Christ and His Followers are Symbolized by Israel

If Christ is the true New Testament Israel, then He and His followers are the Israel in the end time prophecies.

What does the Bible say?

The following texts will show that Christ relived the history of the Children of Israel and fulfilled the Old Testament statements about them. Notice the following exciting parallels comparing Old Testament Israel with our New Testament Jesus Christ.

The Old Testament History Of Israel

Joseph Has Dreams

Genesis 37:
5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.
9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.

Christ The New Testament Israel

Joseph Has Dreams

Matthew 1:
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

The Old Testament History Of Israel

Joseph Goes To Egypt

Genesis 37:
28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.


Christ The New Testament Israel

Joseph and Jesus Go To Egypt

Matthew 2:
13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

The Old Testament History Of Israel

Israel Comes Out Of Egypt

Exodus 12:
30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.
31 And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said.
32 Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.
33 And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.

Hosea 11:
1 WHEN Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.


Christ The New Testament Israel

Jesus Comes Out Of Egypt

This is where this study gets very exciting!
In Matthew 2:1-15 is the story of the birth of Jesus. Carefully notice Verse 15. This text states that Christ fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet (in Hosea 11:1), saying, "out of Egypt have I called my son."

Matthew 2:
1 NOW when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, ----
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Wow! The New Testament states that Christ "fulfilled" the Old Testament call for Israel to come out of Egypt. The focus is now on Christ and away from ancient Israel.

The Old Testament History Of Israel

Israel Is God´s Son (Firstborn)

Exodus 4:
22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:

Hosea 11:
1 WHEN Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

Christ The New Testament Israel

Jesus Is God´s Son (First born)

Matthew 3:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Colossians 1:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

The Old Testament History Of Israel

"Baptized In The Sea"

Exodus 14:
19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:
20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.
21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
30 Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.
31 And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.

1 Corinthians 10:
1 MOREOVER, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

It seems that this would be a symbolic baptism considering that they walked through on dry ground. Notice in Verse 31 of Exodus 14 above, it is recorded that they "believed" in the Lord and in Verse 2 of 1 Corinthians 10 above, they were "baptized." It is interesting to note in the verse below that believing and being baptized is what is required to be saved.

Mark 16:
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.


Christ The New Testament Israel

Baptized In The Jordan

Matthew 3:
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:


The Old Testament History Of Israel

40 Years In The Wilderness

Numbers 14:
33 And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness.
34 After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.

Christ The New Testament Israel

40 days In The Wilderness

Matthew 4:
1 THEN was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

It is interesting to note that while Christ was in the wilderness being tempted by Satan He quoted three Bible texts, all three of which are found in the book of Deuteronomy. In the wilderness Christ quoted from the book that was given to Israel while they were in the wilderness.
Compare the following two texts. This is Christ´s first quote to Satan.

Matthew 4:
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Deuteronomy 8:
3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.

Compare the following two texts. This is Christ´s second quote to Satan.

Matthew 4:
7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Deuteronomy 6:
16 Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.

Compare the following two texts. This is Christ´s third quote to Satan.

Matthew 4:
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Deuteronomy 6:
13 Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.
14 Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;
15 (For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

Christ was repeating the history of Israel and overcoming where they had failed. Christ was meeting the conditions and therefore was qualifying for the promise. Christ was fulfilling the conditions of the covenant.


The Old Testament History Of Israel

The Law On The Mountain

Exodus 19:
23 And Moses said unto the Lord, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.

Exodus 20:
1 AND God spake all these words, saying,
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
12 Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
13 Thou shalt not kill.
14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
15 Thou shalt not steal.
16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour´s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour´s.


Christ The New Testament Israel

The Law On The Mountain

On a mountain Christ expounds on the law.

Matthew 5:
1 AND seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

God´s Servant

Isaiah 41:
8 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

Isaiah 49:
3 And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.

Christ The New Testament Israel

God´s Servant

Matthew 12:
15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;
16 And charged them that they should not make him known:
17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.
21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Verse 17 says "That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet." Compare Verses 18 thru 21 (above) with the texts below.


Isaiah 42:
1 BEHOLD my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
2 He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

The Old Testament History Of Israel

God´s Vine

Psalms 80:
8 Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.

Christ The New Testament Israel

The True Vine

John 15:
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

The Old Testament History Of Israel

The Seed Of Abraham

Isaiah 41:
8 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

Christ The New Testament Israel

The Seed Of Abraham

Galatians 3:
16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.


Matthew 1:
1 THE book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Literal Israel, by rejecting Christ, illustrated that they no longer had the faith of Abraham. As one can see, in the New Testament, what originally applied to the nation of Israel, is now applied to Jesus Christ. The Messiah is now the "seed." Therefore, Jesus Christ is Israel!


The Old Testament History Of Israel

One Man Becomes Many

Israel is the name originally given to Jacob, a single man in the Old Testament

Genesis 32:
28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Isaiah 41:
8 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

In the first book of Exodus one can read all the names of the sons of Israel that went into Egypt and how God blessed them so that they multiplied greatly. Israel, which was a name given to one man, had become a multitude of people.

Exodus 1:
1 NOW these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.
5 And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already.
7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.

By the time God worked through Moses to free the children of Israel, they had become a nation.

Exodus 4:
22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:
23 And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.


Christ The New Testament Israel

One Man Becomes Many


Christ was one man but He and His disciples have become a church

Galatians 3:
16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

Acts 11:
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Acts 2:
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Galatians 3:
29 And if ye be Christ´s, then are ye Abraham´s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

So all that belong to Christ are spiritual Israelites and heirs to the promise that was given to Abraham. Christ is the true Israel and His followers are the true Israelites.


The Old Testament History Of Israel

Old Covenant (12 tribes)

Exodus 24:
4 And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Christ The New Testament Israel

New Covenant (12 apostles)

Matthew 26:
19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.

The Old Testament History Of Israel

Old Covenant Was Ratified By The Blood Of Animals

Exodus 24:
5 And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the Lord.
8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words.


Christ The New Testament Israel

New Covenant Was Ratified By The Blood Of Jesus

Matthew 26:
19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Compare the KJV with the NIV.

Matthew 26: NIV
28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Mark 14:
24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

Mark 14: NIV
24 "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them.

Luke 22:
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you".

Luke 22: NIV
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."

1 Corinthians 11:
25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

1 Corinthians 11: NIV
25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."

Hebrews 10:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Hebrews 12:
24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

Hebrews 13:
20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

The focus of the Old Testament, Israel, was on the sacrificial lamb which represented Christ. The focus of the New Testament is on Christ, the sacrificed Lamb of God.

"if ye be Christ´s, then are ye Abraham´s seed"

Notice that those that are "in Christ Jesus" are referred to as "the Israel of God."

Galatians 6:
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

Notice in the following texts that not all that are descendants of Israel (Israel of the flesh) are members of Israel (Israel of God). Just because one is a descendant (seed) of Abraham doesn´t mean that he or she is a child of God. Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham´s descendants (seed).

Romans 2:
17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Romans 9:
6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

Compare NIV
6 It is not as though God´s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.
7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

Who are these "children of the promise"?

Galatians 3:
6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ´s, then are ye Abraham´s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

All Gentiles and Jews that are Christ´s are "the children of the promise." The blessing of Abraham can be received by the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, and if one belongs to Christ (Gentile or Jew), then one is Abraham´s seed and heirs according to the promise.
Paul´s argument is that Abraham had faith, therefore those who have faith are his children. Someone has called this the concept of "faith lineage." John the Baptist understood the "faith lineage" principle.

Matthew 3:
1 IN those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Christ also taught the "faith lineage" principle. In the following texts some Jews claimed Abraham as their father because they were in Abraham´s blood line, but Christ clearly denied there claim and told them that the devil was their father.

John 8:
37 I know that ye are Abraham´s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
47 He that is of God heareth Gods words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

In Romans, chapter 8, one can find a whole section contrasting those that are in Christ and walk after the Spirit with those that walk in the flesh.

Romans 8:
1 THERE is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death: but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Notice that those that are led by the Spirit are God´s children and therefore heirs of God.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and join theirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

The "Israel after the flesh" is made up of the natural descendants of Abraham who as of yet do not believe in their own Messiah. The "Israel of God" is made up of both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus Christ.
In the texts below, Christ makes it very clear that just because one is a descendant of Abraham doesn´t mean that he or she cannot be disowned and therefore lose his or her inheritance.

Matthew 3:
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Notice in the following story of Nathanael joining Christ, that because he believed in Christ, Christ called him "an Israelite indeed."

John 1:
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.

Let us take another look at how Paul deals with this sensitive issue. First, Paul expresses his "continual sorrow" for his "kinsmen according to the flesh." These are the natural "Israelites," the literal seed of Abraham.

Romans 9:
2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

Paul indicates that God´s promises have not failed even though natural Israel has not received them. He states, it is "not as though the word of God hath taken none effect" then he gives the reason why God´s word has not failed, "they are not all Israel, which are of Israel."

6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

Paul goes on to explain that not all are considered by God to be His "children" just "because they are the seed of Abraham." Then Paul makes this statement, "but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called." Only those that are "in Isaac" will be considered Abraham´s real seed and eligible to receive the promises.

7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

What does it mean to be "in Isaac" and "children of the promise"? God had promised to make many nations of Abraham´s seed but Abraham and his wife (Sarai) were getting old and they were losing faith that God would keep His promise. They decided to help God by taking Sarai´s maid as a second wife and having children by her.

Genesis 16:
1 NOW Sarai Abram´s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.
2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
3 And Sarai Abram´s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.
15 And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son´s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

The results of this lack of faith was a son called Ishmael who Paul referred to as being "born after the flesh."

Galatians 4:
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.

Later Abraham´s faith returned and Sarah was finally blessed with a child.

Genesis 21:
1 AND the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken.
2 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
3 And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.

This child (Isaac) was the results of Abraham´s faith.
Notice the following texts very carefully.

Romans 4:
18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah´s womb:
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21 And being fully persuaded, that what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Paul refers to Isaac as being born of the promise. So those that believe and have faith in God are considered to be "children of promise." So both Jews and Gentiles can be "children of promise" if they have faith in God.

Galatians 4:
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

Notice how Paul so clearly verifies this conclusion in the following text.

Galatians 3:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

So what about the text in Romans where Paul asks the question, "Hath God cast away his people?" and then he answers with a seemingly indisputable, "God forbid"? Doesn´t this prove that literal Israel is still God´s chosen people? Let´s take a closer look at Paul´s reasoning. Notice that right after Paul writes "God forbid" he writes, "For I also am an Israelite." Paul uses the example of himself to prove that God has not cast off His people.

Romans 11:
1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

Then Paul gives another example to clarify the point that he is making. Back in Elijah´s day ancient Israel had apostatized.

2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.

As one can see in Verse 3, Elijah thought that he was the only one left that was still being faithful to the Lord. But, notice in Verse 4 that God revealed to him that there were still a remnant of "seven thousand men" which had remained true to Him. There were two Israels, one that had rejected their Lord and a remnant that had remained true.

4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.

Then Paul makes his point very clear by stating that even now "at this present time, also there is a remnant according to the election of grace." So two Israels existed in Paul´s day just as in Elijah´s day.

5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Just as in Elijah´s day, there was found a faithful remnant in Israel, even so in Paul´s day there was also a faithful remnant, who like Paul had been saved by grace. This remnant is the followers of Christ, and as such is the spiritual Israel whom God has certainly not "cast away."
Summary of Paul´s reasoning:
(1) In the old testament God made promises to "the seed of Abraham,"
(2) These promises would continue through Isaac, Abraham´s seed,
(3) Isaac was born as the result of faith,
(4) Isaac represents those that have faith,
(5) All who have faith -- Jews and Gentiles -- are considered by God to be Abraham´s seed,
(6) This faith seed is the "Israel" of God,
(7) God will fulfill His promises to this Israel, and
(8) Therefore, "the word of God" to Israel has not been made of "none effect," even though, today, most natural Jews do not believe in Christ as their Messiah!

Two Israels ?

If there are two different Israels spoken of in the Bible, then it is important to know which one is the Israel of end time prophecy.

What does the Bible say?
First, let’s look at the beginning history of the name, Israel. Was the name Israel first given to a nation or an individual? If given to an individual, was Israel his or her birth name?

Abram was a man of faith that lived about 4,000 years ago. Abram loved the Lord, believed in Him, and was obedient in all that the Lord asked him to do. The Lord made a covenant with him promising that he would be the father of many nations. Notice that this covenant was conditional, “walk before me, and be thou perfect and I will make my covenant between me and thee.” If Abram walked before God and was perfect then God would multiply his children exceedingly, making him the father of many nations. In the following texts I have supplied the if and the then which are understood. One will see later, in this study, that this understanding is clearly supported by other scripture.

Genesis 17:
1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; (if you) walk before me, and be thou perfect.
2 And (then) I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

Abram’s name was changed by God to Abraham because of the covenant to make him the father of many nations. Abraham was chosen because God knew that he would walk in the ways of the Lord.

Genesis 18:
19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Notice in the following texts that, even in the old testament, salvation was by faith. Abraham believed and had faith in the Lord and this was counted as righteousness.

Genesis 15:
6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
Hebrews 11:
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Abraham had a son called Isaac.

Genesis 17:
19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

God tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice Isaac as a burnt offering on an altar.

Genesis 22:
1 AND it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
11 And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.

Abraham’s willingness to obey clearly illustrated his great faith. Think about this for a moment. God promised Abraham that He would make him the father of many nations. Don’t forget that Abraham was at the old age of 100 and Sarah was 90 when God told them that Sarah was finally going to be blessed with a son. Sarah was beyond the age of physically being able to get pregnant (see Genesis 17:17 and 18:11,12). It must have required great faith on the part of Abraham to trust God so much that he would be willing to sacrifice his only son. It would have been natural for Abraham to think, “No son, no heirs, no nations.” He had to have had great faith that God would still, somehow, keep His promise of many nations. Abraham’s faith was illustrated by what he did. From the heart came the actions. Notice the next verses.

James 2:
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Genesis 15:6 is the scripture that was fulfilled when Abraham offered Isaac. Abraham’s faith in God was demonstrated by his obedience to God. Abraham’s works (actions) made his faith perfect for they illustrated what was in his heart.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Isaac grew up; married Rebekah; and had two sons, Esau and Jacob. Events of Jacob’s life eventually brought him to a wrestling match with an angel. As a results of that wrestling match the angel changed Jacob’s name to “Israel.” To understand the deep meaning of this event and what it means to us, today, let’s look at the history leading up to this encounter.
Isaac prayed for the Lord to bless his wife with children and she was blessed with twins. The Lord told Rebekah that the oldest twin was going to serve the younger one.

Genesis 25:
23 And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.

In time Jacob, the younger, talked Esau, the older, into selling him the birthright.
31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.

When Isaac was old he decided that it was time to bless Esau, his first born son, who was to inherit the birthright.

Genesis 27:
1 AND it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I.
2 And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death:
3 Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison;
4 And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die.

Rebekah overheard Isaac preparing to give the birthright to Esau and decided to take matters into her own hands. It will be seen that Rebekah would have suffered a lot less grief if she had trusted in her Lord to work things out His way and in His own time.

5 And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it.
6 And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying,
7 Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the Lord before my death.
8 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee.
10 And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death.

Now Esau was very harry but Jacob was smooth so Rebekah prepared Jacob so he could deceive his father into believing that he was Esau. This was done so he could steal the birthright.

11 And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man:
12 My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing.
13 And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them.
14 And he went, and fetched, and brought them to his mother: and his mother made savoury meat, such as his father loved.
15 And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son:
16 And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:

Jacob went to his father and lied to make him believe he was Esau. Notice that one lie led to another lie and then another.

18 And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son?
19 And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy firstborn; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me.
20 And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the Lord thy God brought it to me.
Jacob succeeded in deceiving his father and stole the birthright from his brother.

21 And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou be my very son Esau or not.
22 And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacobs voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.
23 And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau’s hands: so he blessed him.
24 And he said, Art thou my very son Esau? And he said, I am.
27 And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed:
29 Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mothers sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.

Needless to say, when Esau found out what Jacob had done he was very angry and decided in his heart to kill his younger brother.

34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.
38 And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.
41 And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.

Rebekah found out about Esau’s decision to kill Jacob so she had to send him away in fear. Her request that the curse be on her came true because she would die without seeing her dear, beloved son again.

42 And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee.
43 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran;

After many years the Lord instructed Jacob to return to the land of his father.

Genesis 31:
3 And the Lord said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.

Jacob sent messengers ahead to let his brother know that he was coming. He received word back that Esau was coming with four hundred men and Jacob was very afraid.

Genesis 32:
3 And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
4 And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now:
5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.
7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands;

During the twenty years that Jacob had been away, it was evident that he had walked with the Lord, as seen by the way he had been blessed. All those years of attending the flocks had a humbling affect on Jacob. Notice in Verse 4 above, that Jacob now calls his brother "my lord" and refers to himself as "thy servant." Jacob had grown spiritually to the point of being repentant for what he had done to Esau and sends many gifts, ahead, to try to convince his brother that he is now worthy of his forgiveness. Jacob decides to send his family across the brook and remain alone, probably to plead with the Lord for forgiveness and protection. He suddenly found himself wrestling with a stranger.

23 And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.
24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacobs thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

According to the following text, Jacob was wrestling with an angel.

Hosea 12:
2 The Lord hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.
3 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God:
4 Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us;

When the angel touched Jacobs thigh and put it out of joint he realized that he was wrestling with more than just a man. Jocob was determined to hang on to the angel until he was blessed.
Back in Bible times a person’s name had much more meaning than today. Names often represented the character of the person. Jacob’s name literally meant "Deceiver" or "Crook" and Esau, when he found out what Jacob had done, alludes to this when he says to Isaac, "Is he not rightly named Jacob?" Genesis 27:36. The angel draws out Jacob’s confession by asking him, "What is thy name?" When he said my name is Jacob, it was like saying, "I am a Deceiver." Jacob, that night, gained the victory over his sin of deceitfulness and the Angel gave him a new name to represent his new character. The name "Israel" had the literal meaning of "prince of God" and thus Israel was a spiritual name. This is the first place in the Bible that the word Israel is found.
Israel (Jacob) had 12 sons that went with him into Egypt.

Exodus 1:
1 NOW these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.
2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,
3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin,
4 Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.
5 And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already.

True to God’s covenant the children of Israel were greatly blessed and multiplied in Egypt until the Egyptians felt threatened by their great numbers. They were by then the size of a nation. The Egyptians forced them into slavery as a means of controlling them.

Exodus 1:
7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
9 And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:
10 Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.
11 Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

Eventually God sent Moses to deliver them. By this time Israel (Jacob) has been dead for awhile, but notice that God now refers to the whole nation as "Israel." God also refers to the whole nation as "my son ... my firstborn."

Exodus 4:
22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:
23 And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.

Keeping this history in mind let’s now look at some very interesting developments. This was the story of the very first Israel, but could there possibly be another? Could there be two different Israels?
Notice in the following texts that the New Testament refers to an "Israel after the flesh" and "the Israel of God."

Israel After The Flesh

1 Corinthians 10:
18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

In the following texts Paul sorrowfully writes that he wishes that He could choose to be lost if it would save his kinsmen (Israel of the flesh).

Romans 9:
2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

Spiritual Discernment of the Scriptures

If the Scriptures are spiritually discerned, then one must have the guidance of the Holy Spirit to properly understand the scriptures concerning Israel.

What does the Bible say?
Notice in the following text the reason why it is essential for one to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit before studying the Bible.

1 Corinthians 2:
14 But the natural man receiveth the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Not only does God give us spiritual understanding but He also gives wisdom. With all the deceptions of Satan blowing in all directions, one must have wisdom from God to discern the spiritual truth.

Proverbs 2:
6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Natural man has trouble understanding spiritual matters without the aid of the Spirit. Following are some examples of natural man misunderstanding spiritual truth.

John 2:
18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
21 But he spake of the temple of his body.

The Jews were thinking as natural people do and they missed the spiritual application. Jews were thinking literal but Christ was teaching a spiritual truth.

John 3:
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mothers womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Nicodemus was thinking as a natural person does, and he missed the spiritual application. Nicodemus was thinking literal but Christ was teaching a spiritual truth.

John 4:
10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

The woman at the well was thinking as a natural person does and she missed the spiritual application. The woman at the well was thinking literal but Christ was teaching a spiritual truth.

John 6:
51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

The Jews were thinking as natural people do and they missed the spiritual application. Jews were thinking literal but Christ was teaching a spiritual truth.
All the spiritual examples above were written by John. John also wrote the Book of Revelation with its prophecies about Israel, the temple, Babylon, and Armageddon. Could it be possible to miss a spiritual meaning because of taking Revelation literally?
Notice the following references to John being “in the Spirit.”

Revelation 1:
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

Revelation 4:
2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

Revelation 17:
3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

Revelation 21:
10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

If John was in the Spirit when he was shown what to write in the book of Revelation, then doesn’t it make good sense that one will need the Spirit’s help to understand what he wrote? Notice what Peter wrote in the following texts:

2 Peter 1:
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

How can one receive the Holy Spirit’s help?

Galatians 3:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Acts 2:
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 5:
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

One receives the Spirit by faith, repenting, being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and obeying Him. If one is not willing to obey, following wherever God’s Spirit leads, then apparently he or she can not expect to be lead by the Spirit and therefore will not spiritually understand Bible truth. Does one apply a literal or a spiritual meaning to what he or she is reading in the Scriptures? The Spirit helps one to know which way he or she should go. If a person wants to understand Bible truth about Israel or any other Bible subject, then he or she will need the Spirit’s guidance.

Jesus Christ and the Millennium

NOTE:
Notice that in the following texts that the millennium begins with the first resurrection which is for the saints. We know that the first resurrection is for the saints because Verse 6 refers to them as blessed and holy. We know that this resurrection takes place at the beginning of the millennium because the resurrected ones live and reign with Christ during the thousand years.

Revelation 20:
4 “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; andthey lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
----
6 “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, andshall reign with him a thousand years.”

NOTE:
Notice that in the following texts that it is at the time that our Lord descends from Heaven that the first resurrection takes place. As we have already seen, the first resurrection (the saints) happens at the beginning of the millennium so Christ’s descent from Heaven (Christ’s return) marks the beginning of the millennium.

1 Thessalonians 4:
16 “For the Lord himself shall descend from heavenwith a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”
17 “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds,to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

Revelation 20:
4 “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them:and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
-----
12 “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened:and another book was opened,which is the book of life:and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books,according to their works.”

1 Corinthians 6:
2 “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?and if the world shall be judged by you,are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?”
3 “Know ye not that we shall judge angels?how much more things that pertain to this life?”

Daniel 7:
21 “I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;”
22 “Until the Ancient of days came,andjudgment was given to the saintsof the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.”

NOTE:
The responsibility of judgment is given to those who reign with Christ for the thousand years. (Revelation 20:4) God has determined who is saved or lost (pardoned or not pardoned), but the Saints will have a part in the judgment of each unpardoned sinner.

The Saints will judge the world and angels. (1 Corinthians 6:2, 3) Apparently the saints will also have a part in deciding the punishment Satan and his angels will receive.

What is clear is that the saints participate with Christ in the judgment that takes place during the thousand years. The saints are with Christ! How wonderful it will be to be with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ Promised to Come Back.

The angels said Christ will come back.

Acts 1:
11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus,which is taken up from you into heaven,shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Christ promised to come back.

Matthew 16:
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples,If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
27 For the Son of man shall comein the glory of his Father with his angels;and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Matthew 26:
64 Jesus saithunto him,Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of mansitting on the right hand of power, andcoming in the clouds of heaven.

John 14:
2 In my Fathers house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you,I will come again,where I am, there ye may be also.

Revelation 22:
7 Behold,I come quickly:blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
20 He which testifieth these things saith, SurelyI come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

2 Peter 3:
9 The Lord is not slack concerninghis promise,as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will comeas a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise,look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Christ coming will be very glorious:

NOTE:
Notice in the following text Christ will come in the combined glory of his father, the angels, and his own glory?

Luke 9:
26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall comein his own glory,andin his Father’s,andof the holy angels.

Matthew 24:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heavenwith power and great glory.

Matthew 16:
27 For the Son of manshall come in the glory of his Father with his angels;and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

2 Thessalonians 1:
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heavenwith his mighty angels,
8 In flaming firetaking vengeanceon them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction fromthe presence of the Lord,and fromthe glory of his power;

Mark 13:
26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

Mark 14:
62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of mansitting on the right hand of power,and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Matthew 26:
64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of mansitting on the right hand of power,and coming in the clouds of heaven.

2 Thessalonians 2:
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with thespirit of his mouth,and shall destroy withthe brightness of his coming:

Isaiah 2:
10 Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and forthe glory of his majesty.
11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.
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19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord,and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
20 In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats;
21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Jesus Christ in Death

Colossians 1:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whomwe have redemption through his blood,even the forgiveness of sins:

Isaiah 45:
21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the Lord?and there is no God else beside me;a just God and a Saviour;there is none beside me.
22 Look unto me, and be ye saved,all the ends of the earth: for I am God,and there is none else.

Philippians 2:
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and becameobedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Hebrews 2:
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same;that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death,that is, the devil;

1 Peter 3:
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins,the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God,being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Matthew 27:
41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him nowcome down from the cross,and we will believe him.
43 He trusted in God;let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
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50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
1 Peter 1:
19 But with the precious blood of Christ,as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1 Peter 2:
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us,leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

1 John 3:
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us:and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

NOTE:
How could God express His love for us in any greater way? What more could Christ do than He has already done? God the Father and Christ the Son have done all they could, so now it is up to each one of us to accept what they have done, to choose Christ as our Savior.

The Trinity

There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation.

Let me encourage you to click on the links below and read these Bible verses to help you see how the Word of God reveals Him.
Deut 6:4 +
Matt 28:19 +
2 Cor 13:14 +
Eph 4:4-6
1 Peter 1:2 +
1 Tim 1:17 +
Rev 14:7

Jesus Christ, the Creator

John 1:
1 IN the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
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14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)full of grace and truth.
15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake,He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

NOTE:
John states, “the Word” was with God, “the Word” was God, “the Word” was made flesh, and all things were made by Him. Christ is the One that was human (“made flesh”), so Christ is the One who created us. This conclusion is verified by Ephesians 3:9 below.

Ephesians 3:
9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Hebrews 1:
8 But unto the Son he saith,Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

NOTE:
Here God the Father is stating that His Son is the One who laid the foundation of the earth and created the heavens. Just think of it, Christ is the One who made all those vast heavenly stars!

Colossians 1:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God,the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created,that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:all things were created by him,and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

NOTE:
Christ is the One who made this world and everything that is in it. He made us, no wonder we can trust His holy word for instructions in how to live healthy and happy lives.

The Divinity of Jesus Christ

Isaiah 9:
6 For unto us a child is born, unto usa son is given:and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God,the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

NOTE:
One of the names of the child that was born is “mighty God.”

Psalms 90:
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world,even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

NOTE:
Christ is the One that formed the earth and here is referred to as “God.” (see Chapter 3 for proof that Christ is the creator)

Matthew 1:
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a son,and thou shalt call his name JESUS:for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his nameEmmanuel,which being interpreted is,God with us.

John 1:
1 IN the beginning was the word, and the Word was with God,and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life;and the life was the light of men.
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14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,(and we beheld his glory,the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was heof whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

NOTE:
We know that this Word which “was God” is Christ because Verse 14 states that the Word was made flesh.

John 17:
5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

NOTE:
Christ had His own Glory.

Philippians 2:
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.

NOTE:
Christ thought of Himself as equal with God the Father.

Colossians 1:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God,the firstborn of every creature:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

NOTE:
Christ is God’s Son and is in His image. Only Christ as a God can forgive us our sins.

One must keep in mind that the term “God’s Son” is a human metaphor, but cannot be pressed so far as to suggest there was a time when the Son, as with humans, did not exist.

Colossians 2:
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

Hebrews 1:
6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world,he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
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8 But untothe Sonhe saith,Thy throne, O God,is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness isthe sceptre of thy kingdom.
9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

NOTE:
God the Father calls His Son, “God.” No wonder the angels worship Him.

Think about this for a moment: God left His throne; where He was equal with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit; where He was worshiped by the angels; where everything was perfect and beautiful; where there is no sin, sorrow, disease, pain, suffering, or hate; and came down here to become one of us so we could go up there to live with Him forever. Oh what love!! Amen?

Jesus Christ, From Everlasting to Everlasting

Isaiah 45:
21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time?have notI the Lord?and there is no God else beside me;a just God and aSaviour;there is none beside me.
22 Look unto me, and be ye saved,all the ends of the earth: for I am God,and there is none else.

NOTE:
Because of words like “Lord,” “Saviour,” and “Look unto me, and be ye saved” it is apparent that this is talking about Christ.

Micah 5:
2 But thou, BethlehemEphratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he comeforth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

NOTE:
Christ was born in Bethlehem, so it is apparent that this is referring to Christ. Also, in Matthew 2:5-6, the New Testament applies this prophecy to the event of Christ’s birth.

John 1:
1 IN the beginning was the Word,and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
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14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,(and we beheld his glory,the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
15 John bare witness of him,and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me:for he was before me.

NOTE:
It is apparent that the “Word” is Christ because He was indeed made flesh and dwelled among us and yet He was in the beginning with God and was God.

John the Baptist was born before Christ but he states that “he” (Christ) was before him.

John 6:
38 For I came down from heaven,not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
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62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

NOTE:
Christ is “the Son of man” that ascended to Heaven “where He was before” He came.

John 8:
58 Jesus saidunto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

NOTE:
Christ stated that He existed before Abraham.

John 17:
1 These words spake Jesus,and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
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5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

NOTE:
Christ had Glory with His Father “before the world” existed.

Colossians 1:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
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15 Who is the image of the invisible God,the firstborn of every creature:
16 Forby him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 Andhe is before all things,and by him all things consist.

NOTE:
If Christ created all things, then He had to have existed before anything.

2 Timothy 1:
9 Who hath saved us,and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given unto Christ Jesus before the world began,

Hebrews 1:
8 But unto the Son he saith,Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever:a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
10 And, Thou, Lord,in the beginninghast laid the foundation of the earth;and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

NOTE:
Christ was there in the beginning to create this earth and all the stars in the heavens.

Psalms 90:
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting,thou art God.

NOTE:
That this is talking about Christ becomes apparent when compared with Hebrews 1:8-10 above, which makes it clear that the Son formed the earth.

Revelation 22:
3 I am Alphaand Omega,the beginningand the end,the firstand the last.

NOTE:
“Everlasting to everlasting.” It is real hard to comprehend just how long from eternal past to eternal future is. Amen? To have no beginning and to have no ending is not part of our experience here in this life. We are promised that in Christ we can have no ending, but unlike Christ we will always have had a beginning.

Before Christ came to this earth to die for you and me He was God. Oh what amazing love that He would even care about you and me!!! Amen?