Mixing Old and New

by Jannie

Mixing of the Old and New Testament (as a way of life)

As a preview, ponder Heb 8:13 with even just Jn 1:17; 9:28 and 2 Cor 3:13-15. Then, observe that the NT only commenced with the body of Jesus laid in the tomb (Heb 9:15-22)! All prior to Mt 27; Mk 15; Lk 23 and Jn 19 are still OT! This is inferred by Jesus’ instruction to the leper He healed (Mt 8:4). Hear the Pharisees in Jn 9:28 (Jn 1:17). Many a Christian, when asked to give an OT reference to Gal 3:16-29, and specifically Gal 3:29, will refer to Deuteronomy 28. This error should get our attention for the reference should be to Abraham, not Moses (Moses penned Dt 28)! The promise was made to Abraham and Jesus Christ not Moses and Jews (Gal 3:16). How can we misread and expose a poor understanding so terrible? Is it mentioned in 2 Cor 3:13-15? Astonishing! So then, let’s read on to the end of this meditation as well as other meditations in www.gospel-truth.co.za for a startling revelation, shall we?

 It is astonishing – and self-depowering – that God has instated a new [better and only] way to approach Him; but men stubbornly refuse this offer (Jn 3:16-21) and still choose to try self-righteousness!  This salvation plan has actually been God’s plan from the beginning! The meditation “The Covenant and The Law” also expand on this.  Sadly and amazingly, the priests are the chief culprits – refer to Hos 4:6-9 (“your mother” in verse 5 is probably referring to their priests); even Jer 23:30-32; 29:13; Mt 15:6-9; Heb 8:13; 9:14-15 (Heb 9:8-; 10:14-17); Jm 3:1-2 probably referring to the principle in Mt 15:14; but we’ll get back to this later as we examine religion as externalism.  In the meditation “The Testimony” you’ll see the immensity of this in scriptures such as Heb 10:12-13.

Take note of the principle in Jer 11:10 and Ezek 18:2-3 with Mt 21:42-43 (Jer 31:30). It is futile to blame others for our poor choices and by implication attempting a false reliance and false security from ancestors instead of from Jesus Christ (Phil 3:9). The meditation entitled “Israel racism” expands on this.

Get one of God’s clues [revelations] to us

Apart from Jesus Christ Himself (See meditation “Who is Jesus Christ”), the veil (Ex 26:31-33) is yet another perhaps more subtle clue.  The priests that should have taken note hereof, tragically chose to remain stubbornly in self-righteousness (Jn 10:1-11; Mt 21:43-46)!!!  This veil was rent (Lk 23:45) from top to bottom (Mt 27:51; Mk 15:38), something men could not do (it reached perhaps 90 ft from the floor to the ceiling and was at least two inches thick).  This happened the moment Jesus Christ died on the cross and was thus very possibly done by God to reveal that He had torn up the Old and instated a New.  The veil used to separate God’s presence from that of sinful man (Is 59:2).  After Jesus paid with His Blood and Life on that Cross, God allowed a new way directly to Him via Jesus Christ (Heb 9:8-15,28; 10:12-23; 2 Cor 3:6-16)!!!  Amazingly the priests ignored this, and many up to this day – Jn 10:10…  This is why we will look at this immensely important issue of our New Testament.

The root for misunderstandings in many major doctrines in church today[1] probably stems from overlooking the basic fact that the New Testament only starts at the soonest at the cross of Jesus Christ.  He had to be buried so we can legitimately inherit a [New] Testament (Heb 9:16,17).  So then, when Jesus was speaking and teaching [Jn 14:1,2]; He was talking to an OT people about what He was shortly about to provide for on His cross for NT believers – His Spirit in us permanently as a dwelling place.  That is, us as His temple, His city whose light shine to all the world as Zion, His Bride, His Body.  To us today, this has happened – if we believe in the accomplished exchange and provision on His cross.  We now have to renew our minds to come in line with [accept, trust, believe] what Jesus has done.  Suggested further reading to help with this vital understanding, is the meditation called “The Gospel” by the author.  We must go to the Word of God [Jesus Himself], and hear what He is saying.

The Bible (“Book”), is divided into two parts.  They are referred to as an Old and a New.  Note that:

  • The Old has a fleeting, passing glory vs. The lasting glory available in the New
  • The Word of God given in the form of the Bible is one, unfolding, progressive, revelation
  • This revelation is Jesus Christ Who is God’s Righteousness and God’s Love [Word, Truth]
  • It is about attempts at self-righteousness vs. God’s Righteousness – Jesus Christ
  • Also called knowledge between good and bad, blessing and calamity vs. Life [everlasting]
  • Also called religion vs a genuine relationship with a genuine, all-powerful Supreme Person
  • The law was given unto them (Rom 9; Jer 8:4-14; 7:16-23; 11:14; 17:5-10; 18:5; etc) so that they [the self-righteous] can see that self-righteousness brings self-destruction! See Phil 3:9. We on this side of the cross of Jesus Christ, have Jesus Christ and His Spirit available to dwell within us – forever!  Rethink Jn 1:9-17; 3:19; 9:28; 14:6,23-26; Mt 6:33; 1 Tim 2:5; Heb 7:25; 8:13…
  • Gal 3teaches [also] that if the Law cannot save, then neither can following it keep you saved.

Under law [full of self], you will never understand Jesus.  Lk 16 is a good example (See example # 25 in the meditation “Apparent Controversies”).    But first we will consider a few basic, revealing truths.

 Covenant implies “in a box”, and speaks of an Old time of God’s [always valid] promises, of a covenant [that the Messiah would come], and of a law [to reveal self-righteousness].  Then there is a Testament that means “through a grave”.  Consider Heb 8:13; 9:16,17; 10:9-14.  Where in the Old system, was someone buried so that all could inherit by a Testament?  So the name is wrong.  The Old Covenant was changed to read “Testament” by the RCC (discussed more in “Church Part 2). The arc of the covenant was a box, with the law [testimony, boxed] inside and even then, with mercy on top of it.  Today Jesus has opened this box [on His cross] and we receive mercy by approaching the throne of Grace directly – in Jesus’ Name[2].  But only if we do not acknowledge the tabernacle-system with it’s laws in any way (Heb 9:8)!  Consider reading the meditations by same author and check with Jesus Christ.

Uzzah unfortunately for him (2 Sam 6:3-8), discovered that there is no mercy in Law. Compare this with the woman who was “caught” in adultery (probably set-up by the scribes and Pharisees that failed to present the man as well) and who was just told by Jesus to repent (stop sinning) and was set free. Observe the grace and mercy of God when we get into a personal relationship with Him, not approaching Him in self-righteousness (Jn 1:17; 14:6; Phil 3:9).

Note Jer 3:16. As discussed in the meditation “The Covenant and the Law”, For those clinging to the idea of the Law in the arc of the covenant above all, contemplate Jer 3:16 with Heb 7 and Heb 8:13; 9:12-28 (even Acts 7:42-45,51,52), and realize why Jesus could call a High Priest and Scribes (The members of the Sanhedrin) hypocrites as He did in Mt 23 – for one because there was no arc behind that veil (Mt 27:51)!…

Jesus is the only Mediator between God and man[3].  Christ Jesus finished [completed, fully accomplished] what the law could not[4]:  He cleanses our conscience and only because HE has become our righteousness, HE is our holiness, HE is our sinless eternal Lives [He exchanged His for ours at the cross]![5]  Be free from legalism by His Grace, not free from the lessons or promises of the OT but the law in the OT (1 Cor 10:11).  The letter that kills is that of the law (2 Cor 3:6; Rom 7:10).

Take, for example, Mt 5:17-18.  Are you waiting for this to happen?  Consider v 17 again, with Rom 10:4; Heb 8:13; 9:8-15,26; Jn 5:45-47; 19:30; 2 Cor 3; and so on.  Are you [Rom 7:4,6; Gal 5:4,18]?

The meditation “Genesis to revelation” expands on this, but for now the following in a brief outline:  1 Jn 3:8, read with Rom 10:4; 7:4,6 and Jn 16:9, and it started in Gen 3:1.  Jesus put on human flesh for this reason, to undo what the devil has done.  Jesus Christ succeeded (Jn 19:30).  Look around you today – what of the devil is undone?  God is not a liar (Num 23:19).  Only Jesus could take a stone and turn it into Bread; yet replaced it with life, with Spirit Word like water.  Only He could take a law that kills (stones), and turn it into a holy thing that lives (Mt 3:9), even have Life abundantly – unless you (Js 4:7) allow a false teacher-thief to steal this inheritance from you (Jn 10).  But don’t blame them, your own ignorance [laziness, deafness, sorry to say] is the fault (Hos 4:6; Ps 40).  In Ps 40:8, “law” actually reads “precepts”, “teachings”.  What is the difference?  The difference is life or death!  Contemplate 2 Cor 3:6,7; Rom 7:4,6;10:4.  Jesus did not change the law into life (stone into bread); He brought Life!

A man and his wife do something, and then have a child (Gen 4:1).  The child was not involved in that process, and neither does obedience reverse the process so that the parents have no child to care for anymore.  If this is so, and this process is designed by God [so we can observe it], why do we think that a perfect Father would want us to become His children – and then remain His children – by obedience [compliance] to rules?  No, faith [trust] in Jesus Christ, makes us children of God – nowhere does He say we have to be law-followers to be His children (Jn 1:9-13; 3:15-19; Rom 10:9-10).  He does say that we should be [mature] sons [children] like Jesus was; that Jesus is our First-born bringing many sons [children mature like Him] to glory.  Don’t deny His glory in pseudo humbleness, LIVE it!

Know what sin is (Jn 16:9), and 1 Jn 3:9 makes sense.  Acts like killing, stealing[6] or lying

is not sin, it is the result (fruit) of sin.  To not believe Jesus’ Words, to not trust Him, is the sin that will cause you to do what you do that reveals that you do not trust Him! This is calling God a liar. The same happens when you accuse yourself [guilt] when Jesus says you are clean. 1 Jn 4:17 is when you (on earth) approach His throne of grace, knowing it is not a throne of judgement because Jesus washed you clean with His own blood!  Then 1 Jn 5:5-14!  If you clothe yourself with Him (Rom 13:11-14; Eph 6:12), you can stand (v. 13-14; Dt 20:4; Ex 14:14).  See Jn 16:33; Rom 8:37; Rev 3:5.  This because you get victory without a fight, by only trusting the One that has conquered, that has accomplished it on His cross.  He has given you a life, He has provided opportunities, and He has given you abilities.  If you now open your eyes [see what He provided; Heb 12:2]; you will gain [profit, benefit] by it in all areas of your life!  Stop being negative and cynical, grasp Col 1:11-23!

Some may ask, what has Jesus accomplished?  We probably will never fully know, but at the very least, He brought and end to the law, that’s what!  No human could do that (Rom 3:20,23 goes on to v. 24-25)!  No human could wash all human’s sins away.  But, the sin of unbelief remains.  That is why a murderer is saved when He starts believing what Jesus did and Who Jesus is (Is 1:18; Heb 8:12), and start confessing it with his mouth [proclaim, witness, teach] and through the new way he lives and thinks.  The man then realizes he murdered because he was a murderer, he did not become one only when he killed – it is illogical.  Likewise the thief, a liar, a false preacher that wants to place NT “believers” back under the OT law, and so on.  Notice that the sinner’s sin is white, it is removed (Is 1:18; Heb 8:12), therefore the deed is not what makes you go lost, but the unbelief in God’s Word [His promises, Truth, Jesus Christ].  We have to discern and recognize self-righteousness (Phil 3:9)!

Note at Rom 11.  This is not a “codicil”, neither is it an instruction to adhere to Jewish [Hebrew] feasts, words, laws.  The analogy in Rom 11 is not saying NT Christians must adhere to Jewish laws and feasts – Rom 9:5-8,16! It is addressing the haughtiness of one people towards another (Acts 10:34-35).  Note that this apply both ways (Jew to gentile and vice versa)! Contemplate Jesus’ words in Mt 9:16,17; 21:42-45; Lk 9:62 (Is 43:18); the Jews in Jn 9:28; and consider Heb 8:13 right up to 10:39 (note Heb 9:8,11-15 with Rom 8:14!).  Carefully consider the other meditations on this subject such as “The Covenant and The Law”.

Note at Rom 10:9-10. To be saved (1 Thess 5:23), we have to accept He overcame death (Jn 6:48-50), and that there was a successful exchange on His cross – He died so that we can LIVE (Jn 1:4; 3:15-16; 8:51; 10:10; 11:26; Rom 8:11)!  Also, if you will, consider the meditation “The Testimony” by this author.  Perhaps we have missed too much already by shunning, instead of shining, Jesus Christ [Light, Life]!

Again, the devil of old (Gen 3:1) knew what he wanted to see in Lk 4:3.  Only Jesus (God) could completely, perfectly and absolutely comply with the “law”[7] of God without following it!  It followed Him!  Jesus did not partake of the tree of knowledge of good and evil; blessing and calamity (Gen 2:9).  Jesus only did what He saw His Father do, and only said what He heard His Father say (Jn 5:19,30; 8:28,42-47; 12:44-50; Rom 8:14; Gal 5:4,18).  In following God as a Father, He was one with Him and could do nothing that opposes Him (Mt 3:17).  The agony of Jesus was to be separated from His Father for that time that He took all of God’s wrath and judgement for our sin.  What a monumental fatal blunder to distrust the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that you are clean, to think that Jesus is lying in Jn 14:12-15; Mt 10:8; Mk 16:16-20!  Are you trying to follow the law that Jesus ended (Rom 10:4)?  No, instead we must be one with God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Jn 17:20-26) and follow Him that is the Author and Finisher of our faith!  How blinded is the carnal mind to this redeeming Truth (1 Cor 2)!  1 Kings 18:26 also reveals this great but shocking truth:  many professing Christians today still shows a pagan mentality and tries to add to the sacrifice Jesus Christ has made once for all [succeeded in doing], by attempting their own special works to impress God and win special favour; worst still, trying to cling to what Jesus Christ has come to end – the old way.

So here we get to the crux of the matter:   Are we following the gospel about Jesus Christ, or the gospel of Jesus Christ?  Do we cling to religion, or to Jesus Christ?  If you love Jesus Christ the Lord, you will follow Him, not dogma of man [that includes one’s own theology].

Remember that the OT way of praying [approaching] God the Father today would be an insult to Jesus Christ!  David’s approach in Ps 51:10-12 is not valid today after what Jesus Christ overpaid for us all (Mt 9:17; Lk 9:62; Heb 8:13; 9:8-12,24-28,14; 10:1-26,35,38; Eph 3:20; 4:24; 2 Cor 5:17; Mk 11:23,24; Jn 14:12-15).

Take Mk 11:24.  Familiar?  Do you [really] get all you ask for in prayer?  Why not?  Is God a liar?  Do you also rationalize this lack with fancy doctrines and theology?  So let us look at this statement in Mk 11:24.  It does say “all” you ask – no qualification [directly].  Actually, what you desires!…

It also says, “in My (Jesus’) name”.  This is not a way out, by reasoning if there is no visible result on that prayer request, that it must then not have been “in His name”, or He said “no”, or “later”!  So, what does “in Jesus’ name” mean?  Remember Mt 7:18-24?  Take note that Mk 11:24 starts with “For this reason…”  What reason?  Look at v. 23.  Now we have stumbled upon an amazing revelation that will first shock [shake, Heb 12] you, then set you free…  from law for good, but read on.  Praise the Lord and thank Him!  Your name is what you stand for, who you are, what you teach and live.

If we believe Jesus[8], that is, what HE said, more than looking at the law and prophets[9], we will get all we ask.  Why do we not get all we ask?  Our consciences are tainted by attempting to still do works to “obtain more favor”, get “bigger blessings”, and impress God with what we do to “deserve” mercy[10].  This shows unbelief, distrust and fear [unbelief] and calls God a liar.   Some people think that by “honouring” old Jewish rituals, festivals, traditions, and so on, N.T. believers can obtain “more blessings” from God.  This is plain stupidity and revealing a very poor understanding of what Jesus came to accomplish for us.  What a tragic and ignorant mistake!  Jesus either is all our righteousness and holiness and power, or none at all.  There can be absolutely nothing in between.  The Jewish rituals and ceremonies were only for a specific purpose and a specific time: mainly to give them (Rom 9) an aid to recognize the Messiah when He came.  Contemplate again Mt 15:6-9; 22:29; Rom 10:4; 7:4,6; Gal 3:19.  Then recognize a choice has to be made: try self-righteousness (law), or accept God’s grace!

To be interested in OT [Covenant, period] rituals, ceremonies and traditions [religion] is fine and enriching, and as a study subject, very necessary [some facts are even essential]; but to try and cling to those in the hope of getting “more blessings” or living a “more pure” Christian life, is actually achieving the opposite and shows only another Gospel than that preached by Jesus Christ.  Hebrews 9 explains the last will and Testament of God for us as believers in Jesus Christ – the only [better] Way, Truth and Life[11].  He had to be buried, for us to inherit what He gave us to have as a gift[12].  Understand why the [OT] law (as a set of rules to live by) was a curse.

The curse was at least two-fold.  (a) you can not earn your own righteousness before God, or make an impression on Him [as the Source of goodness and righteousness] with your works or efforts.  It was given unto them to reveal their self-righteousness.  (b) only a few people were included in that “commonwealth” – now, in Christ, all are included and can be co-heirs according to the promise that God made to Abraham and his Seed.  This Seed was Jesus Christ (Gal 3:16).  So we, in Christ, then inherit what Jesus left as a New Testament because He was buried – so making this NT legit and valid.  But He was resurrected, raised from the dead; He can never die [again] and so will always remain our High Priest and King and Lord and Intercessor for all eternity but at the very least until He returns with the saints.

Think carefully what Romans 12:2 is saying!  Galatians 3 teaches the main purpose of the law:

It was given to a specific people (Jews) for a specific time for a specific purpose to show…

  • We are all guilty by it (Rom 3:20,23; 6:23; Js 2:10). Only Jesus can set us free!
  • It quiet our mouths, humble us before God (1 Pet 5:5; Ps 51:17; Ez 21:26,27)
  • The law (rules) is a curse because of old [unsaved, unrenewed] human nature[13]
  • Laws [rules] gives a mentality of minimum requirement [not excellence][14]
  • Law and rules are only [required] for the unruly

By the way, the term “Messianic Jew” contradicts Galatians 3:26-29; 4:9-12,22-31; 5:2-6; Rom 10:12.

Now, back to the context of Mk 11:24.  Notice that it was after Jesus cursed the fig tree.

Who is represented by the fig tree?  The Pharisees, Saducees and Scribes; that is, the religious leaders and their system of laws, ceremonies, rituals, and tradition (Mk 7:13;1 Pet 1:18).  The vineyard is those who follow His teaching and have a personal fruit-bearing relationship with Him, the fig tree is that thing in the vineyard not producing the fruit, what Adam and Eve tried to clothe (cover) themselves with after they realized they were naked (Rom 13:11-14).  Just stop and think why they used fig leafs and not the much more suitable plants to cover those areas that later will be symbolized with circumcision [lust and greed]…  Anyway, carefully contemplate Lk 13:6-10 and see that this exact period of time later was Mt 21:18-22.  Then read on to Mt 21:33-45 (2 Kings 23:27).  Think about it.

Why did Jesus seem to change the subject (Mk 11:23; Mt 21:21) when Peter asked his question in Mk 11:21 (Mt 21:20)?  Ps 40:6-11 speaks prophetically of this time when God’s grace will save us, not the law – it never could (Jn 1:17).  The “law” in Ps 40:8 reads “precepts”, “teachings” of Jesus Christ (Gal 3:8).  Let us slow down a little and retrieve a bit.  His command is not Law, there is a huge difference!

When Peter asked Jesus why the fig tree (religious leaders) were cursed, Jesus mentioned in His answer faith enough to say to a mountain to be cast in the sea.   Now that mountain has been preached to death, but will give you your freedom from legalism if you see that that mountain was the law (Gal 4:25-26).  The mountain of the biggest prophecy in all time, that of Daniel (2:34,35,44-45)!!

Note at Mk 11:23.  Bearing in mind Lk 24:25-27;  Jn 5:39; 2 Tim 3:16-17 and so on; we see from Mk 11:23 examples of mountains that can be cast into [the] sea:

  • Law (Sinai as above; self-righteousness with special note of Mt 3:13-17; Acts 19:3-4; 1 Cor 10:4; Rev 6:16. The only thing Jesus could “repent” from in Mt 3:13-14 was Law!!!  Jesus (Jn 1:14,17) did not change (Heb 13:8; Js 1:17) but as Son of Man demonstrated to us that there is only one way to be a son of God (Rom 8:14; Gal 5:4,18) and hence Jn 3:3,15-21; 14:6!!!
  • Veneration of any human, even Mary (or the Pope for that matter). From “Church Part 2”, note that the cursive in The Amplified Bible at Lk 1:28 (saying Mary was blessed before all other woman) was done by man and not God. Even the expressions in Lk 1:42 was Elizabeth’s perception (v 41) not God’s! (Refer to Lk 11:27-28; Acts 10:34; and so on).
  • Feasts, even such as “Christmas”. Refer to “A short Christmas Message” for a fuller exegesis.  Suffice for now to point to 1 Cor 1:18-23- 2:1 and Gal 4:5-11…

 Remember in all this, Js 1:4-5; Mt 7:7-11.

These dreams, this prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27, was for the consummation of the age (Heb 9:26).  The end of the “world” of law – the idea that knowledge between good and evil, right and wrong, blessing and calamity, can save you.  No, it can not.  Only the Blood of the Lamb of God can save man and God has done it once for all, never again will [can] it be instated.  Those who believe + claim this, is saved.

This prophecy of Daniel, which the Jews decided to “lock up” in secrecy forever by declaring a curse on anyone who dares to attempt an explanation, is significant.  God is a Revealer, He gave us His Word (Jn 1:1-14), and through John on Patmos, the revelation of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:1a; Mt 13:11-12; Mk 4:24-25; Dan 2:20-22; 9:19) – not of an anti-Christ, or the “secret codes of Christ”, but the REVELATION of Jesus Christ.  HE is the LIGHT to the world.  How man has messed this up with false teachings of doom and gloom (Jn 10:1-10)!  Think again – To the increase of His kingdom (on earth!) there will be NO END (Is 9:7; Dan 2:44; 4:34, remembering that “generations” refer to earth not “heaven” – Mt 22:30; Mk 12:25; Lk 20:34-38).  But this “rapture” teaching will be discussed in another meditation entitled “Rapture raptured”.

So Jesus was saying that faith in HIM, enough to cast that mountainous thing [law] in the lowest thing on earth [sea], is “in HIS Name” and when you ask with THAT faith [believe, trust in His Word], you will get all you ask!  Because you then have enough faith [trust] in Him [the way, Truth, Life] to follow HIM [Christ, Holy Spirit, Truth, Wisdom, Council] inside you, and not Moses or a tree of knowledge between good and bad, blessing and calamity – that really is only self-righteousness; but you will believe and fully trust and follow Jesus Christ, knowing HIS Voice, enjoying an abundant, everlasting Life in His authority He has over-paid for!  Then you will stand on the dust of the earth [sand of the sea], and see that beast [self-righteousness, with its sign: lust & greed] rise out of it.  But although Jesus exposed and overcame that law-thing [self-righteousness], the people paid homage to the beast and cured the deadly wound in its head [thinking, mind], and so transferred it into the church [slightly higher thing resembled by “land”].  Grace and peace to you!

Remember that the old is gone, and the new has come.  Contemplate carefully the following Scriptures again: 2 Cor 5:17; Heb 8:13; 9:14,15.  We now have a Person leading, teaching and guiding us (Rom 8:14-17); Jesus fulfilled everything, nothing was left out or undone (Mt 5:17,18).  In Mt 5:18 onwards, Jesus explained that He replaced the letters and rules on stone with a Voice [Spirit, Word] in the hearts of the NT believer.  Law can at most make you not want to be caught, while a renewed mind [in line with His Spirit’s guidance], makes the desire totally different.  You now have an unfeigned love that uses your God-given capacity to hate to hate [loathe] what He hates – such as falsity and death!

The old condemned and the new brings freedom. The old had a covenant and the new has a testament. In the OT you had to do to get, but in the NT you are a co-heir with Christ (Rom 8:17; Eph 2:5-15.

Study Gal 4:21-31.  Jerusalem in the Middle East is pictured by Hagar and is not the real Jerusalem. It was real till Jesus Christ was born, but when Jesus went to the cross, He knelt outside the city and wept saying that He wanted to gather her so many times like a hen gathers her chicks but they would not. Then Jesus prophesied that not one stone would be left upon another. Jesus told them that if they had broken the temple down, He would in three days build the real temple. Only after His resurrection they realized that Jesus was talking about the temple of His Body (1 Cor 3:16; Eph 4:16). God is saying to us that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit – God now dwells in the reborn. We are the light of the world and a city that is set on a hill that cannot be hidden [when led by Him and in Truth].  We have not come to a mountain that can be shaken and burn… and the people cried out that God must not speak again (Hebrews 12:22-24)! We have come to mount Zion. We have come to the New Jerusalem, the city of Almighty God. We have come to the gathering of the saints and the innumerable company of angels. We have come to the saints made perfect and to the Blood of the NT that speaks of better things than that of old. We have come to Jesus, the Mediator of a New Testament. He says that we must listen to Him [now]. The OT people heard the Law and were killed if they did not obey. How much more must we listen to the Holy Spirit provided by the Blood, the Lamb of God!

Heb 1:1,2.  God does not speak through the Law and prophets any more, but through His Son. Jn 1:11,12 says that He came to His own, but they did not receive Him, that as many as received Him, He gave the power to become children of God. As long as you are a mere [minor] child but not the mature heir that can rule, you will not get anything you ask for.  Under the old they mostly talked to God as distant and only occasionally had glory [momentarily, fleeting, passing]. Under the new we talk to God as a loving [good, fair] Father that made us heirs of all things. This glory is a lasting glory, like Him.

In Acts 3:12,13, Peter was talking to the Jews as a religious group, not an ethnic group. Paul warned that they were meant to be circumcised in the Spirit. Even though people have seen immense miracles in the Old (Gen 30; 50; Ex 2; 3; 6; 9), God was so reminding them of His promise (covenant) that He would sent the Messiah, and they [His co-heirs, descendants; Body, Church] would be like the stars in heaven [Light to the world, Gen 15].  Not the [religious, self-righteous] dust that the devil eats.

Time and again, God delivered them (Israelites) when they asked for help, but then soon drifted away again, not honoring any covenant God made with Abraham.  In this Old Covenant system, they would turn to God by reminding Him of His Covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, calling Him the “God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”, and yes, God would deliver them. That was another aspect of the [later] Law that was a curse (Gal 3:10).  Apart from not being able to save yourself by attempting to follow that law (Rom 3:20; etc.), was it a curse to all else outside that “commonwealth” – that was the OT.

When Jesus came on the scene, He came to His own and His own received Him not, but as many as received Him, He gave the power to become the children of God (Jn 1). Whenever Jesus prayed, He prayed to the [our] Father.  He thanked the Father that He did not reveal [force] it to the wise and to the learned, but gave it to the humble [that receive, admit they need help]. Every time Jesus prayed, God heard Him and miracles [signs] followed. When Jesus stood by the side of the river He asked the Father to glorify Him and God complied. Jesus never prayed to God as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – He just called Him Father. The disciples wanted Jesus to teach them how to pray effectively and Jesus told them to call God Our Father. The change had come. The Jews persecuted Jesus for this as well and asked Him how He could dare call God “Father”! They still talked about Abraham and Moses denying that they were slaves, but children of Abraham. Jesus pointed out that Abraham longed to see His day.  They sarcastically and in ignorance queried Jesus, asking if He thought He was older than their father Abraham? Jesus said that “before Abraham was I Am”. They were oblivious that Jesus actually made the covenant with Abraham and He came to fulfill it. Jesus made the covenant and could certainly close it by bringing a new as a last will and Testament – replacing [fulfilling] the old. The N.T. is not for a Jew or a Greek or any ethnic [circumcised or uncircumcised] group exclusively, but it is for all who accept the sacrifice and come to the Living Water to drink of it freely. It is for all people and for all nations who accept Jesus Christ as the Testator (Savior, Redeemer). John said that He saw before the throne of God a huge crowd and that they were redeemed from every tongue and tribe and from every nation. Their robes were washed white in the Blood of the Lamb. They were shouting and singing a new song unto the LORD.

Jesus stated that He and the Father are one – Jn 8:19; 39-47 (Heb 12:8), 54-58; 10:30 (Phil 2:6).

The two daughters in Ez 23 (Aholah and Aholibah) were prostitutes. The implication of the story is that one represents Samaria and the other Jerusalem. First the one will be cast out and then the other. Samaria is a group of people that mixed with the Jews – that was the reason for the hatred between the Jews and the Samaritans. When Jesus came to Jacob’s well at Samaria[15], He met a woman there and asked her to give Him some water to drink (Rebecca also had to fetch water – the Bride must be a worker, useful). She asked Jesus how He could ask her for water, so Jesus told her that if she knew the Gift of God she would ask and that He would actually give her Living Water so that she would never thirst.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life.  By Jesus telling her about her previous husbands, including His knowledge of her current illegal affair, she was convinced that Jesus was [at least] a prophet, so she asked Him where they should worship, on the mountain or in Jerusalem? Jesus told her that the time had come that they should neither worship in Jerusalem nor on the mountain (law), but that the true worshippers must worship in Spirit and in Truth, because God is Spirit. She then realized that He was the Messiah and went to town to witness.  Jesus claimed and confirmed that He is the Messiah. Jesus referred to Ez 23 to show what would happen, that it was not about Samaria or Jerusalem, but that worship could be anywhere on earth with the reborn stars, His Zion.

In Acts Peter asked the [religious] Jews why they marveled over the miracles that happened, reminding them that when the promise came they denied Jesus and crucified Him.  Peter addressed them by referring to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, getting their attention [old way of thinking] that way, but proceeded by informing them that the promise to all the nations of all the earth is that all shall be blessed through Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, Son of God.  No exceptions.

As the ministry of Peter and John was expanding, they got deacons like Stephan and Philip. They were filled with Holy Spirit and His power. In Acts 6 Stephan went to preach to the Jews in their synagogues. He preached in different synagogues because there were already divisions in their own religion (Rev 2-3; 13:1). When he addressed them he explained the whole history of the Jews from start to finish (Acts 7).  He pointed out that the God of Abraham (a Chaldean), Isaac and Jacob visited Abraham when he was still in Ur (Chaldea), telling him to leave his country. About 430 years later Moses was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Every time Stephan referred to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, he also mentioned Jesus Who was born, rejected and crucified.  He also referred to the Arc of the Covenant that was until David only (Jer 3:16), who longed to build a house for God, but that Solomon later build it; also that God does not live in houses build with hands (Acts 7:48). Then he told them that God first would come to the Jews and then select for Himself a people out of every tribe, race and nation [that chose Him]. The Jews then stoned him and saw his face became like that of an angel. That is the last time that God was addressed as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob by a re-born. That stoning of Stephan marked the spread the Gospel all over the world [first through Paul]. In the next chapter Philip went to Samaria, Antioch, Italy and the church [Body of Christ] was born to all Asia and the known world. Stephan explained that they used to have the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but now we have a Father because Jesus came and fulfilled the old. We are now His children with the authority Jesus gave us as. God will not rule through a physical city in the Middle East, but through us who are His dwelling place. We are His city. God does not have a temple in Jerusalem, but we are His temple all over the world – His stars. Worship is in Spirit and in Truth: Jesus is LORD of all wherever people bow and acknowledge Him as LORD and God, not just in the Middle East Jerusalem.

Many false prophecies regarding wars in the Middle East being the fulfilling of Bible prophecy have been claimed; meanwhile Jesus walked in that Jerusalem and said that He came to them, but they did not want to receive Him, then prophesied that it would never again be the city of God (Mt 23:37-39 with Gal 4:21-31; Is 60:14 with Mt 5:14; Heb 12:22; Rev 3:12; 21:2 and 1 Pet 2:6-10).  Jerusalem in the Middle East is at any rate too small for all people to fit in, so it cannot be the city of God any more. They are the [religious] people that rejected Jesus, they did not receive Him. Christian preachers are sidetracked and now want to exult the Jews as a nation and Jerusalem. They want to again pray to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Jesus came so that God can be our Father. Jesus is our LORD.  Try 1 Tim 2:5; Heb 7:25; 9:24; Rom 8:34. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father to make intercession for us. Jesus taught the disciples to address our Father. He told them that they could be glad that He went away [also] because He leaves us Holy Spirit. He said that whatever we ask the Father in His Name, believing [Him], He shall give us. We are not asking in the name of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but in the Name of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

1 Cor 10:11; Rom 15:4 – The OT gives creation facts and was to learn from and to point to, the NT is our inheritance by Grace [a Gift of our loving Father], hence the new is named a  Testament.  His name is Jesus Christ, not a ritual or a law.  Contemplate Gal 5:4,18; Rom 3:20; and so on, again – if you will.

All of Jesus’ parables apply to the principle of those who would reject Him on the one side [total grace rejected is grace denied], and those who would accept Him [repent, receive the revelation of Jesus Christ, see the Light], on the other Hand. Note especially Mt 21:28-31, and verses 33-41 with verses 43-45.  See how this was pre-shadowed throughout the O.T. (Ex 19:6; 1 Sam 10:25; Dan 2:44; 7:14; then Mt 3:2; 4:17; 5:3,10,19,20; 6:33; 7:21; etc).  Now the keys to this Kingdom [on earth!] is crucial.  Without keys you are powerless, even inside the Kingdom!  Mt 12:28:  Holy Spirit is now constantly available inside of us, not just occasionally as in the O.T.  See Jesus’ warning in Mt 23:13,15 to the religious Jews [the system of laws, rules, rituals, and ceremony is the “world” He is not the King of].  Now look at Lk 12:32; 17:21 (Lev 26:11!); 22:29,30.  All Jesus taught was [His] KINGDOM (Jn 3:3,5).  Make Him your King [owner, Lord] and you are in His Kingdom – see 1 Cor 4:8, 20,21 (remember Jn 17:20!); Col 1:13; Rev 1:6,9; 5:10.  What are the keys?  Is 22:22; Mt 16:19 – suffice for now to say that Jesus sent Holy Spirit to empower us to rule on earth, bringing in His harvest, the lost souls for Him, and He will be there with signs following (Mk 16: 16-20).

If you think you must get a temple re-built and lambs will be offered again, you’re trying to re-institute what Jesus instructed to be broken down and HE made an end to [as a means to try and obtain blessings, even grace and mercy from Him) – Heb 9:11-28 (note v. 26); Rom 10:4; Jer 31:31-34; 3:14-17; Jn 16:9…  Note the “place” God [Jesus] prepared for us in Jn 14:3 is mentioned in Jer 7:4; Mal 3:1; Mt 12:6; Jn 2:19-23; 14:23-26; Acts 7:48; 1 Cor 3:16-20; 2 Cor 6:16; Rev 7:15; 21:3,22…  Yes, NT Christian, we are the temples individually and collectively we are the city (Is 60:14; Mt 5:14) as living stones in the same building where Jesus Christ is the most important Stone (1 Pet 2:4-10; Eph 2:19-22).

If you realize that God is [also] the Source of righteousness and goodness, you will understand that it is logically inconsistent to think you can impress Him [by following rules, laws].  As an analogy, see it this way:  to be able to punch an impression of a letter into a metal, you need a punch that is harder than that metal.  Lead or wax will not make an impression on hardened steel.  Likewise, you can not with your goodness, make an impression on the Source of goodness.  Your goodness is insufficient.

So, why not trust Jesus Christ saying that He is your righteousness and holiness because He overpaid for it all – once for all – with His blood on His cross.  It is a done deal, for those accepting it!

What about doctrines about this Zion, the heavenly city and His church?  Read the following:

Church is not a building [made by human hands]. (Acts 7:48-53; Ps 127:1; Isaiah 66:1,2; Heb 9:1; Acts 17:24)

Church is the Body of Christ, the people in Whom He dwells.  (Eph 1:22,23; 2:18-23; 4:12; 5:32; Col 1:24; 1Pet 2:4-10; 1 Cor 3:16; Heb 3; 1 Jn 4:16). Note: “dwells”, not “visit”, or [occasionally] “work”, not an office, but His ecclesia.

This is His heavenly city (Jerusalem – Gal 4:24-31; Is 60:14b; Mt 5:14), the true Israel (Amos 8:2; Mt 21:43-45; Acts 10:35; Rom 8:25,26; 9:7-9, 25,26; Eph 1:22-3:6,18-21; Rev 21; 1 Cor 3:9,16; and so on). You are already a citizen if you are in Christ Jesus -Eph 2:19!

Jesus Christ is the Head of the church (Col 1:18; 2:19; Eph 1:22; 4:15; 5:23)

God’s kingdom is for believers, not achievers [it is God’s grace, not our merit]  (Is 1:18; Rom 8:3; 9:16; 10:4; Heb 8:12,13; 1 Jn 3:20-23; Rev 12:11)

We will do well to take a hard and honest look at the source of our theology and doctrines and ideas.  The big shock comes when we discover how much of it is only twisted [wicked] dogma and tradition of men.  And to be sincere is not perfection – many are sincerely wrong.  Eph 4:12-15.  Perfection is only in Christ Jesus.  Carefully contemplate Heb 5:13-6:4; Rom 10:2; Eph 4:12-15.

God is Love.  God is eternal, everlasting, immortal Life.  Follow Jesus (not the 10 commandments) and have the abundant, full, mature, victorious, powerful life Jesus paid for – stop merely existing [a fatalistic, weak, mediocre, ignorant life], and take care to not spread lies about Jesus and His kingdom on earth.  Stop diluting it [unintentionally, in ignorance], thinking it will be one day far away, or that one ethnic group [rejecting Jesus Christ] is elevated above other groups [believing and following Jesus Christ]…  and consider Hos 4:6,7; Mt 7:21-23; Rom 16:19; 10:12; Gal 3:28-29; Acts 10:34,35; Col 3:11; Rev 5:9; 2 Pet 1 …  Understand Jn 14:1 correctly and start to be really free in Jesus’ Name…

John 10:10b; 16:33.

Amen.

[1] For example, infant baptism as including someone in a covenant; or the “houses in space built by God”; etc

[2] Jn 14:13-15; Heb 4:16; 10:18-23 Mt 27:51 (from God to man, we can now boldly enter the Holy of Holies)

[3] 1 Tim 2:5.  Deeper study will show what Jn 1:17; 9:28; 14:13-15; Rom 8:14; 10:4; Heb 2:10,11; 2 Cor 5:17; and so on, reveals.  To attempt self-righteousness [by following law, rules], ignores the sacrifice Jesus Christ made with His blood on His cross, and the inheritance [placement in sonship with Jesus Christ] we inherit [not earn] through a New Testament (Col 1:13-22; Eph 1:20-23; 2:4-8,19-22; 1 Pet 1:4-10).  Note that the fullness of His body [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] lives in the re-born on earth.

[4] Jn 19:30 (Ps 22); Jn 4:34; Rev 16:17; Heb 8:12,13; 10:14.  He [Jesus Christ] was the end of that period (Gal 3:19; Rev 3:8; 4:1; Jn 10:9).  He was the door that no man could shut, and if man would try another door [way], God would “shut” that One Door (Jn 14:6).  That period of law [window of opportunity to try self-righteousness], was ended by Him (Rom 10:4).  Now, since Jesus was that Lamb of God, there is no other way to obtain righteousness before God.

[5] Is 53; Heb 9:14 (Mt 11:11); 10:1-17

[6] See Prov 6:30; and hear Jesus in Jn 16:9.  No, Jesus is not saying you can take without working [giving], He is saying that to reject Him as your righteousness is fatal.  Let your love be genuine (Rom 12:9; Jn 14:15).

[7] The 10 commandments is a conditional “if-then” system, to reveal that [after Adam] we all need a Savior, and that only God could be that Savior/High-priest/Sacrifice/Brother/Lord/Shepherd/Friend.  As a perfect Father, God wants a relationship, not religion; and only wants to bless those who love [trust] Him.   Jesus came – and paid – to make us sons like Him in His Kingdom on earth again (Lk 3:38; Gen 1:26-28; 1 Cor 15:45-49.  Contemplate this very carefully and prayerfully, in Jesus’ Name!  “Command” [Word] does not mean “Law” (10 commandments)!

[8] Jn 14:1; 5:39,46,47 (Dt 18:15!); 1 Jn 5:10-14; Lk 16:31; 24:27

[9] Jn 16:9; Heb 12:2; At the mount of transfiguration Moses (representing the law) and Elijah (the prophets) impressed men more than Jesus fulfilling both!  Even today we grieve His Spirit this way (Heb 1:1-2)…

[10] 1 Jn 3:20-24.  Your day of judgement is not to be confused with the “white throne judgement of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor 5:10) – 1 Jn 4:17 says “… as He is, so are we in this world…”.  This “day of judgement” is when you approach the throne of Grace in prayer, and the enemy attacks you  with thoughts of unrighteousness, desperately lying to you that you do not have righteous Jesus inside of you.  This is when you can become bold [confident] that what Jesus says is true and the bigger testimony of the two.

[11] Jn 14:6; Heb 9:8-14; 10:1-23

[12] Grace is unmerited favor [cannot be earned, is free]; mercy is kindness towards an offender [enemy] and sets free.  Jesus came to set us free from the law.  He became the curse on the cross to free us…

[13] God our Creator shows He knows us (Jer 1:5).  The moment you forbid, it controls your thoughts and you will be tempted by it out of your own doing (will) as a free moral agent.  Not God, but your own thoughts, thus showing your biggest enemy is your own old self [nature].  Jesus freed us from ourselves

[14] Mt 5:41 (the “extra mile” principle or attitude).  Jesus gave us more than we could ever deserve

[15] The same well where Jacob (later called Israel by Jesus pre-incarnate) found his bride some 1 500 yrs earlier.