Monthly Archives: December 2014

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, Why does the Bible say that Jesus was “slain and hanged on a tree?”

Why does the Bible say that Jesus was “slain and hanged on a tree?”

WHY DOES THE BIBLE SAY THAT JESUS WAS “SLAIN AND HANGED ON A TREE?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

When reading, the diligent Bible student will ask questions. Questions prompt a deeper and more involved reading. Acts 5:30 and Acts 10:39 have unusual language, but they convey a precious truth. The Scriptures say that Jesus died on the cross (Matthew 27:50; Mark 15:37; Luke 23:46; John 19:30), so why did the Holy Ghost through the Apostles indicate that Israel killed Jesus and then crucified Him (Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39)?

Notice, when preaching to the nation Israel’s religious leaders, the Apostle Peter and other apostles said in Acts 5:30, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.” When preaching to Cornelius the Roman centurion in Acts 10:39, Peter declared, “And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:” Why does Scripture twice say that Jesus was slain and then hanged on the cross? Why did these verses not say, “They hanged Jesus on a tree and slew him?” (Which would seem to be more accurate.) Moses provided clues for this strange wording, some 1,500 years earlier.

Deuteronomy 21:18-23 says, “[18] If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: [19] Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; [20] And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. [21] And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear. [22] And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: [23] His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”

Israel’s method of execution was stoning, but because she involved the Roman government, Jesus was put to death by crucifixion on a Roman cross. Just as a rebellious son was to be stoned and then hanged on a tree in ancient Israel, Israel treated Jesus as a rebellious son, a heretic and imposter, a blasphemer, and hung Him on a tree (Galatians 3:13, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:”). Simply put, in their minds, they had “killed” Him long before they hung Him on Calvary. They were just displaying Him for all to see and humiliate Him, to signify that He was cursed of God.

Also see:
» Did Jesus suffer for our sins in hell? (LINK TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)
» How could Jesus Christ’s death on Calvary sufficiently pay for our sins? (LINK TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)
» Was Jesus Christ really crucified on Friday?

GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, What are the “marks” referenced in Galatians 6:17?

What are the “marks” referenced in Galatians 6:17?

WHAT ARE THE “MARKS” REFERENCED IN GALATIANS 6:17?

by Shawn Brasseaux

We will search the Scriptures in order to see what the Holy Spirit would have us to believe about the “marks” of Galatians 6:17.

In closing his epistle to the Galatian believers, the Apostle Paul wrote: “From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” (Galatians 6:17). No one could deny his apostleship was of Jesus Christ, for Paul bore “in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” What were these “marks?” Interestingly, the Greek word here translated “marks” is stigmata, which in English means “signs of disgrace or shame.” Understand that these stigmata which Paul suffered were Scriptural, and they involved shame and hatred, not awe and pride like the “stigmata” of religious tradition (wounds on one’s hands and feet superstitiously believed to be Christ’s scars, which leads to nothing more than pagan idolatry).

Notice what an apostle endured in Bible times: “[9] For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. [10] We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. [11] Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; [12] And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: [13] Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day” (1 Corinthians 4:9-13).

How many of today’s (self-proclaimed) “apostles” could write what Paul did in the above verses? Today, Christendom uses the title “apostle,” not to refer to those who have been directly commissioned and sent by Jesus Christ to travel abroad preaching the Gospel (which is the Biblical definition), but to those who have deceived themselves into believing they have a special “anointing” of God. In Paul’s day, “apostle” was a term of scorn and hatred; today, it is one of great fame and wealth. Surely, the “apostles” of today and the apostles in Bible days are two different groups of people serving two different “higher powers!”

Read 2 Corinthians 11:22-30, and notice the beatings, stonings, imprisonments, 195 (!) lashes, and other pains Paul suffered for the Gospel’s sake. How many are willing to endure these stigmata for Christ? “[22] Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. [23] Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. [24] Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. [25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; [26] In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; [27] In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. [28] Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. [29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? [30] If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.”

The internal chronology of Paul’s epistles compared with the book of Acts indicates that Paul wrote 2 Corinthians (the above passage) sometime before he wrote Galatians. Paul’s earliest writing was his epistle to Thessalonica or his epistle to Galatia. Thus, the scars to which Paul would be referring in Galatians would probably be those injuries he sustained back in Acts chapter 14 (the approximate time-frame of Galatians), which was before 2 Corinthians (he visited Corinth in Acts chapter 18).

When Paul and Barnabas were ministering in Lystra (present-day central Turkey, in the vicinity of Galatia), on Paul’s first apostolic journey, the unbelieving Jews caused great trouble for God’s servants. Luke writes in Acts chapter 14: “[19] And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. [20] Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.” Personally, I believe Paul died here—after being stoned to death, after being literally pummeled with rocks, his soul left his body and went to the third heaven (that is how I view 2 Corinthians 12:1-7). The Bible says that Jesus Christ saw fit to send Paul back to Earth, where the Apostle returned to Lystra and went onward to other cities, his earthly ministry continuing another 25 years or so.

To be stoned to death, to have your physical body pulverized with rocks, would certainly leave some scars, some dislocated or broken bones, and other severe bodily injuries. When Paul wrote to the Galatians, especially mentioning those “marks” in chapter 6 and verse 17, it is highly likely that he had this stoning incident in Lystra in mind. In fact, Galatians 6:17 may explain the “infirmity of the flesh” Paul mentioned elsewhere in that epistle to Galatia: “[13] Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. [14] And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus” (Galatians 4:13-14). Some physical injury or illness kept Paul detained in Galatia, which gave him opportunity to share the Gospel with these pagans in Galatia, and they were saved unto eternal life!

Beloved, may we always remember that we have never been promised an easy life as Christians. Like the Apostle Paul, his companions, and all the saints down through the ages, we too will be persecuted for serving the Lord Jesus Christ. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). May we never shun away from God’s precious Word for the sake of pleasing men or saving ourselves from heartache and pain. We have a wonderful home in heaven waiting for us, and its existence causes us to continue onward, no matter how dire this world becomes or hostile it becomes toward us. God’s grace was truly sufficient for Paul, and it is truly sufficient for us!

“[7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. [8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. [9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

Also see:
» Does God promise us “good health and wealth” when we become Christians? (LINK TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)
» Why do the wicked prosper? (LINK TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)
» How does Satan operate today?

Are lost people already forgiven?, Are lost people already forgiven?, BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, SOUL SALVATION FROM SINS

Are lost people already forgiven?

ARE LOST PEOPLE ALREADY FORGIVEN? WHAT DOES 2 CORINTHIANS 5:19 MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:19, “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” Is this verse teaching that everyone’s sins—whether they are saved or lost—are forgiven? (This idea began to circulate throughout Facebook about a year ago.) Does Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork make everyone automatically saved? Will everyone make it to heaven eventually? Let us search the Scriptures for the answers.

Firstly, we should read 2 Corinthians 5:19 within its context (2 Corinthians 5:18–6:2): “[5:18] And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [5:19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. [5:20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. [5:21] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. [6:1] We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. [6:2] (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”

Now, read Romans 3:24-25: “[24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;” And Romans 4:5: “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted [imputed] for righteousness.”

Note the key terms in the above verses: “reconciliation,” “imputation,” “righteousness,” “grace,” “salvation,” “justification,” “redemption,” and “propitiation.” We will briefly discuss each of these terms, and define them according to the Bible.

“Reconcile” means “to call back into union and fellowship; to restore to friendship or favor after estrangement;” “reconciliation” is “the act of restoring a former friendship.” Two of the Bible’s clearest examples of reconciliation are Genesis chapter 3 and 2 Corinthians 5:19.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27). Originally, mankind was completely compatible with God: his spirit was alive with God’s life, his soul was illuminated with God’s truth, and his body executed God’s will. Having no sin to divide them, Adam and Eve had a perfect relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, and with each other.

“Wherefore, as by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). When Adam capitulated to Satan’s tempting in Genesis chapter 3, that perfect relationship he had with Eve and their Creator was severed.

“And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden” (Genesis 3:8). “For every one that doeth evil hateth light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds be reproved” (John 3:20). Adam and Eve needed help in addressing their sin, but they never approached God until He went looking for them and called them to fellowship (Genesis 3:9-13)… and He shed animal blood to cover their sins. “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them” (verse 21).

All of Adam’s descendants inherited a sin nature, a character that is anti-God, a hostile attitude toward their Creator. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), thus necessitating a worldwide reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19), which Genesis chapter 3 typified.

Satan had already declared war on his Creator God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Then, mankind, the Lord’s ally, willfully switches sides and becomes Satan’s servant by submitting to his will! Sin infiltrates planet earth, as it had the heavenly places sometime earlier. Adam and Eve know they are now in a major dilemma. Genesis 3:7 says they, in a feeble, desperate attempt, try to cover their sins by gathering fig leaves and sewing them to make aprons for their now naked bodies (the first act of religion, or as a dear Christian brother calls it, “Operation: Fig Leaf!”). In the coolness of the day, as the voice of the LORD God rings out, Adam and Eve flee and hide amongst the trees (verse 8). Sinful man cannot and will not approach his righteous Creator God, so man’s Creator will come and find him!

After the LORD God brings Adam and Eve to accountability, He declares to Satan, the serpent: “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (verse 15). We will discuss this important verse later, but let us focus on verse 21 for now: “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” The LORD God graciously provided a solution—a blood sacrifice—to Adam and Eve’s sins, for their attempt to “cover up” their own sins with fig leaves was useless! Note that they never asked for His help either.

Some 4,000 years later, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). That love that sent Him looking for Adam and Eve, motivated Him to come seek us “hiding amongst the trees,” and to offer another blood sacrifice—Himself!

As God looked down at the “Blue Marble,” He could see nothing but widespread rebellion. Such wretched creatures that He could squash with the breath of His mouth, and yet, He let them continue to exist! Adam and Eve never asked God for help with their sins, and neither did the rest of mankind, but God would seek out those sinners hiding behind religion. No person came forward to ask, “Wouldst Thou, God of heaven and earth, wouldst Thou die for my sins?” Regardless, that is exactly what He would do!

The LORD God promised Satan, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). This is the first message of Good News in the Bible: the seed of the woman would come one day and crush Satan’s head, defeating Satan’s evil plan and restoring creation to God’s headship.

It is beyond human comprehension just how many individual sins God tolerated for those next 4,000 years, but He patiently endured man’s wickedness—indeed, He was LONGsuffering! When the predetermined date arrived in order to fulfill the promise of Genesis 3:15, John 1:1,14 says: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 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.”

Sinful mankind had not approached God, so He sought him by coming to the planet on which he lived! God, rather than pouring out His wrath on wicked man, had come in the form of a man, Jesus Christ, to span the mighty gulf (sin) that had separated man from Him (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Our sin and sins gender God’s wrath, and we sinners in our natural state are separated from God, but God Himself provided a solution. Man had severed the relationship, but God was still friendly toward man. From the ministry of the Apostle Paul, we see how that salvation from sins through Jesus Christ is no longer limited to Israel (Matthew 1:21), but that it is now available to all people, everywhere!

We read in Romans 11:11,15: “[11] I say then, Have they [Israel] stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. [15] For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?” God is behaving friendly toward all nations today, including Israel—He has sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for them all, whether Jew or Gentile, and that salvation is now available to all who trust that message. (More on this later.)

Let us return to 2 Corinthians 5:19 and its context (2 Corinthians 5:18-20): “[18] And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. [20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Due to warped theology, confusion and questions have arisen regarding this simple passage. “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself” at Calvary’s cross, so does that mean…. That lost people no longer go to hell? That every person’s sins are completely forgiven? That everyone will make it to heaven eventually (the heresy of universalism)?

Let us be extremely careful to understand that the word “reconciliation” in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 is two-fold—it does not refer to a single event, but it is actually two events (reread the passage above and notice the two boldfaced terms “reconciling” and “reconciled,” which refer to separate issues). Confusion results because people assume these verses only teach a one-fold reconciliation, a single event. As we will see, the key to understanding “reconciliation” in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 is the phrase in verse 20, “as though God did beseech you by us.”

Sin has separated man from God, thus necessitating reconciliation. Actually, the Greek word usually translated “reconciliation” in our King James New Testament is once rendered “atonement” in Romans 5:11. “Reconciliation” means “at–one-ment,” or “bringing two opposing parties together and making them one.”

When Jesus Christ died and shed His perfect blood, God the Father made Him a “propitiation” (Romans 3:25), a fully-satisfying payment for sin. Instead of punishing the world for their sins, God blamed Jesus Christ and made Him suffer God’s wrath instead (“not imputing their trespasses unto them;” 2 Corinthians 5:19). “For he [God the Father] hath made him [Jesus Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21a).

The Bible calls Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork and its merits the “atonement” (Romans 5:11), for they pay the sin debt that keeps man from fellowshipping with God. When the Bible says, “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19), this reconciliation deals with the whole world, not just Christians—it involves all people, saved or lost. God changed the status of the world. “For if the casting away of [Israel] be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?” (Romans 11:15). Through Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork, God is now dealing with the entire world, not just with Israel as He did in the past (Ephesians 2:11-13).

Now, note verse 20: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” Notice “as though God did beseech you by us”—Paul is referring to the past (notice past tense “did”), to the time when the Corinthians were lost, when he first preached to them about Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork (verse 21). Here, Paul said that although God reconciled the world to Himself (verse 19), Paul urged the Corinthians to be “reconciled to God” (verse 20)—this is the reconciliation for Christians. Again, reconciliation needed for soul salvation is two-fold, which brings us to the doctrine of imputation.

Let us return to 2 Corinthians 5:19 and its context: “[19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. [20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:19,20).

Again, reconciliation in the Bible is two-fold. God sent Jesus Christ to pay man’s sin debt, thus demonstrating His friendliness toward mankind in making a way to escape His righteous wrath. God is not angry with wicked man today because we live in this the Dispensation of Grace, and we, both Jews and Gentiles, receive an opportunity for salvation from sins. That is the reconciliation of 2 Corinthians 5:19. But, Paul urged the Corinthians when they were lost, to be “reconciled to God” (verse 20). This is another type of reconciliation, one that comes through imputation.

The clearest Bible passage regarding imputation is Romans 4:3-8,23-25: “[3] For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. [4] Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. [5] But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. [6] Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, [7] Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. [8] Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin…. [23] Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; [24] But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; [25] Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”

Interestingly, “counted” (verse 3), “reckoned” (verse 4), “counted” (verse 5), “imputeth” (verse 6), “impute” (verse 8), “imputed” (verse 23), and “imputed” (verse 24) are all the same Greek word, and they all mean, “to apply to someone’s account, as in a debt or credit.” What is the reconciliation of 2 Corinthians 5:20, where Paul told the Corinthians be “reconciled to God?” It is imputation. Yes, Jesus Christ died for their sins, but it is not until they believe/trust it (Romans 4:24) that that forgiveness is imputed. It does not count for eternity unless that righteousness is credited to them by faith.

God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself; however, that does not mean that everyone will eventually go to heaven. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 4:10:“For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” While salvation from sin and hell is being offered to everyone through Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork, the phrase “specially of those that believe” proves that the merits of Christ’s work at Calvary cannot profit each individual until he or she trusts it.

“[5] Now to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith in counted [imputed] for righteousness. [22] And therefore it was imputed to him [Abraham] for righteousness. [23] Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; [24] But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; [25] Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification” (Romans 4:5,22-25). Imputation is conditional; the righteousness of Christ’s finished crosswork will not be applied to one’s account until one trusts it. Soul salvation is not automatic: it must be imputed by faith. There must be a believing heart in that finished crosswork to benefit a person.

God applies that forgiveness by faith when we trust the Gospel of Grace—that Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was raised again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). God placed our sins on Jesus Christ (imputation to Jesus Christ’s account), but then He gives us salvation through that sacrifice when we believe it (imputation to our account). It was the greatest exchange of all time—Jesus Christ took our sins, and God gives us His righteousness. Now, to the doctrine of justification.

Romans 3:20-28 best explains justification: “[20] Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. [21] But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; [22] Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: [23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; [26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. [27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. [28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

Man cannot be made right in God’s sight (justified) through his so-called “Law-keeping,” but the Bible says, “his faith [in Jesus Christ’s righteousness] is counted [imputed] for righteousness” (Romans 4:5). Forgiveness and righteousness are offered to all through the Lord Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork on Calvary, but those merits are of no benefit to an individual unless he or she trusts that Gospel of the Grace of God. Paul never wrote that the whole world is forgiven—“reconciled” (2 Corinthians 5:19) and “forgiven” are different. Only believers are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 1:14; Colossians 2:13; Colossians 3:13). Once an individual hears that Jesus Christ offers to pay for and forgive his or her sins, that person is expected to trust it unto forgiveness and justification.

“The righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference” (Romans 3:22). God’s righteousness is available “unto all,” but it is only “upon [imputed to] all them that believe.” “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). Jesus Christ died to save all, but only those who have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork at Calvary, are “the children of God”—justified, “made the righteousness of God in [Christ]” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The ascended and glorified Lord Jesus Christ first committed unto the Apostle Paul—and now to us Christians—this Gospel of Grace. When the ascended Lord Jesus Christ saved wicked Saul of Tarsus (Acts chapter 9), He declared: “[17] Delivering thee from the people [Israel], and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, [18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:17-18).

Jesus Christ first entrusted the “word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19) to Paul. Acts 26:18 affirms Paul had to preach to the Gentiles so they could receive forgiveness—they did not receive forgiveness until they believed the Gospel of the Grace of God that Paul preached. Forgiveness must be imputed by faith: every verse in which Paul mentioned forgiveness, it involved God forgiving Christians, or Christians forgiving Christians—“the world” is absent from Romans 4:7; 2 Corinthians 2:7,10; 2 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 1:14; Colossians 2:13; and Colossians 3:13.

Beware! “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19) and forgiveness IN Christ are indeed separate issues: the heretical dogma of universalism—that all will make it to heaven eventually—is obviously unscriptural.

Let us summarize the mechanics of soul salvation:

  • SEPARATION – Sin separates man from God: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
  • GRACE – Everything God can do for you—not what you can do for God—through Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork: “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24).
  • RECONCILIATION #1 (God’s work) – The Gospel of God’s Grace declares He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for man’s sins, to suffer His wrath against man’s wickedness: “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19).
  • RECONCILIATION #2 (man’s faith) – Each individual should trust Jesus Christ’s performance at Calvary as sufficient payment for his or her sins (PROPITIATION; Romans 3:25); otherwise, the individual will continue on his or her way to eternal hellfire (DAMNATION; Romans 2:8-11). “We pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20b).
  • REDEMPTION and FORGIVENESS – Jesus Christ’s blood pays the price to free the Christian from sin’s power and penalty. “In [Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7ab).
  • IMPUTATION – By faith, Jesus Christ’s righteousness is applied to the believer’s “But for us also, to whom it [righteousness] shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead” (Romans 4:24).
  • JUSTIFICATION – One who has trusted the Lord Jesus Christ alone as personal Saviour is now “made the righteousness of God in [Christ]” (2 Corinthians 5:21b).
  • SALVATION – The Christian’s deliverance from sin, death, hell, and the lake of fire: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9).

Consider this simply analogy to learn how soul salvation operates. A certain project needs funding, and a wealthy investor is willing to supply the funds. However, until the funds are appropriated, the debt is still there. Likewise, a trip to heaven is expensive, and we are too poor to pay. But, Jesus Christ is righteous and He can pay that debt for us. However, until that righteousness is imputed by faith, our sin debt is still there! If we die having never trusted Jesus Christ to pay it for us, the sin debt remains, and God’s wrath against our sins is appeased by us suffering forever and ever in complete isolation in eternal hellfire.

Returning to our earlier comments about the reconciliation described in Genesis chapter 3, Adam and Eve broke their perfect relationship with their Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ, by disobeying Him. They attempted to resolve their sin problem through religion (their “good” works)—they sewed fig leaves to clothe their vile bodies (Genesis 3:7). Adam and Eve finally had to come to the place to admit their sinfulness, and by faith, they accepted that blood sacrifice that the LORD God shed for their sins (verse 21).

Mankind is in the same position today. He has free will to come to God through Jesus Christ and be reconciled to God forever (2 Corinthians 5:20). Or, he can “despise the riches of [God’s] goodness and forbearance and longsuffering,” which will only “treasure up unto [him] wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; who will render to every man according to his deeds” (Romans 2:4-6). Dear reader, God has done everything to keep you from going to hell, but He will never take away your free will. If you want to go to hell, God will not stop you. This is how much God Almighty loves freedom!

At Calvary’s cross, Jesus Christ suffered God’s wrath against all of the world’s sins (2 Corinthians 5:19). In this the Dispensation of Grace, mankind is currently (but temporarily) being offered an opportunity to be reconciled to his Creator forever. Jesus Christ died to pay for mankind’s sins, but until an individual trusts that alone for eternal salvation, that finished crosswork is of no help to the person. Jesus Christ’s righteousness manifested at Calvary must be imputed (applied, credited) to one’s account if God’s wrath, hell and the everlasting lake of fire, is to be avoided.

Before they trusted Christ, Paul urged the pagan Corinthians to “receive not the grace of God in vain” (2 Corinthians 6:1). Grace is everything that God can do for you through the finished crosswork of Jesus Christ. God expects you to trust that! If you do not trust it, you are receiving God’s grace “in vain” (to no purpose).

Romans 3:24,25: “[24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;….” You can be “justified” (declared righteous in God’s sight) freely—without any cost to you—by faith in Jesus Christ, who shed His sinless blood to pay for your sins, who died your death, and suffered God’s wrath on your behalf.

Soul salvation is not to be taken flippantly: “For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2, quoting Isaiah 49:8).

Will you trust the Lord Jesus Christ alone as your personal Saviour today? Or, will you receive the grace of God in vain?

Also see
» How can a loving God send people to an eternal hell? (LINK TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)
» Can people die and go to heaven or hell and come back? (LINK TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)
» Could God ever forgive me for what I have done? (LINK TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)

DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, Is the Church the Body of Christ spoken of in Matthew 16:18?, Is the Church the Body of Christ spoken of in Matthew 16:18?, Is the Church the Body of Christ spoken of in Matthew 16:18?, THE CHURCH THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE NATION ISRAEL

Is the Church the Body of Christ spoken of in Matthew 16:18?

IS THE CHURCH THE BODY OF CHRIST SPOKEN OF IN MATTHEW 16:18?

by Shawn Brasseaux

While we will always be grateful to the late Dr. Cyrus Ingerson (“C. I.”) Scofield (1843–1921) for recovering numerous dispensational Bible truths that were lost to many centuries of church tradition, and for his bold stand in teaching many of these precious truths in the form of the first edition (1909) and second and final edition (1917) of the Scofield Study Bible in a time when dispensational Bible study was rarer than it was today, we simply cannot agree with this dear brother’s view of Matthew 16:18. Please note that I will have to get technical to answer the question, but I trust I will be able to reduce it all to layman’s terms by the end of the study!

We begin by quoting the passage, Matthew 16:16-18: “[16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. [17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. [18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Verse 18 is the first time that the word “church” appears in the New Testament (or even in the entire Bible for that matter). It is quite unfortunate that the only “church” most people know of in Scripture is the Church the Body of Christ—similarly, the only “baptism” most know of in Scripture is water baptism! The thoughtful Bible student cannot and will not arrive at such a conclusion that there is only one church in Scripture; it is an easily demonstrable fact that there is more than one “church” in the Bible.

For example, Acts 7:38 says: “This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:” Now, was the Church the Body of Christ with Moses out in the wilderness at Mount Sinai? No, such a notion would be silly, utterly ridiculous. The “church” of Acts 7:38 is the nation Israel, a “called-out assembly” delivered from Egypt. Just as we would be unwise in claiming that the “church” in Acts 7:38 is the Church the Body of Christ, we would be unwise in automatically assuming that the “church” of Matthew 16:18 is the Church the Body of Christ.

It is a commonly-held view that as soon as we move from Genesis through Malachi and reach the book of Matthew, we begin “Christianity” as we know it. This is because it is normally assumed that Jesus Christ founded Christianity during His earthly ministry, Matthew through John (as we will see later, even Scofield did not believe that the Church the Body of Christ existed in Matthew through John). However, these are nothing more than the result of placing church tradition above the Scriptures. Christianity does not begin until the Apostle Paul’s ministry, some four years after the earthly ministry of Jesus began. If we could just understand that Christianity began when the ascended, risen, and glorified Lord Jesus Christ revealed to the Apostle Paul the information for this dispensation, we would never see ourselves in Matthew through John, and we would never try to place ourselves into the Four Gospel Records. We would never look for our doctrine, duty, walk, or destiny in Matthew through John. This was Christ’s earthly ministry to Jews only (Matthew 10:5-7; Matthew 15:24; John 4:22; Acts 3:25-26; Romans 15:8)—the Bible is so clear that Matthew through John was not spoken to the Body of Christ and was not spoken to Gentiles. Period.

We can now critically examine Dr. Scofield’s view regarding Matthew 16:18. For the paragraph heading of verses 17-20, he has the following title: “First mention of the church.” This ambiguity makes the Bible less clear than it is. As we already stated, there is more than one church in the Bible, so to simply refer to something as “the church” without qualification is not to distinguish the different churches in Scripture, and it further reinforces the erroneous idea that there is only one church in the Bible. The same could be said about calling the Dispensation of Grace “the Church Age”—there are actually three churches in Scripture, so “the Church Age” is a misnomer.

In his study Bible, Dr. Scofield has the following footnote attached to Matthew 16:18: “Gr. ecclesia (ek = “out of,” kaleo = “to call”), an assembly of called-out ones. The word is used of any assembly; the word itself implies no more, as, e.g., the town-meeting at Ephesus (Acts 19. 39), and Israel, called out of Egypt and assembled in the wilderness (Acts 7. 38). Israel was a true ‘church,’ but not in any sense the N.T. church—the only point of similarity being that both were “called out” and by the same God. All else is contrast. See Acts 7. 38, note; Heb. 12. 23, note.”

Notice how Dr. Scofield did notice Israel as being a “church” (we would call it the “Mosaic Church,” since Moses led it in the wilderness). Yet, again, he is assuming that there is something called “the N.[ew]T.[estament] church,” and that we the Church the Body of Christ are “the New Testament church.” This too is misleading, since the New Testament Scriptures (Matthew through Revelation) actually involve two churches—one is called “the Messianic Church” and the other is “the Church the Body of Christ.” To refer to merely “the New Testament Church” is not to differentiate or specify—would you be referring to the Messianic Church (believing Jews in the Four Gospel Records and early Acts) or the Mystery Church (the Body of Christ)? To add to the confusion, an assembly of believers who are obviously Jewish and who are doing Jewish things in Acts chapter 2, are understood to be the Church the Body of Christ. To say that the “church” of Acts 2:47 is the Body of Christ is to again confound the differences between Israel and the Body of Christ. It only adds to the confusion that already abounds in Christendom.

At Ephesians 3:6, Dr. Scofield has this footnote: “That the Gentiles were to be saved was no mystery (Rom. 9. 24-33; 10. 19-21). The mystery “hid in God” was the divine purpose to make of Jew and Gentile a wholly new thing—“the church, which is [Christ’s] body,” formed by the baptized with the Holy Ghost (1 Cor. 12. 12,13) and in which the earthly distinction between Jew and Gentile disappears (Eph. 2. 14,15; Col. 3. 10,11). The revelation of this mystery, which was foretold but not explained by Christ (Mt. 16. 18), was committed to Paul. In his writings alone we find the doctrine, position, walk, and destiny of the church.”

Please note Dr. Scofield’s hybrid view—Jesus Christ predicted the Body of Christ in Matthew 16:18 but He did not explain it until Paul’s writings. This is a very dangerous view (as we will see later).

At this point, I should mention that I received the following email not too long ago in response to one of our Bible studies: “The church (i.e. the body of Christ) began at Pentecost. Jesus said he would build his church (Mt.16:18). He started building it at Pentecost by the Holy Spirit and later added the Gentiles by revelation to the apostles and prophets: Paul (Eph.3:6) and Peter in Acts 10.”

Dear readers, to even suggest—let alone believe—that God would speak about a Jew-and-Gentile body of believers to a group of Jews only, is nonsensical. Why would Jesus talk about a new body of believers (believing Jews and Gentiles reconciled in one body, the Body of Christ), to a group of Jews only (Matthew 15:24; John 4:22; Romans 15:8)? To make the “church” of Matthew 16:18 the Church the Body of Christ is to do great violence to the context of the verse, and introduce an enormous amount of confusion. We do not need to add to the mounting Bible ignorance.

We offer two simple keys to identifying the church of Matthew 16:18.

1. WHAT GOSPEL IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CHURCH OF MATTHEW 16:18?

Peter’s profession in Matthew 16:16 is the first key to properly identifying the “church” of Matthew 16:18.

Matthew 16:16 is the famous confession of the Apostle Peter, where he publicly admitted that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This is not the gospel by which we are saved today. It is the heart of the Gospel of the Kingdom, and the Gospel of the Kingdom is the foundation of what is called the “Messianic Church”—Jews who believed that Jesus was the Messiah.

Had Peter said, “Thou art Jesus Christ, who wilt die for our sins, who wilt be buried, and who wilt be raised again the third day,” we would be more convinced that the “church” of Matthew 16:18 could be a reference to the Church the Body of Christ. Peter did not say anything about Calvary in that verse. The only foundation on which the Church the Body of Christ is built is Christ crucified, and Peter made no reference to Calvary’s cross in Matthew 16:18. The different gospel of Matthew 16:16 is our first reason to not believe that Matthew 16:18 is the Church the Body of Christ.

2. WHAT DOES “THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT,” MEAN?

The phrase “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” is the second key to properly identifying the “church” of Matthew 16:18. This phraseology does not make much sense in our day and age, but it fits perfectly in the ages to come, when the gates of hell are opened and Satan’s creatures are released from the bottomless pit.

During the seven-year Tribulation, Satan’s policy of evil will reach its climax, its zenith, its ultimate pinnacle. Hell itself, particularly working through the Antichrist and his regime and religion, will do everything it can to stamp out the Jewish believing remnant. The Antichrist will systematically exterminate the Jewish race (any Jews who do not cooperate with him, worship him, accept his mark, et cetera). We read about those “beheaded for the witness of Jesus” (Revelation 20:4). The Antichrist will make war with the Jewish saints and overcome them by killing them (Revelation 13:5-8)—he will execute anyone who does not follow his evil world religion (verse 15). Jesus talked about how His believing Jews would be persecuted, imprisoned, and killed for His sake (Matthew 10:16-42). The Antichrist will “wear out the saints” (Daniel 7:25) and he will “destroy the mighty and the holy people” (Daniel 8:24).

As long as Israel is polluted with false idols and evil spirits, or even destroyed (annihilated from off the face of the planet), God cannot fulfill prophecy because prophecy depends on the existence of the nation Israel. Satan attempted to destroy the nation Israel many times in history. Pharaoh killed all of the male babies in Egypt, in the time when Moses was born. The Devil tried to destroy the nation Israel in Queen Esther’s reign. Satan attempted to destroy the Messiah by killing the babies two and under in Judaea during Herod’s reign. So, the Antichrist will again try to wipe out Israel, to no avail. A Jewish remnant will be living at Christ’s return, as Jesus told them that the gates of hell would not prevail against them. Even those Jews who have died for Christ during the Tribulation, Jesus Christ will resurrect them when He returns (Revelation 20:4-6).

“Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s [Israel’s] trouble; but he shall be saved out of it” (Jeremiah 30:7). Despite everything that will happen, God still promises to save a believing remnant of Israel during that seven-year Tribulation!

REPLY TO DR. SCOFIELD’S ARGUMENT ABOUT THE VERB TENSE OF MATTHEW 16:18

In his 64-page booklet, first printed in 1896, “Rightly dividing the Word of Truth,” Dr. Scofield states the following:

“Further, Scripture shows [the Bible student] that neither Israel nor the Church always existed. Each had a recorded beginning. That of Israel he finds in the call of Abram. Looking then for the birth of the Church he finds (contrary, perhaps, to his expectations, for he has probably been taught that Adam and the Patriarchs are in the Church) that it certainly did not exist before, nor during, the earth-life of Christ, for he finds Him speaking of His Church as yet future when he says (Matt. 16:18), ‘Upon this rock I WILL build my Church.’ Not ‘have built,’ nor ‘am building,’ but ‘WILL build.’ He finds, too from Eph. 3:5-10, that the Church is not once mentioned in Old Testament prophecy, but was, in those ages, a mystery ‘hid in God.’ Scripturally, he finds the birth of the Church in Acts 2, and the termination of its career on the earth in 1 Thess. 4.”

Firstly, we certainly disagree with Dr. Scofield that “the birth of the Church [is] Acts 2.” There is abundant proof in Scripture that the Church of Acts 2 and the Church the Body of Christ are two separate entities—please see our study at the end of this article that discusses 12 reasons why the Church the Body of Christ did not begin in Acts chapter 2.

Scofield claims that Matthew 16:18 is the future Church the Body of Christ by pointing out that the term “will build” in Matthew 16:18 is future tense. He argues that since Jesus said, “I will build my church” and not “I am building my church,” the church spoken of in Matthew 16:18 was a future church not a church present when He spoke. In other words, Scofield disagrees with the Messianic Church being the church of Matthew 16:18. However, again, the word “church” in Matthew 16:18 is to be understood in light of Acts 2:47. The church that Jesus said He would build in Matthew 16:18 is the church He later built in Acts chapter 2. So, the words “I will build my church” are to be understood in light of believing Israel of Acts chapter 2—it was on that day some 3,000 Jews were repentant and water baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:41). Acts chapter 2 is clearly Jewish and Matthew 16:18 is clearly Jewish, so to make them the Body of Christ is to ignore that these two passages describe one church—the Messianic Church—and that church is separate and distinct from the Church the Body of Christ.

CONCLUSION

Jesus supposedly predicted the Church the Body of Christ in Matthew 16:18 but He revealed to Paul some time later. This is an unsound approach to the Bible.

There should always be a very clear distinction between Christ’s earthly ministry and Paul’s ministry. If we start reading ourselves into the Four Gospel Records in just one passage, then we put ourselves on a slippery slope of claiming everything in the Four Gospel Records is related to us. Who is to say that if Jesus spoke of but did not reveal the Church the Body of Christ in His earthly ministry, what else did He speak of that related to us that we have to go back and find in those Matthew-John passages? In other words, we could validly argue that maybe Jesus also spoke of the rapture in His earthly ministry but that He did not reveal it until Paul either. Maybe Jesus in the Four Gospel Records also talked about justification by faith in Him alone without works, but did not reveal that doctrine fully until we came to Paul. Maybe He in His earthly ministry spoke of Israel’s fall and salvation going to the Gentiles without Israel, but did not fully reveal it until Paul. On and on we could go, and we would just add to the great Bible confusion already present in Christendom. In fact, Matthew 16:18 is so Jewish in nature, to say that it is the Church the Body of Christ is to then give opportunity for the replacement-theology proponents to argue that we have replaced Israel (because we would be stealing Israel’s passages and claiming them for ourselves anyway)!

The “church” of Matthew 16:18 is the Messianic Church, Jews who had recognized Jesus as Messiah, Christ, the Son of God—the profession that Peter made in verse 16. It is on that profession of faith of Peter that the Messianic Church rests. Matthew 16:18 and Acts 2:47 have nothing to do with us. Matthew 16:18 is not the Roman Catholic Church and it is not the Church the Body of Christ (the two most common views of the verse). To find ourselves in these passages is to find ourselves confused, and thus find ourselves outside of God’s will. Yes, it is that serious, so we had better “search and see” before believing any study Bible notes anywhere. The Church the Body of Christ was not spoken of until Jesus Christ first revealed it to the Apostle Paul. There is no Church the Body of Christ in Matthew through John at all, in hidden language or in plain language.

May we have joy and peace in believing, Romans through Philemon God’s Word to us (Romans 15:13), and may we toss out that which is superfluous!

Also see:
» Did the Church the Body of Christ begin in Acts 2?
» When did the Church the Body of Christ begin?
» Have we replaced the nation Israel?

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, ESCHATOLOGY (END TIMES) / PROPHECY, THE NATION ISRAEL, What does “my kingdom is not of this world” mean?, What does “my kingdom is not of this world” mean?, What does “my kingdom is not of this world” mean?

What does “my kingdom is not of this world” mean?

WHAT DOES “MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD” MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

It is commonly believed that Jesus Christ’s kingdom was not a literal, physical, and visible kingdom, but rather a “spiritual kingdom,” an invisible kingdom where He would “reign in the hearts of men” (a belief called “amillennialism”). John 18:36 is perhaps the main Bible verse used to teach such a doctrine, so it behooves us to study this verse and understand what it actually teaches. “We are certainly not satisfied to have denominational tradition as our guide, so we will study and believe the Scriptures and have Jesus Christ thereby glorified!”

We focus on the following passage in John chapter 18: “[33] Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? [34] Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? [35] Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? [36] Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.”

Jesus Christ, just hours before His crucifixion, is standing before Judaean governor Pontius Pilate. What did Jesus mean when He said in verse 36, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence?” Was He saying that His kingdom was not literal, not physical, not earthly, and not Davidic? That, as some religionists claim today, it was just some “spiritual reign in the hearts of men?” As a general rule of thumb for Bible study, it is always important to not base a doctrine on one verse. Furthermore, we should never, ever, ever grab a verse that is strange, and use it to confuse verses that are clear. It is always helpful to look at the context of verses that are difficult, and to use verses that are clear, to explain verses that are unclear. That is what we will do here.

Earlier, we read that Pilate asked Jesus how His own nation, Israel, and its chief priests could deliver Him to the Roman government to be sentenced to death (John 18:35). Our Lord’s reply was simple: (sinful, unbelieving) Israel rejected Him as their Messiah-King because He was righteous. They did not want God ruling over them, as the psalmist David prophesied: “[1] Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? [2] The kings of the earth [Roman rulers] set themselves, and the rulers [of Israel] take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed [Messiah/Christ], saying, [3] Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us” (Psalm 2:1-3; cf. Acts 4:25-28).

Psalm chapter 2 also provides details about that coming kingdom of Jesus Christ: “[6] Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. [7] I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. [8] Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. [9] Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” According to Psalm 2, the passage being fulfilled there in John chapter 18, what type of kingdom was Jesus purposing to establish on the earth when Israel rejected Him and demanded that Rome crucify Him? Was it a spiritual “reign in the hearts of men?” The Holy Spirit through David said it so expressly, so clearly, we would have to want to miss it to miss it: “I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion… Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession… Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” The only kingdom that would be in Zion, the only kingdom that would involve the heathen and the uttermost parts of the earth, and the only kingdom involving Jesus Christ ruling over nations would be a literal, physical, visible kingdom. (We will learn more about kingdom of Christ destroying the Gentile kingdoms in Daniel chapter 2, later.)

The Bible says in Luke 1:31-33: “[31] And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. [32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: [33] And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” The only kingdom Jesus Christ came to set up was a kingdom that was modeled after King David’s; the Bible is quite plain about that. Now, did King David “reign in the hearts of men?” Did not David rule over a literal, physical, visible Israel in a literal, physical, visible land? That is the same kind of kingdom Jesus Christ would have established long ago, and will yet establish on planet Earth.

Interestingly, our Lord said in John 18:36, “but now is my kingdom not from hence.” His kingdom would be established on earth, just not “now,” not during His First Coming. This is important to notice—“now” is a word that is commonly overlooked in John 18:36. As He knew, He could not reign as King until after He had gone to Calvary’s cross and died for man’s sins (Luke 17:24-25). In addition, the institution of our 2,000-year-long Dispensation of Grace has further delayed Christ’s reign on earth.

Upon Jesus’s Second Coming, to conclude the seven-year Tribulation, Satan will be bound in the bottomless pit during the 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth (Revelation 20:1-3). Satan’s evil world system, and all its governments, will be demolished when Christ establishes His earthly kingdom (see Daniel 2:31-45). “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever” (verse 44). Again, notice, this kingdom of Jesus Christ will demolish all other kingdoms of Earth—it is a literal, physical, visible kingdom, one that will crush those that exist today!

Jesus Christ came to earth and left 2,000 years ago as Israel’s rejected King: He never did rule Israel, for Israel declared in John 19:15: “We have no king but Caesar!” So, how can Luke 1:33 say Jesus Christ will rule Israel “for ever?” Dispensational Bible study relieves us of confusion and consternation. Luke 1:33 is to be taken literally, but it is to be believed dispensationally. Israel’s prophetic (kingdom) program, the program to which Luke 1:33 belongs, is currently suspended. God is not restoring the earth’s governments today. Instead, He is forming the Church the Body of Christ, a heavenly people whom He will use to restore the heavenly governments in the ages to come (see Colossians 1:16-20). While our Dispensation of Grace is operating, Israel’s kingdom program is delayed. Once our dispensation ends (at the rapture), then God will resume Israel’s program and Christ will return at His Second Coming to fulfill Luke 1:33 (establishing His literal, physical, visible earthly kingdom). You can read about that in Romans 11:25-36.

So, returning to Jesus Christ saying, “my kingdom is not of this world,” we now analyze this phrase. What did Jesus mean here? His kingdom is a literal, physical, visible kingdom, so how is it “not of this world?” We will study the Scriptures for the answer.

Again, John 18:36 is often misconstrued to deny a literal, physical, visible reign of Christ on earth. Because Jesus Christ is not literally, physically, and visibly ruling on earth today, it is assumed that the kingdom spoken of in the Old Testament and Four Gospels was an invisible, spiritual kingdom. This belief is without merit. The apostles inquired in Acts 1:6: “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” What type of kingdom did Israel have? A literal, physical, visible kingdom! The apostles are asking if Christ at that time would “restore again” Israel to her glorious kingdom days, especially those of Kings David and Solomon. They were obviously speaking of a literal, physical, visible kingdom.

Jesus never corrected them, or told them they were wrong in asking such a question. He merely told them in Acts 1:7-8: “[7] And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. [8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Jesus just told them that it was not for them to know the time-schedule of that literal, physical, visible kingdom. He did not deny its existence; He did not chide them for not paying attention to His preaching during the last 40 days. The only kingdom Jesus spoke of in Acts 1:1-5 during those 40 days was a literal, physical, visible kingdom (which was why the apostles asked in verse 6 when it would be established).

In the book of the Revelation, which is still unfulfilled, we read of voices in heaven saying: “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever” (11:15). (Here is when Luke 1:33 will be fulfilled.) What kingdoms exist in the world? Invisible, spiritual kingdoms? No, they are literal, physical, visible kingdoms, and, at His Second Coming, Jesus Christ will reign over them all. “And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one” (Zechariah 14:9). The Bible says Jesus Christ will have preeminence in all the governments of heaven and earth. That means that the same earthly government first entrusted to Adam (Genesis 1:26-28) but lost to sin and Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4; Galatians 1:4) is what Jesus Christ will reign over one day.

When Jesus Christ admitted that His kingdom was “not of this world,” He was not implying that it was spiritual and/or invisible. Actually, He meant that His kingdom is separate and distinct from the system upon which the world’s governments of Pilate’s time (and even those of today) are built. It will be a kingdom that God Himself, not some mortal man, will establish and administrate, a glorious monarchy in which God’s will shall always be accomplished on earth.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Within these two realms, God also created governments: “For by him [the Lord Jesus Christ] 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” (Colossians 1:16).

God also made creatures to occupy those offices of government: He formed the angels to rule in heaven for His glory, and mankind to rule on the earth for His glory. One of God’s chief angelic-like creatures, a cherub named Lucifer, rebelled against God by wanting to rule for his glory: Lucifer proclaimed, “I will be like the most High” (Isaiah 14:14b). This title “most High” means “possessor of heaven and earth” (Genesis 14:19,22). Essentially, Lucifer (Satan) purposed to usurp all of God’s authority, in heaven and in earth. Satan was able to recruit a portion of God’s angels to follow him in his rebellion in heaven (Ezekiel 28:18; Matthew 25:41).

When God placed man on the earth, man was to rule earth for God’s glory (Genesis 1:26,28). Unfortunately, man (Adam) willingly chose to relinquish his God-given authority to Satan, by sinfully following Satan in his rebellion against God (Romans 5:12). Today, the governments of heaven (Ephesians 6:12) and earth (2 Corinthians 4:4) are in rebellion. Earth’s governments are corrupt because Satan is “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). In fact, Satan tempted Christ with a proposal: if Christ would worship him, Satan would give Him the world’s governments (Matthew 4:8-9; Luke 4:5-7).

In John 18:36, when Christ claimed His kingdom was “not of this world,” He meant that His kingdom would not originate from the evil world system underlying today’s governments. His reign would restore earth’s governments to God (Colossians 1:20).

“Iniquity”—a selfish, rebellious, anti-God attitude—existed first in Lucifer/Satan (Ezekiel 28:15), who is now “the god [ruler] of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Hence, the world’s governments abound with injustice and iniquity (“not equal;” that is, “not fair”). “[T]he mystery of iniquity doth already work” (2 Thessalonians 2:7), whose context describes the seven-year Tribulation, when the Antichrist will epitomize this world’s blasphemous political system by claiming to be and exalting himself as God (Daniel 8:25; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4), just as Lucifer did in Isaiah 14:14.

Daniel 2:31-45 is King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and God’s interpretation as spoken through the prophet Daniel. Essentially, Nebuchadnezzar saw a giant image, symbolizing major Gentile world empires (most of which were future from his time). Nebuchadnezzar then saw a “stone cut out without hands” demolish this image, which stone “became a mountain [kingdom], and filled the whole earth” (verses 34-35).

This stone is “cut out without hands,” meaning it is not of human origin: it is “not of this world” (this is what Jesus meant in John 18:36). This stone is Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:6-8) at His Second Coming to set up His glorious kingdom on earth, a kingdom established by “the God of heaven” (Daniel 2:44), one not founded by “the god of this world,” Satan, nor influenced by his autonomous spirit.

Try as we might, political reform is impossible in this world. Though politicians can and are replaced, the underlying corrupt political system (described earlier) remains the same. Political reformation is only possible if the existing satanically inspired world system is replaced with God’s, and none of us mortal humans can achieve this. In God’s own time (Christ’s Second Coming), He will abolish Satan’s evil world system that has dominated earth for 6,000 years, and replace it with His righteous world system.

Indeed, Christ’s kingdom is “not of this world,” and how we cannot wait for it to come!!

CONCLUSION

We find the following written in a popular, modern-day Bible study aid book: “What was the kingdom that Jesus came to found? Not a political kingdom, but God’s reign in the hearts of people that will control and transform their lives.” Beloved, I will be completely honest with you—the above quote is heretical and actually quite stupid. No one who honestly read the Bible from cover to cover could ever arrive at such a dumb conclusion. Amillennialism is a false doctrine. Surely, we do not need people outside Christendom attacking the Bible; people within the professing church are doing quite well in sabotaging, corrupting, and “disproving” the Bible.

We read in John 18:36: “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” Did David ever rule “in the hearts of men?” If he did not, and it would be senseless to say that he did, then Jesus Christ reigning from David’s throne could only indicate that Jesus Christ will one day sit on a literal, physical, visible throne in Jerusalem, Israel—that is the only type of throne David ever had!

One day, Jesus Christ would reign as King over all Israel, yea over all the Earth, but He knew it was not going to be at His First Coming. He knew He would have to die for man’s sins first, He knew He would be rejected of Israel first, and so on. He also knew there were be a 2,000-year-long window of time between His sufferings at Calvary and His reigning as King, our Dispensation of Grace. Since Jesus Christ is not reigning on a throne in Jerusalem today, people assume that that kingdom He and the prophets spoke of was not a literal, physical, visible kingdom. What ignorance! Such nonsense is the result of a failure to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), a negligence to understand and believe the Bible dispensationally. Of course, Jesus Christ is not reigning today on Earth; that prophetic program is suspended for a time. God is doing something else today beside reclaiming Earth, beside redeeming Israel, beside restoring David’s throne, and so on. He is forming the Church the Body of Christ, of believing Jews and Gentiles who will simply trust His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and His death, burial, and resurrection as the fully-satisfying payment for their sins. He is forming a heavenly people by His grace, everything He can do for them through the finished crosswork of Christ! May we read and study Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, for they describe what God is doing today; they alone contain our doctrine, duty, walk, and destiny. The Bible is ever so liberating, ever so clear, ever so enjoyable, when we simply use it God’s way!

Also see:
» When will Jesus Christ come back? (LINK TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)
» What will the Millennium be like? (LINK TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)
» Who will reign with Jesus Christ during the 1000 years? (LINK TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE)