28, in the light of Paul’s Epistles, written after the close of the “Acts” period.

Thus we should find that God’s “gold¬en key” for the interpretation, appro¬priation, application and enjoyment of the Scriptures, is in the “Body Truth” in Paul’s Prison Epistles.

Let us study all Scripture in the light of Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Titus, II Timothy and other Epistles and be careful not to frustrate the grace of. God or eliminate any precious truth that God wants brought over from some former dispensation. “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: Whereof I am made a min¬ister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to ful¬fil the Word of God; Even the Mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: To Whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; Which is Christ in you the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:24 to 27.


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[LittleLambofJesus]

So we should realize how very impor¬tant and imperative it is to know when God created Israel and when God set “ the House of Israel” aside temporarily, if we are to enjoy and understand the Bible.

Before God created Israel, from Adam to Jacob, God had some faithful servants, Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Shem, Eber and Abram. None of these belonged to “ the House of Israel.” Abram belonged to “the House of Shem” to “the House of Eber”, to “the House of Terah.” Terah, Abraham’s father, was an idolatrous Gen¬tile. Joshua 24:2.

Why did the Apostles ask this question of Jesus and who had the kingdom that would be restored to them? Thoughts?

Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the reign/kingdom to Israel? [SIZE=+2] [/SIZE]

 

[Tychicum]

Why did the Apostles ask this question of Jesus and who had the kingdom that would be restored to them? Thoughts?

Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the reign/kingdom to Israel? [SIZE=+2] [/SIZE]

The Apostles amazing as it might seem ... given that they had just come off of a 3 1/2 year ministry with Jesus Himself ... at that point in time ... didn't have a clue.

They were hoping the Lord was going to immediately overthrow Rome and that was going to be that. All of the promises to Israel about the land .... the peace ... would be implemented right then and there.

God had a 2,000+ year delay in mind in which He was going to toss Israel in favour of saving a whole bunch of Gentiles.

That to the Apostles was a total "mystery" ... and it wasn't revealed until to the Apostle Paul.

Who has the kingdom now? Satan is the ruler of this world (kosmos) system. He got rights over the world from Adam when Adam fell ...

Satan was "judged" at the cross ... but the sentence is not going to be implemented until after Jesus returns for His Church.

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[LittleLambofJesus]

Originally Posted by LittleLambofJesus
Why did the Apostles ask this question of Jesus and who had the kingdom that would be restored to them? Thoughts?

Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the reign/kingdom to Israel?

The Apostles amazing as it might seem ... given that they had just come off of a 3 1/2 year ministry with Jesus Himself ... at that point in time ... didn't have a clue.

They were hoping the Lord was going to immediately overthrow Rome and that was going to be that. All of the promises to Israel about the land .... the peace ... would be implemented right then and there.

Didn't it turn out the other way round? The Romans came against the Jewish Nation and by their destruction ALL Israel was saved?
Who is the "our" in John 11:48?

John 11:48 if we may let him alone thus, all will believe in him; and the Romans will come, and will take away both our place and Nation.'

Matthew 8:12 "But the sons [#5207] of the kingdom [#932] shall be being cast out [#1544 ekblhqhsontai] into outer [#1857] darkness.

 

[Tychicum]

The Romans came against the Jewish Nation and by their destruction ALL Israel was saved?
Who is the "our" in John 11:48?

John 11:48 if we may let him alone thus, all will believe in him; and the Romans will come, and will take away both our place and Nation.'

Jerusalem was destroyed.

John 11:48 is a quote of the enemies of Christ who were plotting against Him. A sick rationalization ...

 

[LittleLambofJesus]

Jerusalem was destroyed.

John 11:48 is a quote of the enemies of Christ who were plotting against Him. A sick rationalization ...

Yep. But the Apostles were thinking of an "earthly" kingdom and just like you said they were expecting Jerusalem to be saved.
The Kingdom symbolically belonged to the Jewish Nation of Judah including the Levitical Priesthhood, correct?

Do you see the difference in the "Kingdoms" here?

Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the reign/kingdom to Israel?

Matthew 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken away from You, and shall be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.