“Theological Dilemma: Assessing Israel’s Responsibility in the Sacrifice of the Lamb of God”

 

In the heart of theological contemplation lies a profound dilemma—the assessment of Israel’s responsibility in the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. The scriptures bear witness, to the profound events surrounding this pivotal moment in history, where acts of betrayal and denial intertwine with divine purpose and human agency. As we delve into the passages that speak of these events, we are faced with a crucial question: should we merely accept these accounts at face value, or is there a deeper reality that beckons us to explore? The words of Jesus, pleading for forgiveness upon those who crucified Him, echo through the ages, challenging us to seek understanding beyond the surface. Join me on a journey of discovery as we unravel the truth behind Israel’s role in the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, navigating through a tapestry of scriptures and topics to unveil the intricate layers of this theological conundrum.

• “Whom they slew and hanged on a tree” (Acts 10:39)
• “They denied the Holy One and the Just, and killed the Prince of life” (Acts 3:14,15)
• “Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets” (1 Thessalonians 2:15)
• “They have condemned and killed the just” (James 5:6)

Is it necessary for us to examine each passage through the lens of Christ, or may we accept it all at face value? Should we not attempt to discover the deeper reality, if Jesus said, “Father, pardon them; for they do not know what they are doing?”

I didn’t have this understanding a few months before; in fact, I was angry with Israel and believed that God had undoubtedly rejected them. Every time the subject came up, I would speak out against people who backed Israel because I was always uneasy. I must admit that, deep down, I was somewhat antisemitic, even though I did not realize it. But God proved to me in His bountiful mercy that my impression of Israel was false. Words cannot express how liberating it is for the mind to see the truth of the Word. Every time I hit a roadblock like this; I saw myself wrestling and burdened with it and that’s when the Spirit of God would open my eyes through the Scriptures.

Journey with me as I try to unravel the truth to see the origin of Israel and how it ended up this way. To conclude, we might have to traverse through a plethora of Scriptures and topics to get to the bottom of it.

Within the category of Israel, we have three folds that we need to distinguish and assess. 

1. One is the Israel of God, which is made up of the believing, the elect, and the remnant of God (the holy line). It is from this group that the root and progeny of David originated, and it is from whom the one new man is established.
2. Second, Israel and Judah both committed horrible abominations for which they were responsible (they burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven); as a result, they produced ALIEN CHILDREN who were born of the spirit of harlotry (a wind has wrapped them – Hosea 4:19; Jesus referred to this group as “the synagogue of Satan, which claim to be Jews, but are actually lying” – Rev 2:9/3:9 – whom, in the year 70 AD, God utterly destroyed along with their idols – God said, I will lay the dead carcases of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter their bones round about their altars – Ezekiel 6:5,9,13/ 14:3/36:18; Apostle Stephen was slain after revealing their vileness – he said, the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, images which ye created to worship them – Acts 7:43; upon hearing this, they were slashed to the core and gnashed on Stephen with their teeth – Acts 7:54). Didn’t God instruct the Israelites to remain loyal to Him exclusively and to avoid worshipping other gods, particularly those of the Canaanite cultures? However, they ignored God’s command and turned to the worship of other deities. Isaiah portrays them as “seeds of the wicked” (the evil line) – Isaiah 14:20; born of the spirit of whoredom – ALIEN CHILDREN – Hosea 4/5/Nahum 3:4.

1. Thirdly, those whom God sent blindness owing to unbelief, so they would neither hear nor see the truth – John 9:39/Matt 13:13-15/Mark 4:11,12/Luke 8:10-12; Jesus said, but some of you believe not. For He knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him – John 6:64. From what I observed, these individuals are dedicated to a goal, fulfilling God’s instructions, and implementing His predetermined plan that was established before the earth existed; in essence, they were required to sacrifice the lamb of God (for without shedding of blood is no remission – Heb 9:22; the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it – Exodus 12:6; Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us – 1 Cor 5:7. If not them, then who else would have completed this act of redemption? Israel alone, not the Romans, must slay it. Otherwise, it will not suffice. The sacrifice must be presented by the transgressor and no one else). And of these, the branches that were cut off due to unbelief should God bring back; not all but the twelve tribes shall He bring in full). Who is it that will gaze at him and mourn for him as one mourns for his only son, and be bitter for him as one is bitter for his firstborn? They who pierced him! – Zechariah 12:10.

Who is to bring the lamb for slaughter? The sinners who need atonement. Can the blood of an animal suffice it? No, according to God, it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats take away sins – Hebrews 10:4; 1 John 3:5. Who could provide such a lamb that can take away sins of the world? Only God! John the Baptist, the prime testifier said, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world – John 1:29; John, and he bare witness unto the truth – John 1:15/5:33. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and IN HIM IS NO SIN – 1 John 3:5; And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. – 1 John 2:2.

Was it ignorance or hatred that led Israel to kill their Messiah, or was it God’s will that they carried out? Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands (anomos – transgressor) have crucified and slain – Acts 2:23. Didn’t Jesus say, how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? Matthew 26:54; the scriptures must be fulfilled – Mark 14:49; the cup my Father has given me, shall I not drink it? John 18:11; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners – Mark 14:41/Gal 2:17; When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness – Luke 22:53.

Yes, Jesus Christ was slaughtered by evil hands, but none of the world’s princes recognized that this was God’s plan in action; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory – 1 Cor 2:8. If the lamb was not slaughtered, then the world would not be spared, Israel as a nation would not be redeemed, and Satan would not be defeated. So, was crucifixion expedient? It was, and Caiaphas the then high-priest realized its significance as he prophesied – John 11:49-53 – having realized its urgency; it says, then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death – John 11:53. Prophesied by the Spirit of God Caiaphas the high priest gave consent to carry out God’s preordained plan. Were they not following God’s commands? God directed them to seek guidance from priests and judges in difficult matters, to adhere to their decisions without deviation to the right or left. And anyone who acts defiantly and refuses to obey the priest ministering before the Lord your God or the judge must face death – Deuteronomy 17:8-12.

According to John 3:16, God loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten Son. God shows us his love by sending Christ to die for us even though we were still sinners—a restitution that the world did not choose but God provided – Romans 5:8. Now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself – Hebrews 9:26; Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father – Galatians 1:4.

The wrath of God fell on Him; God hath made him be sin for us, who knew no sin – 2 Cor 5:21; 1 John 3:5.

• He cast off and abhorred Him, thou hast been wroth with thine anointed (Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Mark 15:34).
• Thou hast made void the covenant of thy servant; thou hast profaned his crown by casting it to the ground.
• Thou hast made his glory to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground (O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was – John 17:5)
• The days of his youth hast thou shortened: thou hast covered him with shame – Psalm 89:38-45.

• Surely, he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
• He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes, we are healed.
• All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
• He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.
• For he was cut off from the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
• It pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin.
• He shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many – Isaiah 53:4-12.

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many – Mark 10:45.

God offered him as a propitiation for our sins – Rom 3:25/1 John 2:2; 4:10; As a result, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ – Rom 5:1.

To ensure God’s eternal purpose was maintained, the sacrificial death on the cross was concealed from Israel until the very last moment. Nonetheless, we might infer from John 11:49–53 that the Prince of Life’s death turned into a planned event, as Caiaphas predicted. They did not realize until the very last minute that this man was meant to die a sacrificial death. God had done such a work in their hearts that they were certain his death was unavoidable. If they had accepted Him as their Messiah, the world’s sins would have remained unatoned for, and God would have been compelled to wipe out the human race. Is it thus improper to suggest that part of God’s plan involved their inability to see their Messiah?

“Israel stumbled at that stumbling stone” – Rom. 9:32. Does this imply that all of Israel stumbled? Certainly not. Some of them, a few branches, have been broken off or cut off. So, what now? Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid – Rom 11:11. For as ye in times past have not believed God yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief. Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all – Rom 11:30-32. Israel has not obtained what he seeks, but the election has, and the rest have been blinded – Rom 11:7,17. It is apparent from this that Israel sought it but fell short. And if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead – Rom 11:15; for God is able to graft them in again – Rom 11:23. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes – Rom 11:28.

According to it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, unto this day. And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling-block, and a recompense unto them (these have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling-block of their iniquity before their face – Ezekiel 14:3-8): Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always – Rom 11:8-10.

The truth is that while they are descendants of Abraham, they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: which is to say that they are not all children of God; rather, it is the children of the promise who are children of God. The children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed – Rom 9:6-8) (the believing fold, the elect of God). The rest have been blinded that they should not see and hear – Rom 11:7/Mark 4:12.

What did Jesus pray for those who did not believe in him? Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do – Luke 23:34. The times of this ignorance God winked at – Acts 17:30; they had a zeal of God, but they being ignorant of God’s righteousness – Rom 10:2,3; they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them – Deuteronomy 32:28; it is a stiff-necked people – Exodus 32:9. Do you understand why in the book of Proverbs, the son was urged to gain wisdom and understanding? Pro 2:1/4:7,10.

I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy – Rom 11:11. Why would God wish to instill jealousy in them if He didn’t intend to save them? While Israel and Judah committed whoredoms, the Lord said, “At the same time, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.” For I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore, with lovingkindness have I drawn thee – Jeremiah 31:1-3. For my name’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off – Isaiah 48:9. Understand therefore, that the Lord thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiff-necked people. Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the Lord thy God hath cast them (the heathens) out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the Lord hath brought me in to possess this land; Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart,  but that he may perform the word which the Lord swore unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – Deuteronomy 9:4-6. And because He loved thy fathers, therefore He chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in His sight with His mighty power out of Egypt – Deuteronomy 4:37. For the sake of the patriarchs, Israel is considered beloved – Rom 11:28.

Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone – Rom 9:31,32. When they are closed off to faith and God has given them a spirit of sleep, eyes they should not see, and ears they should not hear, how can they seek by faith? – Rom 11:8/Gal 3:23; which faith is administered, or is it acquired via hearing – Rom 10:17/2Pet 1:1. And the administered faith that comes from hearing God’s word causes one to believe. If they are closed off to the faith, how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? Rom 10:14. Jesus spoke to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand – Matt 13:13,14, lest they should believe and be saved – Luke 8:12, lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them – Matt 13:15.

Now we know that the nation of Israel is referred to as “the children of the kingdom” in the gospels – Matt 8:11,12/13:38 – “ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” – Exodus 19:6. According to Matthew 13:38, The field is the world; the children of the wicked one are the tares, and the children of the kingdom are the good seed. The good seed is, sown by the Son of Man, while the tares are sown by the adversary, the devil – Matthew 13:37-39. That in itself reveals that there have been two conflicting lines of people on the face of the globe since the fall of man and that the fruit that the first family ate as if it were fruit wasn’t the actual fruit of a tree, but rather symbolized partaking of an ominous dominion. The two trees in the garden represent two distinct entities. This is not a supposition, but a reality found throughout the Bible. In one case, the two olive trees mentioned in Revelation 11:4 represent the two witnesses. If true, the two separate trees referenced in Genesis also had something to do with two entities.

When it is said that they ate from the forbidden tree, does this suggest that the first family rejected God’s sovereignty and surrendered to evil power, as proven by the fruit produced by their descendants? Isn’t it clear from their fruit? Isn’t this why the devil wielded dominion over humanity until the Dayspring from on high arrived?

Eating is the most intimate activity a person can engage in. A person must accept something as nice before putting it into their body. Eating involves voluntarily engaging all of the senses rather than being compelled to do so. Likewise, consuming from that tree ought to be seen as a chance to form a closer relationship with an alien entity; it ought to stand for forging a stronger bond with a foreign power; They had only ever known God up until that point, so the serpent was an unfamiliar and mysterious entity to them. It is written that Eve found that tree pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired – Genesis 3:6. Eve has already been subtly drawn into Satan’s spell, and the snake has wrapped itself around her through trickery. According to the New Testament, “the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty,” which caused the mind to become corrupted – 2 Cor 11:3. If it was only a piece of fruit they had consumed, why was the mind tainted? The mind is a spiritual area that can only be changed by a spiritual creature; a thing like fruit, on the other hand, can never change the mind, can it? If being married to Christ produces fruit unto God – Rom 7:4, then it was their marriage to an evil creature that produced fruit until death. The woman being deceived was in the transgression – 1 Tim 2:14. The “tree of life” portrays Jesus Christ; if this is the case, who might the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil represent? Arguing that it was only a tree would also reject the existence of the divine entity that represents the Tree of Life. They opted to flee the presence of the LORD God and submit to an alien jurisdiction over which they had no control. Everything was under their control; now that power has been transferred to a base creature with a base nature.

Observe how an evil domain was introduced into the human realm and how that came about.

Do you believe that the words “Cain, is of the wicked one” that the Spirit of God spoke have no particular significance?

How did two polar opposing kingdoms come to be? That is the first question we must investigate and answer. If we read closely, we may see two lines of descent beginning to take shape in the book of Genesis after Adam’s fall. Cain, who was of that wicked one, a tiller of the ground – Genesis 4:2/1John 3:12; and Abel, a shepherd, was a righteous man – Genesis 4:2/Heb 11:4. One comes from the great shepherd’s line, while the other comes from an accursed line. Was the ground being tilled because of the curse? The Lord God sent Cain forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken – Genesis 3:23. Genesis 2:5, which places Adam in charge of tilling the earth before the fall, suggests that this would have been a joyful task. Tilling in the sweat of one’s face is a curse brought about by the fall, according to Genesis 3:19. But why had it fallen on one person and not the other? It had evolved from an enjoyable assignment to a menial one. Every time there was a rebellion in the Bible, you could see this servitude continuing. And who, in God’s eyes, was the first murderer? The devil – John 8:44. Cain, who was of that wicked one, slew his brother—Cain’s murderous nature was apparent in both him and his offspring. One of Cain’s descendants, Lamech, killed a man. Genesis 4:23–24 tells the story of Lamech telling his wives that he killed a young man who had hurt him. This is not the Lamech, from the holy line, who fathered Noah – Genesis 5:25-31. Now hear what the Spirit of God said about Jacob’s sons. Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger, they slew a man, and in their self-will, they dug down a wall. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel – Genesis 49:5-7.

Did wickedness end there? No, it didn’t. It engulfed the entire planet. According to Jesus of Nazareth, it has spread to Christendom as well. What exactly did he say? Whoever hates his brother is a murderer – 1 John 3:15. And many Christians despise each other. Hatred is the binding force. That is the fruit of the world of evil. What astounds me is how many people I know who are, members of the church are bearing the fruit of the wicked. I’ve witnessed the worst kind of hatred within the ranks of many professed Christians.

Didn’t Jesus tell the scribes and Pharisees, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do”? He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it – John 8:44. Do you see where the earthly, sensual, and demonic wisdom comes from? James 3:14–16 And in the words of 1 John 3:15, Whoever hates his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him – 1 John 3:15. Does this not suggest that the Christian realm is not impervious to the evil line? Does this not mean that it is imperative to keep your heart pure? Proverbs 4:23 Doesn’t this indicate that the heart of man is deceitful and horribly wicked – Jeremiah 17:9, and that unless God does regenerative work in the heart of man, we will all die in our wickedness? And isn’t this the one area where the Pharisees couldn’t cooperate because they thought themselves above reproach? For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man – Mark 7:21-23.

When did the tares enter humanity and who seeded them? It is evident, that with Adam’s fall, the evil seed joined humanity. God let the wicked line, or tares, grow alongside the good seeds. The disposition of a person’s spirit determines their offspring. The spirit of a religion shapes the spirit of its followers, or the essence of a religion influences the essence of its followers. Hence, the shift in spirit determines whether one is an adversary or a child of God. How did I come to be God’s child? I was the devil’s offspring, carrying his seed, the spirit that operates in the disobedient children – Eph 2:2. However, when God quickened me by the power of His eternal Spirit, a new spirit—which is of God—was produced within of me, driving out the spirit of darkness that held me captive. The distinction is that, in contrast to previous enslavement and the power of death, you obtain both liberation and a new spirit that is fashioned after God’s likeness in Christ. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit”. A person born of any other religious spirit is a tare, but if they are born of the Spirit of God, they are a good seed that is incorruptible, holy, and righteous. Both bear fruit—one leads to death, the other to life. If not, why do you suppose the kingdom of evil has introduced a multitude of religions into the world? Its purpose is to entice humanity and quench their innate religious desire, preventing them from accepting the life that God has to offer. One benefit of other faiths offered by the devil, as opposed to the religion of Christ, is that you can indulge your carnal desires without exhibiting any remorse. You may gain according to the world’s standards while losing nothing. However, practicing authentic faith may come at a cost in life, but it is secure in God, which guarantees eternal life. No man hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he powers in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it – Ecclesiastes 8:8.

And what would a sinful man choose? Light or darkness? Men preferred darkness over light – John 3:19. However, man cannot save himself; just as he did not choose to be born, he cannot choose to be saved. Man is placed in a favorable position solely by God’s election. Otherwise, he would never be able to consider soul redemption; he is incapable of even considering the possibility of soul restoration. The Father of lights must draw a person to Christ – John 6:44. Despite man’s inability to choose life, the light of God, which brings light to man, has shined in darkness, just as the sun shines on all creation impartially – John 1:1-5. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined – Isaiah 9:2. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ – 2 Cor 4:6.

Today’s globe is home to practically every kind of religion that a wicked heart would wish to align itself with. Man is free to select whatever religion that best suits his or her current needs or problems, as per their wishes. Additionally, man is entering into a pact with the devil each time he chooses to follow a religion other than God’s.

Being unable to choose life is God’s condemnation, for God will give every soul who enters the world the grace to enter life; nevertheless, because mankind preferred darkness, they despise light and deny God’s inner call. And as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient – Rom 1:28. For many are called, but few are chosen – Matt 22:14; The call is for everyone; and the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men everywhere to repent – Acts 17:30. As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live – Ezekiel 33:11. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled – Luke 14:23.

The kingdoms of this world is a corpus of “the kingdoms of darkness” and “the kingdoms of men”? Who was its monarch? Satan. Does he hold that position anymore? To an extent, but he had lost it to the Lord Jesus Christ – Rev 11:15/John 12:31/16:11/Col 2:15/Heb 2:14/Rev 1:18.

You may see why Jesus chained the strong guy before looting his riches – Mark 3:27. The kingdom of darkness, or Satan, had to be destroyed, the monarch had to be brought down before the spoils could be seized, and Jesus did incapacitate the devil – John 12:31/16:11/Col 2:15/Heb 2:14,15. Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night – Rev 12:10. The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever – Rev 11:15. Jesus said, if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you – Luke 11:20. The devil did retaliate and harass the fledgling church, but because the Lord had taken away his dominion, he could not prevail against the church of Jesus Christ.

Do we still have these two kingdoms in the globe today? Yes, the goat and sheep nations mentioned in the Bible – Matthew 25:32 – are the outcome of two kingdoms at work and how two cultures compete in the world for permeation or influence. One restrains wickedness, and the other promotes it. One is subject to God’s law, while the other enjoys lawlessness.

It was the Lord God who had brought people out of Egypt, the place of bondage, until they disobeyed God’s rule. “And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation” – Exodus 19:6 Was Israel able to keep their kingdom? Regretfully, no. Their revolt had cost them their kingdom; the arrival of Christ had put an end to it. God was furious with Israel in Egypt, but Moses was given the role of mediator so that God would not allow Israel to perish – Ezekiel 20. According to 1 Samuel 8:19–22, the children of Israel desired to live under the government of a mortal man, just like the rest of the world. They did not want God to rule over them. Chapter 9 of Daniel foretold what would happen to the house of Israel. Jesus stated in John 9:39, “For judgment I am come into this world, that those who see may not see, and that they who see may be made blind.” Isn’t that one of the purposes of Christ’s coming? Hebrews 9:8 states that the first Tabernacle was still in place and that the path to the holiest of all could not be made visible. It has to go. The dissolution of the Old Covenant would result in the destruction, of the temple; Israel would be stripped of all distinction and privileges; for the spread of abomination, consummation has been poured upon the desolate; the Son of Man would put an end to sacrifice and oblation by establishing a new and better covenant; and total destruction, of the house of Israel–the kingdom hath ceased – Hosea 1:4,6/ Amos 9:8/Matt 23:38. I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance – Isaiah 47:6. I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon, all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place – Zephaniah 1:4. “The remnant of Baal” are the alien children born of the spirit of harlotry; when Israel and Judah played harlot – Hosea 4/5.

The Son of Man did provide the lost sheep of Israel the opportunity to know His creator, the Rock from which he was hewn; but they would not listen and the more they rebelled. They knew God (You only have I known of all the families of the earth – Amos 3:2/2 Samuel 7:23,24), but they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened – Rom 1:21; Jesus said unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come, I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins – John 8:21,24; When once the master of the house is risen, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are – Luke 13:25. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you thrust out. And they (the remnant) shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God – Luke 13:28,29. All of this was experienced by that generation. Jesus said, all these things shall come upon this generation – Matt 23:36; this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled – Matt 24:34. Jesus said, therefore strive to enter in at the strait gate (when the master of the house is here with you): for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in (after I am gone), and shall not be able – Luke 13:24. Didn’t the thief on the cross find a way in because he believed? Luke 23:42,43 Jesus answered, “For many will try to enter, but they will not be able” – Luke 13:24, because they did not receive the kingdom of God as a little child – Mark 10:15.

Their fall culminated in the world’s acceptance – Rom 11:12,15. And the dominion was given to a foolish nation; base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen – 1 Cor 1:28. I say unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof – Matthew 21:43/Deuteronomy 32:21/Rom 10:19. To Israel, God said, will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel – Hosea 1:4; I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away – Hosea 1:6; for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God – Hosea 1:9. Thus saith the Lord God unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land. Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations. And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the Lord. Thus, saith the Lord God; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come. An end is come, the end is come it watches for thee; behold, it is come – Ezekiel 7. This happened in the year 70 AD. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God; in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God – Hosea 1:10/ Romans 9:26.

Having said that God did not, reject His people in that sense. For my name’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off – Isaiah 48:9. He did save/redeem the remnant of Israel. Then (when Emmanuel, the Salvation is come to Israel) shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head – Hosea 1:11. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass – Zechariah 9:9. The gospel of the kingdom, which was taught to the house of Israel during the time of Jesus of Nazareth, represents their promised redemption or salvation. The devout Simeon who has been waiting for the consolation of Israel said, “Mine eyes have seen thy salvation”, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel – Luke 2:25-32. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against – Luke 2:34. What was Simeon looking for? “The consolation of Israel”. Prophet Isaiah declares, Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem – Isaiah 52:9. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day; And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord and spoke of him to all, them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem – Luke 2:36-38.

Redemption is not a future happening as many propound but that which already has happened. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem – Isaiah 52:9. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Isaiah 5:4. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest (speaking of John): for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways (the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight – Luke 3:4); To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins (the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins – Luke 3:3), Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace – Luke 1:68-79. The Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he – Jeremiah 31:11. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you – 1 Peter 1:10; the law was their schoolmaster to bring them unto Christ, that they might be justified by faith – Gal 3:24 – if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we (Israel) ourselves also are found sinners – Gal 2:17. But Israel knew not that I healed them – Hosea 11:3.

However, the kingdom was exclusive to that one nation, which went by God’s name; today, a new nation, inclusive of Jews and Gentiles alike, has inherited the kingdom. The center wall of the partition has been dismantled, and the animosity wall has been removed – Eph 2:14 – Jesus Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and he hath reconciled both unto God in one body by the cross – Eph 2:15,16.

When we dig further, we will discover that although the number of Israel’s offspring became as the sand of the sea, they would eventually become seeds to be sown in the world’s field; thus, God saved a remnant and maintained Israel rather than despising them – Rom 9:27. Through them God brought salvation to the entire globe. For salvation is of the Jews – John 4:22; Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father’s children shall bow down before thee. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh (Messiah) come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be – Genesis 49:8-10; for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel – Matt 2:6. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah – Heb 7:14. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust – Rom 15:12. The fall of them (Israel) be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles – Rom 11:12; “the fall of them” means to fall as seeds into the ground (Keep in mind that not all of the branches fell or were severed – Rom 11:17/1Cor 10:7-10). Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit – John 12:24. In a sense, Israel produced more fruit than it did while it was alive.

As the prophet Daniel and other prophets prophesied, Christ, the descendant of David, did obtain His kingdom, didn’t he? As before, yet different: a priestly kingdom – Rev 1:6,9/5:10/Col 1:13/1Pet 2:5. The difference is that we are now God’s offspring, heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ, and children of promise – Gal 3:26/4:28/Rom 8:17/9:8. I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him; And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him (Don’t all people, nations, and languages now serve him? They do, indeed): his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed – Daniel 7:13,14. Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom; the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee – Daniel 7:22/Psalm 149:5-9/Isaiah 60:3-6.

The Lord therefore hath performed his word that he hath spoken: for I AM RISEN IN the room of David my father, and am set on the throne of Israel, as the Lord promised, and have built the house for the name of the Lord God of Israel (as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house – 1 Peter 2:5 – a holy temple in the Lord – Eph 2:21). And in it have I put the ark, wherein is the covenant of the Lord, that he made with the children of Israel – 2 Chronicles 6:10,11; the tabernacle of witness brought into the possession of the Gentiles – Acts 7:44,45. Even though this is Solomon speaking, it has prophetic significance. It speaks of Christ (behold, a greater than Solomon is here – Luke 11:31). He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end – Luke 1:32,33. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end (Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you – John 14:27 – the peace of God, which passes all understanding – Phil 4:7), upon the throne of David, and his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel – Isaiah 9:7,8. The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body (Christ – Acts 2:30/2Tim 2:8/Rom 1:3) will I set upon thy throne – Psalm 132:11. The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus – Acts 3:13.

What has the Lord not delivered us from?

Did he not deliver us from all these?

Power of Sin – Rom 6:6,14/8:3/1Cor 15:55,56.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Power of Death (if one died for all, then were all dead – 2 Cor 5:14) – Heb 2:14,15/John 5:24/1 John 3:14/Rom 6:4,9/Col 2:12/Rev 1:18. 1                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Power of Darkness (Choshek – Ignorance) – Matt 4:16/Acts 17:30/2Cor 4:6/Col 1:13/Eph 5:8/6:12/Acts 26:18/1Thess 5:4,5.                                                                                                                                            Power of Satan – Job 1:12/Acts 26:18.

And who has he delivered from all of this? Only Gentiles? It can’t be. Gentiles cannot be redeemed until Israel has experienced redemption. Why, then, would God send His Son to be made under the law? The Bible says, when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law; To redeem them that were under the law, that, we might receive the adoption of sons – Gal 4:4,5. What comes first? “redeeming them that were under the law” that we, the rest of the world might receive the adoption – Gal 4:5. Christ is the mediator of the new testament, that through death, for the redemption of the transgressions THAT WERE UNDER THE FIRST TESTAMENT (that must transpire first), that they which are called (accepted in the beloved – Eph 1:6; and who is the beloved? The Israel of God) might receive the promise of eternal inheritance – Heb 9:15; because God had us (the New Testament believers) in mind and had something better for us, so that they [these men and women of authentic faith – the saints of old] would not be made perfect [that is, completed in Him] apart from us – Heb 11:40 – AMP.

Who did God make the new covenant with? With the Gentiles? No, but with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; whose is the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service, and the promises; of whom are the fathers, and from whom is Christ as concerning the flesh – Romans 9:4,5. The Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things – Romans 15:27. For finding fault with them (the old one), he said, “Behold, the days come,” says the Lord, “that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah – Hebrews 8:7,8.

Who did God choose to be the cornerstone of the one new man? The seed which the Lord of Sabaoth had left – Rom 9:29/Gal 3:16, which is Jesus Christ, of the tribe of Judah, as the chief cornerstone, and the holy apostles of the lamb from other tribes of Israel. And whom did God pour upon the spirit of grace and supplications on the day of Pentecost when the Spirit of Grace was first given? The house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, right? Zechariah 12:10; there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven – Acts 2:5.

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David – Luke 1:68,69; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins; through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace – Luke 1:77-79. In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness – Zechariah 13:1. In that day, one shall say unto him (the Messiah), What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those, with which I was wounded in the house of my friends – Zechariah 13:1-6

Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many – Heb 9:28; Christ being raised from the dead dies no more; death hath no more dominion over him – Rom 6:9. If such is the case, how can we expect Him to return to save Israel? He did come to save Israel. The Messiah had come and gone. The Lord’s second coming will be to build His heavenly kingdom rather than to deliver Israel. The chosen individuals from each tribe will be protected during the tremendous affliction that befalls the entire globe. “They shall look upon me, whom they have pierced” – Zechariah 12:10. This prophecy was partially fulfilled; the first half occurred in AD 70.

Will there be another disaster in Jerusalem? There will undoubtedly be another. Many nations will come against Jerusalem at this time; I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle – Zechariah 14:2. Can you not see the provocation going on in Israel right now? Don’t you notice how the heathens clench their teeth in rage at Israel? God will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling; a burdensome stone for all people; all the people of the earth will be gathered together against it – Zechariah 12:2-9. Is this something that has happened before? Not to the best of my knowledge. This huge trouble will spread throughout the entire planet because it is God’s vengeance on the world. There’s no stronger indication than this that the Lord’s second coming is almost here. His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives to fight against those nations – Zechariah 14:4. And the Lord shall be king over all the earth – Zechariah 14:9; and Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited – Zechariah 14:11. But first, there will be a nuclear Armageddon.  The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining – Joel 2:10; Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel – Ezekiel 38:19; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth – Zechariah 14:12.

That is also the time when wealth is transferred, as the Bible states that the wealth of the wicked is set aside for the righteous – Proverbs 13:22; the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together – Zechariah 14:14; they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it – Rev 21:26. And everyone that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King – Zechariah 14:16.It is important that you distinguish between the political state of Israel and the Israel of God. The conflict in Israel is spiritual, as Jerusalem is the sacred city of our God; this is the point of dispute.

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, “it is finished” – John 19:30; For he will finish the work, a short work will the Lord make upon the earth – Rom 9:28. He is saying–What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Isaiah 5:4 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? Have they not heard? Did not Israel know? Rom 10:16,18,19. The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them – 2 Cor 4:4.

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch; In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely – Jeremiah 23:5,6. Take your eyes off the present state of Israel and focus on the Israel of God, the holy line of descent (who believed their Messiah), which is secured in Christ. Know that Israel is secured. God doesn’t have to save them; He’s saved them already if you didn’t know. Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation – Isaiah 45:17. Doesn’t “Some of the branches were broken off” imply that Israel is secured and only the broken ones need to be brought back?

What is looming ahead is not another redeeming activity of God but a fierce judgment; “the wrath of the Lamb” – Rev 6:16 “the wrath of God” – Rev 14:10. The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10.

God is just, therefore before He pours out His wrath on the globe, the entire world, everyone who lives there, every nation, language, and people group will hear the message of the everlasting gospel again; but this time, it will be delivered by an angel – Revelation 14:6. It is important to note that it is not the gospel of grace, but another one. The snatching away of the Church of Jesus Christ closes the door to the dispensation of grace. Why an angel through whom the everlasting gospel is preached? We know that Satan thinks he has rendered many countries immune to the gospel of Christ; He thinks that authoritarian governments and the establishment of various religious, and political dogmas have kept evangelists out of particular regions of the world; but how can he prevent people from listening when an angel preaches? God will make certain that every soul hears His message. That is why, during the Great Tribulation, millions upon millions of souls will be harvested – Rev 7:14/20:4.

If you didn’t know, Israel has been redeemed; the Israel of God is intact; only their fulness (that is, the whole twelve tribes) that needs to be brought in (not all but some of the branches that were broken – Rom 11:17). And God will do it during the trouble days. That’s where the sealing of the 144000 stands for – Rev 7:3-8. By their addition, the fullness of Israel will be accomplished. When it is said, “all Israel shall be saved” – Rom 11:26, it doesn’t mean, a numeric fulness (Pleroma – Rom 11:12); not a full number, but fulfillment. Esaias also cries concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved – Rom 9:27; “Save some of them” – Rom 11:14.

As per the scriptures, God expressed his regret for creating humans and expressed deep sorrow over it; Had He not preserved a righteous man like Noah, God would have wiped off human civilization entirely – Genesis 6:5-8. Just like that, Esaias says, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us (Israel) a seed (Christ – Gal 3:16), we had been as Sodom, and been made like unto Gomorrah – Rom 9:29; Caiaphas, the high priest prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation – John 11:49-51. Didn’t God, lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense: that whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed? Rom 9:33. And you still think Jesus is going to return one more time to save Israel? Which Israel are you referring to? Israel as a state? You have to be kidding. God has chosen Jerusalem so that His name would be there – 2 Chronicles 6:6, and He is coming there to rule, not for any other reason; for thy city and thy people are called by thy name – Daniel 9:19. Thus saith the Lord; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell amid Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain – Zechariah 8:3; The city of the Lord, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel – Isaiah 60:14; thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain – Daniel 9:16; thy holy city – Daniel 9:24; O Jerusalem, the holy city – Isaiah 52:1.

Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? Romans 11:12 How do you interpret this? They did fall (few branches broken off to accommodate the Gentiles – Rom 11:11,12); “they did diminish” in the sense that God took away their kingdom and distinctness but not cast away His people which He foreknew, neither did they stumble that they should fall to the point of being eliminated – Rom 11:1,2,11. Their stumbling was crucial, without which the world wouldn’t be saved. At the same time, God did redeem them, not by the works of righteousness but by imputed faith. The receiving of them, resulted in the “life from the dead” Rom 11:15. If they aren’t received, it implies that life has not yet been offered. On the contrary, life has come.

Now, there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven residing in Jerusalem – Acts 2:5-8. The first-century church was primarily Jewish in nature, at least until Cornelius and his family were inducted. Did the seventy disciples and all the apostles of the lamb happen to be Jews who were sent out? Being the direct witnesses of His Majesty, they bore the gospel of witness – 2Pet 1:16/Luke 1:2. Without firsthand observation, how can any group be deemed a witness? We were not witnesses (we don’t preach the gospel of witness either); but they were. The gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations (which meant, the uttermost parts of the then Roman Empire – they did go and preached the gospel of the kingdom – the region of present-day Ethiopia or Yemen is the uttermost part – Matthew 12:42); and then shall the end come – Matthew 24:14. Jesus wasn’t speaking of the end of the world but the end of Jewish hegemony in terms of handling the things of God.

What good is it, to cling to something that is only a shadow when perfection arrives, except for the fact that it presents an obstacle? Hebrews 8:4,5/9:8,11/10:1. As their teacher to lead them to Christ, the law was appointed. According to Gal 3:24–25, once that faith is realized they are no longer under a teacher. This still stumps my sensibilities: why they would desire to continue under the law–when they were unable to carry out its requirements? For they could not tolerate that which was commanded – Hebrews 12:20; additionally, everyone who did so was subject to the law’s curse – Galatians 3:10. I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy – Romans 11:11.

Behold, “He takes away the first, that he may establish the second” – Hebrews 10:9,10. The hand-built Temple was destroyed at the foundation of the New Temple in Christ. The first Tabernacle was rendered obsolete by the death of Jesus Christ, which opened the way to the Holy Place. Jesus established a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah – Hebrews 8:8. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely – Jeremiah 23:6/33:16. This time, through the pouring out of God’s Spirit upon all flesh, He put laws into their minds, and wrote them in their hearts – Heb 8:10. The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing – Heb 9:8.

Didn’t Jesus say, “I will destroy this temple, that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands”?  Mark 14:58/John 2:19 The end of that age did come, in AD 70 as Daniel foretold – Matt 24:15. According to Matthew 24:16, the Christians who understood Jesus’ teaching did indeed, run into Judaea’s highlands. The year AD 70 is significant in Christianity, which event was meticulously documented by Titus Flavius Josephus. The temple was desecrated, and the abomination of desolation prophesied by Daniel was committed when Antiochus 4 Epiphanies built an altar to Zeus over the altar of the fire sacrifices in the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and offered a pig as a sacrifice.

Jesus told them parables, but why do you think that was the case? It would compromise his covert purpose that he came to accomplish on earth, hence Jesus didn’t want them to comprehend the mysteries, of the kingdom. What did Jesus say? That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them – Mark 4:12. For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them – Matthew 13:15.

To fulfill the desire of the Father and serve as the ideal sacrifice that would redeem the world, Jesus temporarily rendered them blind. Can you conceive a circumstance in which the Lamb of God is not slain? What would the world be like if Jesus had not died? There would be no redemption for Judah and Israel, and no salvation for the entire world. Because God’s wrath was not, placated and only the priceless blood of His Son Jesus would suffice, the world and all living things inside it would be wiped out. So, I believe, God had to temporarily suspend Israel to work out His eternal plan of salvation. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer – Isaiah 54:7,8. Who else except Israel would have slain God’s lamb? Or who should slaughter the lamb if not Israel, who has broken God’s laws? Caiaphas, the then-high priest, recognized this – John 11:49,50. By slaying the Lamb of God on the altar of Golgotha outside the city, Israel carried out God’s greatest redemptive plan. This mystery which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory – 1 Cor 2:8. Should we despise Israel because of this, or should we adore them even more? They gave their lives to bring the world to life. Do you believe they’d let Him be slaughtered if they knew He was their Messiah?

The Mosaic Law stipulated that anyone who sinned had to bring a sacrificial animal to the Tabernacle or, subsequently, the temple. This animal was usually an unblemished lamb. After that, the act of placing one’s hands on the animal’s head represented the transfer of one’s sins to the helpless animal. As a symbolic act of atonement, the lamb would be killed, and its blood would be sprinkled on the altar. As Abraham believed, God had provided them the animal – Genesis 22:8 (in Isaac shall thy seed be called – Genesis 17:19/ Romans 9:7/Hebrews 11:18)). Israel had to place their hands on the animal, which they did, and they slaughtered it without understanding its significance – Acts 3:15/James 5:6; he was put to death in the flesh – 1 Peter 3:18; whom ye slew and hanged on a tree – Acts 5:30. It was something they had to do. Whatever their purpose, they behaved in ignorance of God’s redemptive work. God planned it that way. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure – Phil 2:13. He served as our sin’s atonement, after all. Wasn’t it God’s purpose for the lamb to be slaughtered as a ransom for all? Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom – Job 33:24/1 Tim 2:6/Mark 10:45. Then, was the lamb of God not also the object of God’s wrath?

The purpose of this system of sacrifice was to highlight the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement and rapprochement with God. Later in the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb. His death on the cross is regarded as the ideal atonement for humankind’s sins, obviating the necessity for more animal offerings.

I take it that the one who should sacrifice the animal on the altar is the offender. God offered His Lamb (He, gave his only begotten Son – John 3:16), and Israel was to kill it for it to make atonement. If the nation should not perish, and the Nation must sacrifice the lamb without blemish for their redemption, it must be the Jews and not the Romans that should kill the lamb. Does that make sense? The killing then, was the will of God. But killing without admittance of their sin or denial of their salvation was the sin unto death. God’s purpose and plan were being fulfilled, even though the Son of Man was slaughtered out of hatred rather than realizing their redemption. It was God’s secret mission, which none of the princes of this world knew (the unseen evil realm): for had they known it (if they knew that God planned to dismantle all the works of darkness – 1 John 3:8), they would not have crucified the Lord of glory – 1 Cor 2:8.

Satan and his kingdom were taken by surprise; they were so deluded. No wonder he tried to test Jesus; the devil said unto him, if thou be the Son of God – Luke 4:3. None of the world’s princes were aware of God’s covert mission, which involved the destruction of all the works of darkness – 1John 3:8. If they had, according to 1 Corinthians 2:8, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory. Because they were so naive, Satan and his dominion were caught off guard. See Luke 4:3, “If thou be the Son of God,” the devil said to him, explaining why he attempted to test Jesus (He was aware that something was going on, but he wasn’t sure what it was about). A smile currently appears on my face as I think about the incredible work of God that tricked the entire kingdom of darkness.

Rebuking Jesus, even Peter said, “Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee” – Matt 16:22. Ignorant Israel can you blame them if the Lamb’s Apostles were unaware of the significance of the death that the Son of Man has come to accomplish? God’s clandestine goal would be jeopardized if the lamb was not murdered in that way, which was merely motivated by hatred or malice. It was not the right time for Israel to realize who their Messiah was, because else they would not have allowed him to die, and the world would not be saved.

Understand that the lamb of God served as our sacrifice; he had to bear God’s anger on our behalf; he humbled himself and submitted to death, even the death of the cross; this was done to save those who were subject to the law and to enable us to be adopted as sons – Gal 4:5. He was afflicted and oppressed, yet he remained silent. He was treated like a lamb at the slaughterhouse, and just as a sheep is dumb in front of its shearers, so he remained silent – Isaiah 53:7.

The kingdom of this world relates to the nations of the world. According to Matthew 13, the kingdom of heaven is represented as the good seeds, tares; a grain of mustard seed; leaven; wealth hidden in a field; a merchantman seeking goodly pearls; as unto a net–the good fish, the bad fish, and so on. The Kingdom of God, on the other hand, is the spiritual aspect of the Kingdom of Christ, whose ruler is the Lord Jesus Christ, the prince of the kings of the earth. For instance, the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power; it is not meat or drink but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost; if I cast the devils out, that means, the kingdom of God is come upon you. A born-again believer is translated into the kingdom of Christ in this age – Col 1:13/Heb 12:22-24.

As I previously stated, the kingdom of heaven is a blend of everything that is found in Christendom but, after the good things have been taken out of it, it will manifest on earth when the King of kings and Lord of lords makes His appearance in the clouds of His glory to literally rule and reign over the nations from Jerusalem.

The kingdom of darkness had the upper hand before Christ’s first appearance, but the monarch of that kingdom is now disabled, and while it retains some authority due to the presence of sin in the world, it is Jesus Christ who rules over the kingdoms of men. For whoever has the keys to death and hell wields absolute power. Jesus Christ chained the strong man and spoiled all of his possessions, and, he now possesses the keys – Rev 1:18. He hath broken Pharaoh’s arm, King of Egypt, and it shall not be wrapped up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to carry the sword; I will break his arms, the strong, and that which was broken; and I will cause the sword to fall out of his hand – Ezekiel 30:21,22/Matthew 2:15;12:28,29/ Col 2:15. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil – 1 John 3:8.

Although the adversary of our souls has been defeated, there are currently two kingdoms at war on Earth. Despite being judged and banished from this world – John 12:31; 16:11, Satan—who is portrayed as the price of this world—remains and continues to rule over sinful souls from his seat in the second heavens. We must still wrestle with him – Ephesians 6:12/1John 5:19. However, Jesus Christ rules on earth through His body, the Church. That’s the distinction.

Jesus spoke unto them, All power is given unto me in heaven and earth – Matthew 28:18. God hath set Jesus Christ far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that fills all in all – Ephesians 1:21-23. God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth – Phil 2:9,10. These are not events that will occur but have already happened.

I don’t comprehend Christians who are still waiting for the enthronement of Jesus Christ. How can such people enjoy their advantages in Christ when they believe Satan, not Christ, is on the throne? They would be completely unaware of their authority in Christ, making them puppets for the devil.

In summary, the exploration of Israel’s role in the sacrifice of the Lamb of God reveals a complex interplay of divine purpose and human agency. Through distinct categories within Israel, the narrative of redemption unfolds, culminating in the sacrificial act led by sinners in need of atonement. The testimony of John the Baptist heralds the arrival of the sinless Lamb of God, appointed to take away the sins of the world. This journey not only illuminates truths of mercy and grace but also highlights Israel’s unique position as the conduit through which God brought redemption to the entire world.