It is widely rejected by our Reform brethren but Christ is going to bring in 2 folds, John 10:16. What this means is that before Christ, there was another gospel ("gospel of the kingdom" looking forward to Christ) and now is another "gospel of grace" (looking back to what Christ had done). There was an "old covenant" and now there is a "new covenant." There were an earthly people but we are an heavenly people (meaning that we will inherit New Jerusalem to live in) and the OT saints, in the ages to come, will inherit the "New Earth" for their home.Outsider said:I have never heard this, can you explain it for me?
Under this view, God's dealing with the Jews was interrupted "until the fulness of the Gentiles come in, then shall all Israel be saved." Rom 11:25. Accordingly, the church being raptured bodily to heaven/NJ will end the "interruption" and God will begin to deal again with Israel --- which is evidentally soon because Israel has already reemerged as a nation. Part of that is that postrib, Christ will resurrect the "just" OT saints, infants, mentally infirm to earth.
Right now their souls are in heaven, yes. But here's an interesting insight into this "2 folds" thing. Remember when Paul said he went to the 3rd heaven, 2Cor 12? Well, in Heb 12:22-24 we have his account as if he had been raptured in 2Cor 12. In Heb 12, he tells us of the 2 groups: 1) the church of the firstborn ("firstborn" is critical because we were first "born again!") BODILY and 2) "the spirits of JUST men made perfect." And what do we know about "just men?" They are resurrected postrib to earth -- and these seen in heaven are only their SPIRITS. Yes, Jesus took their spirits to heaven -- and here they are seen of Paul!Are you saying that the OT saints are not in heaven? I have always taken the position that when Christ raised from the dead, He took them then (To Heaven).
I conclude from reading John in the Revelation that he sees those spirits as "angels." Notice Rev 19:10 where the angel tells John not to worship him because he is of John's brethren that have the testimony of Jesus. 1) Angels aren't our brethren. 2) They aren't our "fellowservants." See the similar thing in Rev 22:9 though this one seems to be and OT Jewish saint vs. a trib Christian saint in 19:10 judging by their testimonies.
So God has a "program" for Israel from Adam to Christ and from the rapture till the end of the MK. He also has a program for the church in the "interruption" from whence we will be raptured to NJ till the end of the MK (no doubt communing via angels with Christ, John 1:51). Then comes the thing we pray for when we pray "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." It is the coming of GOD'S kingdom (not Christ's MK) to the NEW HEAVENS and NEW EARTH, Rev 21:1!!
There's much more to expound upon here but since you are on line, maybe I can await your next question.
skypair
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