Results 1 - 3 of 3
|
|
|||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | OT church? | Acts 2:17 | charis | 3976 | ||
Dear Sam, Don't you think that the Old and New Covenants speak of two distinct salvation experiences? Though both operate through faith, does not the new covenant speak of the cross and the blood of Christ? Were these working before in Abraham and Moses? I'm not sure I understand your view that the church is applicable to Old Testament saints. Please explain. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
2 | OT church? | Acts 2:17 | reformedreader | 3985 | ||
charis, I do not believe salvation was any different in the Old Covenant as it is in the New Testament. Since we use the New Covenant to better understand and in many cases define the Old Covenant, then we should believe precisley what the New Covenant says about salvation being by the grace and mercy of God. The New Covenant gives us absolutely no new teaching concerning salvation. It only expands upon the revelation of salvation, as is the primary purpose of each covenant. One covenant does not negate a previous covenant. The New Covenant did not negate the truth or command of Exodus 20:3-6 or 12-17. Does the New Covenant negate:(Exodus 20:6, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.)? I believe you will find not only were these laws repeated in the New Covenant but the understanding of them were expanded into the broader scope of Christ-like living in the New Covenant, for example read Ephesians 4:17-32 and 1 John 2:3 among a great many other New Covenant verses. Certainly the New Covenant speaks of the blood of Christ but so does the Old Covenant. In fact, Christ is spoken of as far back as Genesis 3 as the one who will bruise (defeat) Satan, which was accomplished at the cross. Was the blood of Christ working in Abraham and Moses? Well, if it wasn't, then they are not saved according to the New Covenant (Acts 4:12, "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."). So again, the New Covenant itself establishes the only definitive answer to and example of salvation. So, if we use the New Covenant to define how a person is saved, and unless we want to teach a multiplicity of salvific operations, then anyone who ever was, is or ever will be saved is according to the mercy and grace of God with no exceptions. If (since) this is true, then all those who are saved are precisley what the New Covenant says, (Romans 12:4-5, "For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." It is the authority of the New Covenant, to which I wholly agree, that establishes what salvation is, who is saved, how they are saved and determines who is in the one and only body of Christ. It is the authority of the New Covenant from our Lord's own mouth that declares His body (church) to be comprised of all who have ever been saved by the mercy and grace of God and are joined together to make up His one and only body, the church. I look forward to hearing your response charis. Sam Hughey |
||||||
3 | OT church? | Acts 2:17 | charis | 4043 | ||
Dear Sam, Salvation, meaning the rescinding of our sentence to be sent to Hell, is definitely a have-have not situation. Saints from any age that have received a pardon from the curse of Adam are, in that sense, saved. However, I must say that I believe that there is a difference in the covenant, and more than one dispensation of salvation. "Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." Matthew 11:11 NASB This scripture speaks to me of a better dispensation of salvation in the kingdom of God. I agree that grace has been working from the very beginning. Anyone looking at stiff-necked Israel must clearly see that God has always been graceful toward His people. But theirs was a different covenant. The church of Jesus Christ was built upon the new revelation of the kingdom of God, that even Abraham was not privy. The Old Testament was for a chosen race of people, decended from one man. God allowed a few foreigners to be received into the fold, but generally did not accept Gentiles. In the New Covenant, race is not considered, neither is gender or social status. It is unique, and better than any previous promise. I am certain that Abraham, Moses and David are not ashamed of their relationship with God, and I certainly do not consider them 'second class citizens.' They are to be honored in their relationship with God. I do not see that the New Covenant negates the Old Covenant in any way. You will see my position on this in previous postings regarding Israel. The Old Testament is a 'tutor' to us, but a reality to the saints of that age. I also find it hard to think of the blood of Christ as working retroactively. When Jesus descended to tear down the gates of Hell, the saints of old received the benefit of this holy work, but I do not see their status as 'upgraded.' My friend, I do see that salvation is salvation. However, I must believe that the Christ came to usher us into a new and better age, which I prefer to call the 'Church Age.' Blessings upon you in the Lord Jesus, charis |
||||||