Help Complete What Might Be Lacking in my Understanding

Am I seriously missing part of the puzzle, if I understand the STORY OF THE BIBLE like this?

This thought is in response to the fact that many Pentecostals and other Evangelicals are taking their Dispensational view of the BIBLE to imply a return to some sort of Jerusalem-centred Levitical worship in future (and some even say, not only in the future, but now too).

A bit long...but help me, if you will.

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AROUND the time when the ancient nations of Israel and Judah were being carried away captive throughout the Assyrian and Babylonian empires, the Prophets encouraged them that God was nevertheless going to be faithful to His promise:

While they were in captivity, God was going to rid them of their penchant for idolatry. Then they would be regathered to their land and reunited as a single nation, their temple would be rebuilt, Levitical sacrifices would resume - proselytes from the nations would even begin making annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the feasts. 

All that came to pass - while the Old Covenant still stood, while the genealogical records which were required to authenticate the Levitical priests were still in tact. 

But there was to be more. By the last century BC and first century AD, Jews were hoping for a greater deliverance from their enemies - a greater salvation. According to the Prophets, God Himself was going to come and deliver their nation from its sins, and therefore from its enemies, and reign over all the earth from among them. A 'river' was going to flow to all nations, bringing healing. Even the dead would be raised to inherit the earth with the Messiah. 

John the Baptist began to prepare Israel for that, with his baptism of repentance. He warned that just being ethnically Jewish wasn't going to cut it. Malachi had earlier issued the same warning. Messiah was indeed going to come: but the outcome wasn't all going to be roses for everyone in Israel. John the Baptist's unique privilege among other prophets was to actually identify the Messiah to Israel. The One who would take away the sins of the world: was JESUS! 

After John's imprisonment the Lord also began to preach, declaring that the long-awaited 'time is fulfilled' and 'the kingdom of heaven is at hand'. Like John He also warned that entering the kingdom wasn't going to be automatic upon Jewish ethnicity. That wasn't an unheard of concept: numbers of sects within first century Judaism each had their own version of who in Israel might qualify to enter the kingdom and why. 

Jesus performed many of the expected Messianic signs, such as healing the sick - and His disciples believed on Him. But strangely, Jesus also began to predict that He would be crucified, and that He would rise again. When He was crucified, many of His disciples were disillusioned and afraid. It was only after His resurrection that His disciples understood that this also had been predicted in the Scriptures. Messiah died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day - in accordance with the Scriptures.

After His resurrection the graves were opened and many of the saints who had died came out of their graves and were seen in Jerusalem. Seeing the prophesied Messianic sign of resurrection begin, meant that Jesus had been vindicated; it meant He was declared to be the righteous Son of God; His death had been vicarious; Israel's sins had been dealt with at last - even death itself had begun to be conquered - that meant the hope of Israel - the kingdom - was indeed being inaugurated among them. The events were beginning to tick all the Messianic-kingdom boxes. All that remained was the wrap-up: seeing the implications of what had already happened for Jesus outworked fully for Israelis, for all nations, and for creation itself. 

For 40 days after His resurrection, Jesus spoke with His disciples about the theme of none other than the 'kingdom of God'. But He told them that the kingdom-scheme wouldn't be completed until a Day known only to the Father. Meanwhile they would be empowered by the Spirit - to be witnesses unto Jesus. 

Jesus ascended to reign from heaven until the time appointed by the Father when all His enemies will finally be put under Him (including the enemy of death and decay).

Ten days later the Spirit fell - fulfilling another Messianic theme in Prophecy (that of Joel's) - and they continued preaching the gospel 'of the kingdom', beginning in Jerusalem. 

But not all Jews believed the report. Not all believed the Apostles' hermeneutic. And then the Spirit led the Apostles to announce the same kingdom-scheme for non-Jews also. Without requiring them to become proselytes to Judaism! The disciples came to understand that this scenario also had been foretold by the Prophets, as being part of the manner in which the promises which Israel were custodians of would all unfold. By the last chapter of Acts, the message was still 'the kingdom of God' - even in Rome, no matter whether the audience was Jewish or Greek. 

It was also well-known (from Daniel), that the Jews' temple was again going to be destroyed, and their city and nation scattered. Jesus declared that it was going to happen within that generation. (Which did come to pass.)

None of this was meant to be taken however as if God was no longer interested in saving Jewish people. The Apostle Paul nipped that misconception in the bud, in his letter to the congregation at Rome. He explained that for as long as God was still saving Gentiles, He was also still reaching out to Jews. Still saving Jews. In fact, God was even using the testimony of Gentiles to try to provoke Jews to respond, and this scenario also had been anticipated in Prophecy. It was with that scenario that God was carrying out His promise to save Israelis, precisely as predicted: He wasn't finished with Jewish people. 

So the mission of announcing the good news of the Messianic kingdom continued to be announced (and explained) to Greeks and Jews alike - and its blessing was powerfully experienced by the Spirit in believers. Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost! Mixed congregations were to embody true unity. Rejoicing together in hope of the glory of the Messiah (of God). 

But for the meantime, the disciples also shared not only in the hope of Messiah's glory, and in the gift of the Spirit, but also in His sufferings. The rampaging reign of evil was understood to be only temporary, and really a farce: because Jesus - the beginning of new creation, the first to rise from the dead - was in reality already now risen and reigning from heaven. It was just that God, in His patience, was giving space for more people to repent. 

But Jesus will come quickly. He will bring the dead in the Messiah with Him. The dead will rise. The defeat of Death will be rolled out. Creation itself will be delivered from decay. The wicked will be judged. The just will be vindicated. The 'new heavens and earth' will be complete. God will dwell with us. 

And all of this God will do - and is already doing - for Israelis, yes - but also for all families of the earth, and even for creation itself. God is gathering together in one all things in the Messiah. This is the bigger picture which Abraham's promise was really ultimately going to be all about. 

This is the true Jerusalem, city, Zion, mountain, land, country, kingdom, 'temple', 'nation' of kings and priests, and river - which are really bigger and eternal and heavenly in origin and character, made by God. The real thing, which the temporary Levitical Law could only foreshadow. What Prophecy was always ultimately going to end up being all about.

This way of unfolding Prophecy, is I think the story the New Testament is telling. It's the claim the Apostes seemed to be asserting, as eye-witnesses. The Holy Spirit confirmed this message with all of the Messianic-kingdom signs which had already been foreseen in Prophecy.

Therefore I think the future isn't intended to be about the world reverting back under some quasi-Levitical Law with nations being required to make pilgrimages to a replica-temple in Jerusalem to offer animal sacrifices during imitation 'feasts', as if we are still back on the other side of the prophetic-fulfilment of such themes. And as if the gospel is really just something 'else' not really related to the main ultimate outcome pictured in Bible promise and prophecy. 

It's truly meant to be all about JESUS now. The GOSPEL. For all nations. Without anyone needing to have become proselytes to Judaism; and without the world needing to revert back in future to the shadows of things which have now already been inaugurated in CHRIST. 

That's how I think the Apostles' unpacked Old Testament Prophecy. To them, the 'gospel' was the very scheme that faithfully fulfilled (and fulfils) Israel's promises.

Israel's promise was in the first place always going to be about JESUS; and about JEWS who believed in Him, yes; but also about ALL NATIONS - and also about creation itself - without anyone needing to revert back under any form of Judaism now or in the future.
And this isn't the least bit antisemitic - because it takes nothing away from the citizens of modern Israel - it only adds or completes (potentially) everything to them and for them (just as it does for all)! 

How the Apostles Unpacked Old Testament Promise and Prophecy

Around the time when ancient Israel and Judah were being carried away captive throughout the Assyrian and Babylonian empires, the Prophets encouraged them that God was nevertheless going to be faithful to His promise. 

While they were in captivity, God was going to rid them of their penchant for idolatry. Then they would be regathered to their land and reunited as a nation, their temple would be rebuilt, Levitical sacrifices would resume - even proselytes from the nations would begin making annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the feasts. 

All that came to pass, while the Old Covenant still stood, while the genealogical records required to authenticate the Levitical priests were still in tact. 

But there was more. By the last century BC and first century AD, Jews were hoping for a greater deliverance from their enemies - a greater salvation. According to the Prophets, God Himself was going to come and deliver their nation from its sins, and therefore from it's enemies, and reign over all the earth from among them. A 'river' was going to flow to all nations bringing healing. Even the dead would be raised to inherit the earth with the Messiah. 

John the Baptist began to prepare Israel for that, with his baptism of repentance. He warned that just being ethnically Jewish wasn't going to cut it. Malachi hard earlier issued the same warning. Messiah was indeed going to come: but the outcome wasn't all going to be roses for everyone in Israel. John the Baptist's unique privilege among other prophets was to actually identify the Messiah to Israel. The One who would take away the sins of the world. JESUS! 

After John's imprisonment, the Lord also began to preach, declaring that 'the time is fulfilled' and 'the kingdom of heaven is at hand'. He also explained that entering the kingdom wasn't going to be automatic upon Jewish ethnicity. That wasn't an unheard of concept: numbers of sects within Judaism each had their own version of who in Israel might qualify to enter the kingdom and why. 

Jesus He performed many of the expected Messianic signs, such as healing the sick - and His disciples believed on Him. 

But strangely, Jesus began to predict that He would be crucified, and that He would rise again. When this came to pass, many of His disciples were afraid and disillusioned. It was only after His resurrection that His disciples understood that this also had been predicted in their Scriptures. Messiah died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures.

After His resurrection the graves were opened and many of the saints who had died came out of their graves and were seen in Jerusalem. 

Seeing the prophesied Messianic sign of resurrection begin, meant that Jesus had been vindicated; He was declared to be the righteous Son of God; His death had been vicarious; our sins had been dealt with - death itself had been conquered - the kingdom was indeed being inaugurated among them.

For 40 days after His resurrection Jesus spoke to His disciples about the theme of none other than the 'kingdom of God'. But they were told that the kingdom-scheme wouldn't be completed until a Day which only the Father knows. Meanwhile they would be empowered by the Spirit - to be witnesses unto Jesus. 

Jesus ascended to reign from heaven, until the time appointed by the Father when all enemies will finally be put under Him (including the enemy of death and decay).

Ten days later the Spirit fell - fulfilling another Messianic theme in Prophecy, that of Joel's - and they continued preaching the gospel 'of the kingdom', beginning in Jerusalem. 

But not all Jews believed the report. And then the Spirit led the Apostles to announce the same kingdom-scheme for non-Jews also. Without requiring them to become proselytes to Judaism. The disciples came to understand that this scenario also had been foretold by the Prophets, as part of the manner in which the promises which Israel were custodians of, would all unfold. 

It was also well-known (from Daniel), that the Jews' temple was again going to be destroyed, and their city and nation scattered. Jesus declared that it was going to happen within that generation. (Which did come to pass.)

None of this meant however that God was no longer interested in saving Jewish people. The Apostle Paul nipped that misconception in the bud, in his letter to the congregation at Rome. For as long as God was still saving Gentiles, He was also still reaching out to Jews. Still saving Jews. In fact, God was even using the testimony of Gentiles to try to provoke Jews to respond, and this also had been anticipated in Prophecy. It was with that scenario that God was carrying out His promise to save Israelis, precisely as predicted: He wasn't finished with Jewish people. 

To Jews first and also to Greeks, the good news of the Messianic kingdom was being announced - and powerfully experienced by the Spirit. Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. 

But for the meantime, the disciples also shared not only in the hope of Messiah's glory, but also in His sufferings. The reign of evil was understood to be temporary and really a farce: Jesus - the beginning of new creation, the first to rise from the dead - was in reality reigning from heaven. Only, God was giving space for more people to repent. 

But soon, Jesus will come. He will bring the dead in the Messiah with Him. The dead will rise. Death will be defeated. Creation itself will be delivered from decay. The just will be vindicated. The wicked will be judged. The new heavens and earth will be complete. God will dwell with us. 

He is gathering together in one all things in the Messiah. This is the bigger picture which Abraham's promise was really all about. The true Jerusalem, city, Zion, mountain, land, country, kingdom, 'temple', 'nation' of kings and priests, and river - which are really bigger and eternal and heavenly in origin and character. The real thing, which the temporary Levitical Law only foreshadowed. What Prophecy was ultimately always going to end up being all about.

That way of unfolding Prophecy, is the story the New Testament is telling. It's the claim the Apostes were asserting, as eye-witnesses. The Holy Spirit confirmed it with Messianic-kingdom signs all based on prophetic foresight. 

The future isn't intended to be about reverting back under quasi-Levitical Law with nations being required to make pilgrimages to Jerusalem to a replica-temple to offer animal sacrifices during imitation 'feasts', as if we are still back on the wrong side of the prophetic-fulfilment of that.

It's all about JESUS now. The GOSPEL. For all nations. Without anyone needing to become proselytes to Judaism.

That's how the Apostles' unpacked Old Testament Prophecy. The 'gospel' is the very scheme that faithfully fulfilled (and fulfils) Israel's promises.

The Future, According to...

END TIMES

1. ACCORDING TO DISPENSATIONALISTS and HEBREW-ROOTS FOLK

Bible Prophecy is about Messiah setting-up a visible kingdom, centred in Jerusalem, with all nations making annual pilgrimages to a rebuilt temple to offer blood sacrifices during the feasts, with a reinstated Levitical priesthood officiating.

Jesus came to offer that kingdom to Israel. But halfway through His ministry He realised Israel was going to reject Him, so He changed His message and objective. Lucky for Gentiles, because instead an unforeseen thing called the gospel 'of grace' is now going to Gentiles - otherwise Gentiles couldn't have got saved at all.

God actually blinded and hardened Jews so that could happen. But in future God will have decided He's got enough Gentiles saved, and will stop the gospel-program, and resume the real theme of Bible Prophecy: which is Israel. At that time He will stop blinding and hardening Israelis, and after they see His return, this time they'll all get 'saved', even those who weren't saved before. 

The prophesied Messianic kingdom will finally begin, and the whole world will have to revert back under some quasi-Levitical Law and make annual pilgrimages to a replica-temple in Jerusalem to offer blood sacrifices, or be cursed. 

And after a thousand years of that, Christians will then get ganged-up on by the whole world again. 

2. ACCORDING TO THE APOSTLES, AS CLAIMED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT 

(so it seems to me, anyway):

Bible Prophecy indeed required Israel to return to their land from captivity, to rebuild their temple, and resume Levitical law; and proselytes from the nations were indeed to begin making annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the feasts - but this was enacted by Jews when they returned from captivity, while the Old Covenant still stood. Messiah was to come in that historical context - and He did come: Jesus of Nazareth. 

It was also already foreseen in Prophecy, though it wasn't yet widely understood, that Messiah would die for our sins and rise again. By the cross, Jesus made a new covenant, which phased-out the old covenant Levitical law, and inaugurated the kingdom-scheme, the promised new creation. 

The announcement of this good accomplishment was called the 'gospel of the kingdom'. But it was also foreseen that not all Jews would believe this message. And it was foreseen that many Gentiles would believe it. 

The destruction of the temple was foretold, and Jews would again be scattered, and it was to happen in that century (and it did). But that didn't mean God had withdrawn anything from Jews. Jewish people could still be saved, just as Gentiles were getting saved. 

Until the last Day, when the kingdom-scheme which Jesus has already inaugurated by His cross and resurrection, and which believers are experiencing already by the Spirit, will be completed visibly, and death itself will be abolished and the dead in Christ will rise to eternal life, just like He rose - both Gentiles and Jews, gathered together in one, in Christ - and we will all be together with the Lord forever, in a completed renewed creation, God dwelling with us, all as foreseen by Abraham, and foreshadowed in Moses' temporary Law, and foretold by the prophets, and announced by John the Baptist, and our Lord and the Apostles.

3. REMARKS:

Dispensationalism's view of Prophecy implies reverting back under Levitical Law in future. It implies the gospel isn't really the main theme of the Bible.

But the Apostles' doctrine - the New Testament - interpreted Bible Prophecy in a way which puts and keeps the focus entirely on JESUS now - on the gospel - as being precisely the very scheme by which God was always going to faithfully fulfil His promise to Abraham and to Israel, for all humanity, even benefiting the physical creation itself (at the resurrection), which was the hope of Israel after all.

"Rightly dividing the Scripture of truth, " Paul called it.

What Paul Thought About Abraham's Promise

It's interesting - and important - a blessing - and a safe-guard - to notice the way Paul unpacked Abraham's promise. 

He understood the promised 'seed' to really be Messiah; 

The 'blessing' for all nations, he understood to be about the 'justification of the heathen';

He understood Abraham to have been told that he would be 'heir of the world'; 

He said Abraham was really 'looking for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God'; 

He included Abraham among those who he said were really looking for a 'heavenly country' - not an earthly country, and certainly not just land in the Middle East. 

Paul summarised Abraham's promise as God 'preaching the gospel' to Abraham in advance. 

Then Paul explained that it was 'that' promise, which Israel had been custodians of. The 'hope of Israel' he called it. 

Their Levitical Law and everything associated with it, he described as having been only a temporary 'shadow' of good and better 'things to come' - things which he said Jesus had now brought. Real things. Heavenly things.

JESUS Himself also identified Himself as the subject of Abraham's promise, when He said "Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad". 

Jesus said the same about Moses too: "He wrote of Me". 

And all the Prophets: Jesus expounded from the Scriptures all things "concerning Himself". 

So, that's what Bible promise and prophecy was really always going to be all about: it's about JESUS. It's about His salvation - for all peoples. And even for creation itself. 

Jews got to hear about this first, and then all nations - exactly as Abraham was promised. And ultimately even the physical creation itself will be seen to have been a beneficiary - when death will be abolished and the dead will rise like Jesus rose. 

All that is the real redemption, real deliverance, ingathering, restoration, rebuilding, in-dwelling, river, mountain, city, life, kingdom, new heaven and earth - new creation - God dwelling with us. That's all part of what Abraham and the prophets foresaw.

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead was the beginning of new creation. The demarkation-point between the old and the new. Between old covenant and new. Promise, and fulfilment. 

This all means that the future isn't intended to involve reverting back under some quasi-Levitical law with Jerusalem-centred worship again in a replica-temple. That would put us on the wrong side of Bible-fulfilment! The resurrection of Jesus' from the dead already inaugurated NEW CREATION. New covenant. All things are made new.

This is the blessing which Abraham foresaw; it's what all things Levitical temporarily foreshadowed; and it's what the Prophets foretold. The hope of Israel. New creation. Heaven joining earth again. It is experienced now by the Spirit, through faith in Jesus, without anyone needing to become proselytes to Judaism; and it will be seen openly and completed, at His coming. And all in JESUS, Abraham's 'seed'.

That's WHO we proclaim, by the gospel. 

The blessing!

Delivered from Enemies

LUKE 1:74,75

74That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

75In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

Through the cross and resurrection of Jesus, believers were delivered from the enemy of the law of sin and death. The enmity was taken out of the way. Nailed to the cross. Principalities and powers were disarmed by the cross. Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords. The powers that be - the puppets of the dark powers behind the scenes - may be allowed to continue their parody, until the end. Jesus is reigning, waiting for all things to be put under Him. And the last enemy to be destroyed is death. 

So believers serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness, all the days of their life, with a sense that the victory has been won and inaugurated, with the assurance that they've obtained it, and that it will be completed and consummated at Christ's second coming, even if in the meantime they suffer persecution.