David Lamb said:
Is that really right? Do all non-Calvinists believe that the wheat and the tares represent Israel?
No. I believe only a few have even considered my admittedly dispensational interpretation of the Mt 13 parables. But I find that it is the only interpretation that fits all 11 of them. In the first 4 parables* (Mt 13:3-8), what kind of seed was the "sower" sowing? It becomes clear in 13:25 that a) it is wheat and b) that since Moses, Israel has "slept" whilest the devil sowed tares into Israel.
Then Jesus interjects something totally "out of the blue" -- the "mustard tree," the church. It is similar in that there is apostacy in it -- the "birds of the air"/"wicked ones" find lodging in it. It is also notable that it totally disappears from the discourse (as by being taken out of the timeline).
But in the 6th parable, the "woman" and the "leaven," we see something very interesting. What is the purpose of growing "wheat?" To make flour, right? But this is called "meal." Why? IMO, it is because the mix is "wheat" and something else -- say "barley" which represents the Gentiles (likely the "left behind" apostate church -- Laodicea at least!).
There's been a "false harvest" here, hasn't there! Something make to look like Rev 14:15-19 but conducted by the "woman"/false Christ.
Well, the last 4 parables showing judgments apply to the 7th dispensation -- the kingdom of Christ. When He returns, He will judge the living "wheat and tares" (Israel), the dead "treasure" (OT Israel whom He found when He first came), the dead "pearl" (from the sea of believing but dead trib Gentiles) and the fish (living Gentiles) -- likely in that order.
* In order, the wayside is Adam -- the shallow ground, Adam to Noah -- the thorny ground, Noah to Abraham -- the good ground, Abraham to Moses. If you are familiar with the dispensations, you'll see that innocence failed at the tree -- conscience failed at Cain -- human government failed at Babel -- family failed at Egypt and but the purpose of God has always been to call and bless a people unto Himself like Israel or the church.
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Now certainly Clarke didn't "buy Calvinism, lock, stock and barrel, unless a biography of him is mistaken when it says:
No. that was just a general observation regarding rip meaning that he is unable to consider anything that he senses might "upset the applecart." :laugh:
skypair