WILL THERE BE A SUDDEN, SECRET “RAPTURE” OF BELIEVERS TO HEAVEN? [15]: MISUNDERSTANDINGS [D] Contrary to what those who believe in a sudden, secret rapture believe, the NT teaches that Israel and the Church are “one spiritual tree” not two separate “spiritual trees.” Therefore: 5. If believing Gentile branches do not persist in faith they will be removed. The only criterion for being in the “olive tree” (the community of salvation) is faith in Christ. Some dispensationalists say that, in the Millennium, Jewish people will be saved through Judaism and its animal sacrifices. This is a very serious error. Jesus, and faith in him, is the ONLY way of salvation, for everyone – Jew or Gentile. “You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.’ Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off” (Rom 11:19-23). Elsewhere in the NT Paul gives similar teaching. In Galatians he calls the church “the Israel of God.” “Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule – to the Israel of God” (Gal 6:15-16). Writing to the Ephesians 2:11-22 he says that Gentiles have now been included in citizenship in Israel and in the covenants of promise (2:12, 19). God has brought Jews and Gentiles together in one group, one new humanity, one body (2:14-16), one building, one temple, one dwelling for God to inhabit (2:21-22). Paul writes that Gentile believers (as well as Jewish believers) are the true circumcision (Php 3:3; Col 2:11; Rom 2:28-29). They are Abraham’s offspring (Rom 4:16; Gal 3:29). The writer to the Hebrews refers to the fact that the Lord promised to make a new covenant with the people of Israel, which is clearly the covenant that now includes the Gentiles. He covenants to write his law on their hearts, to enable them to know him and to forgive them (Heb 8:8-12). It is quite obvious from the NT that the dispensational separation between Israel and the Church is profoundly mistaken. This undermines one of their main arguments for the idea of a sudden, secret rapture. I shall have more to say about Israel on another occasion.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 17:55:13 +0000
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