The Lord spoke to Israel. Does that mean the old testament is not for us?

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Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,428
113
#1
The people in the old testament were divided between gentiles and Israelites. Every gentile was an idol worshipper. If anyone accepted the one true God, they also accepted becoming an Israelite for they thought belonging to a nation as also belonging to the God that nation accepted as theirs.

Christ and Paul changed that. Now accepting God has nothing to do with our nationalities.

Today, are we stuck with the old testament idea that God only speaks to Israel or cam we know that if we accept the one true God we don’t have to become Israelites to accept what God told Israel?
 

gb9

Senior Member
Jan 18, 2011
12,329
6,696
113
#2
as it has been explained to you 100"s of times, one does not have to turn jewish to become a Christ follower.

gentiles were and are not under the Law.

this is all i will say, i am not going to waste time showing this yet again.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,431
6,707
113
#3
According to the Word, before any strange gods were among you was I Am.

In the beginning Mankind knew of the true I Am, however they drifted from Him here and there until they forgot about Him and began to worrship things of their own making and/or imagination.

God chose Abraham to be the father of an uncountable multitude. He is also the Father of all who believe..
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
60,346
29,593
113
#4
Today, are we stuck with the old testament idea that God only speaks to Israel...
Speak for yourself. If you are stuck with that idea, that is on you.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,491
13,799
113
#5
Today, are we stuck with the old testament idea that God only speaks to Israel or cam we know that if we accept the one true God we don’t have to become Israelites to accept what God told Israel?
You are stuck in either-or thinking.

The Old Testament law was given TO ISRAEL. The Old Testament is ABOUT ISRAEL. There is provision made for the handful of gentiles who wanted to join with Israel, but the Law was never given to gentiles generally.

The Old Testament is preserved for us as a historical document detailing God's work in the world and as the background for the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Those who think that the old testament law applies to gentile Christians today, and those who think that Christians shouldn't read the old testament at all, are both fools.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#6
as it has been explained to you 100"s of times, one does not have to turn jewish to become a Christ follower.

gentiles were and are not under the Law.

this is all i will say, i am not going to waste time showing this yet again.
I was hoping no one would respond to her.

But it looks like everyone is on the same page.. Amen!
 

Blade

Well-known member
Nov 19, 2019
1,783
624
113
#7
The people in the old testament were divided between gentiles and Israelites. Every gentile was an idol worshipper. If anyone accepted the one true God, they also accepted becoming an Israelite for they thought belonging to a nation as also belonging to the God that nation accepted as theirs.

Christ and Paul changed that. Now accepting God has nothing to do with our nationalities.

Today, are we stuck with the old testament idea that God only speaks to Israel or cam we know that if we accept the one true God we don’t have to become Israelites to accept what God told Israel?
Hi.. not sure about some post here and DON'T want to know. As Isaac was we are the children of promise. There is one vine there are original branches and then US grafted in. NO ONE can tell the difference. Here in this world all kind of races what not. With God what is made NEW is your spirit which is not Jewish or Gentile. I pray and pray I have the patience of Christ. I can not even grasp how many times GOD/Christ/Holy Spirit hear get the same question by billions through out time yet treats each one as if it was the first time and each one is so special.
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,428
113
#8
You are stuck in either-or thinking.

The Old Testament law was given TO ISRAEL. The Old Testament is ABOUT ISRAEL. There is provision made for the handful of gentiles who wanted to join with Israel, but the Law was never given to gentiles generally.

The Old Testament is preserved for us as a historical document detailing God's work in the world and as the background for the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Those who think that the old testament law applies to gentile Christians today, and those who think that Christians shouldn't read the old testament at all, are both fools.
If the old testament doesn't tell gentiles about God, but only the Israelites, why do you think you should read it? It would be like reading someone else's mail.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,491
13,799
113
#9
If the old testament doesn't tell gentiles about God, but only the Israelites, why do you think you should read it? It would be like reading someone else's mail.
Read my post again.
 

FlyingDove

Senior Member
Dec 27, 2017
1,267
432
83
#10
If the old testament doesn't tell gentiles about God, but only the Israelites, why do you think you should read it? It would be like reading someone else's mail.
Although all scripture is written for everyone's learning. Not all scripture is written to everyone. Example: Are we required to bring a sacrifice to the Temple?

There were gentile's that left Egypt with the Hebrews. Remember there is NO agreed upon Mosaic covenant at this point.

It's at Sinai & when they ALL agree to do whatever the Lord commands. The Nation of Israel (not a nation while in Egypt) is born. No Mosaic sacrificial system yet. But, everyone that agreed was now Israeli. Every person there becomes, part, of the ONE people/nation God chose to proclaim His name.

After all the laws added in Lev & Deut anyone/person that wanted/chose to serve the God of Israel could become part of His people.

The day ALL agreed to the Lords words, a Nation was born = every person that agreed became 100% Israeli.

Any none Israeli was welcome become a proselyte/convert = no longer a gentile. However they had to:

1) Make a vow to adhere to Mosaic laws.
2) Get circumcised
3) Bring a sin offering/sacrifice to the Temple
4) The final action required: Undergo full/immersion Mikveh: a ritual act of purification, symbolizing a radical change of heart, a total commitment. At this point you're now clean & under Mosaic law. No longer an unclean, bastard, outside of covenant seals.

Gentiles did not observe purity laws (God gave/commanded) So, were considered ritually impure as a matter of course.

Gentiles ate impure foods, came into regular contact with impure substances, and worse, committed idolatry & defiling sexual acts

Find a few verses (there are more) that teach gentiles weren't part of Israel

Matthew 7:6 Jesus said; give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
(MY NOTE: Dogs, swine & gentiles all considered unclean under Jewish Law)

John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the (roman/gentile) hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
(MY NOTE: Just being in the gentile hall of judgment made a Jew UNCLEAN!)

Acts 10:28 Peter said unto them, Ye know how that it is an """unlawful""" thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
(MY NOTE: Peter tells Cornelius/a gentile. It's UNLAWFULL for a Jew to hang around gentiles)

John 4:9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him (Jesus), How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
(MY NOTE: Although Samaritans had Jewish roots. They had intermarried (against Mosaic law) & were considered/viewed godless/unclean bastards, living outside of covenant seals same all gentiles)

Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
(MY NOTE: Gentiles referred to as the Uncircumcision (vs 11) were without God, having no covenant promises & a hopeless future)

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
(MY NOTE: But, NOW! = POST death & resurrection/new Melchizedek covenant. Believing gentiles are no longer bastards outside of covenant seals)

Council at Jerusalem
Acts 15:
1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

(MY NOTE: Jews try to place gentiles under Mosaic law)

5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
(NOTE: These Christ rejecting Pharisees claimed gentile believers needed to be circumcised & commanded them to keep the law of Moses).

6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.
(MY NOTE: The apostles send letters to all the gentile believing churches in Antioch, Syria & Cilicia.)

24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

(MY NOTE: The letters written & sent by Christ chosen apostles. Telling the gentiles you are not, nor were you ever, required to be circumcised or keep Mosaic law)

Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves

(MY NOTE: WHICH HAVE NOT THE LAW. Gentiles were never under/had Mosaic law)

Acts 22;
17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I (Paul) prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

18 And saw him (Christ) saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

19 Paul said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:

20 Paul said, when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

21 And (Christ) said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee (Paul) far hence unto the Gentiles.

22 And they (this large Jewish audience) gave him audience (they listened to Paul) unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth (A literal riot ensues): for it is not fit that he should live.
(MY NOTE: Paul said (ONE WORD, GENTILE & the Jews wanted to KILL him!)

23 And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes
(NOTE: A custom for men when greatly irritated & their preparing to stone Paul. They threw dust into the air (a sign of contempt see 2 Sam).
Romans soldiers had to come arrest Paul & put him into protective custody)
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,428
113
#11
Although all scripture is written for everyone's learning. Not all scripture is written to everyone. Example: Are we required to bring a sacrifice to the Temple?

There were gentile's that left Egypt with the Hebrews. Remember there is NO agreed upon Mosaic covenant at this point.

It's at Sinai & when they ALL agree to do whatever the Lord commands. The Nation of Israel (not a nation while in Egypt) is born. No Mosaic sacrificial system yet. But, everyone that agreed was now Israeli. Every person there becomes, part, of the ONE people/nation God chose to proclaim His name.

After all the laws added in Lev & Deut anyone/person that wanted/chose to serve the God of Israel could become part of His people.

The day ALL agreed to the Lords words, a Nation was born = every person that agreed became 100% Israeli.

Any none Israeli was welcome become a proselyte/convert = no longer a gentile. However they had to:

1) Make a vow to adhere to Mosaic laws.
2) Get circumcised
3) Bring a sin offering/sacrifice to the Temple
4) The final action required: Undergo full/immersion Mikveh: a ritual act of purification, symbolizing a radical change of heart, a total commitment. At this point you're now clean & under Mosaic law. No longer an unclean, bastard, outside of covenant seals.

Gentiles did not observe purity laws (God gave/commanded) So, were considered ritually impure as a matter of course.

Gentiles ate impure foods, came into regular contact with impure substances, and worse, committed idolatry & defiling sexual acts

Find a few verses (there are more) that teach gentiles weren't part of Israel

Matthew 7:6 Jesus said; give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
(MY NOTE: Dogs, swine & gentiles all considered unclean under Jewish Law)

John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the (roman/gentile) hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
(MY NOTE: Just being in the gentile hall of judgment made a Jew UNCLEAN!)

Acts 10:28 Peter said unto them, Ye know how that it is an """unlawful""" thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
(MY NOTE: Peter tells Cornelius/a gentile. It's UNLAWFULL for a Jew to hang around gentiles)

John 4:9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him (Jesus), How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
(MY NOTE: Although Samaritans had Jewish roots. They had intermarried (against Mosaic law) & were considered/viewed godless/unclean bastards, living outside of covenant seals same all gentiles)

Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
(MY NOTE: Gentiles referred to as the Uncircumcision (vs 11) were without God, having no covenant promises & a hopeless future)

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
(MY NOTE: But, NOW! = POST death & resurrection/new Melchizedek covenant. Believing gentiles are no longer bastards outside of covenant seals)

Council at Jerusalem
Acts 15:
1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

(MY NOTE: Jews try to place gentiles under Mosaic law)

5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
(NOTE: These Christ rejecting Pharisees claimed gentile believers needed to be circumcised & commanded them to keep the law of Moses).

6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.
(MY NOTE: The apostles send letters to all the gentile believing churches in Antioch, Syria & Cilicia.)

24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

(MY NOTE: The letters written & sent by Christ chosen apostles. Telling the gentiles you are not, nor were you ever, required to be circumcised or keep Mosaic law)

Rom 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves

(MY NOTE: WHICH HAVE NOT THE LAW. Gentiles were never under/had Mosaic law)

Acts 22;
17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I (Paul) prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

18 And saw him (Christ) saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

19 Paul said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:

20 Paul said, when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

21 And (Christ) said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee (Paul) far hence unto the Gentiles.

22 And they (this large Jewish audience) gave him audience (they listened to Paul) unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth (A literal riot ensues): for it is not fit that he should live.
(MY NOTE: Paul said (ONE WORD, GENTILE & the Jews wanted to KILL him!)

23 And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes
(NOTE: A custom for men when greatly irritated & their preparing to stone Paul. They threw dust into the air (a sign of contempt see 2 Sam).
Romans soldiers had to come arrest Paul & put him into protective custody)
As I interpret scripture, YES, it was written to me about taking a sacrifice to the temple. I must understand the temple as God gave it to the world and used the Hebrew people to tell the world about Him. I must understand what the temple symbolized, how Christ fulfilled those symbols.

The nations turned a deaf ear to the Lord, and they were given free will to do that, but God had created the nations, and God wants all His creation to be His. It was not the Lord who told the nations not to listen as He spoke to Israel, it was the choice of the nations not to hear the Lord. That is still true of all us gentiles about what the old testament tells us.