{"id":872,"date":"2024-04-01T11:03:32","date_gmt":"2024-04-01T11:03:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:8080\/?p=872"},"modified":"2025-06-21T12:38:11","modified_gmt":"2025-06-21T12:38:11","slug":"only-jesus-is-lord-god-and-saviour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enslin.vanblerk.site\/?p=872","title":{"rendered":"Only Jesus is LORD God and Saviour"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Bible teaches<\/strong> that <strong>Jesus is the fulfillment of God&#8217;s promises<\/strong>, the <strong>only way to salvation<\/strong>, and the <strong>central figure in God&#8217;s plan of redemption<\/strong>. <strong>All aspects<\/strong> of <strong>Scripture point to Jesus<\/strong> and <strong>His role<\/strong> in <strong>establishing God&#8217;s kingdom<\/strong> and providing salvation for humanity, <strong>including the promise made to Abraham&#8217;s seed<\/strong>, which encompasses all who believe in Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You cannot read the Bible without acknowledging God for who He is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You cannot read and understand the Bible without Prayer and Faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You cannot read the Bible and neglect Jesus (referred to as LORD, Jehovah, Yahweh) as the central figure of all its contents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always ask yourself: What does this passage say or teach about Jesus and His message?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Romans 7:22-25<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8216;For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.&#8217;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Bible as True and Inspired<\/strong>: The Bible is considered true and inspired by God. It is written by holy men of God who were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Luke 21:15). Prophets like Jeremiah, Moses, Isaiah and many more like Micah were given divine words to speak (Jeremiah 1:9; Exodus 4:12-13; Isaiah 50:4; Micah 5:2-4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jesus is God<\/strong>: Jesus is identified as God from the beginning, the first and the last, God Almighty, with various names such as LORD, Jehovah, Yahweh and The Word. He is the Creator of all things and the only way to salvation (John 1:1-5, 14; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:1-3; Genesis 17:1; Exodus 6:3; Isaiah 44:6; Revelation 1:8; Revelation 11:17; Isaiah 44:6; Acts 4:12).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jesus&#8217; Covenant with Abraham&#8217;s Descendants<\/strong>: Jesus, identified as the LORD, appeared to Abraham and established a covenant with him and his descendants through Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 18:1-8; Exodus 6:2-3). The promise made to Abraham&#8217;s children extends to all who believe in Jesus, as seen in Galatians 3:28-29; Ephesians 3:6; Romans 9:7-8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Galatians 3:28-29<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8221; 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 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham&#8217;s seed, and heirs according to the promise.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ephesians 3:6<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Romans 9:7-8<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>These verses emphasises that those who belong to Christ (through faith in Him) are considered Abraham&#8217;s seed and heirs according to the promise made to Abraham. This means that the promise of blessings extends beyond physical descendants to include all who have faith in Jesus Christ.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Remind yourselves when Jesus spoke to the unbelieving Jews or when the prophesy warns us about people that say they are Jews but are not.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">John 8:39-47<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham&#8217;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 God&#8217;s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Revelation 2:9<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Revelation 3:9<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>New Covenant and Salvation through Jesus<\/strong>: Jesus unveiled the new covenant through His sacrifice, fulfilling the old covenant and providing salvation for all who believe in Him. The law served as a tutor leading to faith in Jesus, who is the only way to salvation (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 9:15; Matthew 26:28; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:5-11; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 John 5:11-12; Galatians 3:24-25; Romans 10:4; Romans 7:6).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Future Kingdom<\/strong>: Believers now await a new kingdom, where God Himself will rule. Jesus will reign until all enemies are put under His feet, and then He will deliver the kingdom to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:22-28; Luke 22:18; Matthew 25:34; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 21:1-4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The essence of the biblical teachings emphasizes that there is no distinct path to God&#8217;s final plan based on one&#8217;s ethnicity or heritage, as reiterated throughout the Scriptures. The focal point remains Jesus Christ, who embodies the fulfillment of God&#8217;s promises and serves as the singular means of salvation for all humanity. As elucidated in Galatians 3:28-29 and other passages, those who belong to Christ are considered Abraham&#8217;s seed and heirs to the promise, irrespective of their background. The covenant established with Abraham&#8217;s descendants extends beyond physical lineage to encompass all who believe in Jesus. Hence, the emphasis shifts from ethnic identity to faith in Christ as the defining factor. Jesus&#8217; discourse with unbelieving Jews, as depicted in John 8:39-47, underscores the importance of genuine faith over mere lineage. Furthermore, Revelation warns against those who falsely claim to be of Jewish descent, emphasizing the primacy of true faith in Christ. Ultimately, salvation is through Jesus alone, as He ushered in the new covenant, fulfilling the law and providing salvation for believers. Thus, the focus should never be on ethnic distinctions but on embracing Jesus as the central figure and sole means of salvation in God&#8217;s redemptive plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The anticipation of Jesus&#8217; return carries profound implications, as it signifies the culmination of God&#8217;s plan for redemption and the final judgment of humanity. This event will not herald Jesus&#8217; arrival to establish an earthly kingdom but will instead unveil the full wrath of God upon the world. As stated in Revelation 19:11-16, Jesus will return as a conquering king, leading the armies of heaven, and executing judgment with righteousness. The imagery of Jesus coming on a white horse with eyes like flames of fire illustrates His authority and sovereignty over all creation. In Matthew 24:29-31, Jesus Himself foretold of His return with power and great glory, accompanied by angels who will gather His elect from the ends of the earth. This moment signifies the ultimate separation between the righteous and the unrighteous, as described in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus will judge all nations, rewarding the righteous with eternal life and condemning the wicked to everlasting punishment. Therefore, the prospect of Jesus&#8217; second coming carries a weighty reminder of the finality of judgment and the necessity of preparedness for His imminent return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Is ethnic Israel still God\u2019s chosen people today?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer:<\/strong>&nbsp;No. The New Testament redefines &#8220;true Israel&#8221; as those who follow Christ by faith, not by ethnicity (Rom. 2:28\u201329; Gal. 3:7, 29).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Romans 9:6\u20138<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Not all ethnic Israelites are true Israel; only the &#8220;children of promise&#8221; (in Christ) are heirs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Galatians 6:16<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 The &#8220;Israel of God&#8221; refers to the Church, the redeemed in Christ.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gospel Alignment:<\/strong>&nbsp;Salvation is through faith in Jesus, not ancestry (John 1:12\u201313; 3:16).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Did Jesus abolish God\u2019s promises to Israel?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer:<\/strong>&nbsp;No\u2014He fulfilled them (Matt. 5:17). The Old Covenant\u2019s earthly promises (land, temple) pointed to Christ\u2019s eternal Kingdom (Heb. 8:13; 10:1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Matthew 21:43<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 The Kingdom is taken from ethnic Israel and given to a &#8220;nation&#8221; (the Church) bearing spiritual fruit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Acts 15:14\u201318<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Gentiles are grafted into God\u2019s people, fulfilling Amos\u2019 prophecy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gospel Alignment:<\/strong>&nbsp;Jesus is the true Temple (John 2:19\u201321) and Land (Matt. 5:5; Heb. 11:16).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Should Christians support modern political Zionism?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer:<\/strong>&nbsp;No. Zionism (a secular movement for a Jewish state) is distinct from biblical Israel. Our allegiance is to Christ\u2019s Kingdom, not earthly nations (John 18:36; Phil. 3:20).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Matthew 6:33<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Seek God\u2019s Kingdom first, not political agendas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Galatians 4:25\u201326<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Earthly Jerusalem (like Zionism) is in bondage; the heavenly Jerusalem (the Church) is free.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gospel Alignment:<\/strong>&nbsp;The Gospel transcends nationalism (Col. 3:11; Gal. 3:28).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. What about Romans 11:26 (\u201cAll Israel will be saved\u201d)?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer:<\/strong>&nbsp;This refers to a future mass conversion of Jews to Christ, not automatic salvation for ethnicity (Rom. 11:23\u201327).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Zechariah 12:10<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Jews will recognize Jesus as Messiah at His return.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Romans 11:5<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 A remnant of Jews is saved&nbsp;<em>now<\/em>&nbsp;by grace through faith.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gospel Alignment:<\/strong>&nbsp;Salvation is always through Christ alone (Acts 4:12; Rom. 10:9\u201313).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Are Jews who reject Jesus still saved?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer:<\/strong>&nbsp;No. Salvation is only through faith in Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Romans 10:1\u20134<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Paul grieves for unsaved Jews who reject Christ.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>John 8:24<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Dying without faith in Jesus means perishing in sin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gospel Alignment:<\/strong>&nbsp;There is no salvation outside of Christ (1 John 5:12).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. What is the \u201cNew Jerusalem\u201d in Revelation 21?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer:<\/strong>&nbsp;The eternal Church, God\u2019s people (Jew and Gentile) united in Christ\u2014not a political Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hebrews 12:22\u201324<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Believers come to the heavenly Jerusalem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Galatians 4:26<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 The Jerusalem above is our mother.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gospel Alignment:<\/strong>&nbsp;Our hope is the New Creation, not earthly kingdoms (Rev. 21:1\u20134).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. How should Christians view the modern state of Israel?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Answer:<\/strong>&nbsp;As a geopolitical entity, not a divine mandate. Support justice for all (Palestinians included) and pray for Jewish salvation (Rom. 10:1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1 Corinthians 7:19<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 What matters is keeping God\u2019s commands (love, justice), not ethnicity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>James 2:1<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Favoritism (e.g., toward Jews) violates Christ\u2019s law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gospel Alignment:<\/strong>&nbsp;The Church is God\u2019s witness, not nations (Matt. 28:19; 1 Pet. 2:9).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Summary: The Key Message<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jesus is the fulfillment<\/strong>&nbsp;of all OT promises\u2014not ethnic Israel (2 Cor. 1:20).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>True Israel = the Church<\/strong>&nbsp;(Gal. 3:29; 1 Pet. 2:9\u201310).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Salvation is in Christ alone<\/strong>, not ancestry (Rom. 10:12\u201313).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reject nationalism<\/strong>\u2014seek Christ\u2019s Kingdom first (Col. 3:1\u20132).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Final Scripture:<\/strong><br><em>&#8220;There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus&#8221;<\/em>&nbsp;(Gal. 3:28).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This aligns wholly with the Gospel:&nbsp;<strong>Christ is all, and in all<\/strong>&nbsp;(Col. 3:11).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Addendum: Interpreting Israel\u2019s Restoration in Light of Christ<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some argue that the modern State of Israel is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about a national restoration of ethnic Jews. They cite verses like <strong>Ezekiel 36\u201337<\/strong>, <strong>Amos 9:14\u201315<\/strong>, and <strong>Jeremiah 16:14\u201315<\/strong>, pointing to modern events\u2014such as the 1948 founding of Israel and Jewish immigration\u2014as prophetic fulfillment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, this view <strong>breaks the consistency of the Bible\u2019s message<\/strong> and misunderstands how the <strong>New Testament reinterprets and fulfills these prophecies in Christ and His Church<\/strong>. Here&#8217;s what the Bible teaches from Genesis to Revelation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the Bible Clearly Teaches (Across All 66 Books)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Christ is the Fulfillment of All God\u2019s Promises<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFor all the promises of God find their Yes in him.\u201d \u2014 <em>2 Corinthians 1:20<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This includes the <strong>Abrahamic<\/strong>, <strong>Davidic<\/strong>, and <strong>prophetic<\/strong> promises. Christ is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The true <strong>Seed of Abraham<\/strong> (Gal. 3:16)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The true <strong>Temple<\/strong> (John 2:19\u201321)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The true <strong>Israel<\/strong> (Hosea 11:1 \u2192 Matthew 2:15)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The one who reigns on <strong>David\u2019s throne<\/strong> forever (Acts 2:30\u201336)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The heir of <strong>all covenants<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everything in the Law and Prophets points to Him (Luke 24:44; John 5:39).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>God\u2019s People Are Defined by Faith, Not Ethnicity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise.\u201d \u2014 <em>Romans 9:8<\/em><br>\u201cIf you are Christ\u2019s, then you are Abraham\u2019s offspring.\u201d \u2014 <em>Galatians 3:29<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Faith in Jesus\u2014not Jewish heritage\u2014makes someone part of God\u2019s covenant family (Romans 2:28\u201329; John 1:12\u201313).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Church is made up of believing Jews and Gentiles, united in Christ (Ephesians 2:11\u201322).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Restoration Prophecies Are Applied to the Church in the New Testament<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Old Testament prophecies of Israel\u2019s restoration are <strong>reinterpreted by the apostles<\/strong> and applied to the <strong>multi-ethnic Church<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Old Testament Prophecy<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>New Testament Fulfillment<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><em>Amos 9:11\u201312<\/em> \u2013 Rebuilding David\u2019s tent<\/td><td>Acts 15:14\u201317 \u2013 Inclusion of Gentiles in Christ<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><em>Jeremiah 31:31\u201334<\/em> \u2013 New Covenant<\/td><td>Hebrews 8:8\u201313 \u2013 Fulfilled in Jesus<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><em>Hosea 1:10; 2:23<\/em> \u2013 \u201cNot my people\u201d made God\u2019s people<\/td><td>Romans 9:25\u201326 \u2013 Applied to Gentile believers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><em>Isaiah 49:6<\/em> \u2013 Light to Gentiles<\/td><td>Luke 2:32 \u2013 Fulfilled in Christ<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><em>Isaiah 56:6\u20137<\/em> \u2013 All nations in God\u2019s house<\/td><td>Matthew 21:13 \u2013 Jesus applies it to His ministry<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The apostles saw the <strong>true restoration<\/strong> as the gathering of God\u2019s people\u2014Jew and Gentile\u2014into <strong>one body in Christ<\/strong> (Ephesians 3:6).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Land, Temple, and Kingdom Are Fulfilled Spiritually in Christ<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Old Testament types\u2014land, temple, and kingdom\u2014are fulfilled not through political means, but spiritually in Jesus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>OT Type<\/th><th>NT Fulfillment<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Land<\/strong><\/td><td>Abraham\u2019s inheritance = the <strong>whole world<\/strong> (Romans 4:13)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Temple<\/strong><\/td><td>The Church is God\u2019s dwelling (1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:21\u201322)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Kingdom<\/strong><\/td><td>Christ\u2019s kingdom is <strong>not of this world<\/strong> (John 18:36); it is <strong>within<\/strong> believers (Luke 17:21)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Believers now await the <strong>New Creation<\/strong> (Revelation 21:1\u20134), not a geopolitical reign from earthly Jerusalem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What About Unfulfilled Old Testament Prophecies?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some point to <strong>Ezekiel 40\u201348<\/strong> or <strong>Zechariah 14<\/strong>, which describe:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A restored temple<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Animal sacrifices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A reign from Jerusalem<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the New Testament <strong>never reaffirms<\/strong> a return to temple worship or Old Covenant rituals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hebrews 8:13<\/strong> \u2013 The old covenant is \u201cobsolete.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hebrews 10:1\u201314<\/strong> \u2013 Christ is the final and sufficient sacrifice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Galatians 4:26<\/strong> \u2013 The focus is now on the <strong>Jerusalem above<\/strong>, not below.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>John 4:21\u201324<\/strong> \u2013 Worship is no longer tied to a place, but done in Spirit and truth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The OT prophecies were <strong>shadows<\/strong>, and Christ is the <strong>substance<\/strong> (Colossians 2:16\u201317).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Misreading Prophecy Breaks the Unity of Scripture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To say God\u2019s promises are fulfilled <strong>outside of Christ<\/strong>\u2014based on DNA or modern migration\u2014<strong>violates the unified message of the Gospel<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThey are not all Israel who are descended from Israel.\u201d \u2014 <em>Romans 9:6<\/em><br>\u201cHe is not a Jew who is one outwardly&#8230; but inwardly.\u201d \u2014 <em>Romans 2:28\u201329<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">God is faithful to Israel\u2014but \u201cIsrael\u201d is <strong>redefined in Christ<\/strong> as all who believe (Galatians 6:16).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The return of ethnic Jews to modern Israel is historically remarkable but <strong>not the prophetic fulfillment<\/strong> described in Scripture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The true restoration of Israel happens <strong>in Christ<\/strong> and through the <strong>New Covenant<\/strong>, not through the rebirth of a political nation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Modern Zionism is <strong>not the fulfillment of biblical prophecy<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Church<\/strong> is the restored \u201cIsrael of God\u201d (Gal. 6:16), made up of all who believe\u2014Jew and Gentile alike.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>goal of prophecy is Christ<\/strong>, not nationalism, land, or ethnicity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible consistently teaches that <strong>Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all God\u2019s promises<\/strong>. The people of God are those who belong to Christ by faith, not by ancestry. The restoration of Israel, the New Covenant, the Kingdom of God\u2014all point to and are fulfilled in Jesus.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere is neither Jew nor Greek&#8230; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.\u201d \u2014 <em>Galatians 3:28<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cChrist is all, and in all.\u201d \u2014 <em>Colossians 3:11<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Bible teaches that Jesus is the fulfillment of God&#8217;s promises, the only way to salvation, and the central figure in God&#8217;s plan of redemption. All aspects of Scripture point to Jesus and His role in establishing God&#8217;s kingdom and providing salvation for humanity, including the promise made to Abraham&#8217;s seed, which encompasses all who believe in Christ. You cannot read the Bible without acknowledging God for who He is. You cannot read and understand the Bible without Prayer and Faith. You cannot read the Bible and neglect Jesus (referred to as LORD, Jehovah, Yahweh) as the central figure of all its contents. Always ask yourself: What does this passage say or teach about Jesus and His message? Romans 7:22-25 &#8216;For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.&#8217; The Bible as True and Inspired: The Bible is considered true and inspired by God. It is written by holy men of God who were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Luke 21:15). Prophets like Jeremiah, Moses, Isaiah and <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/enslin.vanblerk.site\/?p=872\">Continue Reading &#8594;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-872","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-religion"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/enslin.vanblerk.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/872","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/enslin.vanblerk.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/enslin.vanblerk.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/enslin.vanblerk.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/enslin.vanblerk.site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=872"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/enslin.vanblerk.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/872\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":962,"href":"https:\/\/enslin.vanblerk.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/872\/revisions\/962"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/enslin.vanblerk.site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=872"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/enslin.vanblerk.site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=872"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/enslin.vanblerk.site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=872"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}