Predestined Inheritance and Other Inheritances.

[Marilyn C]

Predestined Inheritance.

`For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren.` (Rom. 8: 29)

`Christ....in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,...` (Eph. 1: 12)

When Christ ascended to the Father He was made Head of the Body. He sent His Holy Spirit to `set` the believers in the Body, and to make them conform to Christ`s image, by enabling them to partake of the divine nature. (Eph. 1: 20 - 23, 1 Cor. 12: 18, 2 Peter 1: 2 - 4)

Other believers who died prior to Christ`s ascension were not able to be in the Body of Christ. They have a different inheritance in God`s great kingdom.


Other Inheritances.

For example - The Church, (the Body of Christ) and the spirits of just men made perfect.

`But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus...` (Heb. 12: 22 & 23)


I think this topic will be a challenge to both camps - Calvinism and Arminianism. If you are discussing, please give scriptures as your basis.

 

[Marilyn C]

The Father predestined that whosoever would come into the Body of Christ would be conformed to His Son`s image. Their inheritance is with the Head of the Body on His throne in the highest - Mount Zion.

`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on My throne...` (Rev. 3: 21)

The Lord`s seat of power and authority is on Mount Zion. The Father said, "I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.` (Ps. 2: 6)

Mount Zion is in the third heaven. `...you have come to Mount Zion....to God....innumerable angels...to Jesus..` (Heb. 12: 22 & 23)

Thus, the Body of Christ`s inheritance is with the Lord on His throne on Mount Zion in the third heaven.

 

[Marilyn C]

The throne of Jesus is set by the Father in the highest realm – Mount Zion.

`…Behold, a throne set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a Jasper and a Sardius stone in appearance...` (Rev. 4: 2 & 3)



The Jasper gem stone was the last on the High Priest`s breastplate. It stood for the tribe of Naphtali whose name means to prevail, to conquer –

`…I have prevailed.` (Gen. 30: 8) Prevail – to gain the victory, to conquer.


Christ was the last Adam and He prevailed over the world, the flesh and the devil. He has secured the supreme victory over the greatest foe.


The Sardius gem stone was the first on the High Priest`s breastplate. It stood for the tribe of Judah. The prophetic word reveals that He would be the ruler (king) over the other tribes. (Gen. 49: 8 - 12) The Hebrew `yadah,` (Judah) means to use the hand, indicating power and dominion.

Thus, we see the Son on the Throne as King and High Priest, the conqueror.

 

[Manfred]

Predestined Inheritance.

`For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren.` (Rom. 8: 29)

`Christ....in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,...` (Eph. 1: 12)

When Christ ascended to the Father He was made Head of the Body. He sent His Holy Spirit to `set` the believers in the Body, and to make them conform to Christ`s image, by enabling them to partake of the divine nature. (Eph. 1: 20 - 23, 1 Cor. 12: 18, 2 Peter 1: 2 - 4)

Other believers who died prior to Christ`s ascension were not able to be in the Body of Christ. They have a different inheritance in God`s great kingdom.


Other Inheritances.

For example - The Church, (the Body of Christ) and the spirits of just men made perfect.

`But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus...` (Heb. 12: 22 & 23)


I think this topic will be a challenge to both camps - Calvinism and Arminianism. If you are discussing, please give scriptures as your basis.

There will be a resurrection of the dead.

All will be raised, old and new testament people. Every single person. Then the final judgement.
Only then, when the elect past present and future are in their glorified bodies, will we be made perfect.

1Th 4:15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
1Th 4:17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
1Co 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
1Co 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
1Co 15:24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.

Rev 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.
Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.

 

[FutureAndAHope]

Other believers who died prior to Christ`s ascension were not able to be in the Body of Christ. They have a different inheritance in God`s great kingdom.

Not sure I agree with this statement, we will all have the same access to Christ in heaven. Am I misunderstanding what you are saying?

 

[Eleanor]

Predestined Inheritance.
`For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren.` (Rom. 8: 29)
`Christ....in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,...` (Eph. 1: 12)
When Christ ascended to the Father He was made Head of the Body. He sent His Holy Spirit to `set` the believers in the Body, and to make them conform to Christ`s image, by enabling them to partake of the divine nature. (Eph. 1: 20 - 23, 1 Cor. 12: 18, 2 Peter 1: 2 - 4)
Other believers who died prior to Christ`s ascension were not able to be in the Body of Christ. They have a different inheritance in God`s great kingdom.

Contraire. . ,

All who believed in the promise (Seed, Ge 15:5; Jesus Christ, Gal 3:16) received eternal life in Christ.

Other Inheritances.

For example - The Church, (the Body of Christ) and the spirits of just men made perfect.

`But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus...` (Heb. 12: 22 & 23)

These being the spirits all the OT saints in the body of Christ with the NT saints, to whom the fulfillment of God's promises to the OT saints has now come in Christ, and their redemption is also now complete in him with us, the one body of Christ (Heb 11:40).

I think this topic will be a challenge to both camps - Calvinism and Arminianism. If you are discussing, please give scriptures as your basis.

 

[Marilyn C]

There will be a resurrection of the dead.

All will be raised, old and new testament people. Every single person. Then the final judgement.
Only then, when the elect past present and future are in their glorified bodies, will we be made perfect.

1Th 4:15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
1Th 4:17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
1Co 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
1Co 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
1Co 15:24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.

Rev 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.
Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.

You have the different times confused.

1. The Body of Christ who have passed from this earth are in the General Assembly awaiting the Lord to bring the whole Body to completion. (Heb. 12: 22 & 23, Eph. 4: 13)

2. The OT saints are also in the General Assembly awaiting their inheritance. (Heb. 12: 23 `the spirits of just/righteous men, ` Heb. 11: 16, Rev. 21: 2)

3. All the dead, are those who are in the grave, (note that the B/C & the OT saints are NOT in the grave.) those who were dead go to the GWT. (Rev. 20: 11 - 15)

 

[Marilyn C]

Not sure I agree with this statement, we will all have the same access to Christ in heaven. Am I misunderstanding what you are saying?

Hi FutureAndAHope,

God`s word tells us that different groups have different inheritances. That is what I am writing about on this thread.

1. B/C in the third heaven on Mount Zion. (Rev. 3: 21, Ps. 2: 6, Heb. 12: 22 & 23)

2. OT saints in the city. (Heb. 11: 16, Rev. 21: 2)

3. Israel and the nations on the new earth. (Rev. 21: 24)

 

[Marilyn C]

Contraire. . ,

All who believed in the promise (Seed, Ge 15:5; Jesus Christ, Gal 3:16) received eternal life in Christ.

These being the spirits all the OT saints in the body of Christ with the NT saints, to whom the fulfillment of God's promises to the OT saints has now come in Christ, and their redemption is also now complete in him with us, the one body of Christ (Heb 11:40).

`But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the General Assembly and church of the first-born who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant,...` (Heb. 12: 22 - 24)

Two distinct groups there - church of the first-born AND the spirits of just/righteous men.

Two distinct inheritances - B/C - Mount Zion for ruling and the city for the OT saints.

 

[Manfred]

You have the different times confused.

Nope

Can you confirm if you believe in a physical resurrection or merely a spiritual resurrection[?]

 

[Eleanor]

Predestined Inheritance.
`For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren.` (Rom. 8: 29)
`Christ....in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,...` (Eph. 1: 12)
When Christ ascended to the Father He was made Head of the Body. He sent His Holy Spirit to `set` the believers in the Body, and to make them conform to Christ`s image, by enabling them to partake of the divine nature. (Eph. 1: 20 - 23, 1 Cor. 12: 18, 2 Peter 1: 2 - 4)
Other believers who died prior to Christ`s ascension were not able to be in the Body of Christ.They have a different inheritance in God`s great kingdom.

God`s word tells us that different groups have different inheritances. That is what I am writing about on this thread.

1. B/C in the third heaven on Mount Zion. (Rev. 3: 21, Ps. 2: 6, Heb. 12: 22 & 23)

2. OT saints in the city. (Heb. 11: 16, Rev. 21: 2)

3. Israel and the nations on the new earth. (Rev. 21: 24)

1) On what authority do you deny the promised eternal inheritance in the body of Christ to believers in Christ and his atoning work, who died during the 40 days he was on earth before he ascended to the Father?
2) On what authority do you give them a different eternal inheritance in God's kingdom?

All God's people from Adam to Christ, who believed in the promise (Ge 3:15, 15:5, seed; Jesus Christ, Gal 3:16) inherit the same promises of God during life, death and eternity.
Your hermeneutic multiplies things which are the same.

3) On what authority do you change the nature of God's kingdom from what Jesus stated that it was?
Your grievously flawed hermeneutic which interprets literally the prophetic riddles not spoken clearly (Nu 12:8) but figuratively, yields a contra-NT theology of everything relating to the kingdom of God.

Jesus said the kingdom of God is here now (Lk 11:20, Mt 12:28). It is everlasting (Lk 1:33). It is not earthly, not of this world (Jn 18:36). It is spiritual--invisible and within (Lk 17:20-21) the hearts where he reigns and rules. It being everlasting, of both time an eternity, there is no other kingdom of God.

Other believers who died prior to Christ`s ascension were not able to be in the Body of Christ. They have a different inheritance in God`s great kingdom.

Other Inheritances.

For example - The Church, (the Body of Christ) and the spirits of just men made perfect.

`But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus...` (Heb. 12: 22 & 23)

Your grievously flawed hermeneutic again, interpreting literally what is figurative.

That is a figurative description of the NT church, the body of Christ, which in addition to living believers, also includes angels as well as the spirits of all deceased believers of both OT and NT, to whom the fulfillment of God's promises has now come in Christ, and whose redemption also is now complete in him. who are being made perfect with us (Herb 11:40).

I think this topic will be a challenge to both camps - Calvinism and Arminianism. If you are discussing, please give scriptures as your basis.

Actually, the challenge is to NT apostolic teaching, which is authoritative to the body of Christ.[/color][/i]

 

[Marilyn C]

Nope

Can you confirm if you believe in a physical resurrection or merely a spiritual resurrection.

Physical resurrections.

 

[Marilyn C]

There will be a resurrection of the dead.

All will be raised, old and new testament people. Every single person. Then the final judgement.
Only then, when the elect past present and future are in their glorified bodies, will we be made perfect.

1Th 4:15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
1Th 4:17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
1Co 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
1Co 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
1Co 15:24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.

Rev 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.
Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.

Manfred, if you look in Heb. 12: 22 - 24 you will see the church, the believers asleep in Christ. They are not in the grave but awaiting the Lord to take them and gather them with the whole Body of Christ. ( 1 Thess. 4: 15 & 1 Cor. 15: 52 - the scriptures you quoted.)

Now the scriptures of 1 Cor. 15: 22 - 24 which you also quoted gives us the order.

1. Christ the first-fruits,

2. Body of Christ - `then at His coming those who belong to Christ,`

`then comes the end` Gk. meaning setting out to a conclusion, a goal.

All rule and authority and power are put down by the Lord through the trib, and the millennium.

3. Great White Throne - those in the graves are judged by their works.

4. New heavens and new earth. `the spirits of just/righteous men` (Heb. 12: 23) are given their new bodies and come down in the city.
The great multitude (Rev. 7: 9 & 14) are given new bodies and are the nations on the new earth. (Rev. 21: 24)

 

[Marilyn C]

1) On what authority do you deny the promised eternal inheritance in the body of Christ to believers in Christ and his atoning work, who died during the 40 days he was on earth before he ascended to the Father?
2) On what authority do you give them a different eternal inheritance in God's kingdom?

All God's people from Adam to Christ, who believed in the promise (Ge 3:15, 15:5, seed; Jesus Christ, Gal 3:16) inherit the same promises of God during life, death and eternity.
Your hermeneutic multiplies things which are the same.

3) On what authority do you change the nature of God's kingdom from what Jesus stated that it was?
Your grievously flawed hermeneutic which interprets literally the prophetic riddles not spoken clearly (Nu 12:8) but figuratively, yields a contra-NT theology of everything relating to the kingdom of God.

Jesus said the kingdom of God is here now (Lk 11:20, Mt 12:28). It is everlasting (Lk 1:33). It is not earthly, not of this world (Jn 18:36). It is spiritual--invisible and within (Lk 17:20-21) the hearts where he reigns and rules. It being everlasting, of both time an eternity, there is no other kingdom of God.

Your grievously flawed hermeneutic again, interpreting literally what is figurative.

That is a figurative description of the NT church, the body of Christ, which in addition to living believers, also includes angels as well as the spirits of all deceased believers of both OT and NT, to whom the fulfillment of God's promises has now come in Christ, and whose redemption also is now complete in him. who are being made perfect with us (Herb 11:40).

Actually, the challenge is to NT apostolic teaching, which is authoritative to the body of Christ.[/color][/i]

God`s word reveals the different inheritances for the different groups in God`s great Kingdom.
All receive eternal life because of Christ`s sacrifice, however God has planned that different groups will rule under Christ in the different realms He has made.

1. The Third heaven - Christ`s seat of power and authority. (Ps. 2: 6) His Body will rule with Him from there. (Rev. 3: 21)

2. The Universe - the city. The OT saints are promised to be there. (Rev. 21: 2, Heb. 11: 16)

3. The New earth - Israel and the nations. (Rev. 21: 24)

When Jesus was manifest on earth He came as Israel`s Messiah, their King. Thus, He was able to say that the kingdom/His rule was now, and in their hearts. He also showed His authority over, demons, the elements, sickness etc.

Yes, there is only one kingdom however God made different realms in it.

`For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities and powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.` (Col. 1: 16)

 

[Eleanor]

God`s word reveals the different inheritances for the different groups in God`s great Kingdom.

Actually, it is your literal interpretation, in contradiction to apostolic and orthodox teaching, of prophetic riddles not spoken clearly (Nu 12:8) that yields the unorthodox different inheritances for the different groups of God's people.

It is likewise your literal interpretation of prophetic riddles that divides God's one kingdom into multiple kingdoms, also contrary to apostolic and orthodox teaching.

 

[Marilyn C]

Actually, it is your literal interpretation, in contradiction to apostolic and orthodox teaching, of prophetic riddles not spoken clearly (Nu 12:8) that yields the unorthodox different inheritances for the different groups of God's people.

It is likewise your literal interpretation of prophetic riddles that divides God's one kingdom into multiple kingdoms, also contrary to apostolic and orthodox teaching.

Only one God`s great kingdom - He created the heavens and earth and never gave them away. (Ps. 24: 1). It is rebellious rulership that God is dealing with.

So, who are the nations and kings on the new earth? (Rev. 21: 24)

Who are those in the city that comes down out of heaven from God? (Rev. 21: 2)

Who are the overcomers who will sit with Christon His throne in the highest? (Rev. 3: 21)

 

[Eleanor]

Only one God`s great kingdom - He created the heavens and earth and never gave them away. (Ps. 24: 1). It is rebellious rulership that God is dealing with.

So, who are the nations and kings on the new earth? (Rev. 21: 24)

Who are those in the city that comes down out of heaven from God? (Rev. 21: 2)

Who are the overcomers who will sit with Christon His throne in the highest? (Rev. 3: 21)

These are prophecy which is given in riddles and not clearly (Nu 12:8), and
being unclear riddles, I don't take my doctrine from prophecy, only from NT didactics,
much of which your interpretation of prophetic riddles contradicts.

 

[Mod 5]

Note to participants: Please make an effort to keep the posts about the posts and not the posters.

One of the things I do when I sign on to moderate is got to a thread and search for the word "you." I then examine what is being said and how the "you" is being used. Are the posters speaking to each other, about each other, or at each other. This thread was picked randomly. Blessedly, it's only a few posts old.

Here are some of the "you" statements, you-based accusatory inquiries and bickers found on this page:

• You have the different times confused.
• On what authority do you deny the promised eternal inheritance in the body of Christ.... (assumes the poster denies something)
• Your hermeneutic multiplies things which are the same.
• Your grievously flawed hermeneutic...
• it is your literal interpretation, in contradiction to apostolic and orthodox teaching.....

Those are only a few. There are several others. Rather than edit each post and possibly send notifications informing the poster rule 2 or rule 4 (or whichever rule it might be) has been breached, I'm asking you all to be a little more mindful about how the word "you" is used. The first example in that list above, for example , could be written, "It appears the different times of those verses are being confused," or "I think those verses pertain to different times and should not be confused," or simply worded as a question, "Are the different times being confused?" The same holds true for every one of the dozen you's I found in this one page (Posts 1-17). Most of the problem "you"s fall in the gray area between the letter of the law in the forum's rules. So a word of encouragement or exhortation is offered:

Please make an effort to keep the posts about the posts, and not the posters.


Another note: This forum has very few complaints. Very few posts are reported. I'd like it to stay that way and assume every CCCF member hopes likewise. Each of us makes the forum what it is. Every member is to be commended for their conduct, so I extend to you my personal appreciation. As the forum gets older and more join that might change but subsequent members have you as their example and guide. I hope never to have much to do here .


Now.... back to your regularly scheduled program. Very interesting topic.

 

[Eleanor]

Note to participants: Please make an effort to keep the posts about the posts and not the posters.
One of the things I do when I sign on to moderate is got to a thread and search for the word "you." I then examine what is being said and how the "you" is being used. Are the posters speaking to each other, about each other, or at each other. This thread was picked randomly. Blessedly, it's only a few posts old.
Here are some of the "you" statements, you-based accusatory inquiries and bickers found on this page:

• You have the different times confused.
• On what authority do you deny the promised eternal inheritance in the body of Christ.... (assumes the poster denies something)
• Your hermeneutic multiplies things which are the same.
• Your grievously flawed hermeneutic...
• it is your literal interpretation, in contradiction to apostolic and orthodox teaching.....

Those are only a few. There are several others. Rather than edit each post and possibly send notifications informing the poster rule 2 or rule 4 (or whichever rule it might be) has been breached, I'm asking you all to be a little more mindful about how the word "you" is used. The first example in that list above, for example , could be written, "It appears the different times of those verses are being confused," or "I think those verses pertain to different times and should not be confused," or simply worded as a question, "Are the different times being confused?" The same holds true for every one of the dozen you's I found in this one page (Posts 1-17). Most of the problem "you"s fall in the gray area between the letter of the law in the forum's rules. So a word of encouragement or exhortation is offered:

Please make an effort to keep the posts about the posts, and not the posters.

Another note: This forum has very few complaints. Very few posts are reported. I'd like it to stay that way and assume every CCCF member hopes likewise. Each of us makes the forum what it is. Every member is to be commended for their conduct, so I extend to you my personal appreciation. As the forum gets older and more join that might change but subsequent members have you as their example and guide. I hope never to have much to do here .

Now.... back to your regularly scheduled program. Very interesting topic.

Thanks for the comments.
Seeing as how it is only my comments that are called out, are you saying the words "you" and "your" are not to be used?

This is a very controversial area, as it is based in private interpretation of what God calls prophetic riddles not spoken clearly (Nu 12:8), and which private interpretations are in Biblically-demonstrated contradictions of NT apostolic teaching authoritative to the church.
The apostolic teaching which these literal interpretations of figurative texts, which God calls "dark sayings"(Nu 12:8) or riddles, contradict is mostly in relation to Christology and ecclesiology.
These interpretations minimize God's spiritual purposes in Christ in favor of material purposes they glean from literal interpretation of figurative text.
They likewise minimize the spiritual purpose and work of Christ in favor of an earthly material purpose which they likewise glean from literal interpretation of figurative text.
This is no small matter in the church. Its actual truth and power in the gospel of spiritual redemption, holiness and eternal life are being sidelined by an earthly silliness.

Were the popularity of these contra-apostolic teachings and their grievous imports not such a threat to basic NT doctrine, I would not bother with their silliness. Even though less than 200 years old now, the church has become besotted with these notions, doing no small damage to knowledge and apprehension of NT doctrine.

I do not take this corruption of doctrine in the church lightly. I have a responsibility to deal with it. And I will do so head on. And I'm hoping you don't think that discharge of my responsibility shouldn't be offensive to anyone. For the NT certainly does not support such a notion.

 

[Eleanor]

Correction of post 19, above:

Line 9 should read:
They likewise minimize the spiritual purpose of the people of God, the church and the body of Christ, in favor of an earthly purpose which they also glean from literal interpretation of figurative text.