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“OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES CONCERNING THE CHURCH”

INTRODUCTION
1. Many today are confused concerning the church, its design, its purpose, and its eternally glorified state. Much of this confusion has come about because many bring preconceived ideas into a study of what the Bible teaches on certain subject, and when they bring opinions and give these the weight of evidence, they naturally come up with the wrong conclusions.

2. They and we need to be as the Bereans (Acts 17:11), We need to “receive the word with all readiness of mind,” we must take only the evidence given in the Bible, and base our conclusions thereon, for (Ps 119:160)

Psa 119:160 The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances endureth for ever.

3. This is one reason why we see so much religious division today, individuals just do not want to submit to what God’s word teaches harmoniously and be satisfied with the outcome, they either want to believe this, or that, or whatever, we need to remember, it is not what I want, or what you want, but what God wills.

4. But the truth is, God’s word is not subjective, it is objective, in other words, there is only one truth, I may be wrong, you may be wrong, we may both be wrong, but we cannot both be right

5. God’s revealed Truth concerning matters, as is faith, is based upon evidence (Heb 11:1), and that evidence is contained in God’s Word (Rom 10:17), which gives us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Pet 1:3)

6. We may not be able to take all the evidence available and be absolutely sure on a matter, without a shred of doubt, 100% positive. Yet we should be able to take all the available evidence on a matter, put it on an evidential scale, and whichever side is the most weighty, must be the truth, without question!This is either true, or God is trying to deceive us, and I cannot believe the latter to be the case. This approach I believe is to approach the study of the Scriptures with “all readiness of mind” as did the Bereans (Acts 17:11),

7. We need to start from a neutral position and believe what the Bible teaches. Many times this will not be “what we believe,” but it will be that one unsubjective Truth, which sets one free (Jn 8:32), based upon the “sum of God’s word” (Ps 119:160)

8. We can see, if we start our study from the neutral position, based upon the evidence, that the Scriptures plainly teach that the church was established on earth in Acts chapter 2 (Acts 2:47)

Act 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (KJV; If you reject this the word “church” here because of textual variations, it is also found in Acts 5:11 concerning the account of Ananias and Sapphira which occurred shortly after the day of Pentecost)

9. Before this day the church was always spoken of in the future tense Our Lord said “ I will build my church” (Mt 16:18). After this day is spoken of as being present, the Lord added those obedient to the Gospel to it (Acts 2:47), Saul persecuted those who were in it (Acts 8:1; 9:1), but it was the eternal purpose of God . . . (Eph 3:11)

Eph 3:11 according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

10. The epistle to the Ephesians teaches us that God eternally purposed to bring together both Jew and Gentile into a location without class distinctions know as “in Christ”, “the body”, “the church”

And in this location would all available spiritual blessings exist (Eph 1:3), which of most importantly was “the remission of sins” because those whose sins are not remitted are separated from God (Isa 59:2).

11. Thus the Bible teaches that the church has existed on earth since that 1st Pentecost after the resurrection and ascension of Christ Jesus our Lord, yet actually it has always existed in one state or another, there is . . .

1) The church in “purpose” (In the mind of God)

2) The church in “prophecy” (As revealed upon the pages of inspiration)

3) The church in “preparation” (This covers the ministries of John the Baptist and Christ)

4) The church “perfected” upon the earth (From Acts chapter 2 until the Lords 2nd coming)

5) The church “perpetually” in eternity, after the first things are “passed” away (Rev 21:1-4). (After this physical realm is dissolved at out Lords 2nd coming; 2 Pet 3:10); where it will exist forever in the heavenly realms)

12. So we see that the church first existed in the mind of God, thus the phraseology “the eternal purpose” (Eph 3:11). It was eternally purposed, and now will eternally exist (2 Pet 1:11).

13. But the church, God’s eternal purpose, gradually came about, it was slowly unfolding throughout the realm in which we refer to as “time” as God has ordained.

14. The word we see translated “church” in our English Bibles come from the Greek word “ekklesia” which literally means “called out ones.” They are “called out” of a life of sin, and “into” a life of holiness and service unto God. They are called by the Gospel (2 Thess 2:14)

2Th 2:14 whereunto he called you through our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15. We also can conclude by a study of the Biblical text , that the “kingdom” and the “church” are synonymous terms. Christ used these 2 terms to refer to the same entity in Mt 16:18-19, He stated that upon that bedrock of truth “that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God”, would His “church” be built, to which, the apostles would be given the keys (Mt 16:19; 18:18; Jn 20:23), they would preach the Gospel plan of salvation, which when obeyed, would enable one to enter, to be translated, by God into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col 1:13), which is equal to being added to the church by the Lord (Acts 2:47), or baptized into the one body by the Spirit (1 Cor 12:13)

16. Christ said that the Lord’s supper would be observed in the “kingdom” (Mt 26:29; Mk 14:25; Lk 22:18), Paul gave instruction concerning the observing thereof in the “church” (1 Cor 11:20-22)

17. We cannot conclude that our Lord, nor the inspired apostle erred, thus we see again that the “kingdom” is the “church”

18. Also we can look at Hebrews the 12th chapter and see that when one comes to the “church” (Heb 12:23), one receives a “kingdom” (Heb 12:28)

19. Thus based upon the Biblical principle “that at the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses all things are established” (Mt 18:16; 2 Cor 13:1; 1 Tim 5:19), we can see that the Scriptures indeed use the words “church” and “kingdom” synonymously to refer to the same entity which are the churches of Christ (Rom 16:16)

20. The word “kingdom” in reference to the church defines the “nature” of the church It is an absolute monarchy, wherein Christ rules from heaven seated at God’s right hand, the position of authority, through His Word, the NT

a. The Father gave Christ the words (Jn 12:49-50)

b. Christ gave them to the apostles and NT prophets (Jn 17:8, 14; Gal 1:12)

c. They were empowered by the Comforter, the Holy Spirit which enabled them . . .

1) to remember without error all the things Christ had spoken unto them,

2) The Holy Spirit taught them “all things”, the remaining body of “all the truth” (Jn 14:26)

3) And declared the things that were to come; prophecies (Jn 16:13)

d. They wrote them down in a manner when we read (Eph 3:4) we can understand them, and is that which we call the NT, the Gospel, and are the commands of God (1 Cor 14:37; 1 Thess 2:13)

e. Seeing that Christ’s rule over the church, His body, is absolute, “all things” (Eph 1:22-23)

Eph 1:22 and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, Eph 1:23 which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

f. We can conclude that those that claim to be part of Christ’s church, yet are not in total subjection to him, through His commands in His word, are not His.

g. Yet Christ is a “kurios” Lord, which means a “benevolent” Lord, He does not force anyone against their will to obey Him. But rather He begs and pleads through His word, and through His cross for people to come unto him motivated by love (Jn 14:15), His crucifixion is the instrument through which our obedient love is manifested (Jn 12:32; 15:13; 14:15)

Joh 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.

Joh 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Joh 14:15 If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.

h. The church, as a kingdom contains a King , subjects, and law, which those in the church, the kingdom, are subject to

i. There are those that would claim that grace and law are opposed one to another.Yet the truth is that God’s grace hath given unto us the perfect law of liberty which is able to transform one's soul, this is known as the renewal, the putting off of the old man, the putting on of the new, it is a continuing process (2 Cor 4:16)

21. Those that have obeyed the Gospel are added to the church by the Lord and are called “Christians” (Acts 11:26; 1 Pet 4:16)

a. They have made themselves through obedience, subjects, slaves unto God, “dou-lo-o” slaves, which denotes “willing slaves.” The suffix “tian” on the word Chris“tian” comes from the Greek “tianos” which denotes ownership (Tit 2:14)

Tit 2:14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.

b. Thus “Christian”, “Christianos” means “one owned by Christ,” thus we can see the why one must not be called a Lutheran Christian, or a Catholic Christian, or a Baptist Christian, or any type of appendaged or hyphenated Christian.

c. These men or religions of men do not have a joint ownership over the Christian with Christ, we are owned souly by Christ, we are a people for His own possession (Tit 2:14)

1) He has been given all authority (Mt 28:18)

2) He is the one way to the Father (Jn 14:6)

3) He is the one mediator between God and man (1 Tim 2:5)

d. Creature and Creator do not stand on the same level, let us never put a man,s name side by side with the name above names (Phil 2:9), let us be only called “Christians” (1 Pet 4:16)

1Pe 4:16 but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name.

BODY
A. Throughout time, mankind was like a child, a nēpios; (nay'-pee-os); a minor child, God nurtured him along, concerning the scheme of redemption “he was only told a little at a time (Heb 1:1-2) . . .”

Heb 1:1 God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions (many, various parts) and in divers manners (many, various ways), Heb 1:2 hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds;

1. In Heb 1:1-2 what we see is basically the stream of revelation throughout the ages, a picture of the completion of revelation, through which Christ, using the NT as the vehicle of transmission, rules over His church (John 17:20-21a)

Joh 17:20 Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; Joh 17:21a that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us:

a. Remember, the Father gave Christ the words (Jn 12:49-50)

b. Christ gave them to the apostles and NT prophets (Jn 17:8, 14; Gal 1:12)

c. They were empowered by the Comforter, the Holy Spirit which enabled them . . .

1) To remember without error all the things Christ had spoken unto them (John 14:26),

2) The Holy Spirit taught them “all things”, which is the remaining body of “all the truth” (Jn 14:26), that once and for all time delivered faith (Jude 3)

3) And the Holy Spirit declared the things that were to come; prophecies (Jn 16:13)

4) They wrote them down in a manner when we read we can understand them, (Eph 3:4), and is that which we call the NT, the Gospel, and are the commands of God (1 Cor 14:37; 2 Thess 3:14)

1Co 14:37 If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord.

2Th 3:14 And if any man obeyeth not our word by this epistle, note that man, that ye have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed.

2. Christ was appointed Heir of “all things” (Heb 1:2). “All things” here refers to the scheme of redemption, the eternal purpose, the church that which was spoken in part and parcel by the prophets

B. The first prophecy concerning the church was actually spoken by God to Satan in Gen 3:15; this is known as the germinal promise, the entire scheme of redemption is actually condensed and encapsulated in this one verse (turn to Gen 3:15)

Gen 3:15 and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

1. “Enmity” here speaks of the perpetual hostility between Eve (who stands for the entirety of human kind), and Satan (the Adversary, who is bent upon the loss of the soul’s of mankind)

a. “Thy seed” would be all those who are not faithful unto God, “her Seed” refers to our Lord and Saviour

b. We need to remember, there is no middle ground, our Lord Himself stated (Mt 12:30) . . .

Mat 12:30 He that is not with me is against me, and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

c. One today is either a child of God, a faithful Biblical Christian, or a child of Satan, an enemy of the cross of Christ (Phili 3:18-19)

2. “Bruise his heel” here speaks of that which Christ would receive, a heel wound (not a mortal wound), Satan would believe that Christ was crucified, out of the picture, Yet he would rise on the 3rd day, and thus be the first fruits of those who would follow in the general resurrection through His Gospel (1 Cor 15:23), He would be their Forerunner into heaven (Heb 6:20), that which Satan had believed man would never be able to enter

3. Thus the resurrection of Christ inflicted a head wound “bruise thy head”, a death blow to Satan and his schemes, he would no longer be able to hold man in the fear of death (Heb 2:15), but rather the faithful Christian is to look forward to the events that would come to pass after the physical body and spirit separate (Ja 2:26; Phili 1:21).

4. Neither would he be able to tempt the faithful unto eternal destruction. That love manifested upon the cross of Calvary (Jn 12:32; 14:15), would be stronger than one’s own lusts and desires, and thus would effectively motivate the Christian to submit to God, and thereby resist the devil (Ja 4:7)

5. The seed of woman (Jesus Christ; Gal 3:16), He Who would crush the head of Satan would come from the lineage of Abraham (look at Gen 12:3)

Gen 12:3 and I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

a. The promise as also restated to Isaac in Gen 26:24 at Beer-sheba, and in Gen 28:14 to Jacob at Beth-el

b. This speaks of the spiritual blessings that would eventually be located “in Christ” (Eph 1:3), those in this location would also be Abraham’s seed (Gal 3:26-29)

Gal 3:26 For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ. Gal 3:28 There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:29 And if ye are Christ's, then are ye Abraham’s seed, heirs according to promise.

C. Let us look at 1 Pet 1:9-12 . . .

1Pe 1:9 receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

1. This is where faith leads us, this as always, speaks of Biblical faith, not merely mental assent alone, but rather a faith that demonstrates itself in actions, as we see in Heb ch 11

1Pe 1:10 Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

1. The OT prophets prophesied of this grace, “The grace of God that hath appeared bringing salvation to all men” (Tit 2:11), this “grace” specifically refers to Jesus Christ, and His soul saving Gospel

1Pe 1:11 searching what time or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did point unto, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them.

1. They looked for the coming of the Christ, but the prophets did not fully understand the deeper meanings of many of their prophesies (the 2nd applications concerning the coming of the church, yet many times they saw the immediate applications but had no clue to its ultimate fulfillment)

2. Neither did those that read the prophecies without a NT in hand properly understand them.

a. Consider the eunuch as he read out Isa 53 in Acts chapter 8, the Jewish mind just could not figure out who this suffering Servant would be. Their conception of a restored physical Israel just did not line up with this being their Messiah.

1Pe 1:12 To whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto you, did they minister these things, which now have been announced unto you through them that preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Spirit sent forth from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.

1. And this proves it, “not unto themselves, but unto you.” The OT prophets told of the nature, the time, and the place concerning of the coming and the establishing of the kingdom, the church, but it was not revealed fully until the NT times, it has been said, and rightly so that the OT is the NT concealed, and the NT is the OT revealed.

a. Also, why did angels desire to look into the salvation of man?

b. Remember some of them sinned once, and were cast into the deepest depths of the hadean realm, the “pits of darkness” ("tartarus"; 2 Pet 2:4), committed to the lake of fire on the last day (Mt 25:41), they did not receive the hope of a second chance, as we enjoy, thus this sparked their curiosity concerning the salvation of mankind, but where did they learn about it? Though the church, where God’s eternal purpose and manifold wisdom is shown forth in the redemption of mankind (Eph 3:10-11)

Eph 3:10 to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God, Eph 3:11 according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

D. Let us now turn to 2 Sam 7:12-13

2Sa 7:12 When thy days are fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, that shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 2Sa 7:13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

1. Did David know what this spoke of? He likely recognized the immediate fulfillment in his son Solomon, His building of the temple, his reign upon the throne of physical Israel.

a. But he probably did not realize its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, Who would come from his lineage through Mary and be seated on a “heavenly throne” at the right hand of God (Acts 2:33), and of Christ’s building of His kingdom (2 Sam 7:11), His church (Mt 16:18-19; Hab 12:23, 28), the house of God (1 Tim 3:15) which would remain throughout eternity (2 Pet 1:11)

E. Please turn your Bibles to Zech 6:12-13

Zec 6:12 and speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh Jehovah of hosts, saying, Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: and he shall grow up out of his place; and he shall build the temple of Jehovah; Zec 6:13 even he shall build the temple of Jehovah; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

1. This passage speaks of Christ being a “priest” and “ruling” upon His throne simultaneously.

a. Seeing that Heb 4:14 speaks of Christ being presently our High Priest and seeing that Hebrews was written in the 1st century, thus Christ has been on His throne as Priest and King since the first century, this is the place from which He “rules” over the kingdom, the church, His body (Eph 1:20-23)

F. Let us turn to Daniel Chapter 2 (v 31 ff)

1. In this context King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream he could not remember, but desired to remember, and to know what it meant.

2. So he called his magicians who could not tell him the dream, thus he became so furious that the king was going to kill the all the wise men in Babylon, which included Daniel and his companions.

3. So Daniel curried for some time and received it. He spoke to his companions that they all should request the compassion of God concerning the matter, and thus God revealed the dream and the interpretation thereof in a vision of the night.

4. Dan 2:31-35 is where Daniel describes to the king, his dream which he forgot (Dan 2:31-35)

Dan 2:31 Thou, O king, sawest, and, behold, a great image. This image, which was mighty, and whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the aspect thereof was terrible. Dan 2:32 As for this image, its head was of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of brass, Dan 2:33 its legs of iron, its feet part of iron, and part of clay. Dan 2:34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon its feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them in pieces. Dan 2:35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken in pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing-floors; and the wind carried them away, so that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

5. Now let us look carefully at the inspired interpretation of the dream (Dan 2:36-38) . . .

Dan 2:36 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. Dan 2:37 Thou, O king, art king of kings, unto whom the God of heaven hath given the kingdom, the power, and the strength, and the glory; Dan 2:38 and wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the birds of the heavens hath he given into thy hand, and hath made thee to rule over them all: thou art the head of gold.

6. It is very important to note Daniel’s inspired interpretation, “thou art the head of gold,” Nebuchadnezzar stood for his kingdom, Babylon. Thus verses 36-38 speaks of the empire of Babylon the 1st kingdom (600-536 BC)

a. The Babylonian empire was noted for its vast amounts of gold, they actually had a street of solid gold bricks leading up to their pagan temple.

Dan 2:39a And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee;

7. Note the phrase “after thee shall arise another kingdom” thus we are looking at a succession Verse 39a speaks of Cyrus and the Medo-Persian Empire, the 2nd kingdom, the next world power (536-337 BC) is represented by the images’ breast and its arms of silver (v 32).

a. Silver was considered inferior to gold (thus the phraseology “inferior to thee”), the Macedonians were noted for silver coins, which they would use to hire influence throughout the known world.

Dan 2:39b and another third kingdom of brass (bronze; NKJV), which shall bear rule over all the earth

8. We are still looking at a succession of kingdoms, we had . . .

1) “Thou art the head of Gold”

2) Then “after thee another kingdom” (which would be the 2nd in succession)

3) “And another” the “third kingdom” of brass (bronze), that would be the next world power

9. So verse 39b speaks of the Macedonian or the Grecian empire, the next conquering nation, the 3rd successive kingdom which became the world power (337-63 BC)

a. The Macedonians perfected the use of bronze weaponry, which made them very powerful

Dan 2:40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things; and as iron that crusheth all these, shall it break in pieces and crush. Dan 2:41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. Dan 2:42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. Dan 2:43 And whereas thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men; but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron doth not mingle with clay.

10. Now we see the 4th kingdom, the 4th world power, I want you to note that these are successive kingdoms, there is no 2,000+ year gap between the 3rd and 4th as some would want to assert, this is a simple case of eisegesis (adding to God’s word). This is also referred to as “begging the question,” which simply means inserting an opinion, and giving it the weight of real evidence, this is fallacious, and unsound reasoning.

11. Verses 40-43 speaks of the Roman Empire, the next, the 4th kingdom. The Roman Empire was very powerful, yet, it fell from within.

a. The iron and clay represent division, that which binds not well together. This represents the conquered nations that would not be truly faithful unto Rome, our Lord states that a kingdom divided will not stand (Mt 12:25), this was true of the Roman Empire (63 BC-AD 476), it fell from within rather than from an outside kingdom conquering it.

b. The Romans introduced carbon steel (a form of iron). Iron was known before this, but it was brittle, it was not tempered, as was carbon steel, this made their weaponry superior to the bronze weapons

Dan 2:44 And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

12. Now in verse 44 we see that in the days of the Roman kings, the Roman Empire; the kingdom, the church is “set up,“ it is spiritual, not physical in nature, thus it cannot be destroyed, as these other kingdoms that come and go with the passing of time.

a. Now look at verse 45

Dan 2:45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

b. We see that the kingdom is pictured as “a stone” “cut out of the mountain” (made) “without hands,” it was of Divine origin.

c. The kingdom, the church is in the world, but is not of the world, it is a spiritual entity, as affirmed by our Lord (Luke 17:21; John 18:36)

Luk 17:21 neither shall they say, Lo, here! or, There! for lo, the kingdom of God is within you.

Joh 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

d. The kingdom, the church, never has been of this world, and never will be. At the end of time when Christ comes with the angels of His power in flaming fire, the earth and the works therein will be burned up. They will have served God’s purpose, thus they will be destroyed (Gen 8:22; Mt 24:35; 2 Pet 3:10).

2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 2Pe 3:11 Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness,

e. Almost every false doctrine that is propagated by men usually feeds into some sort of fleshly desires, premillennialism is no different

f. David’s throne would be over an everlasting kingdom (2 Sam 7:13), it would be spiritual in nature.

g. The kingdom would be established when the Christ was on the throne of David. We see this took place on Pentecost, that was the import of Peter’s sermon in Acts 2:29-33

h. Thus the Bible teaches that kingdom of Christ was to be set up during the reign of the Roman Empire. Most premillennialists agree this is the meaning of the dream.

i. And since the Roman Empire has come and gone, we must conclude Jesus' kingdom has already been set up.

j. But since no earthly kingdom began, premillennialists say the Roman Empire must be restored before Jesus' second coming. They argue the feet of iron mixed with clay had ten toes which represent ten kingdoms that will unite to form a revived Roman Empire. Some see the recent union of European states as the formation of this new empire.

k. However, we must note that the whole image in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream represents a period of about 630 years, beginning at 600 BC and ending on the day of Pentecost. Yet according to the millennial theory, the toes alone have been waiting 2000 years to form!

l. Further, the Roman Empire ceased to exist centuries ago (AD 476), so the toes are detached from the body by nearly 2000 years! What is there in the dream or image that represents this vast time period?

m. Further, Daniel 2 said nothing about ten kingdoms. The toes are never said to represent kingdoms, and the number ten is never even mentioned let alone given any significance. The passage counts the kingdoms involved and there are exactly four, no more, no less (v 37-40).

n. Since the fourth empire was the Roman Empire and since Jesus came during that Empire, either the kingdom began as a result of Jesus' first coming or else Daniel is a false prophet! (Deut 18:22). Thus we see that millennial concepts undermine the inspiration of Bible.

G. Now turn to Daniel 7

1. Here is another vision of the same four kingdoms now represented as four beasts (v 3-7):

1) A lion (Babylon),

2) A bear (Persia),

3) A leopard (Greece),

4) And a fourth beast different from the others (Rome).

2. Again most people agree about the meaning of these beasts (v 15-23). [Note: The ten horns are part of the fourth beast (v 7). They are ten kings in the fourth kingdom (v 24). They are not ten kingdoms that originate later as millennialists claim. They are kings that reigned while Rome still existed as the world power, not 2000 years after it had been destroyed.]

H. Now look at Daniel 7:13-14

Dan 7:13 I saw in the night-visions, and, behold, there came with the clouds of heaven one like unto a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. Dan 7:14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

1. This is very similar to the vision in Daniel 2.The 4 previous kingdoms would come and go But this kingdom “shall not be destroyed“, such as we see in Heb 12:28 it is an “unshakable Kingdom”, it is not physical, but rather spiritual in nature (Heb 12:28)

Heb 12:28 Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe: Heb 12:29 for our God is a consuming fire.

2. In this passage “all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him” is equal to the stone that would “break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms” (Dan 2:44-45). The spiritual nature of the kingdom, the church, would not be hindered by physical kingdoms, it would permeate and grow in them, and through them, despite them.

3. The “son of man” is Christ, and “the ancient of days” refers to God the Father, “brought him near before him” refers to Christ’s ascension, His triumphant entry into Heaven, and His coronation as King.

4. Thus when these events transpired (His ascension into Heaven; Acts 1:9-11), the Christ was to be given His kingdom (Dan 7:14)

5. Peter in Acts 2 tells us “the last days,” the last dispensation, began on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21)

Act 2:16 but this is that which hath been spoken through the prophet Joel: Act 2:17 And it shall be in the last days, saith God, I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams: Act 2:18 Yea and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days Will I pour forth of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. Act 2:19 And I will show wonders in the heaven above, And signs on the earth beneath; Blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke: Act 2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the day of the Lord come, That great and notable day. Act 2:21 And it shall be, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

6. This is an inspired quote from Joel 2:28-32 . . . What is Peter saying in this passage?

7. That the miraculous outpouring of the Spirit, (which began on that Pentecost day and ceased after the completion of revelation coinciding with the destruction of Jerusalem) was a sign that the era of salvation was upon them,

8. It would signify that the kingdom, the church had begun, in all its fullness. And now those obedient unto the Gospel would attain forgiveness of sins, something that was not truly available until the sacrifice of Christ (Acts 13:38-39; Rom 3:25; Heb 9:15; 10:4)

9. Thus Daniels stone becomes a mountain (Dan 2:35) a spiritual kingdom (a government), through which man is finally and truly reconciled back to God. It is also Isaiah’s mountain, the kingdom, the church that will be established in the last days, the latter days

I. Please turn to Isaiah 2:2-4

Isa 2:2 And it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Jehovah's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. Isa 2:3 And many peoples shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem.

1. The kingdom, the church “shall be established on top of the mountains. ”“Mountains” in the Biblical text is often a figure for governments or kingdoms. The Lord’s kingdom, His church, shall continue in, through, despite, and on top of the kingdoms of men.

2. Where will it start? at Zion, at Jerusalem. It will be the according to the word of the Lord, His word is law, law and grace working together for the salvation of mankind. Isa 2:4 And he will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

1. The church, the kingdom will be spiritual in nature It will not advance by means of physical battles (by swords and spears) But rather by spiritual battles (by preaching and prayer) It will not attempt to conquer lands But rather the hearts of individuals, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. The Gospel not only contains the facts concerning Christ’s life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension as some might assert

3. The Gospel contains . . .

1) Facts to believe (1 Cor 15:1-4)

2) Commands to obey (Acts 16:30-31; 17:30; 2:38; 8:36-37; 22:16; Rev 2:10)

3) Promises to receive (Acts 13:38-39; Eph 1:3, 7; Tit 1:2)

4) Warnings to heed (1 Cor 10:12; Gal 6:7-8)

J. Now turn to Lk 24:46-47 . . . Here we see Christ speaking to the apostles right before His ascension

Luk 24:46 and he said unto them, Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day; Luk 24:47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

1. “Thus it is written” refers to here . . .

1) Isaiah 53; the suffering Christ;

2) Ps 16:8-11; the resurrection of Christ. And our last passage . . .

3) Isaiah 2:2-4 (which is almost identical to Micah 4:1-3); The establishment and the spreading of the kingdom, the church.

2. Thus the church, the kingdom, God’s eternal purpose was prophesied to come in the 1st century

a. It would be a living, active, working spiritual organism,

b. It was eternally purposed in the mind of God

c. It was spoken of by the prophets of God throughout the Patriarchal and Mosaic dispensations

d. It is and has been established since that first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ

e. Souls are being saved, sins are being forgiven and forgotten, lives are being transformed, and individuals are being ushered by the angels to Paradise with complete salvation in view, waiting for that great day when Paul, and all those that loved the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will get that crown of righteousness (2 Tim 4:8).

3. The OT prophets spoke of the “coming” of the church

4. John the Baptist and Jesus the Christ said it was “at hand”

5. The apostles and NT prophets declared it “present” and people were . . .

1) “added to it” (the church; Acts 2:47)

2) “translated into it” (the kingdom; Col 1:13)

3) "partakers" "in" it (Rev 1:9)

6. There is only one truth that will set one free (Jn 8:32). There is only one Gospel and there is no other (Gal 1:6-9)

a. One cannot obey Baptist doctrine and become a Christian

b. One cannot obey Luther’s doctrine and become a Christian

c. One cannot obey any teachings of man and expect to be saved, it is God that justifies (Rom 8:33)

d. There is only one church, one salvation plan, one doctrine. It is the doctrine of Christ, (2 Jn 9).

e. Those who abide therein have God , Those who abide not “have not God”

f. He died for only one church, His church, He rules over all things therein

g. Are you a member of His church, a NT Christian?

h. Nothing has changed since the 1st century

i. We worship how they worshipped

j. We are saved as they were saved,

You must . . .

Hear the Word of God (Rom 10:17)

You must believe that Jesus is the Christ (Jn 8:24)

You must repent of your sins (Acts 17:30) and realize without Divine guidance and adherence thereto, you cannot be saved (Pro 14:12; Jer 23:10)

You must confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God before men initially, and to others throughout your faithful life of service unto God (Rom 10:9-10)

And you must be baptized (immersed) into the death of Christ, where His blood was shed (Jn 19:34) for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)

And you must live a holy life (1 Pet 1:15), abiding in the doctrine of Christ, the Gospel, unto death (Rev 2:10)

Then, and only then, can you know that ye have eternal life (1 Jn 5:13)

1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, even unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God.


"That in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written"

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Evangelist - Kenneth Windbiel
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