Too bad I'm not Baptist; nothing wrong implied. Just that I am not one, but seeing a thread about Israel and it's role in the scheme of things, and the confusion regarding it, I had to say this much about Isarel in the non-Baptist area of this board:
I think the whole confusion regarding Israel's role in the scheme of things is based on misunderstanding of
1) The whole point of the bible
2) The purpose of Israel in God's plan of redemption and His Kingdom
I have no time now to elaborate unless everyone here wants a few books worth of posting, and even then I consider myself one with basic understanding. It takes a long time to filter thru churchiosity and traditions of men to get down to the core truth only to find that a great deal of what is taught is not true, but rather an aberration of the truth or mixture from other religions that infiltrated Israel (and hence later the church).
However, that said, the starting point to understanding Israel are all those promises to the patriarchs found in the bible.
As for the church, you can't separate it from the foundation of Israel. Israel is the model of God's government on earth and indeed, is the start of it just as our fleshy bodies, although does not inherit the Kingdom, is what is sown and raised in glory for the Kingdom.
Here's another example: Most think the gospel is being saved from sin, perhaps to live a victorious life pleasing God and for fellowship making the world a better place, and then we all die and go to heaven so we don't end up in hell. Are you saved? Great! The master mechanic fixed us. But to claim that is the only gospel is akin to having your banged-up car fixed and then we marvel at the mechanic without ever driving the car again. A car is meant to be driven as if it is new. Likewise, you were delivered to return you to your former estate. No, it's not about dying and going to heaven. It's about resurrection and the life eternal we were supposed to have from the start.
The purpose of the church is to rule and reign as Kings and priests (thus teachers) in the Kingdom (aka millennium). Then more then can be saved and a greater harvest (foreshadowed by the feast of Tabernacles) and the greatest harvest yet after on the Last Great Day (the last day of the feast). Revelation calls it the Great White Throne Judgement.
Now, most people don't even know this that is clearly stated in scripture about the church. So let me assure you it's just as confusing regarding Israel. This is why there's OSAS vs "loose your salvation" people, and Called to salvation (predestination) vs free choice people, and replacement theology people vs Israel is still in the game people. You know why? They are like that parable of the blind men each describing the same elephant differently. They are ALL right. They are ALL wrong , because they "prophesy in part".
Now while I did not really contribute to the solution as to the purpose of Israel today, I do want to make people understand just a glimpse of what they are up against. So..... carry on (but not too loudly) LOL
I think the whole confusion regarding Israel's role in the scheme of things is based on misunderstanding of
1) The whole point of the bible
2) The purpose of Israel in God's plan of redemption and His Kingdom
I have no time now to elaborate unless everyone here wants a few books worth of posting, and even then I consider myself one with basic understanding. It takes a long time to filter thru churchiosity and traditions of men to get down to the core truth only to find that a great deal of what is taught is not true, but rather an aberration of the truth or mixture from other religions that infiltrated Israel (and hence later the church).
However, that said, the starting point to understanding Israel are all those promises to the patriarchs found in the bible.
As for the church, you can't separate it from the foundation of Israel. Israel is the model of God's government on earth and indeed, is the start of it just as our fleshy bodies, although does not inherit the Kingdom, is what is sown and raised in glory for the Kingdom.
Here's another example: Most think the gospel is being saved from sin, perhaps to live a victorious life pleasing God and for fellowship making the world a better place, and then we all die and go to heaven so we don't end up in hell. Are you saved? Great! The master mechanic fixed us. But to claim that is the only gospel is akin to having your banged-up car fixed and then we marvel at the mechanic without ever driving the car again. A car is meant to be driven as if it is new. Likewise, you were delivered to return you to your former estate. No, it's not about dying and going to heaven. It's about resurrection and the life eternal we were supposed to have from the start.
The purpose of the church is to rule and reign as Kings and priests (thus teachers) in the Kingdom (aka millennium). Then more then can be saved and a greater harvest (foreshadowed by the feast of Tabernacles) and the greatest harvest yet after on the Last Great Day (the last day of the feast). Revelation calls it the Great White Throne Judgement.
Now, most people don't even know this that is clearly stated in scripture about the church. So let me assure you it's just as confusing regarding Israel. This is why there's OSAS vs "loose your salvation" people, and Called to salvation (predestination) vs free choice people, and replacement theology people vs Israel is still in the game people. You know why? They are like that parable of the blind men each describing the same elephant differently. They are ALL right. They are ALL wrong , because they "prophesy in part".
Now while I did not really contribute to the solution as to the purpose of Israel today, I do want to make people understand just a glimpse of what they are up against. So..... carry on (but not too loudly) LOL