John 18 and 19 The predestined plan of God-crucifixion and atonement
Rather than detailing each event in separate chapters; I am making some general points here.
It doesn't seem fitting to do a forensic analysis of the details of the horrors of crucifixion in studying this subject; but instead doing a broad based approach to the events which played out in the time when Christ voluntarily laid down His life. ( John 10:18).
In regard to Judas Iscariot; of course he was the predestined son of perdition prophesied in Psalm 41:9. There were curses to be on his descendants as well. As to Pilate; the discourse went down in chapter 18 where Christ plainly told him that all who are of the truth hear His voice ( John 18:37). His response "what is truth" in the next verse clearly shows he remained in darkness; albeit his sin wasn't to be as great as the others who brought Him to Pilate.
We also; of course see how Christ's statement to Peter came to pass. We can sort of call prophecy predestination in a way; unless it is based on conditional factors. Jesus knew Peter couldn't stand in his own strength; but was already preparing him for when he had a change of heart. Several prophecies are in chapter 19 along with the one in the other gospels where He asks why God foresook Him taken from Psalm 22.
This most important event in human history allows us to be with Him in heaven eternally.
That is the central message that should be in our minds as to the certainty that God's plan and will are accomplished. This calls for praise and a humble and contrite spirit as Psalm 51 indicates. Psalm 110:3 shows "we shall be made willing in the day of thy power..." and seems to reflect sentiments as Job 19:25 and Isaiah 26:19 on the Resurrection
Congrats on 19 years. Acts 2:31 speaking of Christ. " that his soul was not left in Hell, neither did his flesh see corruption. From the KJV bible.
Christ had to preach to the spirits in prison. Hell is a prison with bars. Those spirits I think were the fallen angels he cast into hell.
Matt 12:40 "For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."
Sheol is the name singular for grave. There is two compartments down there, Hell and Paradise/ Abraham's bosom. When one died before Christ died on the cross, one went to Hell or Abraham's bosom. Christ did not suffer in Hell, he suffered on the cross. However nobody could go to Heaven before Christ died on the cross, because the Lamb of God had not died and shed his blood to pay for sins. So Christ preaches to the spirits, goes next door to Paradise/Abraham's bosom and the souls were there resting, and now that the blood was shed.
Ephesians 4:8 " Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9) Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth.
So His soul fist goes to Hell , then next door and takes all the saved, led captivity and too all those saved to Heaven. No Abraham's bosom is empty for this age, but will be occupied again in the future.
Jesus took the wrath of God at the cross; and when his life ended; he said "it is finished" thus overcoming through His perfect sacrifice for our sake. Christ was to then go to the paradise section of hades; as He stated to the thief on the cross "today you shall b with me in paradise." He then went to set the captives free; as I believe Peter stated. He was; on his arrival there in His Spirit form to proclaim to those who were bound and already awaiting judgment (all lost and Nephilim; fallen angels in chains in the torment part); that He had triumphed over Satan; who now no longer holds the power of death (or restriction from entering heaven itself). Accordingly; He who is now absent from the body is present with the Lord if saved. He then; of course arose from the dead and many of the saints at that time apparently rose from the dead (a sort of first of the firstfuits). The souls of the saved O.T. saints would have been also able at that time to enter into heaven. That would of course also include the thief who would have had the shortest visit to paradise ever.
Therefore; the message given there was a proclamation; it was too late for it to be a salvation message. Now; there is only a torment place in hedes; where the prisoners await final judgment at the White Throne Judgment.
Flesh and blood, the body, dies and returns to dust,
Spirit, life, CANNOT die.
Hell is a doctrine of man: If a body of flesh and blood was placed in literal fire, it would be consumed in a few minutes, there would be not eternal torment. No need for a second resurrection.
If SPIRIT (there is only ONE SPIRIT and that SPIRIT IS GOD)( Ephesians 4:4-6) was placed in literal fire, it would not be affected.
Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.
Lazarus and the rich man is a PARABLE.
Lazarus went to the bosom of Abraham, symbolic of the BORN AGAIN, being ONE with God.
The rich man went to the GRAVE, a gulf that CANNOT be passed over UNTIL the second resurrection of the DEAD back to their flesh, to be judged and brought to TRUTH.
There are TWO RESURRECTION, one has already occurred, Christ and those that were ORDAINED to have their part in that FIRST RESURRECTION.
Luke 20:36 Neither can they (those CHOSEN to have their part in the first resurrection) DIE ANY MORE: for they (the CHOSEN) are equal into the ANGELS; and are the children of God, being the children of the (FIRST) resurrection.
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and Holy is he that hath part in the FIRST resurrection ......
The second resurrection TO JUDGEMENT, has not yet occurred BUT:
Isaiah 26:9 ...For when thy JUDGEMENTS are in the earth (second resurrection) the inhabitants of the world will LEARN RIGHTEOUSNESS.
1 Timothy 4:10 ...for we trust in the living God, who is the SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN (even those in the second resurrection), specially those (in the first resurrection) who believe.
Romans 8:19 For the earnest EXPECTATION of the creature (man) WAITETH (second resurrection) for the manifestation of the Sons of God (first resurrection).
Romans 8:21 Because the creature (man) ITSELF shall ALSO be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption (the GRAVE) into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Maybe you're referring to: Ephesians 4:8-10 or 1 Peter 3:19.
Perhaps you mean Jesus visited people, not "went" to hell as if it was a punishment. I believe the KJV says he descended into the lower parts of the earth, so it could have a different meaning.
I don't believe the Bible says with 100% clarity why but I'm sure it was for an important purpose.
When Jesus raided Hell of the Prisoners - In Reply on John 19 - 1 year ago
Some believe that while Jesus' body was in the tomb, His spirit was in hell.Scripture doesn't support that position when it is taken in context and we look at the meaning of the word "hell." In the Old Testament, the place of the dead or the place of departed souls was called "SHEOL." It was to this place that all SOULS of the dead went to await resurrection.
In the New Testament, we find the story of Lazarus and the rich man who both died and went to Hades ( Luke 16:19-31).The KJV translates the Greek word "hades" as hell but most other translations use the Greek word. HADES had two separated parts: Those who died in faith believing in God's promise waited for the resurrection in Abraham's Bosom. Those who died spiritually separated from God wait in torment for the resurrection unto death, eternal separation from God. The rich man was on the torment side and Lazarus was in ABRAHAMS BOSOM which was called PARADISE by the LORD Jesus Christ himself when He addressed the thief who found faith the day Jesus was crucified ( Luke 23:42-43)
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment" ( 2 Peter 2:4). The word translated HELL here is not the Greek word HADES but is the Greek word TARTARUS meaning ABYSS or the lowest regions. This could very well be the "gulf" that was fixed between the PLACE OF TORMENT and Abraham's Bosom Luke 16:26
Wherefore He saith, When JESUS ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also DESCENDED first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fulfill all things. Ephesians 4:8-10
Leading captivity captive seems to refer to Jesus taking all those that waited in Paradise, to heaven to be with Him. The descending into the "lower parts" then refers to Jesus mission of declaring Victory!
I am trying to understand if Jesus went to hell and if so why. I am 78yrs old and was saved at 19 yrs old. I have studied the Bible all these years and am just now trying the figure out. thank you.
When Jesus Went Down to Hell - In Reply on John 19 - 1 year ago
Some believe that while Jesus' body was in the tomb, His spirit was in hell.Scripture doesn't support that position when it is taken in context and we look at the meaning of the word "hell." In the Old Testament, the place of the dead or the place of departed souls was called "SHEOL." It was to this place that all SOULS of the dead went to await resurrection.
In the New Testament, we find the story of Lazarus and the rich man who both died and went to Hades ( Luke 16:19-31). The KJV translates the Greek word "hades" as hell but most other translations use the Greek word. HADES had two separated parts: Those who died in faith believing in God's promise waited for the resurrection in Abraham's Bosom. Those who died spiritually separated from God wait in torment for the resurrection unto death, eternal separation from God. The rich man was on the torment side and Lazarus was in ABRAHAMS BOSOM which was called PARADISE by the LORD Jesus Christ himself when He addressed the thief who found faith the day Jesus was crucified ( Luke 23:42-43)
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment" ( 2 Peter 2:4). The word translated HELL here is not the Greek word HADES but is the Greek word TARTARUS meaning ABYSS or the lowest regions. This could very well be the GULF that was fixed between the PLACE OF TORMENT and Abraham's Bosom ( Luke 16:26).
Wherefore He saith, When JESUS ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also DESCENDED first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fulfill all things. Ephesians 4:8-10)
Leading captivity captive seems to refer to Jesus taking all those that waited in Paradise, to heaven to be with Him. The descending into the "lower parts" then refers to Jesus mission of declaring Victory!
We see this in Ephesians 4:9-10. In verse 9, it says, "Now that he ascended, (speaking of Christ), what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?"
It goes on to say in Verse 10, "He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill, (or more literally fulfill) all things.
Jesus said that when He was to die that He was to go into the heart of the earth, just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, or the fish. ( Matthew 12:40)
The same Jesus was ascended up into heaven, and He loosened the captives. But it says He gave gifts unto men. Notice what it says at the end of Ephesians 4:8 because this is very important.
The word "gifts" indicates that God took from out of the captives. He took people and gave them back to the captives as gifts. These gifts are people.
So He led captivity captive. He took people from out of the captives. He said you, you, you, and you, come here. And He gave them back to the captives as leaders and ministers.
More a question, where is it in scripture of Jesus going into he'll for keys, and brought the old testament saints out of captivity? Was asked of by a non/doubter.Thank-you.
"Sometimes, when God removes one comfort from us, he raises up another for us, where we looked not for it." Many times I have disregarded/rejected comforts Jesus provides in times of need because is not what I want or expect. How foolish can a follower be not to recognized that GOD/JESUS/HOLY SPIRIT is in control of all!!! even what I percievied to be bad. He clearly states in verse 11 that even the power to be crucified lay not in Pilates hands but in HIS!!! May we receive discerment to identified ALL HIS BLESSINGS AND COMFORTS THRU HIS GRACE!
Galatians 3__Gentiles we're grafted into the Tree - In Reply on John 19 - 2 years ago
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our SCHOOLMASTER to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26 For ye are all the children of God BY FAITH in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, AND HEIRS according to the promise.
Nothing changed, Jesus came only for the lost sheep of Israel because the covenant was only with the house of Israel, it had to be fulfilled before the new covenant could be made. We read Jesus told the woman at the well, salvation is of the Jews, John 4:22. The old covenant had to be satisfied, fulfilled by flesh living a perfect life, the price was paid the contract was completed. Jesus said He was sent only for the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 15:24.
He also told the apostles not to go but unto the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 10:6. Even after Jesus ascended, they only went to the Jews until Peter had his dream and Paul was called, this was to fulfill the prophecies. The word given to the Gentiles was still a mystery but as God told Abraham all nations were in the plan, Genesis 26:4. But, yes when Jesus first came was only for the lost sheep of Israel, the covenant had to be confirmed to the Jews first. Daniel 9:27Romans 1:15-17. It was also to make the Jews jealous and save some as it was written, Romans 11:8-14.
David,, that was the point of my post, that God sent His Son in the fullness of time. Re-read my post. RE-read your post where you stated, "Anthony, If the lost sheep of the house of Israel had believed who Jesus was then everything would have ended there with the gospel..." That is what I am referring to in my post as well. Thank you for seeking clarification. It helps to do so.
David, I think Jesus always intended to be the Messiah to all mankind, not just the Jews. He could have come just after Adam and Eve sinned, but he did not. He could have come after the flood in Noah's day, but He did not. He could have come when the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, but He did not. He could have come after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., when the temple was demolished and the Jews were scattered, but He did not. the Bible states that Jesus came in the fullness of time in the fulfillment of the prophecies, die for all mankind. Whether the Jews accepted Him or not was not a determining factor in whether the gospel was preached and availed to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. If the Jews would have accepted Jesus, He still would have been put to death by some decree. (Herod intended to end is life as an infant.)
And if the Jews had received Jesus as their Messiah and as a nation preached so after His death, resurrection, and ascension, then the gospel would have gone out to the world through many rather than through a few Jews who were His disciples.
Yes, God foreknew that the Jews would reject Him both before and after His death, resurrection, and ascension. But that does not mean that God had to go to plan B and send the gospel to the Gentiles. It was always His plan to bless all nations with the gospel through the seed of Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That is why Jesus incarnated as a child of Abraham, to fulfill the prophecy.
Hello, I will only address your first question. I think Jesus said to be perfect because He wants us to strive to be perfect. We all have an inclination to sin, and struggle with fleshly desires and temptations, but Jesus is setting a very high standard. It means we should put out much effort to avoid sin and be perfect. There are many verses saying this and here is one such verse: Luke 13:24
I'm glad you asked. Mr. D'Ambrosio, I had referred so many scriptures to you that I didn't want to overwhelm, even though I had not finished completely what I wanted to point out in scripture.
John 17, whole chapter, note vrs. 20 & 21, John 3:15-16,
Prophecy & prophecy fulfilled
Isaiah 46:13, Jeremiah 3:23, Genesis 49:18, Luke 2, Luke 3:4-6, Isaiah 53, Luke 23, Psalms 22, Psalms 118:19-22,
We are grafted in: Romans 11, whole chapter,
Hopefully these are helpful, there are many more scriptures. Let me know if you would like more.
So when you say Jesus came originally only for the lost sheep of Israel, what changed? Do you mean he was supposed to preach only to the Jews first and then the gentiles after? Or do you mean he never intended to preach to the gentiles at all but then had a change of heart somewhere along the line and decided to include the gentiles in the salvation stuff too?
Under the inspiration of Satan, it amazes me how cruel man can be to another. There is no limit. What an example here. Jesus could have come down from the cross, but if He had, the human race would have been lost.
This same hatred will be shown in the time of the end, to the faithful followers of God. Revelation 12 tells us 'he deceiveth the whole world. Even now that is true.
Rather than detailing each event in separate chapters; I am making some general points here.
It doesn't seem fitting to do a forensic analysis of the details of the horrors of crucifixion in studying this subject; but instead doing a broad based approach to the events which played out in the time when Christ voluntarily laid down His life. ( John 10:18).
In regard to Judas Iscariot; of course he was the predestined son of perdition prophesied in Psalm 41:9. There were curses to be on his descendants as well. As to Pilate; the discourse went down in chapter 18 where Christ plainly told him that all who are of the truth hear His voice ( John 18:37). His response "what is truth" in the next verse clearly shows he remained in darkness; albeit his sin wasn't to be as great as the others who brought Him to Pilate.
We also; of course see how Christ's statement to Peter came to pass. We can sort of call prophecy predestination in a way; unless it is based on conditional factors. Jesus knew Peter couldn't stand in his own strength; but was already preparing him for when he had a change of heart. Several prophecies are in chapter 19 along with the one in the other gospels where He asks why God foresook Him taken from Psalm 22.
This most important event in human history allows us to be with Him in heaven eternally.
That is the central message that should be in our minds as to the certainty that God's plan and will are accomplished. This calls for praise and a humble and contrite spirit as Psalm 51 indicates. Psalm 110:3 shows "we shall be made willing in the day of thy power..." and seems to reflect sentiments as Job 19:25 and Isaiah 26:19 on the Resurrection
Christ had to preach to the spirits in prison. Hell is a prison with bars. Those spirits I think were the fallen angels he cast into hell.
Matt 12:40 "For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."
Sheol is the name singular for grave. There is two compartments down there, Hell and Paradise/ Abraham's bosom. When one died before Christ died on the cross, one went to Hell or Abraham's bosom. Christ did not suffer in Hell, he suffered on the cross. However nobody could go to Heaven before Christ died on the cross, because the Lamb of God had not died and shed his blood to pay for sins. So Christ preaches to the spirits, goes next door to Paradise/Abraham's bosom and the souls were there resting, and now that the blood was shed.
Ephesians 4:8 " Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9) Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth.
So His soul fist goes to Hell , then next door and takes all the saved, led captivity and too all those saved to Heaven. No Abraham's bosom is empty for this age, but will be occupied again in the future.
Therefore; the message given there was a proclamation; it was too late for it to be a salvation message. Now; there is only a torment place in hedes; where the prisoners await final judgment at the White Throne Judgment.
There is flesh and blood: A BODY
There is ONE SPIRIT: IMMORTAL LIFE
Flesh and blood, the body, dies and returns to dust,
Spirit, life, CANNOT die.
Hell is a doctrine of man: If a body of flesh and blood was placed in literal fire, it would be consumed in a few minutes, there would be not eternal torment. No need for a second resurrection.
If SPIRIT (there is only ONE SPIRIT and that SPIRIT IS GOD)( Ephesians 4:4-6) was placed in literal fire, it would not be affected.
Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.
Lazarus and the rich man is a PARABLE.
Lazarus went to the bosom of Abraham, symbolic of the BORN AGAIN, being ONE with God.
The rich man went to the GRAVE, a gulf that CANNOT be passed over UNTIL the second resurrection of the DEAD back to their flesh, to be judged and brought to TRUTH.
There are TWO RESURRECTION, one has already occurred, Christ and those that were ORDAINED to have their part in that FIRST RESURRECTION.
Luke 20:36 Neither can they (those CHOSEN to have their part in the first resurrection) DIE ANY MORE: for they (the CHOSEN) are equal into the ANGELS; and are the children of God, being the children of the (FIRST) resurrection.
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and Holy is he that hath part in the FIRST resurrection ......
The second resurrection TO JUDGEMENT, has not yet occurred BUT:
Isaiah 26:9 ...For when thy JUDGEMENTS are in the earth (second resurrection) the inhabitants of the world will LEARN RIGHTEOUSNESS.
1 Timothy 4:10 ...for we trust in the living God, who is the SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN (even those in the second resurrection), specially those (in the first resurrection) who believe.
Romans 8:19 For the earnest EXPECTATION of the creature (man) WAITETH (second resurrection) for the manifestation of the Sons of God (first resurrection).
Romans 8:21 Because the creature (man) ITSELF shall ALSO be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption (the GRAVE) into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
God Bless YOU!
death and the grave from the devil
Maybe you're referring to: Ephesians 4:8-10 or 1 Peter 3:19.
Perhaps you mean Jesus visited people, not "went" to hell as if it was a punishment. I believe the KJV says he descended into the lower parts of the earth, so it could have a different meaning.
I don't believe the Bible says with 100% clarity why but I'm sure it was for an important purpose.
In the New Testament, we find the story of Lazarus and the rich man who both died and went to Hades ( Luke 16:19-31).The KJV translates the Greek word "hades" as hell but most other translations use the Greek word. HADES had two separated parts: Those who died in faith believing in God's promise waited for the resurrection in Abraham's Bosom. Those who died spiritually separated from God wait in torment for the resurrection unto death, eternal separation from God. The rich man was on the torment side and Lazarus was in ABRAHAMS BOSOM which was called PARADISE by the LORD Jesus Christ himself when He addressed the thief who found faith the day Jesus was crucified ( Luke 23:42-43)
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment" ( 2 Peter 2:4). The word translated HELL here is not the Greek word HADES but is the Greek word TARTARUS meaning ABYSS or the lowest regions. This could very well be the "gulf" that was fixed between the PLACE OF TORMENT and Abraham's Bosom Luke 16:26
Wherefore He saith, When JESUS ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also DESCENDED first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fulfill all things. Ephesians 4:8-10
Leading captivity captive seems to refer to Jesus taking all those that waited in Paradise, to heaven to be with Him. The descending into the "lower parts" then refers to Jesus mission of declaring Victory!
In the New Testament, we find the story of Lazarus and the rich man who both died and went to Hades ( Luke 16:19-31). The KJV translates the Greek word "hades" as hell but most other translations use the Greek word. HADES had two separated parts: Those who died in faith believing in God's promise waited for the resurrection in Abraham's Bosom. Those who died spiritually separated from God wait in torment for the resurrection unto death, eternal separation from God. The rich man was on the torment side and Lazarus was in ABRAHAMS BOSOM which was called PARADISE by the LORD Jesus Christ himself when He addressed the thief who found faith the day Jesus was crucified ( Luke 23:42-43)
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment" ( 2 Peter 2:4). The word translated HELL here is not the Greek word HADES but is the Greek word TARTARUS meaning ABYSS or the lowest regions. This could very well be the GULF that was fixed between the PLACE OF TORMENT and Abraham's Bosom ( Luke 16:26).
Wherefore He saith, When JESUS ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also DESCENDED first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fulfill all things. Ephesians 4:8-10)
Leading captivity captive seems to refer to Jesus taking all those that waited in Paradise, to heaven to be with Him. The descending into the "lower parts" then refers to Jesus mission of declaring Victory!
We see this in Ephesians 4:9-10. In verse 9, it says, "Now that he ascended, (speaking of Christ), what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?"
It goes on to say in Verse 10, "He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill, (or more literally fulfill) all things.
Jesus said that when He was to die that He was to go into the heart of the earth, just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, or the fish. ( Matthew 12:40)
The same Jesus was ascended up into heaven, and He loosened the captives. But it says He gave gifts unto men. Notice what it says at the end of Ephesians 4:8 because this is very important.
The word "gifts" indicates that God took from out of the captives. He took people and gave them back to the captives as gifts. These gifts are people.
So He led captivity captive. He took people from out of the captives. He said you, you, you, and you, come here. And He gave them back to the captives as leaders and ministers.
15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our SCHOOLMASTER to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26 For ye are all the children of God BY FAITH in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, AND HEIRS according to the promise.
It Is Written!
Nothing changed, Jesus came only for the lost sheep of Israel because the covenant was only with the house of Israel, it had to be fulfilled before the new covenant could be made. We read Jesus told the woman at the well, salvation is of the Jews, John 4:22. The old covenant had to be satisfied, fulfilled by flesh living a perfect life, the price was paid the contract was completed. Jesus said He was sent only for the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 15:24.
He also told the apostles not to go but unto the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 10:6. Even after Jesus ascended, they only went to the Jews until Peter had his dream and Paul was called, this was to fulfill the prophecies. The word given to the Gentiles was still a mystery but as God told Abraham all nations were in the plan, Genesis 26:4. But, yes when Jesus first came was only for the lost sheep of Israel, the covenant had to be confirmed to the Jews first. Daniel 9:27 Romans 1:15-17. It was also to make the Jews jealous and save some as it was written, Romans 11:8-14.
God bless,
RLW
Yes, I concur, God came as Jesus, when he felt the time was right, to save the "entire world." As per the scripture!
God Bless.
they because they being stiff necked and hardhearted were going to reject him which opened the door for all men.
Also he could not have come before He did that is strictly supposition by intellect, he came in the fullness of God
timetable when all the correct elements were in place set up by God in his Wisdom. The other statements you are
making are by assumption. I'll stick with It Is Written! We gentiles got in strictly by the adopted seeds Israels unbelief
Romans 11:17-24 Gods grace which only He knew. But again its choice as to what someone chooses to believe.
And if the Jews had received Jesus as their Messiah and as a nation preached so after His death, resurrection, and ascension, then the gospel would have gone out to the world through many rather than through a few Jews who were His disciples.
Yes, God foreknew that the Jews would reject Him both before and after His death, resurrection, and ascension. But that does not mean that God had to go to plan B and send the gospel to the Gentiles. It was always His plan to bless all nations with the gospel through the seed of Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That is why Jesus incarnated as a child of Abraham, to fulfill the prophecy.
John 1:29
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
God Bless.
John 17, whole chapter, note vrs. 20 & 21, John 3:15-16,
Prophecy & prophecy fulfilled
Isaiah 46:13, Jeremiah 3:23, Genesis 49:18, Luke 2, Luke 3:4-6, Isaiah 53, Luke 23, Psalms 22, Psalms 118:19-22,
We are grafted in: Romans 11, whole chapter,
Hopefully these are helpful, there are many more scriptures. Let me know if you would like more.
would have ended there in the gospels but God knew in His FOREKNOWLEDGE that they would reject His
Salvation through Jesus Christ therefore it became available for all mankind.
This same hatred will be shown in the time of the end, to the faithful followers of God. Revelation 12 tells us 'he deceiveth the whole world. Even now that is true.
what he was teaching was to that peoples and culture, but when certain individuals came to Him and Believed
who He Is The Son Of God and didn't see only heard of what He was doing I.E. the centurion Luke 7:2 understood
the authority Given to Jesus and by messenger said He was not worthy although he was in charge of 100 men
and said at your word and His servant was healed, he believed without seeing. Most times in Gospels they saw then
believed. Now to the judeans certain gentiles canaanites and others were considered un believing dogs so to
speak, and yet because of her believing will because she said Have mercy on me son of David therefore she heard
of Him and believed.
The washing of the hands was in criticism of the corruption of the religious leaders who appeared and
acted so self righteous and if you didn't eat with clean hands you can't be walking with God.
Jesus Christ came to fulfill and complete the law of the old testament and nailed it to the cross, so in the age
of grace we fulfill the law by walking in the spiritual law of agapeo the love of God when we are born again which was
not possible until the day of pentecost. In the age of Grace we are to believe Gods Word then we get the works,
in the gospels they mostly saw then believed. That's why Jesus said blessed are they who have not seen and will believe.