COMMONWEALTH THEOLOGY PART 1 (OF 2) – SEE PPT. PPT: COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL (No Sound PDF

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COMMONWEALTH THEOLOGY PART 1 (OF 2) – SEE PPT. By Doug Krieger | August 17, 2017 | Comments3 Comments PPT: COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL (No Sound) (Introductory Note: It is imperative in reading the text that the reader give careful consideration to the endnotes when listed; otherwise, the full developmen...

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COMMONWEALTH THEOLOGY PART 1 (OF 2) – SEE PPT. By Doug Krieger | August 17, 2017 | Comments3 Comments

PPT: COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL (No Sound)

(Introductory Note: It is imperative in reading the text that the reader give careful consideration to the endnotes when listed; otherwise, the full development of Commonwealth Theology will NOT clarify in the reader’s mind and/or spirit—it should be included as one reads through the document. Note: All Scripture is “hot linked” as are many references throughout the text which substantiate the content. The NKJV is used throughout unless otherwise stated. Much of this brief discourse came as a result of the Denver Prophecy Summit held August 4-6, 2017) COMMONWEALTH THEOLOGY – INTRODUCTION (CT)

It has come to our “prophetic attention” that the time has come to embrace and/or give serious consideration/definition to a growing body of present-day eschatology and theology which recognizes a more biblical basis for the Church’s relationship with Israel. (Note: The plural or singular pronoun will be used interchangeably.) One which falls within the confines of Evangelicalism, adhering to the major tenets of the faith; however, this is NOT a polemic on what does or does not constitute the tenets of the Faith but is narrowly focused on the distinctions of a growing body of theological understanding on what constitutes COMMONWEALTH THEOLOGY (CT) juxtaposed to other “theological/eschatological systems” within Christendom which we shall later define. The term Commonwealth is taken from Ephesians 2:11-12. “Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles (“ethnos”) in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens (lit. “alienated” – “non-citizens” and/or your citizenship was removed) from the COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” COMMONWEALTH connotes POLITY or the State, Community, and is corporate in nature (Strong’s G#4174 – politeia) – the relationship that a citizen shares with the state. CT’s brings together Jew and Gentile in accordance with Romans 9:22-24; in particular, vs. 24, which has a profound meaning:

“. . . even us whom He called not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles (Strong’s G#1484 ethnon [pl.] or multitudes or nations)?” The verse is phrased as a question wherein we are alerted that “He might make known the riches of His glory on the Jewish vessels of mercy” (vs. 23) BUT ALSO upon the Gentile vessels would He deign to make known “the riches of His glory” – thus, both Jew and Gentile are identified as “vessels of mercy” (vs. 23). Moreover, Paul recognizes from the divine perspective that both Jews and the Ethnon/Gentiles are “called” (“He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Nations?” – vs. 24) This word “called” has a most profound meaning. It is taken from the Greek word kalamos (used here in Rom. 9:24 as ekalasen or “called out”). Strong’s G#2563 gives the word the most unusual meaning/sense: “. . . a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by impl. A pen . . . The word denotes (1) “the reed” mentioned in Mt. 11:7; 12:20; Lk 7:24; the same as the Heb., ganeh (among the various reeds in the OT); e.g., Is. 42:3, from which Matt. 12:20 is quoted (cf. Job 40:21; Eze. 29:6, “a reed with jointed, hollow stalk”) (2) “a reed staff, staff,” Mt. 27:29, 30, 48; Mk 15:19; (3) “a measuring reed or rod,” Rev. 11:1; 21:15, (4) “a writing reed, a pen,” 3 Jn 13.” Not only have the Jews been “called out” but also there are those “called out” from among the Nations/Gentiles who have been so designated. This “calling out” is associated with “divine measurement.” What God Almighty “measures” He owns. John in the Revelation “was given a reed like a measuring rod” and told to “rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there” (Rev. 11:1). John is told to “leave out the court [i.e., the Court of the Gentiles or Nations] which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Nations . . . And they [the “antecedent” is obviously

those Gentiles in the Court of the Gentiles] will tread the HOLY CITY underfoot for forty-two months” (Rev. 11:2). Although this passage has manifold exegesis, the critical observation has to do with the reed, the kalamos (Strong’s G#2563) which appears in Revelation 11:1. It is this kalamos which measures the “worshipers at the altar” and declares they are His, owned by Him. It is this same sense that those “called out” from among the Nations are “possessed” (owned) by Him. Likewise, as far as the Court of the Gentiles who shall persecute the “Holy City” for 42 months . . . this court was NOT a part of the original Solomonic Temple or the Second Temple, but was inspired by the Sadducees (the “liberal” Jews at the time of the Herodian Temple to allow uncircumcised Gentiles to come as close to the Altar as possible cause of their interest in the Jewish Temple). Here, we must distinguish between those “called out” from the Nations/Gentiles and those who occupy the “Court of the Nations/Gentiles” (i.e., “given to the Nations”) – for these “uncircumcised found in the Court of the Gentiles” refuse to deal with their “flesh” and, consequently, we find them in opposition to the “Holy City” for forty-two months—they are NOT measured, are NOT with the worshipers at the altar. The symbolism here is overwhelming. TERMINOLOGY Although we have already explained some definitions, we will expand upon those initial terms. From the outset, it is imperative for us to determine sundry words derived from Scripture which will assist us in clarifying what does and does not enhance our understanding of CT. The Church: From henceforth in this document the term “Church” as understood in the New Testament sense of the word refers to “the called out

from among the nations” (aka the Gentiles or “ethnos” – Romans 9:24; Acts 15:14 – “God at the first visited the Nations/Ethnos to take out of them a people for His name.”) – as well as the “called” from among the progeny of Abraham, the Jews or Judah) to be “a people for His Name” – the predominate term/word used for Church does NOT appear in the testaments; the normative word is the Greek word in the N.T. – ekklesia (Strong’s G#1577 – used for both “assembly” (3x) and for Church (115x) . . . this word stresses a group of people called out for a special purpose . . . [derived from] ek, ‘out of,’ and klesis, ‘a calling’ (kaleo ‘to call’) [Note: We can readily observe that kalamos is engaged in this exegesis or ek-kaleo]. The EKKLESIA are the “called out ones” from among the Ethnos/Nations but likewise in accordance with Romans 9:24from “among the Jews” as well. They are the “ecclesia” or “ekklesia” (the ELECT). Together, both the “called out” Jews and the “called out from among the nations” constitute the One Body–the Body of Christ (the Messiah – Eph. 4:4; Col. 3:15; 1 Cor. 12:12; Rom. 12:5), the One New Man – the HOUSEHOLD OF GOD; to wit: For He Himself is our peace, who has made both (Jew and Gentile) one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself ONE NEW MAN from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in ONE BODY through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity, and He came and preached peace to you who were afar off (Gentiles) and to those who were near (Jews). For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father . . . Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but FELLOW CITIZENS with the saints and MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD” (Eph. 2:14-19) (Our caps).

Furthermore, this EKKLESIA – these “called” ones from the Jews and from the Nations – are revealed through Paul and John as a MYSTERY in that the “Mystery of God” is not finished until the sounding of the Seventh Angel: But in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel [the Seventh Trumpet] the MYSTERY OF GOD would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets (Rev. 10:7). We cannot divorce the “Mystery of God” from its definition found in Colossians 2:2 which literally is read: . . . to the knowledge of the MYSTERY OF GOD – Christ [the Messiah] (Col. 2:2). In other words, the MYSTERY OF GOD is Christ. But we must go on further for the MYSTERY OF CHRIST is likewise resolved in the book of Colossians; but first we must establish that there is the Mystery of Christ: That God would open to us a door for the word to speak the MYSTERY OF CHRIST . . . (Col. 4:3). And, what is the Mystery of Christ? I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His BODY, which is the church [ekklesia – Strong’s G#1577] of which I became a minister according to the stewardship [dispensation or administration] from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, THE MYSTERY which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of THE MYSTERY AMONG THE GENTILES: Who is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:24-27).

The Mystery of Christ is His EKKLESIA – the ONE BODY. Yes, the “riches of the glory” of this “Mystery among the Nations” is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” That same Mystery is embodied within His ONE BODY – made up of the “called” from among both Jews and the Nations, the Gentiles— the EKKLESIA. The Mystery of the ONE BODY is the Pillar and Ground of Reality—the HOUSE OF GOD, the EKKLESIA OF THE LIVING GOD (1 Tim. 3:15). This Mystery of Christ is the New Creation—“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a NEW CREATION” (Gal. 6:15); and through the resurrection of our “Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep” we NOW partake of the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant (Hebrews 13:20). The ONE BODY—comprised of both Jews and non-ethnic Jews—as a Result of the preaching of the Gospel of the Grace of God (salvation through the Blood of the Lamb of God, Yeshua—Jesus, the Son of the Living God—Acts 20:24)—which is intrinsically bound to the “preaching of the kingdom of God” (Acts 20:25). Yes, we “both Jew and Greek” have been redeemed by the Blood of the Cross and have been brought as full-fledged citizens into the Community of Grace, into the Commonwealth of Israel, and have become “children of promise” as a result of our new-found position of being IN CHRIST and CHRIST being in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. We now share in the New Covenant[1] (Please carefully read the discourse concerning the New Covenant in this endnote.) mediated by the Mediator, the Lord Jesus, through His once-for-all sacrifice for our sins. (Ref. Galatians 3:15-18; 4:28; Col. 1:20; Eph. 2:14-17; Heb. 12:24; 13:20). Israel (First Definition)

Israel is defined as ethnic Jews (aka, Judah and Benjamin; primarily the Two Southern Tribes and the remnant who joined themselves to Judah from the Northern 10 Tribes (likewise, most of the Levites and Simeon) after their return to Judea from Babylon cir. Sixth Century BC). They are known today as “Jewish people” whether they live in the State of Israel or outside of the State of Israel. This Israel is in line with the Abrahamic Covenant; the Land Covenant (Palestinian Covenant); the Davidic Covenant[2] (Millenarian Covenant/the Kingdom on Earth); and they will “nationally” participate in the New Covenant, which was inaugurated at the Cross in His First Coming as the Suffering Servant. They are likewise defined as the Stick of Judah (Ezekiel 37:15-28) or House of Judah (Isa. 8:14—“both the houses of Israel” – i.e., Judah and Israel) or as the Natural Branches of the One Olive Tree (Romans 11:11-24). Most Jews today – be they traditional or religious – are seen under the Mosaic Covenant (aka, the Law of Moses) which if followed will bring them to Messiah, as a “school master” (Gal. 3:24) – but in and of itself the Law does not “save” – only Messiah saves/delivers through His once for all sacrifice—only His Blood can suffice the “Judicial Wrath of God” upon our sin, our unrighteousness—for “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) . . . Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation (Romans 5:9-11). Israel (Second Definition)

These Israelites constitute those nations identified in the blessing given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and conferred upon Joseph’s younger son, Ephraim, where he would become a “multitude of nations.” Thus, the 10 Northern Tribes (aka, the House of Israel, the House of Ephraim, Samaria, Jezreel, were taken into captivity cir. 740-712 BC by the Assyrians and were assimilated among the nations.[3] They have a prophetic destiny with the Jewish people and BOTH constitute the COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL—be they “blinded in part” (i.e., the Jewish people) or “prophesy in part and see through a glass dimly” the elect from the nations—Romans 11:25; 1 Cor. 1:912). Today’s Ephraim will be expanded upon in this CT tome.[4]

These Israelites are today’s “Elect from among the Gentiles” called out of the nations to be “a people for His Name.” They are DISTINCT from Judah but not separated in the “eyes of God.” Prophetically, they are the STICK OF EPHRAIM and will be, in the Hand of the Lord, made ONE STICK in fulfillment of Ezekiel 37. Neither Judah nor Ephraim (separately) constitute the “Whole House of Israel” but together they most certainly do. They (viz., the Jewish people, Judah) are the “natural branches” of the One Olive Tree—both the Wild Branches (Ephraim) and the “Natural Branches” (Judah) which were broken off the COMMON ROOT (which is the Messiah) are of the single Olive Tree. The First and Second Definition of Israel comprise ALL ISRAEL or the ISRAEL OF GOD. BOTH Judah and Israel (Ephraim) comprise “The People of the Book” (both Testaments). ALL ISRAEL – THE ISRAEL OF GOD – have both an immediate and prophetic fulfillment with their definitions. Although Judah is “blinded in part”” as far as their Messiah’s identity, they still are described as a “natural branch” of the One Olive Tree, though “broken off.” Are they still “Israel”? Absolutely. THE THREE THEOLOGICAL/ESCHATOLOGICAL PARADIGMS OF CHRISTENDOM There are three predominating views taken by Christendom as far as the Church’s relationship with Israel (First Definition – Judah): (1) Replacement Theology (aka, Supersessionist) – Catholic/Orthodox (Eastern Churches), Reformational Churches (Protestant). Amillenarian, Post-Millenarian, Preterism[5], Covenant Theologies, Dominionism, Christian Reconstructionism, Theonomy. The “Gospel Age” persists until either the Church prevails over all the earth—both culturally and politically (no future Antichrist). Today’s Israel is a fluke of history, not prophetic, and Zionism at best is worldly “nationalism” and at its worst, it is apostate. The Seventieth Week of Daniel has already been fulfilled (in part but assuredly in whole) –

there may be a final rebellion and there may be the physical return of Christ to the Earth – there is No Future Millennium—we are living in the one-thousandyear Millennium now.

The Church is the One Continuing Community of Grace. Israel forfeited their standing and their covenants were broken upon their corporate rejection of Jesus as Messiah. Varied forms of Replacement Theology include “partial” Preterism; partial fulfillment of Daniel’s 70th Week (1/2); Jerusalem is Babylon the Great. “Let His blood be upon us and our children” (Matthew 27:25) is the current plight of “the Jew” – for they have rejected their Messiah! These theologies tend toward virulent breeding grounds for hatred of Jews— Antizionism—Antisemitism. Preterism, in particular, affirms that virtually all Bible prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD. There is no future prophetic role for Israel (Judah/Jews)–they will be judged like all others who have rejected Christ’s Messiahship. The Abomination of Desolation took place in 70 AD. Today’s Israel is today’s Church in sum and substance—today’s Jews are NOT the real Jews (many hold to such a view) but are of the “Synagogue of Satan” – they “say they are Jews but are not.”

There is no “favored treatment” of Jews today (viz., “I will bless him who blesses thee” – said to Abraham – “and in thee shall all the nations of the earth be blessed” – Jews are no more the “blessed peoples of the earth” than any other ethnic group. Zionism is Racism in the eyes of many who embrace some form of Replacement theology. Amillenarian, John Piper, seems foremost in this persuasion (See endnote.[6]. Jews returning to their ancient homeland (gathering of the exiles) – even in unbelief (e.g., Valley of Dry Bones—Ezk. 37:1-14) simply alludes (metaphorically) to the resurrection and has nothing to do with the modern State of Israel. Indeed, Amillenarians who witnessed the “resurrection” of the State of Israel appear to be in “intellectual denial” of the material facts and the biblical injunctions associated thereto.[7] “Replacement theologies” are, by definition, “supersessionist.” (See Marcionism[8] – although Marcionism’s belief system is more akin to that of Dispensationalism – see below endnotes). The Church, as the continuing community of grace, the “redeemed of the earth” – has persisted throughout the ages from Adam onward. The “Congregation in the Wilderness” (Acts 7:38) is the Church of today—she simply received her baptism at Pentecost. Paul clarified the Church’s extension among the nations in her “take-over” of the kingdoms of this world. The “Law of Commandments contained in ordinances,” or even the mandate and/or standard of the Ten Commandments, was somehow abolished at the Cross[9] (which simply cannot be scripturally justified); indeed, Christians who celebrate Jewish Feast Days and other “legalities” are in opposition to the Christian Calendar. The Jewish Feast Days are antithetical to the New Covenant and must be rejected outright if one is a Christian. However, Theonomy and certain branches of Calvinism affirm that civil law as propounded in the Old Testament, Mosaic Era, is either a guideline for civil societies today or must be rigidly implemented for today. MOST ANCIENT CHURCHES AFTER THE 2ND CENTURY ADOPTED AMILLINNIALISM AS

THEIR POSITION—THE CHURCH IS NOW IN THE MILLENNIUM! To that I could respond; YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.[10] (2) Dispensationalism – Premillenarian, Classical – Progressive – HyperDispensationalism. The Church does not replace Israel’s pre-existing Abrahamic, Davidic, Land (Palestinian), and New Covenant—nor does she participate in them as propounded by most Amillenarians.[11] God’s Economy/Dispensational Administration is committed to at least seven dispensations over a seven-thousand-year time frame. Today, we are living in the Church Age – previous to this it was the Age of the Law (Mt. Sinai). We, as well, are living in the Age of Grace. The Age of Grace is the Age of the Church and this “grace” produces but Mystery, the Church. The Climax of the Age of Grace is the Rapture of the Church prior to the Wrath of God and the Lamb poured out upon “all them who dwell on the earth” and the judgment of Babylon the Great—Religious, Commercial and Political. There is the coming of the Antichrist. The Jews (Judah/today’s Israel) play a major role in Bible prophecy. Most dispensationalists affirm a pre-tribulational rapture of the Church – the futurity of Daniel’s 70th Week is yet to happen. The Church Age will terminate at the Rapture either at or some time before the commencement of the Week.

The Jews will...