The importance of rightly dividing the Word of God in relation to these three groups of people can not be overstated. How we see these groups conditions our understanding of the role each plays in the plan of God for His creation from Genesis to the Revelation. The relationship of each to the Old and New Covenants and to the final restoration of all things is specific and detailed. Failing to rightly divide these relationships has led to countless false doctrines and assumptions which have misled the Body of Christ for centuries.
It is clear from any serious study of Scripture that God reveals His plan for mankind in stages. He gives necessary revelation as each successive generation reaches its place in His plan. Although the plan of salvation of the Adamic race and the restoration of Earth to the perfection of Eden was foretold from the very beginning, successive generations have received greater and more detailed insight as the time for fulfillment of those promises unfolds.
Here we see the clear message of the Messiah and His ultimate victory over the adversary. We can also detect the reference to the suffering Messiah Who would die on the cross for our salvation. In the picture of the covering of skins we see the shedding of blood in sacrifice as a covering, a picture of the sin offering. It was not until after His death, burial and resurrection that the disciples of Jesus realized the impact of these words spoken nearly 4,000 years before.
Here we see a covenant between God and all flesh, human and non-human. It continues in effect "for perpetual generations", as long as any descendants of this flesh remain on Earth. There is, as yet, no distinction or segmenting into any groups.
At this time in history we see the first distinction made by God in dealing with a select group differentiating them from all the rest of humanity. Abram, having entered into covenant with God, would be named Abraham (father of nations) and would see his seed become the Jewish people, the nation of Israel. This is determined by a direct bloodline relationship to Abraham through Isaac the son of the promise. There now exist two distinct groups of people on Earth, the Jews (descendants of Abraham and Isaac) and every one else (the nations or Gentiles).
The keeping of the laws and remembrances of the covenant by Israel is to last throughout their generations, "perpetually" and "forever". This has been used to support those who say the law of Moses should be kept by everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. Here they are assuming that to be "saved" is to be born again. However, we must keep in mind the fact that Abraham's faith was counted to him for righteousness long before Messiah came to make a new life available. In fact it was 430 years before the Law of Moses was given as we see in the following scripture.
In these passages we see the expectation of the Chosen people exemplified in the disciples of Jesus. They had been taught the Hebrew scriptures and knew of the promise of God to His people Israel through Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, David and Daniel. What they expected is plain -- a physical kingdom on a physical Earth for a physical people! This is clearly the promise of God to His chosen people. Jesus said nothing to contradict their understanding of what God had promised. He simply told them that the knowledge of the timing of the fulfillment was not for that generation.
It is important to note here that the disciples would soon become the Apostles of the Church and thereby stand in relationship to each of two chosen groups. In the new heavens and new earth they will sit in judgment over the twelve tribes of Israel. This does not necessarily define any role for the Church.
When Jesus of Nazareth cut the New Covenant with God the Father, it was between the Father and Jesus, no one else! As our Messiah, and Passover Lamb He took away the sins of the world JOHN 1:29. He has been raised because His sacrifice was acceptable to secure our justification. His resurrection life is now available to any who, in faith, trust Him for salvation. Note the following verses.
This transaction is the first instance of anyone being "born from above" of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ. As the apostle Paul clearly shows we can now be a "new creation" a point source originating act which brings into existence something which did not exist before and continues on without reference to an end.
Only those alive after the resurrection of Jesus have the opportunity to receive this newly created spirit. This new creation is made alive with the same life Jesus was made alive with when He was raised from among the dead!
The Old Testament "saints" were "saved" by believing in the promises of God and looking forward in faith to the coming Messiah Who would take away their sin. This lasted until the day Jesus was raised from the dead. Now, anyone who believes the Gospel message and puts faith in its Truth, is born again and receives a completely new and different spirit. This spirit now begins to take control of the same soul and body inhabited by the old human spirit which died. These are the "saints" of the New Covenant, the Church of the Firstborn, the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ all referring to the same group.
As the "time of the Gentiles" or "Church age" comes to a close, God will once again begin dealing with the Jews as a nation right where He left off.
As we have now seen, the Jews the Gentiles and the Church of God are clearly distinct groups. The only overlap is when someone believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and becomes one spirit with Him. In Christ there is no distinction even between male and female, all are one in Him! This group is now distinct from all others in relation to how God deals with them.
Keeping these groups clearly separated in our minds as we read God's Word will help avoid many errant assumptions.
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