Hi Dani, No disrespect intended, but I believe in the literal interpretation of the bible. Yes, for believers some of what you say is true in a "spiritual sense" but I believe there will be an actual physical fulfillment as well.
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Hi Trekson,Trekson said:Hi Dani, No disrespect intended, but I believe in the literal interpretation of the bible. Yes, for believers some of what you say is true in a "spiritual sense" but I believe there will be an actual physical fulfillment as well.
“For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.” (Galatians 4:22–26, ESV)
“and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”” (Matthew 2:15, ESV)
Here are three examples (I can provide many more if you would like me to). NT writers almost always take OT texts that pointed to Israel or events in Israel's history as being types and shadows to help people see God's work in Christ. I encourage you to look up the OT texts or titles that are quoted in these NT passages and see how the OT author uses them. The NT author has used these passages to point to a spiritual/greater fulfillment than what they originally pointed toward. The cross is also full of such spiritual interpretation as quotations about the Passover and sacrifice are reinterpreted to point to the death of Jesus (not one of his bones will be broken, etc.). These verses were originally pointing to something in the old covenant associated with Israel and are given new meaning and significance in light of Christ's parousia.“As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’ ” “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’ ” And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved,” (Romans 9:25–27, ESV)
Is this passage talking about Jesus or a future Messiah? Absolutely not. It is talking about Israel and how God delivered them from slavery in Egypt because of His love. There is nothing here in this verse or in the context that would suggest the passage is talking about Jesus or a future Messiah. However, the Holy Spirit guided Matthew to see this passage as finding its fulfillment in Jesus. Jesus is true Israel (Gal 3:16). Jesus is the true temple (John 2:19). Jesus is the manna (John 6:33). Jesus is rock in the wilderness (1 Cor. 10:4). Jesus the vine (John 15:1). We could go on and on. The point is here that Matthew uses a text clearly talking about Israel and applies it to Christ. Because Israel is merely a foreshadowing of Christ. The sacrifices were merely a foreshadowing of the one true sacrifice. All of the Law and Prophets point to Jesus (not just some). I think this verse in Matthew makes it clear that this is how the inspired author saw Christ and what he represented."When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son."
I will plant her for myself in the land;
I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’
I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’;
and they will say, ‘You are my God.’ "
Righteousness and the designation of being "God's people" now ONLY relates to a persons faith in Christ...and nothing else!“What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone,” (Romans 9:30–32, ESV)
“So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you [believers both Jew and Gentile] are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, [these are all OT designations of Israel in contrast to other nations] that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:7–10, ESV) [my comments]
““The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.” (Luke 16:16, ESV)
“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—” (Romans 3:21, ESV)
The NT writers and Jesus made it clear that the OT was for the purpose of pointing people to the Savior. It wasn't just a part of its purpose...it is THE purpose. So much so that Paul saw circumcision and all the elements of the OT law as teaching tools to understand faith and how that faith finds its culmination in Christ.“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” (John 5:39–40, ESV)
Notice how Paul speaks of the "promises" made to Abraham. He doesn't just have one particular promise in mind, but all of the promises God made to Abraham were ultimately about Christ. I think Paul is very clear here. Paul even points to circumcision being a sign of faith, not a work of righteousness. Circumcision was mandated in the first covenant, but Paul shows how even these mandates merely pointed to Christ and to continue to be circumcised in obedience to law was to act in opposition to grace and Gods new work in Christ. To reject this work was to reject God....which is ridiculous if God has two covenants working simultaneously. Paul wrote to both Jews and Gentiles on this issue. There is NO sense in Paul that God had different plans for Jews and Gentiles. Rather, Paul is adamant that God didn't, which is largely why he was hated so much by the Jewish people.“Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.” (Galatians 3:16, ESV)
So to say that only one of the promises refer to Christ is missing the point entirely. Paul is arguing that all the blessings God aimed at Abraham were funneled through Christ, and Christ alone. God gave a blessing to Abraham AND his seed (Christ) and that blessing belongs to all Abraham's children that are children by faith. Paul explains his meaning in detail and I will outline it for you briefly.Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Rather than trying to walk through all of the two covenant issues as it relates to Israel and the Church, let me simply ask you some questions.“This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.” (Romans 9:8, ESV)
“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”” (Romans 10:12–13, ESV)
The fact is, you are suggesting that those who are Jews SHOULD put confidence in their flesh because this gives them special means beyond Christ for salvation. You are suggesting that God has special plans for Israel that are not centered on faith in Christ, but simply on their fleshly heritage. In my opinion, this flies in the face of everything Paul teaches. Yes, God has not cast Israel off because of their unbelief and perhaps prior to the return of Christ, many people in Israel will repent and come to faith in Christ due to the witness of the church in the world. However, there is NO OTHER PLAN to save any person other than faith in Christ. The old covenant pointed all people, Jews and Gentiles, to Christ.“Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:” (Philippians 3:2–4, ESV)?