I don't actually need all of the Scripture references--only if you are concerned about interpreting one or two of them at a time. I know the Scriptures.
I already referred you to the "flesh counts for nothing" problem. It is not talking about our ability to do good works in our flesh/body, but it is using a specific technical application of the word "flesh" to refer to "independent works, separated from Christ." We can do nothing *of ourselves alone.*
But in our physical bodies, and using our own physical brains, we can make choices, in partnership with Christ, that are pleasing to him. In that sense we can, in our flesh, do good. We just can't earn our own salvation. We can do good through Christ, and in partnership with Christ, but salvation was won only at the cross.
You have said the entire Church consists of "spiritual Jews." But you have not quoted a single verse that indicates that. You are arguing by concept, but not by Scriptural reference.
That is okay, but it is a matter of interpretation. There is no black and white statement stating what you have definitively declared to be true. The Bible does not say that you or I are a "spiritual Jew," unless, of course, we are of Jewish descent.
So, if you wish to discuss any passage of Scripture, please focus on one or two of them, and then explain how this conflicts with what I have said.
I don't think you'll find that to be the case. I'm confident of that.
Dear Randy Kluth,
You said:
You have said the entire Church consists of "spiritual Jews." But you have not quoted a single verse that indicates that. You are arguing by concept, but not by Scriptural reference.
The Bible does not say that you or I are a "spiritual Jew," unless, of course, we are of Jewish descent.
I quoted Romans chapter 2 and it does clearly say that all who are of faith are spiritual Jews. Paul restates this truth in Galatians chapter 3.
This letter was written to the Gentile church in Galatia.
Gal 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh (they have turned to works)? 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are SONS OF ABRAHAM. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed. 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
Gal 3:22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the PROMISE BY FAITH in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Gal 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then YOU ARE ABRAHAM'S SEED, AND HEIRS ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE.
Any person, Jew or Gentile, who is "in Christ" becomes a son of Abraham (Abraham's seed). This is exactly the same message Paul taught in Romans chapter 2.
The promise made to Abraham was not contingent of the works of mankind for it to be fulfilled. It was made by a promise from God so He will do all the work of saving mankind. For this purpose, the Father sent Christ into the world:
1John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.
Since salvation for mankind is a promise made by God, why do you believe Christ is going to fail in His mission to save the world?
This is not a rhetorical question. I would like for you to answer it.
One further point:
1Cor 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
All mankind has died "in Adam". No one is exempted from this death. The verse then says that this
same "all" will be made alive "in Christ". Who could this possibly leave out? Absolutely no one. And since all mankind will be saved, all mankind will become spiritual Jews.
Furthermore, the death mentioned in verse 20 is a spiritual death and the resurrection of the dead is a spiritual resurrection. The spiritual resurrection for the Elect is taught in Revelation chapter 19 and ends in Rev 20:5 by saying it is called the
First Resurrection. It is "first" but not the last.
Because all mankind is spiritually dead, when the body dies, the soul will die (our individual consciousness). This death is the true penalty of sin. The Doctrine of Hell is
not the penalty of sin - it is a lie from Satan and there is no truth in it.
And since Christ is
not willing that any of mankind should perish (2Pet 3:9), He will give life to all mankind. When Christ gives mankind life, it is "spiritual" life. That new life is given to the Elect in this age
FIRST. That is why they are called the
FIRST FRUITS. For everyone else, spiritual life will be given to them at the end of the final age, at the consummation.
1Cor 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the first-fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming (the Elect). 24 . 24 Then comes the consummation (everyone else), when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.
After the consummation, it will be testified to be true
(1Tim 2:3-6) that all who died "in Adam" have been made alive "in Christ". Only then will God be "all in all".
Joe
