Earthly Kingdom or Heavenly Kingdom? [Philippians 3]
All Scripture quotations are from the 1901 American Standard Version unless otherwise noted. Introduction I think it’s safe to say that most Christians are taught that we all have an earthly kingdom to look forward to, where upon His return, Christ will reign over this present earth as its Ruler, sitting upon the […]
Election of True Israel in Christ — [Commentary on Romans 11]
All Scripture quotations are from the 1901 American Standard Version (updated) unless otherwise noted. Introduction Like Romans 9, Romans 11 is one of the most important chapters in the New Testament regarding the doctrine of election, Israel and the Church. This discussion – that actually began in Romans 8 (especially verses 28-39) – ends […]
The Kingdom of Christ According to Paul
There are two positions regarding the Kingdom of Christ. One that is based on a Jewish, Old Testament understanding, and the other that is based on a Christian, New Testament understanding. The first view interprets Israel and the Kingdom of Christ from an OT perspective, which is then used to interpret the NT teaching on this subject. The second view interprets Israel and the Kingdom […]
Arminian CE vs. Calvinist CE (OT Pattern) — [4 of 4]
Four, Arminian Corporate Election (CE) falls short in its understanding of the connection between Old Testament Israel and New Testament Israel, which results in an erroneous position on CE. First let me say again that I am a strong proponent of Fulfillment Theology, which is a central teaching of Covenant Theology, Baptist Covenant Theology and New Covenant […]
The Plan and Pathway of Election — [Commentary on Romans 9]
All Scripture quotations are from the 1901 American Standard Version (slightly updated) unless otherwise noted. Introduction Romans 9 is one of the central passages of the New Testament in understanding the doctrine of election. Paul’s discussion really begins in chapter 8, and more specifically, Romans 8:28-39. Those verses serve as an introduction to and as a key to […]
Peter Settles It! No Millennial Kingdom of This World
Introduction Acts 3:21 is our key verse. The whole context is Acts 3:18-25, as well as Acts 2:29-36. Both passages are spoken by Peter. He preached the first part on the day of Pentecost. The second part he preached on another occasion (healing of the lame man at the temple), but both are part […]
How We Know God’s Plan for Israel is Already Finished
Introduction Does God still have a plan for the nation of Israel? Many Christians believe so, because that is the way they’ve been taught. They believe that the people of Israel are still the chosen people of God. But what about the Church? What’s the connection between Israel and the Church? Are there two peoples […]
Christ Is True Israel
All Scripture quotations are from the American Standard Version unless otherwise noted. Israel Is True Israel? Many of the Old Testament prophecies are about the nation of Israel. But what must be understood is that there is no minimum number of people required to make up that nation. Indeed, it began with just […]
One Plan for One People
All Scripture quotations are from the 1901 American Standard Version unless otherwise note. Text For Discussion (Ephesians 3:1-21) – 1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you Gentiles,— 2 if so be that ye have heard of the dispensation of that grace of God which was given me to you-ward; 3 how […]