Biblical Prophecy

[Lees]

As the Kingdom of God is being offered to Israel at the first coming of Christ, and the Kingdom was once Israel's possession, when exactly was the time when God removed His Kingdom from the nation Israel?

Answer: At the carrying away of the Southern Kingdom of Judah by Babylon around 586 B.C. It would be during that time that the prophet Ezekiel was active among the Jewish exiles carried away captive. (Ezk. 1:1) And God revealed to Ezekiel His departure from the nation Israel.

Though a captive in Babylon, Ezekiel is taken in vision back to Jerusalem, to the Temple. (Ezk. 9:16) He is shown how the Jews defile the House of God. (Ezk. 8-9) And he watches the slow, methodical, leaving of the glory of God from the Temple. From Israel.

(Ezk. 9:3) "And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house...." See (Ezk. 10:4) also.

(Ezk. 10:18) "Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims."

(Ezk. 11:23) "And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city."

The final place of God's departure from Israel is the Mount of Olives. Which is prophetic also of Christ leaving from the Mount of Olives. (Acts 1:10-12) And which is the place where Christ shall return. (Zech. 14:4)

But, my point here is that the Kingdom has been taken away from Israel. Yet because God is loving and merciful to His people, He leaves with the promise that He will not utterly forsake them. He will watch over them and bring them back and they will be his people and He will be their God. (Ezk. 11:14-20)

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[Lees]

As the Kingdom of God has been taken away from Israel at the Babylonian captivity, this initiates the time period known as 'The Times Of The Gentiles'. It is characterized by the Gentile nations having their way with Jerusalem and Israel. The Gentile nations are the leading nations in world movements and not Israel. It is a time period so named and identified by Jesus Christ. (Luke 21:24) "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."

As the 'Times Of The Gentiles' began with Babylons victory over Jerusalem, it is fitting that God gave to the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, a dream and vision of that time period. And, it is fitting that He would give it first to a Gentile and not to a prophet of Israel. (Dan. 2:1-13) But it would require a prophet, Daniel, of Israel to be given the same dream and the interpretation of it. (Dan. 2:14-30)

It's important to note here that we are not left to have to interpret the dream. The dream and it's interpretation are given. (Dan. 2:31-45) Nebuchadnezzar's dream was of a giant image made of 4 metals. Gold, silver, brass, iron/clay. (Dan. 2:31-33) And these represented the 4 Gentile kingdoms which would exist during the 'Times Of The Gentiles'. (Dan. 2:36-43)

And in this dream Nebuchadnezzar saw a stone, not made by man, smite the great image at it's feet and destroying all of it. (Dan. 2:34-35) This stone represented the Kingdom of God coming and destroying the Gentile kingdoms of the earth. And it will be an eternal Kingdom. (Dan. 2:44-45)

Thus the 'Times Of The Gentiles' begins with Babylon in 586 B.C. and ends with the Second Coming of Christ.

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[Lees]

Concerning the 'Times of the Gentiles' and the future coming of the Kingdom I said in the last post that the 'Times of the Gentiles' ending, and the coming of the Kingdom would be at the Second Coming of Christ. But, we know this to be true only because Christ has come the first time and was rejected. In (Dan. 2) no reference is given identifying Christ's First or Second coming. Daniel is just stating that there will be four Gentile world empires and during the time of the fourth, God would destroy them and set up His Kingdom on earth.

Daniel identifies the 'head of gold' as Babylon/Nebuchadnezzar. (Dan. 2:38) "...Thou art this head of gold." Daniel indicates that the other kingdoms to follow will be consecutive. One after the other. (Dan. 2:39) "And after thee shall arise another kingdom...." "...and another third kingdom...." "And the fourth kingdom shall be...."

Thus, we can identify the four kingdoms as, 1.) Babylon, 2.) Medo-Persia, 3.) Greece, and 4.) Rome.

And, we know that Christ came during the fourth empire, Rome. And He and John the Baptist and the disciples came offering the Kingdom to Israel as promised. The Kingdom that had been prophecied by Daniel, (Dan. 2:45), and other prophets was at hand. Review my post #(40) Everything was happening at the right time. (Gal. 4:4)

But...it didn't happen. Israel rejected the King, and the Kingdom offered. Christ is crucified. The destruction of the Gentile world powers doesn't occur. Israel remains under Gentile domination. The 'Times of the Gentiles' continues.

But...we know the prophecy in (Dan. 2) will happen just as it says. (Dan. 2:45) "...the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure."

Thus the understanding of the fourth Gentile kingdom becomes all important. And more is said of the fourth then the other three kingdoms. (Dan. 2:40-44)

And it is here, I believe, where many interpretations have their source. The identity of the fourth kingdom. We know it's Rome. Yet the destruction and Kingdom didn't come.

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[Lees]

In (Dan. 2) we are given a very general and brief discription of the 'Times of the Gentiles' and the four kingdoms they will involve. Though the fourth kingdom is given more, it is still brief, especially in it's importance as the kingdom existing when God destroys the Gentile dominion.

In (Dan. 7) Daniel is given another vision. This is many years later under Belshazzar's rule, Nebuchadezzar's son. This vision will correspond to the dream and vision of the metallic image given Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel in (Dan. 2). It is further revelation of the four kingdoms of the Gentiles that make up the 'Times of the Gentiles', and their destruction.

Instead of being represented by metals of certain value, the four kingdoms in (Dan. 7) are represented by vicious and devouring beasts. Probably indicating that Nebuchadnezzars dream, (Dan. 2), saw the four in their worldly glory, as man sees them. But in (Dan. 7) the four are seen in their true nature before God; ravenous beasts.

First beast, like a lion with eagles wings. (Dan. 7:4) Corresponds to the images head of gold in (Dan. 2:32). Babylon.

Second beast, like a devouring bear. (Dan. 7:5) Corresponds to the images breast and arms of silver. (Dan. 2:32) Medo-Persia.

Third beast, like a leopard. (Dan. 7:6) Corresponds to the images belly and thighs of brass. (Dan. 2:32) Greece.

Fourth beast, terrible and horrible, different from the rest. (Dan. 7:7) No animal name given it. Corresponds to the images legs of iron and feet of iron and clay. (Dan. 2:33) There will be much information given of this fourth beast in (Dan. 7:7-8) (Dan. 7:15-28)

And just as the coming Kingdom of God destroys the image in (Dan. 2:34-35), so more information is given in (Dan. 7:9-14) of that same event.

So, though (Dan. 2) is separated from (Dan. 7) by 4 chapters, it is correct to combine the information given these Gentile kingdoms and their destruction as they speak to exactly the same things. Just because it is separated by 4 chapters doesn't take chapter 7 out of context with chapter 2. It is perfect context. It is further revelation of the same events.

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[Lees]

Since Christ came offering the Kingdom in the days of the Roman empire, the fourth kingdom, some believe the prophecies of (Dan. 2) and (Dan. 7) have been fulfilled. Especially since the Roman empire is no more. But that cannot be as there are too many things that have never ocurred. And many of those things concern the fourth kingdom.

The 'time factor' in Old Testament prophecy is seldom given and I believe is something God purposefully does. He gives revelation of what will occur but leaves the timing to Himself. (Matt. 24:36) "But of that day and hour knoweth no man...." (Acts 1:6) "And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the season, which the Father hath put in his own power."

Even the prophets to whom the prophecies were given didn't fully understand them. (1 Peter 1:10-11) "Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you. Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should come."

The prophets knew that He Who was to come, the Messiah, would suffer when He came. They had the prophecies. They also knew that when He came, so would the Kingdom also. They had the prophecies. The prophecies of the coming of Messiah and the Kingdom in the Old Testament did not specify first or second coming. They simply gave revelation of the coming of Messiah and the Kingdom. And sometimes both first and second coming are presented as though they are one and the same.

A good example is (Is. 61:1-2) "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me...to preach good tidings..To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all that mourn."

Jesus chose these verses to declare Himself as Messiah to the Jews. (Luke 4:16-21) "And he came to Nazareth....And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias....he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me....."

But when Jesus got down to verse 2 of (Isaiah) that says, "To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God....", He stopped in the middle of the sentence quoting only, "To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." In other words, "the day of vengeance of our God" did not pertain to Christ's first coming, which only He knew at that time.

In (Isaiah 61:2) the coming of Messiah and Kingdom reads as one event. But we know because of other Scripture that both first and second comings are represented, separated by time.

It is this, I believe, that must be remembered, when interpreting the events surrounding the fourth Kingdom in (Daniel). Some do represent Rome in Christ's day, in His first coming. But there is much that still needs to be fulfilled. Meaning that Roman empire must surface once again in some form.

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[Lees]

Would be helpful to read again post #(40). We've seen Jesus coming and proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven. We've seen that that Kingdom is not Heaven, but is the rule of God on earth. Heaven on earth.

The Book of (Matthew) is particularly the Gospel of the Kingdom. That is it's emphasis. The King and the Kingdom. And so the term 'Kingdom of Heaven' is unique to (Matthew). The origin of the term 'Kingdom of Heaven' can be traced back to the two chapters in (Daniel) we've just looked at.

(Dan. 2:44) "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever."

(Dan. 7:13-14) "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before Him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."

Thus the King, Jesus, comes proclaimg the arrival of His Kingdom. It is at hand. It is ready to be set up. He is ready to destroy Gentile world dominion and establish Israel once again as the head of the nations, and to rule from Jerusalem. And so the King lays down the laws of the Kingdom which will govern His rule. We know this as the 'Sermon on the Mount'. (Matt. 5-7)

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[Albion]

As the Kingdom of God is being offered to Israel at the first coming of Christ, and the Kingdom was once Israel's possession, when exactly was the time when God removed His Kingdom from the nation Israel?

The answer is that it would be at the time of Christ, as the New Testament teaches us in both the Gospel accounts and in its various Epistles as well.

The kingdom was not only redefined by Jesus personally, but we can also see in Scripture that all mankind then became eligible to belong to spiritual Israel.

 

[Lees]

The answer is that it would be at the time of Christ, as the New Testament teaches us in both the Gospel accounts and in its various Epistles as well.

The kingdom was not only redefined by Jesus personally, but we can also see in Scripture that all mankind then became eligible to belong to spiritual Israel.

The Kingdom was already removed from Israel by the time of Christ. That is why it was being offered to Israel by Christ. (Matt. 4:17) So, no, it was not removed at the time of Christ. It was removed at the time of the Babylonian captivity, as proved by the Gentile kingdoms domination. Offered to Israel again at the time of Christ. Then rejected by Israel.

Why would Jesus redefine the Kingdom?

Where did Jesus redefine the Kingdom?

Where does it say all mankind are eligible to belong to spiritual Israel?

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[Messy]

The Kingdom was already removed from Israel by the time of Christ. That is why it was being offered to Israel by Christ. (Matt. 4:17) So, no, it was not removed at the time of Christ. It was removed at the time of the Babylonian captivity, as proved by the Gentile kingdoms dominaton. Offered to Israel again at the time of Christ. Then rejected by Israel.



Why would Jesus redefine the Kingdom?

Where did Jesus redefine the Kingdom?

Where does it say all mankind are eligible to belong to spiritual Israel?

Lees

It does also say that a gentile who serves God is a Jew, but they mixed that up. Jesus is quite clear.
Romans 2
28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose [g]praise is not from men but from God.

Acts 1:6-11​

6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [a]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Calvin stated that there "'were "as many errors ... as words' in the disciples' question concerning Israel's restoration. This, he believed, showed 'how bad scholars they were under so good a Master,' and therefore 'when he [Jesus] saith, you shall receive power, he admonisheth them of their imbecility.'"

A Deadly, Anti-Israel Theological Error - Charisma News

The idea that God is finished with the Jewish people as a nation and that the church has replaced Israel in God's plan is not only a serious theological error. It is a deadly one as well.It was this false theology that helped fuel the fires of Jew hatred in one of the early church's

www.charismanews.com

 

[Lees]

It does also say that a gentile who serves God is a Jew, but they mixed that up. Jesus is quite clear.
Romans 2
28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose [g]praise is not from men but from God.

Acts 1:6-11​

6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [a]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Calvin stated that there "'were "as many errors ... as words' in the disciples' question concerning Israel's restoration. This, he believed, showed 'how bad scholars they were under so good a Master,' and therefore 'when he [Jesus] saith, you shall receive power, he admonisheth them of their imbecility.'"

A Deadly, Anti-Israel Theological Error - Charisma News

The idea that God is finished with the Jewish people as a nation and that the church has replaced Israel in God's plan is not only a serious theological error. It is a deadly one as well.It was this false theology that helped fuel the fires of Jew hatred in one of the early church's

www.charismanews.com

It never says a Gentile is or becomes a Jew. (Rom. 2:28-29) is describing a true Jew. Not a Gentile.

Concerning (Acts 1:6-11), that is just proof that the Kingdom was not restored to Israel at Christ's offering of the Kingdom at His first coming. It is not proof that the Kingdom will not be restored to Israel.

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[Messy]

It never says a Gentile is or becomes a Jew. (Rom. 2:28-29) is describing a true Jew. Not a Gentile.

Concerning (Acts 1:6-11), that is just proof that the Kingdom was not restored to Israel at Christ's offering of the Kingdom at His first coming. It is not proof that the Kingdom will not be restored to Israel.

Lees

Oh yes you're right. I thought he said that, meaning God praiser or something, but apparently not.

Romans 2:17-29 - The One Who Gives Thanks - Congregation Shema Yisrael

The word Yehudi (“Jew”) means “one who gives thanks. Because we’re in a passage in Romans addressed to Jewish people, I thought I would share that fact with you. And here are a few salient truths that…

shema.com

Yes that's proof that He will restore it plus all the O.T. texts.

 

[Lees]

The 'Sermon on the Mount' is not describing how a non-believer is to be saved. It is describing that which can and should characterize the believer in the Kingdom who has been born-again. Remember, the new-birth, the new covenant, was promised to Israel. (Jer. 31:31-34) The new-birth is the work of the Spirit, putting the law in the believers inward parts and writing them on his heart. (Jer.31:33)

This is why Jesus separated Himself from the multitudes and went into the mount to address His disciples. (Matt. 4:25-5:1) Then when He was done teaching them, He once again gave access to the multitudes. (Matt. 7:28-8:1) Jesus was telling His people that this will/should characterize My followers in the Kingdom. Made possible by the new-birth.

That Old Testament Kingdom, that was promised, always contained the spiritual aspect. The new-birth. Just as it contained the physical aspect with Messiah ruling in Jerusalem, in Israel, over the world. Both are necessay

As already mentioned, when Christ, Messiah, does set up His Kingdom, it will be by the destruction of the Gentile world powers. It's not going to be by the Church converting the world. And the world is not going to encounter a 'meek and lowly Jesus'. It's going to encounter the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Who will come with vengeance in His heart. (Is. 63:1-6) He will set up His rule of righteousness over the world.

And only under these conditions, can the 'Sermon on the Mount' be the rule and law to walk in. We who are the Church are born-again and can make application to much that is in the Sermon on the Mount. Just as we do with the Law of Moses. But we are not under the Law. And to try and follow the Law as a believer just leads to misery and bondage. The same is true with the Sermon on the Mount.

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[Lees]

The Kingdom is being offerred to Israel by John the Baptist, Jesus, and the disciples. The gospel of the Kingdom is preached. The laws of the Kingdom have been given by Christ. (Sermon on the Mount) This is to the nation Israel. (Matt. 10:5) "...Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

And Jesus continues to do many miracles. Heals many people. Casts out demons. Doing that which only Messiah could do. Instead of creating in Israel a heart of faith and acceptance, resistance against Christ continues to build. When Jesus commented on the Roman centurions faith, concerning the healing of his servant, He said, "...I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." (Matt. 8:10) And when Jesus cast many demons out of two men, and sent them to the pigs, the people begged Him to leave. (Matt. 8:28-34)

There were always some who had a correct response to Jesus when they saw the miracles. As when Jesus healed the paralytic man. (Matt. 9:8) But most did not. And it created only resistance among the leaders in Israel. Jesus at first declared the paralytics sins were forgiven. (9:2) The scribes believed He blasphemed. (9:3) So Jesus performed the healing miracle. (9:4-6) Proof He had authority over sins. But it only increased the resistance from the scribes and Pharisees.

The time as to when the rejection of Messiah by Israel is complete is getting closer. John the Baptist has doubts as he languishes in prison. (Matt. 11:1-3) Jesus points him to the works and miracles He does. (11:5) Jesus rebukes this unbelieving generation. (11:17-24) Pharisees accuse Christ of breaking the Sabbath. (Matt. 12:1-2) Jesus tells them He is Lord of the Sabbath. (12:8)

All is leading to the final straw which breaks the camel's back.

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[Lees]

The argument over the Sabbath continues. Jesus statement that He is Lord of the Sabbath went right over the Pharisees heads. Jesus's use of Scripture to show David and his men plucked and ate ears of corn on the Sabbath, and that the priests profane the Sabbath always, meant nothing to the Pharisees. (Matt. 12:3-5) It, no doubt, just infuriated them.

Jesus departed, but He wasn't finished. He went to the Pharisees synagogue. (Matt. 12:9) And in there was a man with a withered hand. And these same pharisees provoked Jesus asking Him, "...Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath days? that they might accuse him." Jesus told them they would pull a sheep out of a pit on the Sabbath. How is a man not better than a sheep. And He healed him. (12:11-13) And their response, "Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him." (12:14)

Many people were following Jesus now and He healed all, and cast out demons in some. (Matt. 12:15-23) All of which was fulfillment of prophecy concerning the Messiah and the Kingdom, Who would bring both judgement and light to the Gentiles. And (12:17-21) quotes (Is. 42:1-4). All of this had an impact on the people, who said, "...Is not this the Son of David?" The people were ready, with a little bit of instruction and encouragement from their leaders, the scribes and Pharisees, the Kingdom could come.

Instead, the Pharisees said Jesus doesn't do these miracles by the power of God. It is by the power of demons, and Beelzebub, the prince of demons that He does them. All these miracles were signs that Messiah was here doing the work of God. Messiah was here and the Kingdom of God is here. (Matt. 12:28) But to no avail.

The Pharisees had committed the unpardonable sin of claiming Christ did these works by the power of Satan. (Matt. 12:31) They rejected the works of Messiah and the Kingdom offered. There would be no forgiveness for this. The Kingdom offer is taken away. And then these arrogant scribes and Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign after they just accused Him of working by the power of Satan. (12:38) But, Jesus was done. No sign given anymore to prepare the people for the Kingdom. The only sign they get now is that of Jonah. Israel, by their own words, is dead to God and God turns now to the Gentiles. (12:39-42)

Israel, while Jesus was among them, was as a man who had an evil spirit cast out of him. But casting a demon out doesn't save anyone. It just means the demon is cast out. And if the man does not turn to God, the evil spirit returns and brings others with him making the man worse off than before. (Matt. 12:43-45)

And that is the condition of Israel. No Messiah. No Kingdom.

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[Lees]

In (Matt. 12:46-50) a vivid picture of the change in Jesus's relationship to Israel is given. He was told His mother and His brothers wanted to speak to Him. And He said, "...Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?....whoever shall do the will of my Father...is my brother, and sister, and mother."

Relationship to Jesus will no longer to be based upon being Jewish. It will be based upon doing the will of the Father. Things have changed. The gospel of the Kingdom is no longer preached for that Kingdom offer has been rescinded. A new gospel will replace it which focuses on 'Who' Jesus is. (Matt. 16:13-16)

Note the incident with the Canaanite women who had a demon possessed daughter and appealed to Jesus for help. (Matt. 15:21-28) "...O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil." (15:22) And what did Jesus do? He completely ignored her. (15:23) He would not answer her. She apparently begged the disciples for help and they in turn asked him to do something. (15:23) And Jesus answer: "...I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

Why would Jesus say that since He has turned away from the house of Israel and to the Gentiles? Because she asked Him on the basis of His being the "Son of David". That was reserved for Israel. And plus, that was no longer in play. She then responds to Him as 'Lord' only. (15:25) "Lord, help me." (15:27) "Truth Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs...." She comes now only in faith in His being Lord and He healed her daughter. (15:28)

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[Messy]

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[Lees]

As has been said, all Biblical prophecy is directed toward the Kingdom of God upon the earth, whether it be about the King, or the time period known as the Millennium (the Kingdom reign), or the rules and government established.

Israel was created by God to be that chosen nation from where the King, the Messiah, would rule over the world. And promises were made to Israel that God would accomplish His Word. Israel will be the leading nation from which the Kingdom of God would be ruled.

Israel sinned against God and was scattered by the Assyrians and the Babylonians. And God removed His presence, and the Kingdom from her. But, God's promises remained.

The Old Testament closes with (Malachi 4:5-6) as a promise to the Jews that a prophet, Elijah, would come and turn the hearts of the Jews back to God. And for some four hundred years, Israel had to wait. They are commonly called the 400 silent years, though they weren't silent. But they were silent in God sending Elijah to prepare Israel to once again be the Kingdom of God upon the earth.

God is faithful and sends Elijah in the person of John the Baptist. (Matt. 11:14) And sends the King, the Messiah, Jesus to bring in the Kingdom. This is important because though Israel has sinned terribly against God, God is faithful to His Word. But once again, Israel rejects the King and the Kingdom offer is taken away. All of which will eventually result in the crucifixion of Christ, the King.

Has God had enough of this? Will He revoke His promises to Israel? No, because He is God. His promises and prophecies to Israel will be accomplished. But after the rejection described in (Matt. 12) there will be another time period, just as the 400 silent years between (Malachi) and (Matthew) was a time period, where Israel is not the nation representing the Kingdom of God.

And this time period is called by (Matthew), the 'Kingdom in mystery form'. (Matt. 13:11)

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[Lees]

That future Kingdom to come, which is the Millennial Kingdom, where Christ will reign over the earth with Israel being the leading nation, will exist both physically and spiritually on earth. Israel will not be the Kingdom, but is the leading nation of the Kingdom.

The time period known as the 'mystery form of the Kingdom' does not have Christ present physically on earth. He has been rejected, crucified, risen, and ascended. During this time period, the King is absent from the earth.

Though the Church is a 'mystery' also, (Eph. 3:1-6), and will exist through much of this same time as the 'mystery form of the Kingdom', the Church is not the Kingdom. The Church is in the Kingdom and has been given the keys to the Kingdom. (Matt. 16:18-19)

In (Matt. 13) Christ describes the 'mystery form of the Kingdom' to His disciples. Because it is the Kingdom, it is always associated with Jesus Christ. Good and bad. It will have within it the true believers, the Church. But it will have within it false believers, and sin, and evil also. It is not the Church, but it is Christianity.

Jesus, that great Prophet foretold in (Deut. 18:15), is foretelling the nature of the 'mystery form of the Kingdom' which at that time was still future. And He describes it in parabolic form, and interprets much of it.

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[Lees]

The 'mystery form of the Kingdom' began with the rejection of Jesus Christ by Israel, and will continue till Christ returns. We know this because (Matt. 13) describes the mystery form of the Kingdom and it's time.

(Matt. 13:30) "Let both grow together until the harvest...."

(Matt. 13:39) "The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world...."

(Matt. 13:40) "As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world."

(Matt. 13:47-49) "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net....and gathered of every kind...So shall it be at the end of the world...."

Jesus presents the mystery Kingdom in parabolic form in order to hide the truth of it from those who reject Him. Specifically Israel. (Matt. 13:11-13) (Is. 6:9-10) But, this is a great truth and principle with God at any time. Light received produces more light. Light rejected produces greater darkness.

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[Lees]

Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:3-9) (Matt. 13:18-23)

This parable shows the development of the mystery form of the Kingdom of Heaven. It will be as a farmer scattering seed for planting in his field. The seed represents the 'word of the kingdom'. (Matt. 13:19)

Where the seed lands will determine its affect upon the hearer. Four types of ground, which represent those who hear the word, is given. 1.) By the wayside 2.) Stony places 3.) Among thorns 4.) good ground

This certainly shows the ideal placement of the seed is on the 'good ground' which results in various 'fruit bearing' by the one who receives it. And it is usually understood that the other three reflect those who are not true believers. And that may well be so. I wonder concerning the seed that fell 'among thorns', if that could not also be a believer who later is caught up in worldly things.

The important thing here is that these 4 represent those in the Kingdom. They don't represent the true Church, which is composed only of true believers. They represent the 4 types you will find in 'Christianity'. You will find the true Church, the true believers, in the mystery form of the Kingdom. But you will find the other 3 also. So any local church, which represents some form of Christianity, will manifest these 4 types.

The mystery form of the Kingdom will be a mixture of believers and non-believers. The various non-believers differ at times. With the wayside ground, there was nothing there. With the stony ground, there was not much there. With the thorny ground, there was something yet it is choked out. And even with the believers, the good ground, there is variety. All are fruitful, but not to the same degree. (Matt. 13:23)

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