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NASB | Genesis 2:9 Out of the ground the LORD God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Genesis 2:9 And [in that garden] the LORD God caused to grow from the ground every tree that is desirable and pleasing to the sight and good (suitable, pleasant) for food; the tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the [experiential] knowledge (recognition) of [the difference between] good and evil. [Rev 2:7; 22:14, 19] |
Subject: The fruit and leaves of the tree of life |
Bible Note: Hello Brian. You have asked me to define the Kingly Rule of God. The Kingly Rule of God has in one sense been established in Heaven right from the beginning (see Psalm 22.28 - 'the Kingly Rule is of the LORD, and He rules over the nations'. See also Psalm 103.19). God's original aim was to establish His Kingly Rule over Israel (Deuteromy 33.5) but this aim was thwarted by their rebellion (1 Samuel 8.7). They rejected His Kingship. The prophets therefore began to look for it to be established in the future. Thus when John the Baptist came he informed Israel that the Kingly Rule of God was at hand. Now they were again to be given the opportunity of coming under His Kingly Rule. Jesus emphasised that by casting out evil spirits He had demonstrated that the Kingly Rule of God had come upon them (Matthew 12.28). Thus He could say, 'the Kingly Rule of God is among you' (Luke 17.21). All who would could come and respond to Him and as a result they would come under the Kingly Rule of God. Indeed tax collectors and sinners were already flocking into it (Matthew 21.31). But no one could 'see' it unless they were 'born from above' (John 3.3). So in order to enter into it men had to be born from above by The Spirit of God (John 3.5-6). It was being established through the preaching of the word (Matthew 13). This establishment of God's Kingly Rule as something open to all who would respond to Jesus is common in the New Testament (compare Acts 28.21; Romans 14.17). But there is also a future aspect to the Kingly Rule of God, which again is constantly emphasised, and that is the everlasting Kingly Rule of God in Heaven (Matthew 5.10; 7.21; 8.11-12 and often). Many references could in fact refer to both. This is not surprising for God is the King and all those who have submitted to His rule by believing in Jesus and accepting Him as their Lord will come under His rule both in this world and the next. As a result of the failure of many Jews to respond to Him Jesus declared that 'The Kingly Rule of God will be taken away from you, and given to a nation producing its fruits' (Matthew 21.43). For Jesus had come as the true Vine, the representative of the true Israel (John 15.1; Matthew 2.15). All who were united with Him by being fruitful branches of the vine would become part of the new Israel. The remainder were cast off. For He had come to found His new 'congregation' (of Israel) on the rock of His Messiahship (Matthew 16.18). This new Israel was formed first of the Apostles and their fellow disciples and then grew rapidly after Pentecost as many Jews were 'added to the congregation' (the 'congregation' (ekklesia) was a word used to describe Israel in the Old Testament). Israel had always accepted Gentiles into the covenant when they sought the God of Israel (as long as they would be circumcised), and soon the Apostles were guided to allow Gentiles to enter the congregation. That caused a dispute as to whether they needed to be circumcised. This demonstrates that they all saw these Gentiles as becoming a part of Israel as it was formulated from the beginning. The decision made was that it was unnecessary because they were united with Christ and had therefore already been circumcised in the circumcision of Christ (Colossians 2.11). Paul makes clear in Romans 11.17-28 that these Gentiles have been grafted into the olive tree of the covenant, while the Jews who have not believed in Jesus have been cast off and are therefore no longer a part of the covenant. Israel is now made up of both Jews and Gentiles who have become a part of the household of God (Ephesians 2.13-22) through faith in Jesus. So the new Israel, which is the genuine Israel united with Christ as the true Vine (as opposed to the false vine of the old Israel), have replaced those who saw themselves as the old Israel. The new 'nation' has replaced the old. All the promises therefore now apply to the new Israel, because they are the true Israel, and it is they who are the true sons of Abraham (Galatians 3.28-29). This is the true Israel, the Israel of God (Galatians 6.16). I feel that is sufficient for this post so I will deal with the remainder of your question in another posting. Best wishes Jonp. |