OldRegular said:
I can't see it. In the description of the metaphorical description of the bride of Jesus Christ, the Church, as the New Jerusalem both Israel [the names of the 12 tribes] and the Church [the names of the 12 Apostles] are part of the New Jerusalem.
OK, but most folks probably see that we are down to quibbling.
OR, I have a passage (actually 2) of which I would like your assessment as to a metaphor or not.
Luke 22
28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
So here Jesus says "in my kingdom" then says that in this kingdom that is His are the 12 tribes of Israel sitting on 12 thrones.
Note also that Jesus makes this statement after the revelation concerning His "Church" in Matthew 16.
So my question is where and what is this "my kingdom" of Israel Jesus speaks of in Luke 22 and Matthew 19 where the resurrected Apostles (an assumption I realize, but it hasn't happened yet that I know of) will judge the 12 tribes of Israel.
Clearly in Matthew Jesus also makes a distinction between Israel and the Church.
If in this kingdom, which includes the 12 tribes of Israel, these 12 tribes need to be judged then it seems apparent that they are mortal or at best carnal and in either case not resurrected and not the Church.
Or in your view are these passages a metaphor and/or allegorical?
(a sincere question, not a taunt).
HankD