What was God`s Purpose in making the Nations, Israel and the Body of Christ?

[Marilyn C]

12 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

Good morning from up above, Marilyn.

I would like to hear your scriptural evidence on why you believe our eternal destination is in heaven, and not on the earth if you will. My exegesis is as follows:

From the beginning, as intended and created, man was created out of the earth, on the earth, and for the earth, given care, and dominion over the earth (a special place created for us). God’s eternal plan was subverted by temptation and one man’s sin. Nonetheless, God’s original plan will come to fruition in the future. God has not changed His mind.

In the garden, the responsibility was to tend the fruit and pulse (gardening) to feed themselves (with exceptions, there are no free meals). In this regard and related, let me pose an interesting question, angel food (manna). I suspect manna is a heavenly seed or grain, ground up and prepared for bread. Is angel food created ex nihilo, or do angels too work for and tend their bread?

Admittedly, at one time I thought Christians (the church age) would spend eternity in Heaven, the dwelling place of God the Father. John 1:18 (KJV) No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 6:46 (KJV) Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Exodus 33:20 (KJV) And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

In my view, the kingdom of God is where Christ physically manifests, rules, and reigns supreme. Therefore, Heaven is coming to earth, and the new refurbished earth for eternity.

John 14:2-3 (KJV) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

As the 2^nd Temple period Jewish wedding custom exactly mirrors the process of the Rapture, an addition is being built to the Father’s house for the bride, and Groom, coming to earth. When a son got married, it was common for him to build a dwelling place on his father’s property, with each new building enlarging the family. This addition to the Father’s house is the New Jerusalem, I do believe. I suspect we will see heaven possibly for seven years, from the Rapture, until we follow Christ back to earth at His second coming.

Revelation 3:21 (KJV) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

I interpret this to mean, Jesus is speaking of His relationship to His Father, and sharing His throne.

Hi Dennis,

Yes from `up above,` in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

Thank you for asking about why I believe we, the Body of Christ`s eternal destination is in heaven and not on the earth.

Now you said - `...heaven is coming to earth.`  The mind boggles at that one. Have you ever seen how small our earth is in relation to the universal heavens let alone the third heaven. Remember God`s word tells us that the New Jerusalem comes OUT of heaven from God. No, dear bro, heaven does not come to earth. (Rev. 21: 2)

You wrote some good thoughts about man and the garden. As to `angel`s food,` I think that just refers to food that God rained down from the atmospheric heavens. It was like coriander seed and when ground, beaten and cooked tasted like pastry with oil. (Num. 11: 7 & 8)

But no, I don`t think angel`s eat our sort of food. They don`t work for food but are `ministering spirits sent forth to minster to those who will inherit salvation.` (Heb. 1: 14)

Now there are no scriptures that say the Body of Christ will be on the earth as their eternal inheritance. Rather -

Our inheritance, our hope, our place, our citizenship, all of which are IN HEAVEN.

 `...to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.` (1 Peter 1: 4 )

` ...because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of truth..`(Col. 1: 5)

` ...and raised us up together and made to sit in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.`(Eph. 2: 6)

` For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly await for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.` (Phil. 3: 20)

(New King James)

As to the `wife, the bride,` that is God`s relationship with Israel. God is their husband, meaning master. (Isa. 54: 5 & 6    Hos. 3: 19 & 20)

 

 

[Luther]

On 6/1/2025 at 1:38 AM, Marilyn C said:

So, what do you think (from God`s word if you can) was God`s Purpose in making -

1. The Nations.

2. Israel.

3. The Body of Christ.

 

If you can only comment on one group, that is fine.

To glorify His holy name

[Marilyn C]

3 hours ago, Luther said:

To glorify His holy name

Yes, while they are .........................?

[Marilyn C]

14 hours ago, biblelesson said:

By Nations, I suspect you mean Man.

This is not a quick answer, but I will try to make it short!

God put man in the garden of Eden and there were two trees. We know what their choice was, but most don’t consider the purpose of eating from the other tree, the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life is not just a title, it was suppose to do something. Just like the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil did something-lead to death.

Well the Tree of Life lead to life when eaten from. In Genesis God said man had to be put out of the garden, after he became corrupted, UNLESS, he eats from the Tree of Life - and live forever. So, that tells us that corrupted or not, eating from the Tree of Life would have caused man to live forever.

Why? Because God was creating children like Him. Man’s body is flesh, and it was the tree of life, if eaten from, that would change man from flesh to spirit, that is a spirit body that could not die - for example, like what a seed does when planted in the ground. You have the seed first, in a different body, that produces another body, that is, beautified flowers. It’s what’s produced from the seed that’s more glorious.

1 Corinthians explains this process:

1 Corinthians 15:36-38 KJV, 
36   Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 
37   And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 
38   But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

This process is what the Tree of Life would have produced, without death, if man hadn’t eaten from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

1 Corinthians 15:51 KJV
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

1 Corinthians 15:46 KJV
Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

So, now due to man becoming corrupted, if we are without God’s incorruptible seed, the Holy Spirit, that man will be raised from the dead still corrupted in a body where they will live forever - flesh is now spirit. So, due to that corruption, they cannot enter the Kingdom of heaven, they must be destroyed. 
But, only those who have the Spirit, will be raised incorrupted, and live forever in the kingdom with Christ.

Israel: God choosing Israel is based on His salvation plan to redeem man, and Israel was a representation of the one who could save us, Christ Jesus.
 

God first established His choosing of his saints through the promise He made to Abraham, then He made the separation between the law and the promise  through Issac, then He established predestination through Jacob and Esau, and chose Jacob, thereby changing His name to Israel, and established the 12 tribes of Israel- until the seed comes - Jesus Christ. 
 

The body of Christ: Redemption is in Christ, and those who belong to Him are joined by His Spirit. If a person does not have this Spirit, like mentioned above, their resurrection will result in a body that’s still corrupted. But those in Christ, their resurrection will result in incorruption, because they possess Christ Spirit that is life. So, because Christ, through His Spirit, lives in all true believers, they are the Body of Christ - they can be saved because they are joined to Christ by His body. 

Romans 8:9-11 KJV
9   But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 
10   And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 
11   But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 

It is so much more - it will take a lot of time to go over all the related scriptures to your question. But good question!

Hi biblelesson,

Glad you enjoyed the question. You certainly put a lot of thought into your answers. Now generally I agree with just some details to discuss.

1. Nations. Yes, man became corrupted. However, many of the nations turned to God over the centuries and God will fulfill His purpose for them. Do you know what that is?

2.Israel. Yes you say that God choosing Israel is based on His salvation plan to redeem man. I agree that God made Israel to be part of His salvation plan. However, God still has an ultimate purpose for Israel. Do you know what that is?

3. The Body of Christ. I agree we are joined to Christ by His Holy Spirit. Now no other group has had the Holy Spirit sent to them to set them in Christ`s body as we do have. God has a special purpose for us. Do you know what that is?

Thank you for joining in this discussion.

[Marilyn C]

13 hours ago, tatwo said:

Scripturally...and working from my last post to you Marilyn...in terms of the “Kingdom of God”...that eternal spiritual realm of the Living God...is here now. For the “sons of God” who have “entered into the Kingdom of God”...are already in heaven...by the Spirit. There are a number of passages that support this truth...I’ll include only one of them.

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ [Spirit] (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:4-7 NASB

This is an “invisible Spirit reality”...its known as being “in Christ”...this does not include flesh and blood. Hence...in that way He [Holy Spirit] has already “raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus”...in other words we are on the throne of God in Christ. Seems like a straight forward concept...as I have encountered...either one believes it or they do not...that depends upon their faith...and perhaps humility...but there can be no mixture of the two realities.

So based upon what Paul said...the Spirit Sons of God are “already in glory” with the Lord...while I can agree that the ages will change...I am not waiting for some future event to “get into heaven or to glory” spiritually...because I am already here in Christ...great is the mystery of godliness Sister?

Not only that...but I know what it is that I am to be doing in this life “specifically”...as I am God’s workmanship...created in Christ Yahshua for good works which my Father planned for me to walk in before He put creation in place.

This is actually what I am being reconciled to in this life today! I am...as any maturing son of God is...learning how to live out of an eternal life here and now in this present creation...that I might be fully prepared for the utter end of this age...and to rule in the age to come.

To miss this may not cost one their salvation...however it will make things much more complicated than they need to be moving forward in time.

Tatwo...:)

Hi Tatwo,

A good read there. I was pleased to see that you wrote about the Body of Christ being prepared to rule in the age(s) to come. Great.

[Marilyn C]

13 hours ago, tatwo said:

Of course and I agree...with some exceptions...things that I have already presented to you. Marilyn C I understand your “eschatological world view” to an acceptable degree...I have been reading you for years. Everything that was created...was created by intention and for purpose by the Lord and for Him only.

The Kingdom of Heaven [Holy Spirit Realm in creation] and the Kingdom of God [All authority and Power in creation] is presently an invisible eternal spiritual Kingdom...spanning both the heavens and the earth? It supports a completely different “citizenry”...an invisible yet real “spiritual citizenry”...they are the Spirit born Sons of God...known as “the spirits of the righteous made perfect.”

The classifications you are using “nations – gentiles” and “Israel – Jews” have merit when speaking to a flesh and blood “earthly creature and existence.”  It seems that you routinely conflate the eternal spiritual and temporally created realms...you may not see that...it is apparent to me...I understand that doctrinal stance also. For whatever it’s worth...I urge you to reconsider that position...and talk to the Holy Spirit about these things I am presenting you. May God strengthen you...via revelation?

The former is eternal and spiritual...it is timeless, ageless unending ages, no beginning and no ending...Holy Spirit in character and nature...Yahshua. These are the ones who have passed through death into life...though some of them are yet clothed upon by flesh. All flesh will cease and yet...the Spirit that abides in Christ...within that dying flesh...cannot cease...it is this life that we are to pursue.

The other...is temporal and physical...that which is created...has a beginning and has an ending just as everything that God created...will cease to exist when they have fulfilled God’s divine purposes. This includes all nations and peoples...for it is from them...the Father has granted to His Son...that He may reap a people for His name...those created in His image and likeness...Spirit...not flesh.

The separation my Sister is happening as you read this...perhaps you might consider the “priesthood” and its role in the administration of its attendant covenant. With the Old Covenant you had the priesthood of “Aaron” aka the “Levitical priesthood” made up of finite men from Israel...who administered the elements of God for them...as a promised nation in order to bring forth...the seed of promise. This “Levitical priesthood”...was never intended as an eternal priesthood...and it is not Marilyn.

With the New Covenant you have a “Royal priesthood” after the eternal order of Melchisedek remember? This Royal priesthood is not made up of finite men...but rather of righteous eternal spirits of men. Additionally its designation as “Royal” comes from the fact that the King of kings is upon the throne of God...and He is also the High Priest of the eternal priesthood...which existed long before creation...the nations or the Jews...no beginning no ending...eternal!

All elements of the Old Covenant are fulfilled in and by the Lord Yahshua Christ...as He has instituted the New Covenant in His blood. Those in Christ whose lives are already eternal in their nature and in their pursuit...do so via their spirit.

It is this order of “Royal Priests – Yahshua and His Spirit breathed Sons of God” who administer the elements of the New Covenant...this includes the entirety of the eschaton...of which in part they will be ordering forth God’s judgment. In order to partake of the New Covenant Truths, promises and prophecies...one must be a Spirit son of God.

A spiritual nation of eternal Kings and Priests...eternity can only be inhabited by Spirit...the Holy Spirit of the living God to be precise. A place where there are no “free and slave...male or female...Jew or gentile” this place is here...now...today.

All the “Sons of God” are like their Father who is Spirit...if you are a son of God it is by His Spirit that you are His offspring...so you are Spirit. Some of us are yet in these fleshly bodies...however I should think that most of us are already with Him...by Spirit.

Outside of the “remnant” of “Spirit Sons to God” from Israel...as it is with any and all other nations...there will be no earthly nations or flesh and blood people in the “Royal Priesthood” Sister. This simply cannot happen...Scripture makes the point emphatically...those who believe and try...will fail. It will take that for many to see the error in false doctrines...if they have been born again.

Tatwo...:)

Thank you for reading my work, it makes it easier to discuss with someone knowing their eschatological world view. You have lots of good points there, well presented and a good read.

Now one point I would like you to enlarge on please -

The other...is temporal and physical...that which is created...has a beginning and has an ending just as everything that God created...will cease to exist when they have fulfilled God’s divine purposes. This includes all nations and peoples....

It seems to me you are saying that God`s purpose for them is just in time and not eternity. Is that so?

I believe that God will make a New Heavens and New earth, and that the nations (of those saved) Israel, (who turned to God) and the Body of Christ will have their God given purpose then.

Then you made a statement that I conflate (combine) the eternal and the temporally created realms. Had to think on that. I don`t think I do, but if you can give an example that would help. 

 

[Dennis1209]

11 hours ago, Marilyn C said:

Hi Dennis,

Yes from `up above,` in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

Thank you for asking about why I believe we, the Body of Christ`s eternal destination is in heaven and not on the earth.

Now you said - `...heaven is coming to earth.`  The mind boggles at that one. Have you ever seen how small our earth is in relation to the universal heavens let alone the third heaven. Remember God`s word tells us that the New Jerusalem comes OUT of heaven from God. No, dear bro, heaven does not come to earth. (Rev. 21: 2)

You wrote some good thoughts about man and the garden. As to `angel`s food,` I think that just refers to food that God rained down from the atmospheric heavens. It was like coriander seed and when ground, beaten and cooked tasted like pastry with oil. (Num. 11: 7 & 8)

But no, I don`t think angel`s eat our sort of food. They don`t work for food but are `ministering spirits sent forth to minster to those who will inherit salvation.` (Heb. 1: 14)

Now there are no scriptures that say the Body of Christ will be on the earth as their eternal inheritance. Rather -

Our inheritance, our hope, our place, our citizenship, all of which are IN HEAVEN.

 `...to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.` (1 Peter 1: 4 )

` ...because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of truth..`(Col. 1: 5)

` ...and raised us up together and made to sit in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.`(Eph. 2: 6)

` For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly await for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.` (Phil. 3: 20)

(New King James)

As to the `wife, the bride,` that is God`s relationship with Israel. God is their husband, meaning master. (Isa. 54: 5 & 6    Hos. 3: 19 & 20)

 

 

Hi Marilyn,

Thank you for your response. I am enjoying the comparison of our biblical views and examining your interpretation, as my perspective might be flawed, and I am seldom adamant on secondary issues (iron sharpens iron). In my previous post(s), I used the words' heaven' and 'kingdom' rather loosely.

I think it would go a long way to define "what makes Heaven, Heaven." Rather than render my definition like I usually do, I am going to quote a combination of Adrian Rogers, C.H. Spurgeon, and Joseph Exell, excellent and well-known theologians, and scholars.

What makes Heaven truly Heaven is not primarily its physical attributes but rather the presence of God and Jesus Christ. Being with Christ is "the glory of heaven" and "the magnetism of heaven". Heaven's greatest joy is being in the company of Christ, "Heaven without Christ would be but an empty place." Heaven is characterized by the perfect fulfillment of God's will. In Heaven, God's will is done voluntarily, consciously, totally, joyously, universally, and uninterruptedly. This perfect obedience and alignment with God's will is what creates the heavenly state. Additionally, Heaven is described as a place of close, uninterrupted fellowship with God, contrasting with the limited and intermittent experiences of God's presence that believers have on earth. It's worth noting that while some articles mention physical descriptions of Heaven from biblical sources, such as "streets made out of gold" or "vessels for the storage of rainwater," these are not presented as the essence of what makes Heaven, Heaven.

From the above, and my thoughts, where Jesus physically is, on His throne, rules, and reigns, that is a description of Heaven, Heaven coming to earth. Do you agree or disagree with the definition of Heaven presented?

From the book, 'Dennis-Second Opinions,' Chapter One, How Do You Eat an Elephant? One bite at a time. 😊 I would like to discuss the rest of the views we are talking about after I get your view of what defines the first and third Heaven.

[Marilyn C]

10 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

Hi Marilyn,

Thank you for your response. I am enjoying the comparison of our biblical views and examining your interpretation, as my perspective might be flawed, and I am seldom adamant on secondary issues (iron sharpens iron). In my previous post(s), I used the words' heaven' and 'kingdom' rather loosely.

I think it would go a long way to define "what makes Heaven, Heaven." Rather than render my definition like I usually do, I am going to quote a combination of Adrian Rogers, C.H. Spurgeon, and Joseph Exell, excellent and well-known theologians, and scholars.

What makes Heaven truly Heaven is not primarily its physical attributes but rather the presence of God and Jesus Christ. Being with Christ is "the glory of heaven" and "the magnetism of heaven". Heaven's greatest joy is being in the company of Christ, "Heaven without Christ would be but an empty place." Heaven is characterized by the perfect fulfillment of God's will. In Heaven, God's will is done voluntarily, consciously, totally, joyously, universally, and uninterruptedly. This perfect obedience and alignment with God's will is what creates the heavenly state. Additionally, Heaven is described as a place of close, uninterrupted fellowship with God, contrasting with the limited and intermittent experiences of God's presence that believers have on earth. It's worth noting that while some articles mention physical descriptions of Heaven from biblical sources, such as "streets made out of gold" or "vessels for the storage of rainwater," these are not presented as the essence of what makes Heaven, Heaven.

From the above, and my thoughts, where Jesus physically is, on His throne, rules, and reigns, that is a description of Heaven, Heaven coming to earth. Do you agree or disagree with the definition of Heaven presented?

From the book, 'Dennis-Second Opinions,' Chapter One, How Do You Eat an Elephant? One bite at a time. 😊 I would like to discuss the rest of the views we are talking about after I get your view of what defines the first and third Heaven.

Hi Dennis,

Great to have a discussion on one point. Now what those esteemed men have said is good however one point doesn`t match up with scripture. You see God is everywhere by His Holy Spirit and as King David said if he went to hell God would be there. (Ps. 139: 8)

That then would be ridiculous saying that hell is heaven. So, saying wherever God is, is heaven is not correct.

Heaven is a place and a word used for the three areas -

1. Atmospheric heavens where the birds fly, rain etc. (James 5: 17)

2. The Universal heavens - the sun, moon and planets etc. (Gen. 1: 14)

3. The third heaven - the invisible realm where God`s throne is. (Isa. 66: 1    Col. 1: 16)

God`s word tells us some things about heaven - the invisible third heaven.

`...you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.` (Heb. 12: 22 - 24)

So we have in the third heaven -

God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. 

Innumerable company of angels - who minister to believers. (Heb. 1: 14)

Mount Zion - the ruling area of God`s throne and Jesus will have His own throne (authority) there too. (Ps. 2: 6)

General Assembly - the church - the believers in the Body of Christ who are asleep in Christ. When the whole Body is gathered together they will go to the Lord`s own throne on Mount Zion. (Ps. 2: 6   Rev. 3: 21)

The New Jerusalem city - this symbolically has streets of gold, meaning those who by faith looked for this city as God promised them. (Heb. 11: 16) Faith being more precious than gold. (1 Peter 1: 7)

This city will come down out of the third heaven and reside in the Universal area. There it will be the administrative center for God`s rulership through Israel over the earth.

It is also the means whereby God connects and interlocks the spiritual and physical realms. The symbol of this is the `Bride,` representing this connecting and interlocking. (Rev. 21: 2 & 9 - 11)

The spirits of just men (& women) -these are the Old Testament saints who have been promised a city in the heavens. (Heb. 11: 16) In the new heavens and earth they will come down out of heaven with the city ruling over the earth.

The Blood - eternal redemption. (Heb. 9: 12)

 

[biblelesson]

18 hours ago, Marilyn C said:

Hi biblelesson,

Glad you enjoyed the question. You certainly put a lot of thought into your answers. Now generally I agree with just some details to discuss.

1. Nations. Yes, man became corrupted. However, many of the nations turned to God over the centuries and God will fulfill His purpose for them. Do you know what that is?

2.Israel. Yes you say that God choosing Israel is based on His salvation plan to redeem man. I agree that God made Israel to be part of His salvation plan. However, God still has an ultimate purpose for Israel. Do you know what that is?

3. The Body of Christ. I agree we are joined to Christ by His Holy Spirit. Now no other group has had the Holy Spirit sent to them to set them in Christ`s body as we do have. God has a special purpose for us. Do you know what that is?

Thank you for joining in this discussion.

Hi Marilyn C,

I’m thinking about your questions and not clear on at least one;

Nations, you said, ...many of the nations turned to God over the centuries and God will fulfill His purpose for them. Do you know what that is? So, I’m not clear on this question. Because, it’s true many nations turned to Christ, which was/is the purpose of the gospel, and those who believe on Him are part of the Church of Christ. From what I understand, the purpose is redemption, to rule in the Kingdom of God with Christ, and to reign as children of God. Also, I believe those who reign with Christ in New Jerusalem, which comes down with Christ, during the thousand years will be teaching those who are still alive on the earth in the earthly Jerusalem (those who are not yet permitted to dwell in New Jerusalem), after the tribulation during the thousand years. I’m basing this on Isaiah 30:

¹⁹ For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.

²⁰ And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:

²¹ And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

I know mentioning New Jerusalem and the earthly Jerusalem operating at the same time (during the thousand years) will spark more questions.

Israel - You said, “However, God still has an ultimate purpose for Israel. Do you know what that is?” Not sure what is the ultimate purpose you are referencing. But, from what I understand the Bible is saying, God will not cast away Israel, Isaiah 45:17 KJV, that He will fulfill His promise to save Israel, 

But Romans 11:26 KJV defines how God will save Israel; He saves Israel through Jesus. Because Jesus being the promised seed, whose name is also, Israel, He grafts those of the nation of Israel back into their original tree, Romans 11:23 KJV, through faith, just as He grafts the gentiles into the original tree - making twain (two - Jew and Gentile) one New Man, Ephesians 2:15 KJV. So this way, God in His Wisdom, keeps His promise through His Son, Israel (Jesus),  Isaiah 49:3 KJV, “And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”

The Body of Christ, you said, “God has a special purpose for us. Do you know what that is? So, I think I may have answered this question above. But I do want to say that there is really no separation between Jew and Gentiles in Christ Jesus. However there will be a restoration of Israel during the thousand years while the Body of Christ (those Jew and Gentiles who were grafted in) reigns with Him in New Jerusalem. 

Edited June 7 by biblelesson

[Marilyn C]

7 hours ago, biblelesson said:

Hi Marilyn C,

I’m thinking about your questions and not clear on at least one;

Nations, you said, ...many of the nations turned to God over the centuries and God will fulfill His purpose for them. Do you know what that is? So, I’m not clear on this question. Because, it’s true many nations turned to Christ, which was/is the purpose of the gospel, and those who believe on Him are part of the Church of Christ. From what I understand, the purpose is redemption, to rule in the Kingdom of God with Christ, and to reign as children of God. Also, I believe those who reign with Christ in New Jerusalem, which comes down with Christ, during the thousand years will be teaching those who are still alive on the earth in the earthly Jerusalem (those who are not yet permitted to dwell in New Jerusalem), after the tribulation during the thousand years. I’m basing this on Isaiah 30:

¹⁹ For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.

²⁰ And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:

²¹ And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

I know mentioning New Jerusalem and the earthly Jerusalem operating at the same time (during the thousand years) will spark more questions.

Israel - You said, “However, God still has an ultimate purpose for Israel. Do you know what that is?” Not sure what is the ultimate purpose you are referencing. But, from what I understand the Bible is saying, God will not cast away Israel, Isaiah 45:17 KJV, that He will fulfill His promise to save Israel, 

But Romans 11:26 KJV defines how God will save Israel; He saves Israel through Jesus. Because Jesus being the promised seed, whose name is also, Israel, He grafts those of the nation of Israel back into their original tree, Romans 11:23 KJV, through faith, just as He grafts the gentiles into the original tree - making twain (two - Jew and Gentile) one New Man, Ephesians 2:15 KJV. So this way, God in His Wisdom, keeps His promise through His Son, Israel (Jesus),  Isaiah 49:3 KJV, “And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”

The Body of Christ, you said, “God has a special purpose for us. Do you know what that is? So, I think I may have answered this question above. But I do want to say that there is really no separation between Jew and Gentiles in Christ Jesus. However there will be a restoration of Israel during the thousand years while the Body of Christ (those Jew and Gentiles who were grafted in) reigns with Him in New Jerusalem. 

Hi biblelesson,

Thank you for your good reply. I agree with some of what you write, however there are a few points to discuss.

Nations.

We need to remember that there were four centuries of people before the Body of Christ started. Think of Seth. He was the third son of Adam and Eve. And from then on, many people turned to God.

`And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth. “For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed.” And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the LORD.` (Gen. 4: 25 & 26)

So way back in the very early days people turned to God. They didn`t know all about Jesus however it is because of Jesus` sacrifice that they will be saved. They are not `set` in the Body of Christ as we are, (1 Cor. 12: 18) but they will populate the new earth. This was God`s purpose for man, (Gen. 1: 28) and God will yet fulfill that. (Rev. 21: 24)

 

Israel.

Glad you see that God hasn`t cast away the nation of Israel. However, they are not in the Body of Christ. Yes, individual Jews who turn to God in the time of the Body of Christ will be in in that purpose, however, the nation of Israel will yet turn to God by His Holy Spirit and rule the nations as purposed. (Zech. 12: 10.   1 Kings 2: 45) I see that you noted that will be in the millennium. Good, I agree.

Yes, Israel is grafted back into the Lord but not into the Body of Christ. It is from Him that the purposes will be individually fulfilled.

 

Body of Christ.

We will not be in the New Jerusalem for that was promised to the Old Testament saints. (Heb. 11: 16) And the New Jerusalem comes down out of the third heaven from God. (Rev. 21: 2) The Body of Christ, however, is seated with Christ on His own throne in the third heaven, on Mount Zion. (Ps. 2: 6   Rev. 3: 21)

God the Father and Jesus are in each realm by their Holy Spirit however, their seat of power and authority is in the third heavens. It is from there that they rule over all of God`s great kingdom. (Rev. 4:1- 4   1 Cor. 15: 24   Ps. 68: 33   Isa. 66: 1)