1 PETER 2:24 THE CROSS FOR THE NEW TESTAMENT

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1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Peter is an apostle to Israel. Peter was commanded by God to preach to the people (Acts 10:42). Peter is preaching the cross; by the cross the promise of the new covenant (new testament) would be fulfilled.

Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Jesus is the one who bore the iniquity of Israel, who was wounded for their transgressions.

Isaiah 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Jesus would bear the iniquities of Israel and would justify the believing remnant of Israel.

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Jesus is the good Shepherd who went to the cross and died to bear the sin of Israel the sheep.

1 Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

The believing remnant of Israel believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and returned unto their Shepherd.

Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Jesus shows great love and tenderness toward the sheep. Those of us who trust him can know that he has the same love for us.

Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Israel could not keep the old covenant. Israel as sheep went astray and were lost. The iniquity of all Israel was laid upon Jesus on the cross.

Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Peter and the other apostles spoke of the resurrection of Jesus. Israel was to repent and receive the forgiveness he provided.

Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

Peter preached to Israel that it was prophesied by David that Jesus would be resurrected to sit on his throne.

1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Jesus, the chief Shepherd of Israel the sheep, was coming again.

Hebews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Jesus came the first time to bear the sins of Israel. The believing remnant of Israel would be looking for his second coming for salvation.

Jeremiah 30:9 But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.

Ezekiel 37:24 And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.

Jesus Christ will return to establish his kingdom on earth (Daniel 2:44). David will be raised to be king to Israel in the kingdom. Saved Israel will be caused to walk in all the judgments of God.

Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

God will make a new covenant with Israel and Judah only.

Jeremiah 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

The new testament could not be in force until the death of the one who made the covenant, the testator (Hebrews 9:16). Jesus died on the cross to establish the new covenant.

Israel could now be given the promised new covenant. This covenant will forgive the iniquity of Israel; God by the new covenant will forgive Israel for the sins committed under the old covenant (Hebrews 9:15). God will put his Spirit in them and cause Israel to keep all his commandments.

Hebews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The old covenant was done away with because Israel could not keep it (Hebrews 8:7-13); the new covenant will be an everlasting covenant. Israel will, according to 1 Peter 2:24, be able to do what they could not do by themselves, by the Holy Spirit of God in them, live unto righteousness.