WAS ISRAEL’S FALL A SECRET?

by Shawn Brasseaux

No. Let us be clear: even in the prophetic program, God had revealed the truth of Israel’s national and spiritual fall. However, this in no way detracts from the mystery truths committed to the Apostle Paul’s trust.

Many years ago, when he was new to dispensational Bible study, this author was surprised to read Luke 2:34: “And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;….” Either his grace teachers and preachers had not expressed it clearly enough to him, or they had done so but he had not paid close enough attention, but he had been misled. Israel’s fall was not kept secret prior to the Apostle Paul’s ministry.

See Luke chapter 2: “[25] And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. [26] And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

“[27] And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, [28] Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, [29] Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: [30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, [31] Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; [32] A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. [33] And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. [34] And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; [35] (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

The Holy Spirit had revealed to aged Simeon that young Jesus would eventually be rejected (leading up to His rejection and crucifixion, Calvary causing His mother Mary great emotional trauma). Even going all the way back to Moses, though, Israel’s national unbelief and fall was understood. Deuteronomy 32:21 says, “They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.” Paul quotes this in Romans 10:19: “But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.” This group known as “not a people,” this “foolish nation,” is what the Lord Jesus called “the little flock” in Luke chapter 12: “[31] But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. [32] Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

See Matthew chapter 21 now, Christ commenting on the kingdom of God being taken from apostate Israel (especially her unbelieving religious leaders) and given to her believing remnant: “[41] They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. [42] Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? [43] Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. [44] And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. [45] And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. [46] But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.”

The mystery committed to Paul’s trust is not that Israel would fall—for even Israel’s fall was known in the prophetic program. The mystery committed to Paul’s trust was that through that fall God’s salvation would still come to the Gentiles. Again, Israel’s fall was not the secret revealed to Paul. The secret revealed to Paul was God would reach the Gentiles despite Israel’s fall (this was unheard of prior to Paul’s ministry). God would use Paul’s ministry and Gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) to evangelize the Gentiles, thereby leading to the formation of the Church the Body of Christ (yet another secret committed to Paul’s trust—Ephesians 3:1-11).

Romans chapter 11: “[11] I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. [12] Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? [13] For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.”

Also see:
» Is Israel “cast away,” or not? Has Israel “fallen,” or not?
» Who is “the Israel of God” of Galatians 6:16?
» “All Israel shall be saved?”