The New Testament assumes the same “gospel” of the Old Testament because it assumes the same cosmogenical framework, the same eschatological conclusion, and the same messianic hope of the Old Testament.

John Harrigan

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Christ/Cross

A. Continuity of the “Gospel”
1. One of the reasons there is such confusion concerning the true nature of the “gospel” is because very few times in the New Testament does anyone actually detail what the gospel is.<a title="" href="#_ftn1">[1]</a> Many times New Testament writers talk about the gospel, but very rarely does anyone actually detail the gospel itself.<a title="" href="#_ftn2">[2]</a> Why? Because the whole New Testament assumes the gospel of the Old Testament.
And he went throughout allGalilee, teaching in theirsynagoguesandproclaiming the gospel(Gk. euaggelion) of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. (ESVMatthew 4:23)
Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit toGalilee…15And he taught in theirsynagogues…17He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah…18&#8220;The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because he has anointed me topreach the gospel(Gk. euaggelizo) to the poor… (cf. Is. 61:1-3)&#8221; (NKJVLuke 4:14-18)
<ul>
<li>The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me topreach good news(Gk. euaggelizo, LXX) to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,2to proclaim theyear of the LORD&#8217;s favorand theday of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,3and provide for those who grieve in Zion (i.e. Jerusalem)… (NIVIsaiah 61:1-3)</li>
</ul>
2. The New Testament assumes the same “gospel” of the Old Testament because it assumes the same cosmogenical framework, the same eschatological conclusion, and the same messianic hope of the Old Testament.
When the governor (Felix) motioned for him to speak, Paul replied…14&#8220;I admit that I worshipthe God of our fathers(assuming OT messianic expectations) as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believeeverything that agrees(in messianic thought) with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,15and I havethe same hope in God(concerning messianic restoration) as these men, that there will be aresurrection of both the righteous and the wicked(cf. Dan. 12:1-3).16So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.&#8221; (NIVActs 24:10-16)
3. The gospel of the Bible is thus an “eternal gospel” that will never change or be altered by the opinions of man.
Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he hadthe eternal gospelto proclaim to those who live on the earth&#8211; to every nation, tribe, language and people.7He said in a loud voice, &#8220;Fear God and give him glory, becausethe hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.&#8221; (NIVRevelation 14:6-7)
And he (“mighty angel”) swore by him who lives for ever and ever… &#8220;There will be no more delay!7But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God (i.e. redemptive plan) will be accomplished,just as he announced to his servants the prophets(in the Old Testament).&#8221; (NIVRevelation 10:6-7)
B. Continuity of the “Kingdom of God”
1. God’s “kingdom” is referenced throughout the Old and New Testaments, and it is clearly a kingdom that presently rules over all creation (cf. 1 Chron. 29:11; Ps. 103:19; 145:11ff; Jer. 10:7ff; Dan. 4:3, 34; Jn. 19:11; Acts 17:24; Rev. 4:2ff).
2. However, there are also many messianic references to a kingdom on the earth that is given dominion by God, receiving his favor and blessings, and is established eschatologically (cf. Ps. 2:6ff; Is. 9:7; Dan. 2:44; 7:14; Mt. 8:11; 20:21; Lk. 22:30; 2 Pe. 1:11; Rev. 11:15).
3. This distinction has been the source of much controversy, which is simply solved by distinguishing between the two primary thrones of creation: one in the height of the heavens (cf. Ps. 2:4; 113:5; Is. 40:22; 66:1) and one delegated to man on the earth (cf. Gen. 1:26ff; Ps. 8:4ff; 115:16).
Why shouldthe nationssay, &#8220;Where is their God?&#8221;3Our God is inthe heavens; he does all that he pleases…15May you be blessed by the LORD, who madeheaven and earth!16The heavensare the LORD&#8217;s heavens, butthe earthhe has given to the children of man (Hb. adam). (ESVPsalm 115:2-16)
4. Thus, the “kingdom of God” needs to be delineated between the “universal kingdom”, ruling over all creation from everlasting to everlasting, and the “messianic kingdom”, to be established upon the earth at the end of the age, restoring the original Adamic order.
In a preliminary survey of the very extensive array of Biblical references to the Kingdom of God, especially in the Old Testament, the investigator will be impressed by a series of differences which at first sight may seem to be almost contradictory. Some of the more important of these differences may be stated as follows: First, certain passages present the Kingdom as something which has always existed; yet other places it seems to have a definite historical beginning among men. (Compare Ps. 10:16 with Dan. 2:44.) Second, the Kingdom is set forth in Scripture as universal in its scope, outside of which there is no created thing; yet again the Kingdom is revealed as a local rule established on earth. (Compare Ps. 103:19 with Is. 24:23.) Third, the Kingdom sometimes appears as the rule of God directly, with no intermediary standing between God and man; yet it is also pictured as the rule of God through a mediator who serves as channel between God and man. (Compare Ps. 59:13 with 2:4-6.) … Some of the above distinctions, if not all, have been noticed by Biblical scholars and attempts have been made to explain them; sometimes by asserting the existence of one kingdom with two aspects or phases; or by the assumption of two kingdoms. For example… These citations, deliberately selected from authors of widely different viewpoints, will be sufficient to show that the distinctions mentioned above are not imaginary. The question is how to explain them… In one sense it would not be wholly wrong to speak of two kingdoms revealed in the Bible. But we must at the same time guard carefully against the notion that these two kingdoms are absolutely distinct, one from the other. There is value and instruction in thinking of them as two aspects or phases of the one rule of our sovereign God. In seeking for terms which might best designate these two things, I can find nothing better than the adjectives “universal” and “mediatorial.” These are not exactly commensurate terms, of course, but describe different qualities; the first referring to the extent of rule, the latter to the method of rule. Nevertheless, in each case the designated quality seems to be the most important for purposes of identification.<a title="" href="#_ftn3">[3]</a>
5. The harmony between these two kingdoms are forever restored in the age to come when the throne of the Messiah comes together with the throne of the Father in the complete renewal of the heavens and earth (cf. Rev. 22:1ff; Eph. 1:9ff; 1 Cor. 15:24-28).
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing fromthe throne of God and of the Lamb2down the middle of the great street of the city…3No longer will there be any curse.The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. (NIVRevelation 22:1-3)
Then comes the end, when he (Messiah)delivers the kingdom(i.e. Messianic)to God the Father(i.e. Universal) after destroying every rule and every authority and power.25For he (Messiah) must reign until he (Father) has put all his (Father’s/Messiah’s) enemies under his (Messiah’s) feet.26The last enemy to be destroyed is death.27For &#8220;God(Father)has put all things in subjection under his(Messiah’s)feet.&#8221; (cf. Ps. 8:6) But when it says, &#8220;all things are put in subjection,&#8221; it is plain that he (Father) is excepted who put all things in subjection under him (Messiah).28When all things are subjected (by the Father) to him (Messiah), thenthe Son himself(Messiah)will also be subjected to him(Father) who put all things in subjection under him (Messiah),that God may be all in all(governmentally). (ESV1 Corinthians 15:24-28)
6. The New Testament phrase “kingdom of God”, however, needs to be understood as a Jewish phrase used during the time of the Roman Empire to refer specifically to the Messianic Kingdom. Though a few instances of its use may initially seem confusing (cf. Mt. 3:1; 11:11f; 12:28; 16:28; Lk. 17:21; 23:42f; Jn. 3:3ff; 18:36; Rom. 14:17; 1 Cor. 4:20), further investigation and larger context reveal a seamless understanding: the Messianic Kingdom is a future reality to be initiated upon the earth at the Day of the Lord (i.e. Second Coming).
I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob inthe kingdom of heaven,12while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. (ESVMatthew 8:11-12)
For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance intothe eternal kingdomof our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (ESV2 Peter 1:11)
7. Though the Universal Kingdom, which Jesus is presently ruling over amnestically (cf. Mt. 28:18; Acts 2:33; Eph. 1:21; 1 Pe. 3:22; etc.), retains absolute sovereignty over all the nations (cf. Rom. 13:1; Col. 1:17; Acts 17:24ff; etc.), it will execute judgment upon the nations at the hand of the Messiah at the end of the age. The only confusion in the New Testament concerning this simple understanding of the Kingdom is the suffering of the Messiah before the establishing of the glory of the Messiah (cf. Lk. 24:26; Acts 3:18; 17:3; 1 Pe. 1:11; Heb. 2:10ff).
How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!26Did not the Christhave to suffer these things and then enter his glory? (NIVLuke 24:25-26)
Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care,11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predictedthe sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. (NIV1 Peter 1:10-11)
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<a title="" href="#_ftnref1">[1]</a>The term “gospel” comes from one of two sources: 1) the noun euvagge,lion (euaggelion), used 6 times in the LXX and 77 times in the NT, meaning “good tidings, good news” (USB); or 2) the verb euvaggeli,zw (euaggelizo), used 19 times in the LXX and 55 times in the NT, meaning “to bring the good news, preach the good news” (USB). Depending on the translation, these two words are generally rendered “gospel” or “good news” and “preach the gospel” or “preach the good news.” Formal equivalence translations favor “gospel,” while dynamic equivalence translations often use “good news.”
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<a title="" href="#_ftnref2">[2]</a>For example, the KJV/NKJV uses the word “gospel” more than any other translation (103 times) in the New Testament: Matt. 4:23; 9:35; 11:5; 24:14; 26:13; Mk. 1:1, 14f; 8:35; 10:29; 13:10; 14:9; 16:15; Lk. 4:18; 7:22; 9:6; 20:1; Acts 8:25; 14:7, 21; 15:7; 16:10; 20:24; Rom. 1:1, 9, 15f; 2:16; 10:15f; 11:28; 15:16, 19f, 29; 16:25; 1 Co. 1:17; 4:15; 9:12, 14, 16, 18, 23; 15:1; 2 Co. 2:12; 4:3f; 8:18; 9:13; 10:14, 16; 11:4, 7; Gal. 1:6ff, 11; 2:2, 5, 7, 14; 3:8; 4:13; Eph. 1:13; 3:6; 6:15, 19; Phil. 1:5, 7, 12, 17, 27; 2:22; 4:3, 15; Col. 1:5, 23; 1 Thess. 1:5; 2:2, 4, 8f; 3:2; 2 Thess. 1:8; 2:14; 1 Tim. 1:11; 2 Tim. 1:8, 10; 2:8; Phlm. 1:13; Heb. 4:2; 1 Pet. 1:12, 25; 4:6, 17; Rev. 14:6. Of these instances, only a handful give any commentary on the nature of the gospel itself beyond the genitives “of God,” “of the kingdom,” “of Christ,” etc.: Rom. 1:1fff; 2:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-57; Gal. 3:8; 2 Thess. 1:5-10; 2 Tim. 1:8fff; 2:8ff; 1 Pet. 1:23ff; Rev. 14:6f. Only 1 Corinthians 15 directly addresses the gospel and attempts to explain its content beyond one or two sentences.
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<a title="" href="#_ftnref3">[3]</a>Alva J. McClain, The Greatness of the Kingdom: An Inductive Study of the Kingdom of God (BMH Books, 1959), 19-21.
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INTRODUCTION: CONTINUITY OF THE 'GOSPEL' AND THE 'KINGDOM OF GOD'

A. Introduction of Messiah
1. Genealogical Introduction
Therecord of the genealogy(ensuring legal right to the covenants) of JesusChrist(transliteration &gt; proper name;<a title="" href="#_ftn1">[1]</a>“the Messiah” NLT), theson of David(assumed continuance of Davidic messianic prophecies), theson of Abraham(assumed continuance of Abrahamic messianic prophecies)…17Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile tothe Christ(“Messiah” NLT, i.e. assuming messianic expectations). (NIVMatthew 1:1, 17)
<ul>
<li>&lt;5547&gt; cristo,j christos {khris-tos&#8217;}</li>
</ul>
Meaning: Christ = &#8220;anointed&#8221; 1) Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God 2) anointed
Origin: from 5548 [chrio, “to anoint”]; TDNT &#8211; 9:493,1322; adj
Usage: AV &#8211; Christ 569; 569
<a href="http://danieltrainingnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Hermeneutical-Flow-Chart.jpg" target="_blank"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-7643 aligncenter" alt="Hermeneutical-Flow-Chart" src="http://danieltrainingnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Hermeneutical-Flow-Chart.jpg" width="480" height="304" /></a>
2. Birth of Messiah
And the angel (Gabriel) said to her (Mary)…32&#8220;He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High (cf. 2 Sam. 7:14; Ps. 2:7; 72:1). And the Lord God will give to himthe throne of his father David(cf. Jer. 23:5; Ez. 37:24),33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever (cf. 2 Sam. 7:16; Is. 9:7; Mic. 4:7), andof his kingdom there will be no end(cf. Dan. 2:44; 7:27).&#8221; (NIVLuke 1:30-33)
And Mary said (in response to Elizabeth’s declaration), &#8220;My soul magnifies the Lord…52he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate…54He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,55as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.&#8221; (ESVLuke 1:46-55)
And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied (concerning John the Baptist), saying,68&#8220;Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people 69and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,70as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old…72to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant,73the oath that he swore to our father Abraham. (ESVLuke 1:67-73)
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby…9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.10But the angel said to them, &#8220;Do not be afraid. I bring yougood news(Gk. euaggelizo) of great joy that will be for all the people.11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;he is Christ(“Messiah” NLT/NRSV)the Lord…13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14&#8220;Glory to God in the highest (of heavens), andon earth peace to men on whom his favor rests(i.e. prophetic declaration of his messianic government).&#8221; (NIVLuke 2:8-14)
Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout,waiting for the consolation of Israel(“eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel” NLT), and the Holy Spirit was upon him.26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he hadseen the Lord&#8217;s Christ(“Messiah” NLT). (ESVLuke 2:25-26)
3. Preparation for Messiah
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,2&#8220;Repent, forthe kingdom of heaven(lit. “heaven’s kingdom”, cf. Dan. 2:44; 7:14; etc.) isat hand(“near” NIV/NLT/NRSV; i.e. the Messianic Kingdom is soon to be inaugurated; cf. Is. 13:6; Joel 1:15; 2:1; 3:14; Zeph. 1:14).&#8221;…5Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him,6and they werebaptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins(to escape the judgment of the soon coming Messianic Kingdom). (ESVMatthew 3:1-6)
<ul>
<li>In the time of those kings,the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. (NIVDaniel 2:44)</li>
<li>I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heavenone like a Son of Manwas coming…14to Him was given dominion, glory anda kingdom… His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; andHis kingdomis one which will not be destroyed…18the saints of the Highest One will receivethe kingdomand possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come.&#8217; (NASBDaniel 7:13-18)</li>
<li>Heal the sick who are there and tell them, &#8216;The kingdom of God is near you.&#8217;10But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say,11&#8216;Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this:The kingdom of God is near.&#8217;12I tell you, it will be more bearable onthat dayfor Sodom than for that town. (NIVLuke 10:9-12)</li>
<li>Wail, forthe day of the LORD is near(“at hand” KJV/NKJV); as destruction from the Almighty it will come! …9Behold,the day of the LORD comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger, to make the land a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it. (ESVIsaiah 13:6-9)</li>
<li>Blow a trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, forthe day of the LORD is coming; it is near(“at hand” KJV/NKJV/NIV),2a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! (ESVJoel 2:1-2)</li>
</ul>
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar…the word of Godcame to John son of Zechariah in the desert.3He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching abaptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.4As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: &#8220;A voice of one calling in the desert, &#8216;Prepare the way for the Lord (i.e. Messiah, cf. Is. 40:3; Mal. 3:1), make straight paths for him…6Andall mankind will see God&#8217;s salvation(i.e. theocratic restoration of all things).'&#8221;7John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, &#8220;You brood of vipers! Who warned you toflee from the coming wrath(of the Messianic Kingdom)? …15The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if Johnmight possibly be the Christ(“Messiah” NLT).16John answered them all, &#8220;I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come… He will baptize you with theHoly Spirit(i.e. reward of righteous in resurrection; cf. Is. 32:15; 44:3; Ez. 39:29) and withfire(i.e. punishment of wicked in judgment; cf. Mal. 4:1; Ps. 21:9f; Nah. 1:5f; Zeph. 1:18).17His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor andto gather the wheat(i.e. righteous) into hisbarn(i.e. Messianic Kingdom, cf. Mt. 13:30), but he willburn up the chaff(i.e. wicked) withunquenchable fire(i.e. Gehenna/Lake of Fire, cf. Is. 66:24).&#8221;18And with many other words John exhorted the people andpreached the good news(Gk. euaggelizo, “the gospel” NASB) to them. (NIVLuke 3:1-18)
4. Baptism of Messiah
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw theSpirit of Goddescending like a dove andlighting on him(cf. Is. 11:2; 61:1).17And a voice from heaven said, &#8220;This is my Son(cf. 2 Sam. 7:14; Ps. 2:7; 72:1; 89:26), whom I love; with him I amwell pleased(cf. Is. 42:1).&#8221; (NIVMatthew 3:16-17)
<ul>
<li>When your days are over and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up youroffspring(Hb. zera, “seed” KJV/NKJV) to succeed you…12He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever.13I will be his father, and he will be my son…14I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever. (NIV1 Chronicles 17:11-14)</li>
<li>The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and againsthis Anointed One(Hb. mashiyach)…7I (mashiyach) will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He (YHVH) said to me (mashiyach), &#8220;You are my Son; today I have become your Father.8Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.&#8221; (NIVPsalm 2:2-12)</li>
<li>Endowthe kingwith your justice, O God,the royal sonwith your righteousness…8He will rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth…11All kings will bow down to himand all nations will serve him. (NIVPsalm 72:1-17)</li>
<li>My faithful love will be with him (David), and through my namehis horn will be exalted.25I will set his hand over the sea, his right hand over the rivers.26He will call out to me, &#8216;You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Savior.&#8217;27I will also appoint him my firstborn, the most exalted of the kings of the earth. (NIVPsalm 89:20-27)</li>
</ul>
B. Ministry of Messiah
1. Early Declarations
Then John gave this testimony: &#8220;I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him (cf. Is. 11:2; 42:1; 61:1)…34I have seen and I testify thatthis is the Son of God(cf. 2 Sam. 7:14; Ps. 2:7; 72:1; etc.).&#8221; …41The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, &#8220;We have found the Messiah(Gk. messias) (that is, the Christ[Gk. christos, “which is translated Anointed” NRSV]).&#8221; …45Philip found Nathanael and told him, &#8220;We have foundthe one Moses wrote aboutin the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote.&#8221; …49Then Nathanael declared, &#8220;Rabbi, you are the Son of God;you are the King of Israel(i.e. Messiah/Anointed; cf. Ps. 2:6; Dan. 9:25; Hos. 3:5; Mic. 5:2; Zech. 9:9).&#8221;50Jesus said, &#8220;You believebecause I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that.&#8221;51He then added, &#8220;I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of Godascending and descending on the Son of Man(cf. Gen. 28:12-15; to serve him; strengthen him, and establish his government over the heavens and earth).&#8221; (NIVJohn 1:32-51)
<ul>
<li>&lt;3323&gt; messi,aj messias {mes-see&#8217;-as}</li>
</ul>
Meaning: Messias = &#8220;anointed&#8221; 1) the Greek form of Messiah 2) a name of Christ [“Messiah—Aramaic and Hebrew equivalent of Greek Cristo,j” USB]
Origin: of Hebrew origin 04899 [Hb. mashiyach]; see 5547 Christos, TDNT 9:493
Usage: AV &#8211; Messias 2; 2 [Jn. 1:41; 4:25]
<ul>
<li>To which of the angels did God ever say, &#8220;Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet&#8221; (cf. Ps. 110:1)?14Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation(esp. Messiah; cf. 1:3, “appointed heir of all things”)? (NIVHebrews 1:13-14)</li>
<li>When the Son of Man comes (to the earth) in his glory, andall the angelswith him, he will sit on his throne (in Jerusalem, cf. Is. 2:3; Ps. 2:6; 48:2; Joel 2:32; Zech. 14:8)in heavenly glory(i.e. angels upholding his governance). (NIVMatthew 25:31)</li>
</ul>
The woman said, &#8220;I know thatMessiah(Gk. messias)&#8221; (called Christ[Gk. christos]) &#8220;is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.&#8221;26Then Jesus declared, &#8220;I who speak to you am he(without dishonesty concerning her expectations).&#8221;…28Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people,29&#8220;Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did.Could this be the Christ(“Messiah” NLT)?&#8221;…39Many of the Samaritans from that townbelieved in him(as OT Messiah) because of the woman&#8217;s testimony…40So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days.41And because of his words many morebecame believers.42They said to the woman, &#8220;We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really isthe Savior of the world(i.e. cosmogenical restorer).&#8221; (NIVJohn 4:25-42)
&#8220;You do not want to leave too, do you?&#8221; Jesus asked the Twelve.68Simon Peter answered him, &#8220;Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life (i.e. resurrection from the dead; cf. Dan. 7:27; 12:3).69We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God(i.e. the OT Messiah; cf. Ps. 16:10; Is. 40:25; Dan. 9:24; Hab. 3:3).&#8221; (NIVJohn 6:67-69)
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, &#8220;If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.38Whoeverbelieves in me, as the Scripture has said(OT Scripture &gt; OT Messiah), streams of living water will flow from within him.&#8221; …40On hearing his words, some of the people said, &#8220;Surelythis man is the Prophet(cf. Deut. 18:15-18).&#8221;41Others said, &#8220;He is the Christ.&#8221; Still others asked, &#8220;How can the Christ come from Galilee?&#8221; (NIVJohn 7:37-41)
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<a title="" href="#_ftnref1">[1]</a>“As has already been implied, messianism did not match the character of Jesus’ actions and teachings. From what we can recover of his public activity, we find nothing that points in the direction of messianic ambition… So how could Jesus have used the term Messiah of himself, or encouraged his disciples to do so, without causing immense confusion and misunderstanding? One can only wonder how the church might have been different, had the title “Christ” not become a proper noun, and Christians not rallied around the messianic concept so persistently—and how different Jewish-Christian relations might have been, had the messiahship of Jesus not become an issue between Jews and Christians.” (J. Peter Bercovitz, “Messianic Expectation in Judaism,Its Reception in the Early Church, and Jesus,” Proceedings: Eastern Great Lakes and Midwest Biblical Societies, 27 August 2003; available at<a href="http://www.paulonpaul.org/jesus/narr_3_messianic-expect'n.htm">http://www.paulonpaul.org/jesus/narr_3_messianic-expect&#8217;n.htm</a>.)
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INTRODUCTION AND MINISTRY OF MESSIAH

CONTINUATION OF THE MESSIANIC MINISTRY

APOSTOLIC DECLARATION

A. The Scriptures clearly articulate God revealing “mysteries” that were unknown to those in the past. This has been developed into the doctrine of “progressive revelation.” However, what is revealed, and does that revelation change the ultimate plan of salvation? Moreover, what is the relation of this revelation to messianic expectation?
B. Biblical Use of “Mystery”
<ul>
<li>&lt;7328&gt; zr&#8217; raz (Aramaic) {rawz}</li>
</ul>
Meaning: 1) secret
Origin: from an unused root probably meaning to attenuate, ie (fig) hide; TWOT &#8211; 2993; n m
Usage: AV &#8211; secret 9; 9<a title="" href="#_ftn1">[1]</a>
<ul>
<li>&lt;3466&gt; musth,rion musterion {moos-tay&#8217;-ree-on}</li>
</ul>
Meaning: 1) hidden thing, secret, mystery 1a) generally mysteries, religious secrets, confided only to the initiated and not to ordinary mortals 1b) a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding 1c) a hidden purpose or counsel 1c1) secret will 1c1a) of men 1c1b) of God: the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly
Origin: from a derivative of muo (to shut the mouth); TDNT &#8211; 4:802,615; n n
Usage: AV &#8211; mystery 27; 27<a title="" href="#_ftn2">[2]</a>
1. The only Old Testament appearance of “mystery” is found in Daniel (2:18f, 27ff, 47; 4:9), where the LXX renders Ar. raz by Gk. musterion.
Thenthe mystery(Ar. raz; Gk. musterion, LXX) wasrevealed to Danielin a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven&#8230;20&#8220;Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might…21he gives wisdom to the wiseand knowledge to those who have understanding;22hereveals deep and hidden things…&#8221; (ESVDaniel 2:19-22)
Daniel answered the king and said, &#8220;No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers canshow to the king the mystery(Ar. raz; Gk. musterion, LXX) that the king has asked,28but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzarwhat will be in the latter days…29To you, O king, as you lay in bed came thoughts of what would be after this, and he who reveals mysteries made known to youwhat is to be.&#8221; (ESVDaniel 2:27-29)
2. However, throughout the Old Testament, the Lord reveals hidden knowledge to those whom He trusts and deems “wise.”
When a trumpet sounds in a city, do not the people tremble? When disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it?7Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing withoutrevealing his plan(of specific temporal events) to his servants the prophets. (NIVAmos 3:6-7)
3. Though some knowledge of specific future events is unknown (i.e. “sealed”), the overarching plan of redemption, as outlined in the covenants (beginning at creation), remains constant.
&#8220;At that time… there will bea time of distresssuch as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people&#8211; everyone whose name is found written in the book&#8211;will be delivered.2Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake (resurrection): some toeverlasting life, others to shame andeverlasting contempt…4But you, Daniel,close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end(cf. “mystery” Rev. 10:7)…&#8221;8I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, &#8220;My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?&#8221;9He replied, &#8220;Go your way, Daniel, becausethe words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end…13You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.&#8221; (NIVDaniel 12:1-13)
<ul>
<li>And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever… &#8220;There will be no more delay!7But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet,the mystery(Gk. musterion)of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.&#8221; (NIVRevelation 10:6-7)</li>
</ul>
4. The use of Gk. musterion in the New Testament likewise does not refer to knowledge that cannot be understood, nor to a change in knowledge pertaining to overarching messianic expectations, but rather to knowledge of specific details that are hidden in the councils of the Godhead.<a title="" href="#_ftn3">[3]</a>
Surely you have heard about the administration of God&#8217;s grace that was given to me for you,3that is,the mystery(Gk. musterion)made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight intothe mystery(Gk. musterion) of Christ,5which was not made known to men in other generations asit has now been revealedby the Spirit to God&#8217;s holy apostles and prophets. (NIVEphesians 3:2-5)
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation ofthe mystery(Gk. musterion) that waskept secret for long ages26but has now been disclosed andthrough the prophetic writingshas been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith. (NIVRomans 16:25-26)
C. The Effects of Progressive Revelation
1. Based on a perverted understanding of “mystery,” the doctrine of “progressive revelation” developed early in the Church in context to Gnosticism. Though Gnosticism was ultimately rejected, the remnants of the belief that God is revealing secret hidden knowledge, of which the apostles were ignorant, has persisted.
2. This led to a juxtaposing the Old Testament against the New Testament (as typified in Marcionism), the remnants of which are still prevalent in the church today.
“Although both the Old and New Testaments are inspired, it is a canon of interpretation that revelation is progressive. Therefore, in formulating truths about God and His dealing with man, the New Testament has priority over the Old Testament.”<a title="" href="#_ftn4">[4]</a>
3. The mysteries spoken of in the New Testament never change nor violate any of the covenants. In most modern theology, the doctrine of progressive revelation is used to validate the reinterpretation of the covenants or the advancement of a particular doctrine.
4.The modern use of progressive revelation undermines and invalidates the central beliefs of the apostolic church, i.e. the resurrection and the Kingdom. If revelation is “progressing,” then it is assumed that people’s understanding of salvation as a whole is progressing, and thus the view of the “primitive church” ought to be abandoned.<a title="" href="#_ftn5">[5]</a>
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<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div>
<a title="" href="#_ftnref1">[1]</a>Dan. 2:18, 19, 27, 28, 29, 30, 47; 4:9.
</div>
<div>
<a title="" href="#_ftnref2">[2]</a>Matt. 13:11; Mark 4:11; Luke 8:10; Rom. 11:25; 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:1, 7; 4:1; 13:2; 14:2; 15:51; Eph. 1:9; 3:3f, 9; 5:32; 6:19; Col. 1:26f; 2:2; 4:3; 2 Thess. 2:7; 1 Tim. 3:9, 16; Rev. 1:20; 10:7; 17:5, 7.
</div>
<div>
<a title="" href="#_ftnref3">[3]</a>“In most biblical passages it relates to the wise counsel of God in his guidance of history to its destiny. The most specific and significant application of the concept of mystery is to the plan of God regarding the death of Christ. It does not refer to a secret that God is unwilling to tell or to something so obscure that it could not be understood even if told.” [Walter A. Elwell and Philip Wesley Comfort, Tyndale Bible Dictionary (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001), 925.]
</div>
<div>
<a title="" href="#_ftnref4">[4]</a>Paul P. Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology (Chicago: Moody Press, 1997), 150.
</div>
<div>
<a title="" href="#_ftnref5">[5]</a>“An orthodox doctrine that evangelicals have long held is the belief in progressive revelation; God did not reveal all truth about Himself at one time but revealed Himself “piecemeal,” portion by portion to different people throughout history (cf. Heb. 1:1). Biblical theology traces that progress of revelation, noting the revelation concerning Himself that God has given in a particular era or through a particular writer. Hence, God’s self-disclosure was not as advanced to Noah and Abraham as it was to Isaiah. An earlier book of the New Testament, such as James, reflects a more primitive view of the church than books written later, such as the pastoral epistles.” (The Moody Handbook of Theology, 20.)
</div>
</div>

THE BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF 'MYSTERY' VS PROGRESSIVE REVELATION

A. The Dual-Coming of Messiah
1. The Delay between Comings
And the disciples came and said to Him, &#8220;Why do You speak to themin parables?&#8221;11Jesus answered them, &#8220;To you it has been granted to knowthe mysteries(Gk. musterion)of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.12For whoever has (presently), to him more shall be given (eschatologically), and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have (presently), even what he has shall be taken away from him (presently)…17For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desiredto see what you see, and did not see it, andto hear what you hear, and did not hear it. (NASBMatthew 13:10-17; cf. Mk. 4:11; Lk. 8:10)
<ul>
<li>The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field…26When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared…28The servants asked him, &#8220;Do you want us to go and pull them up?&#8221;29&#8220;No,&#8221; he answered…30&#8220;Let both grow togetheruntil the harvest(i.e. time between sowing and harvesting)…&#8221; (NIVMatthew 13:24-30)<a title="" href="#_ftn1">[1]</a></li>
<li>And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever,who createdthe heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it (cf. covenant of creation and hope of Messianic Seed), and said, &#8220;There will be no more delay(in the establishment of justice on the earth)!7But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet,the mystery(Gk. musterion)of God will be accomplished(primarily concerning the “delay”), just as he announced to his servants the prophets.&#8221; (NIVRevelation 10:6-7)<a title="" href="#_ftn2">[2]</a></li>
</ul>
2. The Suffering of the Messiah before the Glory of Messiah
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, &#8220;Who do people say the Son of Man is?&#8221;…16Simon Peter answered, &#8220;You are the Christ(“Messiah” NLT), theSon of the living God(cf. 2 Sam. 7:14; Ps. 2:7; 72:1).&#8221;17Jesus replied, &#8220;Blessed are you(affirming Peter’s messianic expectations), Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven…21From that time onJesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and thathe must be killedand on the third day be raised to life.22Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. &#8220;Never, Lord!&#8221; he said. &#8220;This shall never happen to you(as Messiah)!&#8221;…27Forthe Son of Man is going to come in his Father&#8217;s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person (in the messianic government)according to what he has done(cf. Is. 40:10; 62:11). (NIVMatthew 16:13-27)
<ul>
<li>He (Jesus) said to them (disciples), &#8220;How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!26Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory(“before entering his glory” NLT)?&#8221;27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself (concerning the pre-glory suffering). (NIVLuke 24:25-27)</li>
<li>This is what I told you while I was still with you:Everything must be fulfilled(concerning atonement) that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms… This is what is written:The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (before the Messiah enters into his glory). (NIVLuke 24:44-47)</li>
</ul>
B. The Governmental Consolidation of the Heavens and the Earth under One Head
And he made known to usthe mystery(Gk. musterion)of his willaccording to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment&#8211;to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. (NIVEphesians 1:9-10)
Then Jesus came to them and said, &#8220;All authority in heaven and on earthhas been given to me.19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…20And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.&#8221; (NIVMatthew 28:18-20)
<ul>
<li>May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.16The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to man. (NIVPsalm 115:15-16)</li>
<li>Thus says the LORD: &#8220;Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me?&#8221; (ESVIsaiah 66:1)</li>
<li>…in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointedthe heir of all things, through whom also he created the world…3After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,4having becomeas much superior to angelsas the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. (ESVHebrews 1:2-4)</li>
</ul>
C. The Gentiles Brought into the Covenant and Made Fellow Heirs with Israel
Therefore, remember that formerly you who areGentiles by birth…12were separate from Christ,excluded from citizenship in Israeland foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have beenbrought near through the blood of Christ…15His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace…19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, butfellow citizens with God&#8217;s people and members of God&#8217;s household…3:4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into themystery of Christ…6This mystery is that through the gospelthe Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (NIVEphesians 2:11-3:6)
<ul>
<li>If the dough (Messiah) offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump (messianic assembly), and if the root (Messiah) is holy, so are the branches (messianic assembly).17But ifsome of the branches(unbelieving ethnic Jews) were broken off, and you, although awild olive shoot(believing gentiles), weregrafted in among the othersand now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree,18do not be arrogant toward the branches…23And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again.24For if you were cut from what is by nature awild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into acultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree. (ESVRomans 11:16-24)</li>
</ul>
D. The Partial Hardening of Ethnic Israel unto the Fullness of the Gentiles
What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, butthe rest were hardened,8as it is written, &#8220;God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.&#8221; (cf. Deut. 29:4; Is. 29:10)…11So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Ratherthrough their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous…15For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean butlife from the dead? (implying the common expectation that Messiah will come when Israel returns to the Lord)…25For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed ofthis mystery(Gk. musterion)&#8211; so that you will not be wise in your own estimation&#8211; thata partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in;26and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written… (NASBRomans 11:7-26)
<ul>
<li>A shootwill come up from the stump of Jesse; from his rootsa Branchwill bear fruit.2The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him…4He willstrike the earthwith the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he willslay the wicked…11In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time toreclaim the remnant that is left of his people…12He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he willassemble the scattered people of Judahfrom the four quarters of the earth. (NIVIsaiah 11:1-12)</li>
<li>The days are coming, declares the LORD, when I willraise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.6In his daysJudah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.7So then, the days are coming, declares the LORD…8they will say, &#8220;As surely as the LORD lives,who brought the descendants of Israel upout of the land of the north and out of all the countries where he had banished them.&#8221; Thenthey will live in their own land(under the headship of the Branch who resurrects the righteous).&#8221; (NIVJeremiah 23:5-8)</li>
<li>Behold, I willtake the people of Israel from the nationsamong which they have gone, and willgather them from all around, andbring them to their own land…24My servantDavid shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd…25They shall dwell in the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They and their children and their children&#8217;s children shalldwell there forever, and David my servant shall be their prince forever. (ESVEzekiel 37:21-25)</li>
</ul>
E. Outpouring of the Holy Spirit as a Deposit of the Coming Resurrection
I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness&#8211;26the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches ofthis mystery(Gk. musterion), which isChrist in you(as a deposit),the hope of glory(i.e. the resurrection).28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we maypresent everyone perfect in Christ(at his coming). (NIVColossians 1:24-28)
<ul>
<li>In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,14who isthe guarantee of our inheritanceuntil we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (ESVEphesians 1:11-14)</li>
<li>For we know that if ourearthly house(mortal body), this tent, is destroyed, we have abuilding from God(immortal body), a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens…5Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also hasgiven us the Spirit as a guarantee(of the resurrection). (NKJV2 Corinthians 5:1-5)</li>
</ul>
F. Regenerational Resurrection of the Righteous Who Are Living at the Coming of Messiah
Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.51Behold, I tell youa mystery(Gk. musterion); we will not all sleep, butwe will all be changed,52in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.53For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality (to inherit the kingdom of God). (NASB1 Corinthians 15:50-53)
<ul>
<li>According to the Lord&#8217;s own word, we tell you thatwe who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord (cf. Great Distress), will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.16For the Lord himself willcome down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.17After that, we who are still alive and are left will becaught up together with themin the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (NIV1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)</li>
</ul>
G. The Messiah’s Inheritance of the Saints as a Bride
Husbands, love your wives, asChrist loved the church and gave himself up for her,26that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word…29For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,30becausewe are members of his body.31&#8220;Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, andthe two shall become one flesh.&#8221; (cf. Gen. 2:24)32This mystery(Gk. musterion)is profound(“great mystery” KJV/NKJV/NASB/NRSV/NLT), and I am saying thatit refers to Christ and the church. (ESVEphesians 5:25-32)
H. The Mystery of Anti-Messianic Lawlessness
Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?6And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time.7Forthe mystery(Gk. musterion)of lawlessnessis already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.8And thenthe lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. (ESV2 Thessalonians 2:5-8)
<ul>
<li>I sawa woman sitting on a scarlet beastthat was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns.4The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality.5And on her forehead was writtena name of mystery(Gk. musterion): &#8220;Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth&#8217;s abominations.&#8221; (ESVRevelation 17:3-5)</li>
</ul>
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<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div>
<a title="" href="#_ftnref1">[1]</a>“Another aspect of this passage lies in the unasked question as to why, if the Messiah has come, evil still persists in the world. The servants in one of the parables wanted to pull up the weeds, symbolizing evil or evil persons, but were told to allow them to grow until the time of harvest—that is, the judgment (Mt 13:24–30). The persistence of evil in the world and the way God will eventually deal with it is one of the ‘mysteries.’” (Tyndale Bible Dictionary, 926.)
</div>
<div>
<a title="" href="#_ftnref2">[2]</a>“The mystery which has been revealed in time still awaits its divine consummation and fulfilment in eternity. This is the sense in which the term must be understood in Rev. 10:7: the ‘mystery of God’ already announced will be corporately fulfilled without delay, ‘in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel’. And this is equally true in terms of personal salvation—the ‘mystery’ of ‘being changed’ when the trumpet sounds, of mortality’s being finally replaced by immortality (1 Cor. 15:51ff).” [D. R. W. Wood and I. Howard Marshall, New Bible Dictionary, 3rd ed. (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 795.]
</div>
</div>

THE 8-FOLD MESSIANIC MYSTERY

Biblical Theology of Mission

Church

The syllabus is presented for the course as well as a short teaching on the subject of fasting. It...

1a – Course Syllabus and Fasting

Creation

This session gives tangible evidence of the Biblical flood and seeks to make the flood event a real...

1b – Earth’s Global Flood

This session exposes the false evidence for evolution that has been integrated into most educational...

2a – False Evidences For Evolution

This teaching does a great job at revealing how the earth is young and not billions of years old...

2b – Evidence For Recent Creation

In this teaching, John gives tangible evidence to what the earth was like in the beginning, and thus...

3a – The Glory of the Original Earth

In this teaching, John gives tangible evidence to what man was like in the beginning, and thus what...

3b – The Glory of Original Man

Has men’s worldview changed over history? What changes have occurred and how have they affected...

4a – 5-Fold Development of the Western Worldview

4b – 5-Fold Development of the Western Worldview

Cure

This teaching points out the result of a western worldview in light of reading Scripture. Platonic...

5a – Cosmological Regeneration vs. Annihilation

This teaching really helps to define the heavens in context to the earth. It also works through the...

5b – The Heavens and the Earth

Full Gospel

This teaching gives a detailed overview of the government of God, thus helping to define His Kingdom...

6a – Governmental Introduction To The Kingdom of God

6b – Governmental Introduction To The Kingdom of God

This teaching addresses the huge and often controversial subject of God’s sovereignty. John first...

7a – Perpetual Sovereignty of the Kingdom of God

In light of the foundation laid in the previous teaching, John presents the concept of amnesty,...

7b – Amnestic Foundations of Biblical Soteriology

Covenant

This teaching first presents covenants as the backbone of the Biblical narrative and then addresses...

8a – The Adamic Covenant and the Messianic Hope

Satan will remain a usurper until the end, trying to assume God’s position of leadership over the...

8b – The Messianic Crushing and Old Testament Christology

One of the reasons there is such confusion concerning the true nature of the “gospel” is because...

9a – New Testament Continuance of Messianic Christology

9b – New Testament Continuance of Messianic Christology

The subject of covenants within the Bible are key to understanding God’s overall mission. In the...

10a – Old Testament Survey of Messianic Israelology

10b – Old Testament Survey of Messianic Israelology

Interpretation of the New Covenant is the crux of all biblical studies. One’s understanding of the...

11a – New Testament Continuance of Messianic Israelology

11b – New Testament Continuance of Messianic Israelology

It is the righteous assembly/church of Jew and Gentile who will inherit the earth in the age to come...

12a – Biblical Survey of Messianic Ecclesiology

12b – Biblical Survey of Messianic Ecclesiology

One of the reasons there is such confusion concerning the true nature of the “gospel” is because very few times in the New Testament does anyone actually detail what the gospel is. Many times New Testament writers talk about the gospel, but very rarely does anyone actually detail the gospel itself. Why? Because the whole New Testament assumes the gospel of the Old Testament.