I follow a lot of ministries, I read a lot of theologians and I take NONE of the them at face value. NONE. I expect no one to take my writings at face value. As I have often said, there are 7.8 billion people in the world and that means there are 7.8 billion theologies in the world. We are all responsible for ONE. I hand that responsibility to no one else.
All that said, Christianity is, at its core, Christ. As much as I might disagree with some schools of theology, I can find fellowship if they embrace the core. I've read some of Calvin's commentary recently. I don't agree with a number of his interpretations BUT I rejoice when he exalts the finished work!
If there is anything I do write in indelible ink it is these two pillars of the faith:
- It is Finished
- He is Risen
As noted, I subscribe to a lot of ministry e-Newsletters and I follow a few prophecy YouTube channels. What shocks me is the odd obsession with reestablishing the sacrificial system in Israel and the building of the Third Temple. And these are Dispensationalists who know better.
Now, I know why I am looking for those things as they are signs that Israel is going to be back at the center of the Plan of God and that this current age is ending. However, I also realize that means terrible times for Israel. These are not good things on their face. The Messiah they look for will first come in the form of the Antichrist and he will deceive many (not all, thankfully).
Israel has its promises and its covenants. God will fulfill these for his chosen people. But that has precious little to do with us in this age.
But let me back up a second. Ignoring all that for a moment, simply in regard to the sacrifices and the Temple, let us return to Christianity 101.
There is a reason the Temple was destroyed after the Acts age, but we will leave that for another time. Today, I just want to point out that (especially as Gentiles) we have no business supporting animal sacrifice nor an earthly Temple.
Even Paul, writing to Hebrew believers in the Acts age, reminds us:
Christianity 101. It is Finished.
Gentiles were strangers to the promises. Gentiles were separated by a middle wall of partition and the law and its ordinances. From Adam until now, the only hope of conquering the grave ("the gates of Hades") is:
The resurrection of the Lord is the great undoing of the curse. He did not decay in the grave and he overcame death itself. He did not turn to dust, he did not die for eternity (as is the penalty for sin).
The sacrificial system was but a shadow. It is specific to Israel. The Passover is forbidden for Gentiles. It is a commemoration of Israel's rescue from Egypt (a picture of their future covenant). We have no business celebrating the Passover.
I'd better stop. Suffice it to say, don't mess around in the shadows. Don't cheer the rejection of the sacrifice of Christ. Don't rejoice in those who teach it is incomplete and insufficient. Don't rob from another's hope. Don't practice another's earthly system which has nothing to do with us.
Christianity 101. Feel free to disagree me on any matter of theology, but let us cling to these two life-giving pillars.
Do not mind the things of the earth, the shadow over the reality. Follow your own calling, not the calling of another.
But let me back up a second. Ignoring all that for a moment, simply in regard to the sacrifices and the Temple, let us return to Christianity 101.
- It is Finished
- He is Risen
There is a reason the Temple was destroyed after the Acts age, but we will leave that for another time. Today, I just want to point out that (especially as Gentiles) we have no business supporting animal sacrifice nor an earthly Temple.
Even Paul, writing to Hebrew believers in the Acts age, reminds us:
“Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
Christianity 101. It is Finished.
Gentiles were strangers to the promises. Gentiles were separated by a middle wall of partition and the law and its ordinances. From Adam until now, the only hope of conquering the grave ("the gates of Hades") is:
- It is Finished
- He is Risen
The resurrection of the Lord is the great undoing of the curse. He did not decay in the grave and he overcame death itself. He did not turn to dust, he did not die for eternity (as is the penalty for sin).
The sacrificial system was but a shadow. It is specific to Israel. The Passover is forbidden for Gentiles. It is a commemoration of Israel's rescue from Egypt (a picture of their future covenant). We have no business celebrating the Passover.
I'd better stop. Suffice it to say, don't mess around in the shadows. Don't cheer the rejection of the sacrifice of Christ. Don't rejoice in those who teach it is incomplete and insufficient. Don't rob from another's hope. Don't practice another's earthly system which has nothing to do with us.
- It is Finished
- He is Risen
Christianity 101. Feel free to disagree me on any matter of theology, but let us cling to these two life-giving pillars.
Do not mind the things of the earth, the shadow over the reality. Follow your own calling, not the calling of another.
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
-Col 3:1-3
