Does anyone else perceive something radical Occurring with the Writings of Paul

[crossnote]

Hebrews 9:23-24
[SUP]23 [/SUP]It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
[SUP]24 [/SUP]For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

This does not preclude Christ from reigning here on earth as well.

 

[crossnote]

The mission of the prophets was to correct ancient Israel for violation of the Old Covenant.

They spoke through the lenses of the Old Covenant. We are not under the Old Covenant anymore.

Such Millennial prophecies also speak of animal sacrifices being offered. Yet, we know that Christ was offered once for all. It is counterintuitive for a sacrificial system to be established again in the Millennium for this reason.

Some dispensationists would disagree with me on this, and would say that animail sacrifices will indeed be offered again, but I believe my position is more reasonable..the prophets were speaking through the lense of the Old Covenant and that is why they used the language that they did. They foresaw a restoration of the relationship between mankind and God and described it in a manner that made sense to them.

By the way, the source of much of your bad theology, Herbert Armstrong, coupled this with British Israelism because he knew his theology was very weak without it. And British Israelism is so fraught with issues that no one with any serious theological understanding would support it.

Nope. Three chapters of extreme details Ez 40-42, then offerings in ch 43 contingent on Israel's returning to their Lord. Liberals like to spiritualize such passages or set them in a cultural framework but this can't be the case. Read just ch 41 and notice the intricate instructions.

 

[Is]

Nope. Three chapters of extreme details Ez 40-42, then offerings in ch 43 contingent on Israel's returning to their Lord. Liberals like to spiritualize such passages or set them in a cultural framework but this can't be the case. Read just ch 41 and notice the intricate instructions.

Architecturally, the dimensions provided in Ezekiel chapters 40-48 do not correspond to any of the pre- or post-exilic temples Solomon's, Zerubbabel's, or Herod's.

 

[Elin]

Nope. Three chapters of extreme details Ez 40-42, then offerings in ch 43 contingent on Israel's returning to their Lord. Liberals like to spiritualize such passages or set them in a cultural framework but this can't be the case. Read just ch 41 and notice the intricate instructions.

I'm more than sure you are aware that the NT writers often spiritualize the text:

Ro 9:25-26; 1Pe 2:10 - both spiritualize the text of Hos 2:23.

Heb 8:6-13, 10:15-18 - spiritualize Jer 31:31-34; Ge 17:8 to Israel, as to the Church.

Ac 15:13-18 - spiritualizes Am 9:11-12 to Israel, as to the Gentiles.

1Co 10:1-4 - spiritualizes the OT texts of Ex 14:22, 16:4, 17:6.

Dt 10:16, 30:6; Jer 4:4, 9:25-26; Ro 2:26-29 - God spiritualizes the circumcision of Ge 17:10-14.

Gal 3:16, 29 - spiritualizes Abraham's seed who receive the promise.

Gal 4:27 - spiritualizes Isa 54:1 to Israel, as to the Church.

1Co 9:8-10; 1Tim 5:17-18 - spiritualizes Dt 25:4 regarding oxen,
as to the preachers of the gospel (1Co 9:14).

So it seems that to the NT writers, a correct understanding of the OT often required spiritualizing the text.

Spiritual understanding of a text is often the only way it can be brought into agreement
with NT teaching given in the words spoken by the Son in these last days through the NT writers.

 

[Is]

I'm more than sure you are aware that the NT writers often spiritualize the text:

Ro 9:25-26; 1Pe 2:10 - both spiritualize the text of Hos 2:23.

Heb 8:6-13, 10:15-18 - spiritualize Jer 31:31-34; Ge 17:8 to Israel, as to the Church.

Ac 15:13-18 - spiritualizes Am 9:11-12 to Israel, as to the Gentiles.

1Co 10:1-4 - spiritualizes the OT texts of Ex 14:22, 16:4, 17:6.

Dt 10:16, 30:6; Jer 4:4, 9:25-26; Ro 2:26-29 - God spiritualizes the circumcision of Ge 17:10-14.

Gal 3:16, 29 - spiritualizes Abraham's seed who receive the promise.

Gal 4:27 - spiritualizes Isa 54:1 to Israel, as to the Church.

1Co 9:8-10; 1Tim 5:17-18 - spiritualizes Dt 25:4 regarding oxen,
as to the preachers of the gospel (1Co 9:14).

So it seems that to the NT writers, a correct understanding of the OT often required spiritualizing the text.

Spiritual understanding of a text is often the only way it can be brought into agreement
with NT teaching given in the words spoken by the Son in these last days through the NT writers.

Fact. Romans 9:25,26-Paul documents his teaching by quoting Hosea to show that the Old Testament teaches that vessels of mercy are the Gentiles.
Fact. 1Pe 2:10-The New Testament church stands in a unique realtionship to God as did Old Tetament Israel.
Fact. Heb 8:6-13-This statement is very precise. It involves the Jewish people at a time when they will again be united.
Fact. 10:15-18-The sacrifices of the Mosaic system had to be offered year by year continually. Jesus's one time sacrifice is completed.
Fact. Ac 15:13-18-James is saying that what will happen after the church age, God will restore the earthly kingdom and redeemed Gentiles will fully share in God's blessings.
Fact. 1Cor 10:1-4-Jesus was the rock in the wilderness.
Fact. Dt 10:16-An uncircumsised heart is impervious to God just as an uncirumsied ear (Jer.6:10) hears imperfectly.
Fact. Gal 3:16-Jesus is the seed (Gen.3:6), (29)If we believe in Jesus we are also oof the seed of Abraham.
Fact. Gal 4:27-The barren woman is Christianity; she hath a husband is Judaism. Initially the latter had many adherents and the former had few. But Chrisitanity hath (will have) many more children (i.e. followers) than Judaism.
Fact. 1Cor 9:8-10-Being concious of weker brother and sisters because of our liberty.

 

[Grandpa]

So, if I'm getting your drift, are you saying the temple of Ezekiel is heavenly? If so why then does Heb.9:28 say Christ will appear to us a second time?

There is no further purpose for a earthly temple. Our New High Priest doesn't require one. He's in a better place, the mediator of a better covenant, built on better promises.

Hebrews 9:28 says Christ appears to them that look for Him a second time. What it doesn't say is that Christ will come back and resume animal sacrifices in a new temple made by mens hands.

If you can find any scripture in the bible that says Christ comes back to earth and sacrifices animals in a new temple built by mens hands I would be interested in studying it.

 

[Is]

Nope. Three chapters of extreme details Ez 40-42, then offerings in ch 43 contingent on Israel's returning to their Lord. Liberals like to spiritualize such passages or set them in a cultural framework but this can't be the case. Read just ch 41 and notice the intricate instructions.

Ezekiel is told to describe the temple he has seen to the people of Israel, and if they are ashamed and repent, to show them the exact plans and measurements -- why? -- "so that they may be faithful to its design" (43:10-11).

If the temple is only figurative, this is a nonsensical statement.

 

[Is]

The visions they had were not their own, they were given to them by God, so why would the vision of the Millenial Temple in Ezekiel 40 show that the architecture provided for a sacrificial area?

Hebrews 9:23-24
23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

This does not preclude Christ from reigning here on earth as well.

So, if I'm getting your drift, are you saying the temple of Ezekiel is heavenly? If so why then does Heb.9:28 say Christ will appear to us a second time?

There is no further purpose for a earthly temple. Our New High Priest doesn't require one. He's in a better place, the mediator of a better covenant, built on better promises.

Hebrews 9:28 says Christ appears to them that look for Him a second time. What it doesn't say is that Christ will come back and resume animal sacrifices in a new temple made by mens hands.

If you can find any scripture in the bible that says Christ comes back to earth and sacrifices animals in a new temple built by mens hands I would be interested in studying it.

I don't see how you missed the point you were shown where to find

new temple made by mens hands.

 

[seed_time_harvest]

Paul tried to explain law and Grace and as you can see here on cc it is still hard to understand.

 

[Elin]

I'm more than sure you are aware that the NT writers often spiritualize the text:

Ro 9:25-26; 1Pe 2:10 - both spiritualize the text of Hos 2:23.

Heb 8:6-13, 10:15-18 - spiritualize Jer 31:31-34; Ge 17:8 to Israel, as to the Church.

Ac 15:13-18 - spiritualizes Am 9:11-12 to Israel, as to the Gentiles.

1Co 10:1-4 - spiritualizes the OT texts of Ex 14:22, 16:4, 17:6.

Dt 10:16, 30:6; Jer 4:4, 9:25-26; Ro 2:26-29 - God spiritualizes the circumcision of Ge 17:10-14.

Gal 3:16, 29 - spiritualizes Abraham's seed who receive the promise.

Gal 4:27 - spiritualizes Isa 54:1 to Israel, as to the Church.

1Co 9:8-10; 1Tim 5:17-18 - spiritualizes Dt 25:4 regarding oxen,
as to the preachers of the gospel (1Co 9:14).

So it seems that to the NT writers, a correct understanding of the OT often required spiritualizing the text.

Spiritual understanding of a text is often the only way it can be brought into agreement with NT teaching given in the words spoken by the Son in these last days through the NT writers.

Fact. Romans 9:24-26-Paul documents his teaching by quoting Hosea to show that the Old Testament teaches that vessels of mercy are the Gentiles.
Paul says that Israel is not the people of God (Hos 1:9) and "spiritualizes" the promise made to Israel (Hos 1:10-11) to make them his people again as fulfilled in the NT church.

Fact. 1Pe 2:10-The New Testament church stands in a unique realtionship to God as did Old Tetament Israel.
Peter "spiritualizes" the promise spoken to Israel (Hos 2:23) as applying to the NT church (1Pe 2:10).

Fact. Heb 8:6-13-This statement is very precise. It involves the Jewish people at a time when they will again be united.
The writer "spiritualizes' the promise to Israel of a new covenant (Jer 31:31-34) as fulfilled in the NT church (Heb 8:6-13); i.e. in Lk 22:20.

Fact. 10:15-18-The sacrifices of the Mosaic system had to be offered year by year continually. Jesus's one time sacrifice is completed.
The writer "spiritualizes the promise to Israel of a new covenant (Jer 31:33-34) as fulfilled in the NT church (Heb 10:15-18).

Fact. Ac 15:13-18-James is saying that what will happen after the church age, God will restore the earthly kingdom and redeemed Gentiles will fully share in God's blessings.
James "spiritualizes" the promise (Am 9:11-12) to rebuild David's tent as fulfilled in the NT church, where God takes to himself a people from the Gentiles.

Fact. 1Cor 10:1-4-Jesus was the rock in the wilderness.
Paul "spiritualizes" the cloud, the manna and the rock in the wilderness (Ex 14:22, 16:4, 27:6) as baptism, spiritual food and spiritual drink, respectively, and the rock itself as Christ (1Co 10:1-4).

Fact. Dt 10:16-An uncircumsised heart is impervious to God just as an uncirumsied ear (Jer.6:10) hears imperfectly.
God "spiritualizes" the circumcision of Ge 17:10-14 as a circumcision of the heart (Dt 10:16, 30:6; Jer 4:4, 9:25-26).

Fact. Gal 3:16-Jesus is the seed (Gen.3:6), (29)If we believe in Jesus we are also of the seed of Abraham.[/QUOTE]
Paul "spiritualizes" the physical seed of Abraham (Gal 3:16) as spiritual seed of the NT church (Gal 3:29).

Fact. Gal 4:27-The barren woman is Christianity; she hath a husband is Judaism. Initially the latter had many adherents and the former had few. But Chrisitanity hath (will have) many more children (i.e. followers) than Judaism.
Paul "spiritualizes" the text of Is 54:1 regarding Sarah (the "mother" of Israel) as fulfilled in the NT church.

Fact. 1Cor 9:8-10-Being concious of weker brother and sisters because of our liberty.
Paul "spiritualizes" the command (Dt 25:4) regarding the ox as applying to the ministers of the NT church (1Co 9:10; 1Tim 5:17-18).

Heb 3:7--4:11 - The writer "spiritualizes" the entering into God's rest in Canaan (Dt 12:10, 25:19; Nu 14:30; Ps 95:7-11) as fulfilled in a spiritual entering into God's salvation in the NT church (Heb 3:7--4:11).

The NT writers likewise allegorize the OT; e.g.,

1Co 5:7-8 - where Paul allegorizes the Passover festival of Ex 12:12-20.

Gal 4:21-31 - where Paul allegorizes the births of Abraham's sons, Ishmael and Isaac of
Ge 16:3-4, 21:1-3.

Heb 11:9 - where the writer says Isaac was figuratively raised from the dead when the substitute ram was provided in Ge 22:13.

Objection to "spiritualizing" or allegorizing the text does not have its basis in the Bible,
for the NT writers often "spiritualize" or allegorize the OT texts.

 

[Elin]

Paul tried to explain law and Grace and as you can see here on cc it is still hard to understand.

I don't think the problem is not understanding, I think the problem is unbelief.

 

[Grandpa]

I don't see how you missed the point you were shown where to find

I saw what you were trying to portray.

It didn't make any sense, in Light of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 7:11-16
[SUP]11 [/SUP]If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
[SUP]12 [/SUP]For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
[SUP]14 [/SUP]For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
[SUP]15 [/SUP]And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
[SUP]16 [/SUP]Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

 

[crossnote]

I'm more than sure you are aware that the NT writers often spiritualize the text:

Ro 9:25-26; 1Pe 2:10 - both spiritualize the text of Hos 2:23.

Heb 8:6-13, 10:15-18 - spiritualize Jer 31:31-34; Ge 17:8 to Israel, as to the Church.

Ac 15:13-18 - spiritualizes Am 9:11-12 to Israel, as to the Gentiles.

1Co 10:1-4 - spiritualizes the OT texts of Ex 14:22, 16:4, 17:6.

Dt 10:16, 30:6; Jer 4:4, 9:25-26; Ro 2:26-29 - God spiritualizes the circumcision of Ge 17:10-14.

Gal 3:16, 29 - spiritualizes Abraham's seed who receive the promise.

Gal 4:27 - spiritualizes Isa 54:1 to Israel, as to the Church.

1Co 9:8-10; 1Tim 5:17-18 - spiritualizes Dt 25:4 regarding oxen,
as to the preachers of the gospel (1Co 9:14).

So it seems that to the NT writers, a correct understanding of the OT often required spiritualizing the text.

Spiritual understanding of a text is often the only way it can be brought into agreement
with NT teaching given in the words spoken by the Son in these last days through the NT writers.

I won't go over all those due to time, but show me three other chapters going into as much detail as that of the first Temple that is spiritualizing...not just two or three verses. Any normal reading wouldn't spiritualize chs 40-42 ...if so, all of Scripture is up for grabs.

 

[pwrnJC]

Uh..King David is NOT your role model..you and I are fortunate that we have JESUS CHRIST, in whom David now bows to, offering up praises to HIM, not the law, in Heaven (Glory). If JESUS is good enough for King David to worship (is there any doubt that David is not with JESUS today?), then, surely, JESUS should be good enough for you to follow, worship, praise and adore. We have the Fulfillment of the law before us, all bound up in JESUS CHRIST. By following HIM and the Holy SPIRIT..we would not want to steal, worship anything or anyone else, would always want to set a day aside for rest and worship, never commit adultery, or want thy neighbors belongings, etc.

 

[Is]

Fact. Romans 9:24-26-Paul documents his teaching by quoting Hosea to show that the Old Testament teaches that vessels of mercy are the Gentiles.
Paul says that Israel is not the people of God (Hos 1:9) and "spiritualizes" the promise made to Israel (Hos 1:10-11) to make them his people again as fulfilled in the NT church.

Fact. 1Pe 2:10-The New Testament church stands in a unique realtionship to God as did Old Tetament Israel.
Peter "spiritualizes" the promise spoken to Israel (Hos 2:23) as applying to the NT church (1Pe 2:10).

Fact. Heb 8:6-13-This statement is very precise. It involves the Jewish people at a time when they will again be united.
The writer "spiritualizes' the promise to Israel of a new covenant (Jer 31:31-34) as fulfilled in the NT church (Heb 8:6-13); i.e. in Lk 22:20.

Fact. 10:15-18-The sacrifices of the Mosaic system had to be offered year by year continually. Jesus's one time sacrifice is completed.
The writer "spiritualizes the promise to Israel of a new covenant (Jer 31:33-34) as fulfilled in the NT church (Heb 10:15-18).

Fact. Ac 15:13-18-James is saying that what will happen after the church age, God will restore the earthly kingdom and redeemed Gentiles will fully share in God's blessings.
James "spiritualizes" the promise (Am 9:11-12) to rebuild David's tent as fulfilled in the NT church, where God takes to himself a people from the Gentiles.

Fact. 1Cor 10:1-4-Jesus was the rock in the wilderness.
Paul "spiritualizes" the cloud, the manna and the rock in the wilderness (Ex 14:22, 16:4, 27:6) as baptism, spiritual food and spiritual drink, respectively, and the rock itself as Christ (1Co 10:1-4).

Fact. Dt 10:16-An uncircumsised heart is impervious to God just as an uncirumsied ear (Jer.6:10) hears imperfectly.
God "spiritualizes" the circumcision of Ge 17:10-14 as a circumcision of the heart (Dt 10:16, 30:6; Jer 4:4, 9:25-26).

Fact. Gal 3:16-Jesus is the seed (Gen.3:6), (29)If we believe in Jesus we are also of the seed of Abraham.

Paul "spiritualizes" the physical seed of Abraham (Gal 3:16) as spiritual seed of the NT church (Gal 3:29).

Fact. Gal 4:27-The barren woman is Christianity; she hath a husband is Judaism. Initially the latter had many adherents and the former had few. But Chrisitanity hath (will have) many more children (i.e. followers) than Judaism.
Paul "spiritualizes" the text of Is 54:1 regarding Sarah (the "mother" of Israel) as fulfilled in the NT church.

Fact. 1Cor 9:8-10-Being concious of weker brother and sisters because of our liberty.
Paul "spiritualizes" the command (Dt 25:4) regarding the ox as applying to the ministers of the NT church (1Co 9:10; 1Tim 5:17-18).

Heb 3:7--4:11 - The writer "spiritualizes" the entering into God's rest in Canaan (Dt 12:10, 25:19; Nu 14:30; Ps 95:7-11) as fulfilled in a spiritual entering into God's salvation in the NT church (Heb 3:7--4:11).

The NT writers likewise allegorize the OT; e.g.,

1Co 5:7-8 - where Paul allegorizes the Passover festival of Ex 12:12-20.

Gal 4:21-31 - where Paul allegorizes the births of Abraham's sons, Ishmael and Isaac of
Ge 16:3-4, 21:1-3.

Heb 11:9 - where the writer says Isaac was figuratively raised from the dead when the substitute ram was provided in Ge 22:13.

Objection to "spiritualizing" or allegorizing the text does not have its basis in the Bible,
for the NT writers often "spiritualize" or allegorize the OT texts.[/QUOTE]

You can't spiritualize prophecy.

 

[Is]

I saw what you were trying to portray.

It didn't make any sense, in Light of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 7:11-16
[SUP]11 [/SUP]If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
[SUP]12 [/SUP]For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
[SUP]14 [/SUP]For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
[SUP]15 [/SUP]And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
[SUP]16 [/SUP]Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

Some people think they will be viewed as memorials to the work of Christ.

 

[Elin]

Fact. Romans 9:24-26-Paul documents his teaching by quoting Hosea to show that the Old Testament teaches that vessels of mercy are the Gentiles.
Paul says that Israel is not the people of God (Hos 1:9) and "spiritualizes" the promise made to Israel (Hos 1:10-11) to make them his people again as fulfilled in the NT church.

Fact. 1Pe 2:10-The New Testament church stands in a unique realtionship to God as did Old Tetament Israel.
Peter "spiritualizes" the promise spoken to Israel (Hos 2:23) as applying to the NT church (1Pe 2:10).

Fact. Heb 8:6-13-This statement is very precise. It involves the Jewish people at a time when they will again be united.
The writer "spiritualizes' the promise to Israel of a new covenant (Jer 31:31-34) as fulfilled in the NT church (Heb 8:6-13); i.e. in Lk 22:20.

Fact. 10:15-18-The sacrifices of the Mosaic system had to be offered year by year continually. Jesus's one time sacrifice is completed.
The writer "spiritualizes the promise to Israel of a new covenant (Jer 31:33-34) as fulfilled in the NT church (Heb 10:15-18).

Fact. Ac 15:13-18-James is saying that what will happen after the church age, God will restore the earthly kingdom and redeemed Gentiles will fully share in God's blessings.
James "spiritualizes" the promise (Am 9:11-12) to rebuild David's tent as fulfilled in the NT church, where God takes to himself a people from the Gentiles.

Fact. 1Cor 10:1-4-Jesus was the rock in the wilderness.
Paul "spiritualizes" the cloud, the manna and the rock in the wilderness (Ex 14:22, 16:4, 27:6) as baptism, spiritual food and spiritual drink, respectively, and the rock itself as Christ (1Co 10:1-4).

Fact. Dt 10:16-An uncircumsised heart is impervious to God just as an uncirumsied ear (Jer.6:10) hears imperfectly.
God "spiritualizes" the circumcision of Ge 17:10-14 as a circumcision of the heart (Dt 10:16, 30:6; Jer 4:4, 9:25-26).

Fact. Gal 3:16-Jesus is the seed (Gen.3:6), (29)If we believe in Jesus we are also of the seed of Abraham.
Paul "spiritualizes" the physical seed of Abraham (Gal 3:16) as spiritual seed of the NT church (Gal 3:29).

Fact. Gal 4:27-The barren woman is Christianity; she hath a husband is Judaism. Initially the latter had many adherents and the former had few. But Chrisitanity hath (will have) many more children (i.e. followers) than Judaism.
Paul "spiritualizes" the text of Is 54:1 regarding Sarah (the "mother" of Israel) as fulfilled in the NT church.

Fact. 1Cor 9:8-10-Being concious of weker brother and sisters because of our liberty.
Paul "spiritualizes" the command (Dt 25:4) regarding the ox as applying to the ministers of the NT church (1Co 9:10; 1Tim 5:17-18).

Heb 3:7--4:11 - The writer "spiritualizes" the entering into God's rest in Canaan (Dt 12:10, 25:19; Nu 14:30; Ps 95:7-11) as fulfilled in a spiritual entering into God's salvation in the NT church (Heb 3:7--4:11).

The NT writers likewise allegorize the OT; e.g.,

1Co 5:7-8 - where Paul allegorizes the Passover festival of Ex 12:12-20.

Gal 4:21-31 - where Paul allegorizes the births of Abraham's sons, Ishmael and Isaac of
Ge 16:3-4, 21:1-3.

Heb 11:9 - where the writer says Isaac was figuratively raised from the dead when the substitute ram was provided in Ge 22:13.

Objection to "spiritualizing" or allegorizing the text does not have its basis in the Bible,
for the NT writers often "spiritualize" or allegorize the OT texts.

You can't spiritualize prophecy.

Much, if not most, of prophecy is symbolic, not literal.

 

[Elin]

I won't go over all those due to time, but show me three other chapters going into as much detail as that of the first Temple that is spiritualizing...not just two or three verses. Any normal reading wouldn't spiritualize chs 40-42 ...if so, all of Scripture is up for grabs.

Only unfulfilled prophetic riddles are up for grabs. . .

I don't much engage in interpreting prophecy, because much, if not most, of it is symbolic.

I have only one principle when it comes to interpreting prophetic riddles, the interpretation must agree with NT teaching.

Any interpretation that returns to the sacrifices, etc., is not in agreemdnt with NT teaching, but in fact is in opposition to it.

So while I cannot say what prophetic riddles do mean, I can say what they do not mean, when interpretation contradicts NT teaching.

 

[fredjames]

Mathew 23:2- The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

These were given to HIS chosen Jewish disciples, who were going to live on there or may for a certain time, and will be still under the 'rule' of them who 'sit in 'Moses's seat'. Therefore HIS disciples, 'must be careful to do everything they tell them', as the 'Jewish customs requires' and 'in the Temple'. This is due to 'AGAPE peace' of CHRIST, 'imparted' in them, for not to cause, most probably a 'community disturbance' even to those who still obey the 'Law of Moses', perhaps.

That is why Apostle Paul said, 'when he is with the Jews, he lives like a Jew', even 'Christian Jews', in order to please them and win them over, in his preaching and teaching of the Gospel. And when he is with the Gentile Christians, he does the same.

But JESUS also said, "But do not do what they do, ..........."

Meaning while HIS disciples are also among them, HE said, 'do not do what the Pharisees do', but 'do' the 'word/teaching of CHRIST' and 'abide' and 'bear much fruit' and 'their fruit must also abide'.

Beloved Christians, by the Help of CHRIST and the HOLY SPIRIT, you are under the New Covenant/Testament rule that 'fulfills and 'accomplishes' the 'full requirements of the Old, the Law and the Prophets'. GOD made this New Covenant with you by the 'shedding of the blood of HIS SON'.

If we are not moving 'forward to liberty', therefore we are only 'looking back' and moving 'backward to bondage' once again,

GOD bless you all in the name of LORD JESUS CHRIST.

 

[seed_time_harvest]

I don't think the problem is not understanding, I think the problem is unbelief.

Maybe it's some of both.Some just can't seem to understand which would be ignorance and there is possible revelation there for them and some just were taught doctrine that causes unbelief in biblical doctrine that doesn't meet there church's tradition.

It's easier to write on a chalk board that is empty/clean than it is to write on one that has writing on it because before the error is corrected the board has to be clean first.
+++++++++
Matthew 21:32
king James version(kjv)

32.)For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.