Understanding and Interpreting the Bible (Part 4B)

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible

(Part 4B --- Dividing the AGENCIES)

In Part 4A, we had a look at the 'secret' declaration of the two agencies in God's redemption plan as God spoke out referring to the stars and the sand in the promise He made with Abraham in Gen.22:15-17. In this 'part B' we'll investigate the differences between Israel and The Body of Christ (BoC) in regards to their role within God's plan.

The contrast between Israel and the Body of Christ cannot be more apparent. Israel's 'active' time during God's redemption plan was from Abraham to Paul's conversion. The BoC has been 'active' for the last 2000 years (approx) and during the period of God's grace. The two charts below provide a visual aid of the periods.

Israel's active time period

The Body of Christ active time period

The following table provides a detailed comparison of the different roles and attributes of the two agencies. Work through the chart and read the accompanying scriptures to get a clear understanding that these two people groups CANNOT be merged. As with the context of this entire study, we should clearly see the evidence that rightly dividing the Word, throughout the realms, agencies and the programs within God's plan MUST remain separate. 

Israel	The Body of Christ (BoC)
Israel is a nation chosen by God and sustained by covenant promises (Deut. 7:6-9).  Not all individuals in this chosen nation are saved (Rom. 9:6; 11:28).	The BoC is a called out assembly of believers who have been baptized into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13).  Every member of the body of Christ is saved, though there are multitudes of professing Christians who may not be saved due to believing a wrong gospel. (Eph. 1:13; 4:30; 1 Cor. 15:1-4).
Israel traces its origin to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Jacob being the father of the twelve tribes).	The BoC traces its origin at Paul's conversion (Acts 9) when Paul was the first to be placed into the body of Christ and became the pattern for all to follow. (1 Tim. 1:15-16)
God’s program for Israel centered in Jerusalem (Matt. 23:37) and will again center in Jerusalem during the Tribulation (Matt. 24:15-20) and during the Millennium (Isa. 2:1-5).	God’s program for the BoC began outside Jerusalem and extended to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 9:3-6).  The BoC is identified with the risen Christ, not with Jesus earthly ministry and any earthly city.
The hope and expectancy of Israel was earthly, centering in the establishment of the Kingdom of the Messiah foretold by the prophets (Jer. 23:5-8; Isa. 2:1-5; 11:1-16).	The hope and expectancy of the BoC is heavenly, centering in the rapture of its members into heaven at the shout. (Phil. 3:20-21; Col. 3:1-4).
God’s purpose and program for Israel was revealed in the Old Testament Scriptures and the Gospels.	God’s purpose and program for the BoC was never revealed in the Old Testament or Gospels, but was revealed by the mysteries contained in Paul's epistles. (Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:1:7)
Israel’s history which is in view in Daniel 9:24 (the 70 weeks or 490 years) involved animal sacrifices. These years will include the tribulation. Israel’s millennial history will involve the same (Ezek.  43:27).	The BoC’s history does not involve animal sacrifices, but rather the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God's Son, who's blood pays for our sins and who's resurrection justifies us completely before God. (Rom. 4:25)
Israel’s history which is in view in Daniel 9:24 (the 490 years including also the Tribulation) involves a temple in Jerusalem. The same will be true in the Millennium (Ezek. chapters 40-48).	During most of the grace age there is no Jewish temple in Jerusalem. In this grace age God manifests His glory in His believers, both individually and collectively, designating them as His temple (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19-20; Eph. 2:21-22).  This is accomplished by the indwelling ministry of God the Holy Spirit.
Israel’s history which is in view in Daniel 9:24 (the 490 years) involves a priesthood limited to the sons of Aaron, and excluding most Israelites. The same applies to the Millennium when Zadokian priests (also sons of Aaron) will serve in the temple (Ezek. 40:46; 43:19; 44:15).	During the grace age there is no priestly position in the BoC. Priests are a function within Israel and they stood as mediators between the Jesw and God. Within the BoC, we all have access to God directly through the cross work of Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. (Rom. 5:2; Eph. 2:18; Eph. 3:12)
Israel’s history which is in view in Daniel 9:24 (the 490 years) will terminate with the coming of the Messiah to the earth to establish His Kingdom reign.	The BoC’s history will end at the Rapture of the BoC when the fullness of the Gentiles comes in (Rom. 11:25; Col. 3:1-4).
During Israel’s history, from Sinai to the Millennial Kingdom (excluding the BoC age), Israel’s role in the world will be characterized by PRIORITY [that is, they will have a leading role as God’s chosen people]—see Deut. 4:6-8; Isa. 43:10; Matt. 10:5-6; Zech. 8:23.	During the BoC age, Israel’s role in the world will be characterized by EQUALITY—Jew and Gentiles united together in one body to bear testimony to a risen Christ (Col. 3:11; Gal. 3:28).
Male Jews were circumcised as a sign of the Abrahamic Covenant.  Believing Jews were circumcised in the heart (Gen. 17:10-14).	Believers of this age enjoy an internal circumcision of the heart, not made with hands (Col. 2:11).  Physical circumcision is not required.
Israel was under the law of Moses. (Gal. 4:4)	The BoC is not under law, but under grace. (Rom. 6:14)
Israel was to observe the Sabbath Day (Exodus 20:8).  Sabbath observance will also take place in the Tribulation (Matt. 24:20) and in the Millennium (Ezek. 46:1,3).	The BoC is not under law to follow any obesrvances and does not have 'holy days'. Whatever is proacticed is based on individuals choices, but certainly not under compulsion. (Col. 2:16)
Membership into the Jewish nation was by birth or by becoming a circumcised proselyte (a convert to Judaism).	Membership into the BoC is by regeneration through responsing to the grace gospel of Christ's death, burial and resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-4) by which the individual is baptised into the BoC by the Holy Spirit, (which has NOTHING to do with water!) (1 Cor. 12:13).
Believing Jews who have not responded in faith to Paul's grace gospel, believing Jews during the tribulation, and believing Jews during the Kingdom reign of Christ are not members of the BoC.	Believing Jews and Gentiles who respond by faith to the grace gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-4) in this age of Grace (from Paul's conversion to the Rapture of the BoC) are members of the body of Christ.

We will continue this study in the next post by discussing the difference between the programs (the Operations, Processes, Procedures, Modus Operandi) of these two agencies.