tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46660491458125036362024-03-14T00:35:17.671-07:00Mike VlachChristian Worldview and TheologyMike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-50978665747985781222023-05-07T13:46:00.001-07:002023-05-07T13:46:32.382-07:00Michael Vlach’s New Book—The New Creation Model--Is Now Out!<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/New-Creation-Model-Discovering-Restoration/dp/0979853958/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3DMPAH8FIQM7J&keywords=new+creation+model+vlach&qid=1683491177&sprefix=%2Caps%2C569&sr=8-4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1000" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8F3BsSZCATm0CFqikcA0UZb2FGuuG9eDOC1-dEmHGp4fvoZjL3PfFlK2QGq3I94te4Gdu3KtH5ysJII0cA-_zpwHmJON8brcxm-Ykrvdt7LyExSgwJ62IjcZCwsQLzP2ylr22FOwyj3sWfcb6z2FqQxY2fanMwN2fJ9IlhoVcltwV20ackohB0WxvvQ=w223-h345" width="223" /></a></div><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">What if God’s plans for the world are far grander than we imagined? </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Throughout church history, Christians have perceived God’s purposes and eternal life from one of two models. The Spiritual Vision Model focuses exclusively on individual and spiritual issues in this age and sees eternal life as an escape from earth to a forever spiritual existence.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">In contrast, the New Creation Model embraces a comprehensive and multi-dimensional vision of God’s intentions, not only for humanity, but for all creation. And it presents eternal life as vibrant life on a restored earth in God’s presence with social and cultural activities. The New Creation Model embraces the great truths of individual redemption from sin in Christ, but implores people to grasp all of God's creation, kingdom, and covenant purposes--in all their dimensions.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Now there is a book that addresses these two models and their implications.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">In, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/New-Creation-Model-Discovering-Restoration/dp/0979853958/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3DMPAH8FIQM7J&keywords=new+creation+model+vlach&qid=1683491177&sprefix=%2Caps%2C569&sr=8-4" target="_blank">The New Creation Model: A Paradigm for Discovering God’s Restoration Purposes from Creation to New Creation</a></i>, Michael Vlach offers a compelling case for the New Creation Model as the biblical and holistic paradigm for understanding God’s restoration designs. This fuller understanding empowers the reader to grasp God’s plans with clarity, hope, and vision.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Vlach also examines how various millennial views and theological systems relate to the New Creation and Spiritual Vision models. This includes Premillennialism, Amillennialism, and Postmillennialism. And it involves Dispensationalism, Covenant Theology, Progressive Covenantalism, and the New Christian Zionism.</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span> <span> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">424 pages</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/New-Creation-Model-Discovering-Restoration/dp/0979853958/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3DMPAH8FIQM7J&keywords=new+creation+model+vlach&qid=1683491177&sprefix=%2Caps%2C569&sr=8-4">See book and purchase information here</a>.</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-76586842802990071242023-03-12T11:30:00.000-07:002023-03-12T11:30:44.972-07:005 Views of the Earth in Eternity<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> by Michael J. Vlach</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I’m working on my book, <i>The New Creation Model</i>, I have detected five historical views on the future of the earth in eternity. This is not a full discussion of these views, but a brief listing of these five perspectives:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>The new earth in eternity will be <b>this present earth</b> purified, refined, and renewed. God’s people will live on this new earth, which has connections with the present earth, forever. (many today hold this view)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>The new earth in eternity will be <b>a tangible replacement of this current earth</b>. God will annihilate the present earth and replace it with a tangible new earth where God’s people will live forever. (many today hold this view)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>This present earth will be <b>vacated in eternity</b> but it still exists as a memorial of God’s workings in history. It will be frozen in light. God’s people will live in Heaven forever and not on the earth in any way. (The view of Thomas Aquinas)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>This present earth will not be renewed. It will <b>become a fiery hell forever</b> for the wicked. The saints will live in Heaven forever, while the earth functions as hell for unbelievers. (The view of Jonathan Edwards)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>The present earth <b>ceases to exist</b> as God’s people live in Heaven forever. (Popular throughout church history after the fourth century AD)</span><o:p></o:p></p>Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-46109092807417559192022-10-24T12:29:00.000-07:002022-10-24T12:29:05.965-07:00Michael Vlach's New Book--Dispensational Hermeneutics<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">MICHAEL VLACH RELEASES NEW BOOK—DISPENSATIONAL HERMENEUTICS<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">October 19, 2022<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Michael J. Vlach, Professor of Theology at Shepherds Theological Seminary in Cary, North Carolina, has released his latest book—<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dispensational-Hermeneutics-Interpretation-Dispensationalisms-Understanding/dp/0979853931/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12CGMOOHX6JC4&keywords=dispensational+hermeneutics+vlach&qid=1666639405&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjk2IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=%2Caps%2C72&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Dispensational Hermeneutics: Interpretation Principles that Guide Dispensationalism’s Understanding of the Bible’s Storyline</a></i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">This 112-page book explains the ten interpretation principles at the heart of Dispensationalism and how it views the big-picture narrative of Scripture. He also responds to the seven interpretation principles closely linked with non-dispensationalism.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Vlach believes this book will be helpful to all who want to understand why dispensationalists believe what they do. “This book is for Bible students, pastors, teachers, and all who are interested in Christian theology and Bible interpretation.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“My goal is to explain the interpretation principles that dispensationalists use to understand the Bible’s storyline,” says Vlach who is a dispensationalist and has taught on Dispensationalism at three seminaries. “I also show how these contrast with the interpretation principles other systems use so the reader can note the contrast.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Published by Theological Studies Press, the book can be purchased in print or electronic form at Amazon.com<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dispensational-Hermeneutics-Interpretation-Dispensationalisms-Understanding/dp/0979853931/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12CGMOOHX6JC4&keywords=dispensational+hermeneutics+vlach&qid=1666639405&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjk2IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=%2Caps%2C72&sr=8-1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1669" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFA1XeAscyicAMOqQCSQBC6phLwDyWbj_5aOyy0N1RchLivxxDgEk6qmIUWKByt-IEVF2bV5Qj1RZlfLlX9HFf29zWxKtqd6Av3Rg6aOpNy9O7diMtBmnalyvbFGRqhqUc1hlAxrjPiOglnTUz7hkrzXUoMTHNX6stND6WTzC6llp_rBziItm8j96OiQ/s320/Disp%20book%20cover%20jpg%202.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p>Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-34764299804969340752022-08-26T06:14:00.002-07:002022-08-26T06:14:42.333-07:00Dispensationalism Is a Continuity System<p> by Michael J Vlach</p><div class="m8h3af8h l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf n3t5jt4f" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dispensationalism primarily is a CONTINUITY system since it believes the covenants and promises of the Old Testament will be fulfilled literally through the two comings of Jesus. With Dispensationalism, the New Testament maintains the Old Testament expectations. It does not reinterpret or transcend the Old Testament expectations. What was promised in the OT concerning earth, land, Israel, nations, the animal kingdom, Day of the Lord, an earthly kingdom, etc., will be fulfilled literally in a way continuous with what the inspired OT authors intended.</span></div></div><div class="l7ghb35v kjdc1dyq kmwttqpk gh25dzvf jikcssrz n3t5jt4f" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, Dispensationalism believes in certain discontinuities like the church is not Israel and that Christians are now under the New Covenant, not the Mosaic Covenant. But overall, Dispensationalism is a continuity system, more so than the other evangelical systems which see the NT reinterpreting or transcending OT expectations.</span></div></div>Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-36775831911478553672022-08-15T06:49:00.002-07:002022-08-15T07:09:38.893-07:00Where Premillennialism and Postmillennialism Agree Against Amillennialism<p> by Michael J. Vlach</p><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">A brief theology nugget about millennial views: </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Premillennialism and Postmillennialism agree on one thing against Amillennialism. While Amillennialism says Jesus' millennial kingdom is only a spiritual kingdom, both Premill and Postmill see Jesus' millennial kingdom as much more. Both believe Jesus' millennial kingdom transforms society and creation too. </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In other words, Premill and Postmill believe Jesus' kingdom includes but involves more than just human salvation and spiritual <a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="-1"></a>realities. Earth and its political/societal structures are transformed and function for God's purposes. This is related to the rule and subdue mandate in Genesis 1:26-28.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Premill and Postmill disagree when this transformation occurs. Postmill says it happens before Jesus returns while He is in Heaven. And Premill says the transformation of all things occurs after Jesus comes again when He reigns from and over the earth. But the impact of Jesus' millennial kingdom is extensive and widespread with both the Premill and Postmill views.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;">I personally believe Premill has a much stronger case that the restoration of all things can only happen when Jesus reigns on the earth. But to restate, both Premill and Postmill agree against Amillennialism that Jesus' kingdom is much more than just spiritual and more than just salvation from sin. Of the three millennial views Amillennialism offers the weakest millennial kingdom of Jesus since it limits Jesus' kingdom to spiritual salvation and spiritual matters. </span></span></span></div></div>Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-74036035851509793302022-08-13T08:31:00.001-07:002022-08-13T08:31:07.212-07:00A Note on God's Purposes<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;">In class recently, we started discussion on the doctrine of anthropology (man). I noted that before sin and salvation became an issue, man was tasked to fill, rule, and subdue the earth for God's glory (Gen. 1:26-28). Thus, a successful kingdom rule over the earth by man as mediator is foundational to God's purposes. This is a good clue that a kingdom rule over creation is the primary thing God is pursuing. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;">Redemption of people is a big and wonderful theme in Scripture, but it fits under God's kingdom purposes. Redemption/salvation is not an end in itself. It is a means in God's purposes for both relationship (with God and people) and function (rule and subdue the earth).</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">For a theological system to be comprehensive it must do more than address salvation, as important as that is. It must adequately account for the 'kingdom over the earth' theme in Scripture.</span></p>Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-75890680297331121692022-08-11T09:16:00.000-07:002022-08-11T09:16:00.313-07:00Theology Nugget About Millennial Views<p> <span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times;">A theology nugget about millennial views: </span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: times;">Premillennialism and Postmillennialism actually agree on one thing against Amillennialism. While Amillennialism says Jesus' millennial kingdom is only a spiritual kingdom, both Premill and Postmill see Jesus' kingdom as much more. Both believe Jesus' millennial kingdom transforms society and creation too. </span></span></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: times;">In other words, Premill and Postmill believe Jesus' kingdom includes but involves more than just human salvation and spiritual <a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="-1"></a>realities. Earth and its political/societal structures are transformed and function for God's purposes.</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: times;">Premill and Postmill disagree when this transformation occurs. Postmill says it happens before Jesus returns while He is in Heaven. And Premill says the transformation of all things occurs after Jesus comes again when He reigns from and over the earth. But the impact of Jesus' millennial kingdom is extensive and widespread with both Premill and Postmill. </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: times;">I personally believe Premill has a much stronger case that the restoration of all things can only happen when Jesus reigns on the earth. But to restate, both Premill and Postmill agree against Amillennialism that Jesus' kingdom is much more than just spiritual and more than just salvation from sin.</span></div></div>Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-49916454608054247052022-04-30T07:42:00.000-07:002022-04-30T07:42:36.966-07:00Genesis 1 and the Roots of Premillennialism<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The case for Premillennialism does not begin in Revelation 20—it
starts in Genesis 1. How so? Remember that Premillennialism consists of four
elements: (1) a future kingdom; (2) an earthly kingdom; (3) a kingdom of the
Messiah who represents man; and (4) a kingdom that is 1000 years in duration.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To see how Premillennialism relates to Genesis 1 we need to
look at Genesis 1:26–28:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .3in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><i><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;
and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and
over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that
creeps on the earth.” God created man in His own image, in the image of God He
created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to
them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule
over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living
thing that moves on the earth.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What is described in this passage relates to points 1, 2, and
3 above—a future kingdom, an earthly kingdom, and a kingdom of man who rules as
God’s mediator. In short, Genesis 1:26-28 teaches that man, as represented by
Adam, is to “fill,” “rule,” and “subdue” the earth. The concepts of “rule” (<i>radah</i>)
and “subdue” [<i>kabash</i>] have strong king and kingdom implications. These are
forceful terms used of kings in the Old Testament. Man is tasked to by God to
forcefully rule the earth. The command for Adam and Eve to “fill the earth”
means that the commands to rule and subdue will also apply to the descendants
of the first couple. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So what does this mean and how does it relate to
Premillennialism? God created man in His image to rule and subdue the earth as
God’s mediator. To be more specific, <i>man was created to rule from and over
the earth.</i> Man was not created to reign from heaven over heaven or from
heaven over a spiritual realm. Nor was man tasked to reign over the earth from
heaven. No, man was created to rule <i>from</i> the earth and <i>over</i> the
earth. We could call this a “boots-on-the-ground kingdom.” Psalm 115:16 states,
“The heavens are the heavens of the LORD, but the earth He has given to the
sons of men.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Adam, as representative of mankind, sinned and failed the
kingdom mandate (see Gen. 3). Man can only rule successfully for God’s glory while
being in a right relationship with God. But that was ruined with the Fall. Man’s
destiny to rule the earth was not removed, but he cannot do it successfully while
alienated from God. Man cannot succeed with sin and the curse present.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mankind ever since, including the theocracy of Israel, failed
to rule and subdue the earth successfully. But God never abandoned His plan for
man to rule the earth rightly. A successful mediatorial kingdom reign of man as
God’s mediator over the earth must happen! Psalm 8:4-8 reaffirms that even in a
fallen world man’s right to rule the earth and its creatures remains. Hebrews
2:5-8 also says man is destined to rule “the world to come” even though now we
do not yet see that occurring.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So how does this kingdom mandate happen? Jesus, the Last Adam,
and perfect representative of mankind, will make it happen. He is destined to successfully
rule from and over the earth to fulfill the kingdom mandate. Jesus is worthy to
rule the earth because He is perfect and because of His atoning death (see Rev.
5:9-10). No other person can accomplish this.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When Jesus returns He will establish His kingdom (Matt.
25:31; Acts 3:20-21; Rev. 19:15) and rule the earth. And so too will those who
are united to Jesus (see Rev. 5:10; 20:4).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In short, Jesus will succeed from and over the realm where
Adam and mankind failed. This means a successful mediatorial kingdom. When this
successful reign occurs Jesus will hand the kingdom over to God the Father and
the Eternal State will begin (see 1 Cor. 15:24-28). Man’s task will be
successfully completed and the Eternal State will commence. This is the
ultimate “Mission Accomplished!” in human history.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To come back to our original assertion—Genesis 1 is connected
with Premillennialism. It does not mention “1000 years” but this passage reveals
that man is destined to rule from and over the earth, which is at the heart of
the premillennial view. Jesus is the One who will make it happen!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The premillennial view does indeed have roots in Genesis 1!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Michael J. Vlach is a seminary professor and author. Follow
him on Twitter at @MikeVlach<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><br /><p></p>Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-41823995462640716352022-04-28T10:15:00.003-07:002022-04-28T10:21:18.081-07:00The Four Elements of Premillennialism<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Just a quick
note on what makes Premillennialism what it is. Premillennialism asserts there
will be </span><i style="font-size: 14pt;">a future, earthly kingdom of the Messiah (Jesus) for a period of 1000
years</i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">There are four elements associated with Premillennialism: (1) a future
kingdom; (2) an earthly kingdom; (3) a kingdom of the Messiah and (4) a kingdom
that lasts for 1000 years.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I believe
the first three elements are discussed in Scripture even before one looks at
Revelation 20 and its mention of a 1000-year reign of Jesus and the saints.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">First, that
the kingdom is <i>future</i> is taught in passages like Matthew 6:10; 19:28;
Luke 22:28-30; Acts 1:6; 2 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 1:11; Revelation 2:26-27; 19:15,
etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Second, that
the kingdom will be an <i>earthly kingdom</i> is taught in passages like Psalm
2; Psalm 72; Psalm 110; Isaiah 2:2-4; Isaiah 11; Zechariah 14:9; Matthew 5:5; 6:10;
19:28-30; 25:31; Rev. 5:10; 19:15, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Third, that
the kingdom is <i>Messiah’s kingdom</i> is taught in passages like Psalm 2;
Psalm 110; Isaiah 9, 11; Luke 1:32-33; Acts 1:6, and many other texts, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">And then,
fourth, Jesus’ kingdom is stated to last 1000 years before the Eternal State
according to Revelation 20.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Note that
the first three elements of Premillennialism mentioned above—(1) future, (2) earthly,
and (3) Messiah’s kingdom—are well established in Scripture even before one
looks at Revelation 20. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What is new in Revelation 20 is the fourth element—that
Messiah’s kingdom will last 1000 years before the Eternal State of Revelation
21–22 begins. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Hypothetically,
if we did not have Revelation 20, we could still know that there would be a
future, earthly, kingdom of the Messiah from other Scripture texts. What we
would not know is how long Messiah’s kingdom would be before the Eternal State.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">So Revelation
20 contributes to the Premillennial understanding but it is not everything
there is to the premillennial view.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-21184618335923840272021-12-29T09:00:00.002-08:002021-12-29T09:00:37.662-08:00A Brief Comment on Premillennialism<p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yes Premillennialism believes in a literal 1000-year reign of Jesus. But the length of this period is secondary to a more foundational issue. At the heart of Premillennialism is the belief that there will be a future earthly kingdom reign of the Messiah from and over the earth in which Jesus and His saints rule the nations and transform every aspect of the world, culture, society, nature, animal kingdom, etc. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is the fulfillment of the rule and subdue mandate of Genesis 1:26, 28 and the complete fulfillment of all the dozens of promises of the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New covenants which include spiritual, physical, national, and international dimensions. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is also a period in which Jesus will rule with a rod of iron in the realm of His rejection at His first coming (see Rev. 19:15). The coming millennium is the direct sustained reign of Jesus the Messiah from David's throne (Luke 1:32-33; Matt. 25:31). It involves Jerusalem, the nation Israel, and all the nations of the world. After this Jesus hands the kingdom over to the Father (1 Cor. 15:24, 28) and the eternal kingdom commences. At this time the Father and Son will be on the same throne according to Revelation 22:1, 3. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">To me, Premillennialism is not some incidental doctrine. It is an important part of the Bible's storyline and a great source of hope.</span></p></blockquote>Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-75674516974746967132021-12-23T07:32:00.000-08:002021-12-23T07:32:02.736-08:00Jesus Tells Us When He Will Sit on the Davidic Throne<p><br /></p><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">In Luke 1:32-33, Gabriel told Mary that her son, Jesus, would sit on the throne of His father, David. This is the Davidic throne.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">On two occasions Jesus explicitly linked His sitting on David’s throne with His future return and kingdom. Matthew 25:31 states: </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, THEN He will sit on His glorious throne." (emphasis added)</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Here, Jesus connected His sitting on His throne with the time of His coming in glory and all the angels coming with Him. </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Second, in Matthew 19:28 Jesus linked His sitting on His throne with the renewal of the cosmos (“regeneration”), and the twelve apostles sitting on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel:</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">“And Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’”</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Put together, Jesus will sit upon the throne of David in connection with: (1) His return to earth in glory; (2) all the angels coming with Him; (3) the renewal of the earth/cosmos; (4) the twelve apostles sitting upon twelve thrones; and (5) the twelve apostles judging the restored twelve tribes of Israel.</div></div>Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-6276531628421335742021-06-22T15:47:00.003-07:002021-06-22T15:54:52.280-07:00NEW RELEASE: THE OLD IN THE NEW BY MICHAEL J. VLACH<p><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">I am excited to announce the release
of my new book, </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">The Old in the New: Understanding How the New Testament
Authors Quoted the Old Testament</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">. The book is published by Kress Biblical
Resources with an imprint from The Master’s Seminary. I have been working on
this book since 2011. It was formed through years of teaching a Th.M. seminar
at The Master’s Seminary called, “New Testament Use of the Old Testament.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Trying to understand NT
quotations of the OT is a huge topic for any one person but I have tried my
best to address most NT uses of the OT in this book. This includes the “harder”
cases like Matthew 2:15’s use of Hosea 11:1, and Paul’s use of “seed” in
Galatians 3:16. In his endorsement of this book, Walter Kaiser states, “H</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">e [Vlach] has also taken up a wide sample of most, if not all, of the
passages usually raised on this subject and has given a reasonable solution in
Scripture text after Scripture text—in a succinct, but credible manner. I
cannot endorse Vlach’s work too highly, for I found that he had hit the nail on
the head in case after case.” </span><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I also address the various ways
the NT authors quoted and used the OT. In addition, I also evaluate the seven
different approaches to this topic. And I lay out the perspective that I think
is accurate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This topic is very complex but
it is understandable. In the end I argue that the NT authors quoted and used
the OT in an overwhelmingly contextual way. The quotations of the OT are
consistent with the inspired authorial intents of the OT authors. To grasp
this, one must know when the NT authors are quoting the OT concerning meaning,
and when they are quoting the OT concerning significance or implication.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This book also takes a minority
view that the NT authors were <i>not</i> reinterpreting, transforming, or
transcending the meaning of the OT. I hold that there is great continuity (not
discontinuity) between the message and storyline of the OT and that found in
the NT. To understand how the NT authors quote the OT, one must also understand
the concepts of (1) Messianic hope; (2) corporate representation; and (3)
divinely intended correspondences.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">No one person can fully master
the topic of NT use of the OT before Jesus comes again, but I hope this book
makes a helpful contribution. This book can be read straight through or as a
reference for when one encounters a particular use of the OT in the NT.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">For more information and how to purchase this book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Old-New-Understanding-Testament-Authors/dp/1934952672/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3GLJW9YHU2F7L&dchild=1&keywords=vlach+old+in+the+new&qid=1624401761&sprefix=vlach+old+in+th%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-2" target="_blank">click here</a>. </span></p>Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-47957685636946630882020-06-16T14:26:00.002-07:002020-06-16T14:47:26.089-07:00Interview on Eschatology<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Below
is an interview I did on eschatology with Pastor George Lawson of Baltimore
Bible Church on May 31, 2020. Topics discussed include Dispensationalism,
Millennium, the Kingdom, the Rapture, and other issues. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Click on the link below</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66SS6H03Wac"><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66SS6H03Wac</span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
(To "follow" this site go to the right and scroll down)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-89331408902977603212020-06-01T17:16:00.001-07:002020-06-02T08:31:30.587-07:003 Models of Heaven in the Early Church<div style="text-align: center;">
by Michael J. Vlach</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lately, I have been reading a book called <i>A History of Heaven</i> by Colleen McDannell and Bernhard Lang. I am fascinated with their 22-page chapter, "Irenaeus and Augustine on our Heavenly Bodies." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The authors compare the eschatology views of Irenaeus, the early Augustine, and the later Augustine. Irenaeus represents the early church's premillennialism. Augustine represents the later amillennial view. You can see the stark contrast between these two men. Also helpful is the distinction between earlier and later Augustine. The early Augustine held very much to a Spiritual Vision Model approach, while the later Augustine was slightly less so. I have charted out some of the differences in the perspectives. Hope you find this helpful. See below:</div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3 Models of Heaven in Early Church<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Irenaeus<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Early
Augustine<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Later
Augustine<o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Main theme</u>: Glorified
Material World<o:p></o:p></i></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Main theme</u>: The Ascetic
Promise—A Heaven for Souls<o:p></o:p></i></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Main theme</u>: The
Ecclesiastical Promise: Physical Beauty Eternalized<o:p></o:p></i></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Reliance on kingdom view coming from John the Apostle and Polycarp<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Heavy reliance on Neoplatonism worldview<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Views largely the same as the early Augustine with some modifications
as mentioned below<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u>Historical Situation</u>: Persecution and martyrdom were main
issues facing Christians of Irenaeus’s day; showed your allegiance to Christ
via suffering and martyrdom<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u>Historical Situation</u>: Christianity is an accepted part of
society; show spirituality by fleeing society and its comforts and delights<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u>Historical Situation</u>: Mostly same as early Augustine but Augustine became more comfortable interacting with society<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u>Hermeneutic</u>: Prophecies about earthly kingdom and physical
blessings should be taken literally and not allegorized<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u>Hermeneutic</u>: a mix of literal and allegorical interpretation; don’t
take Revelation literally<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u>Hermeneutic</u>: Mostly same as early Augustine<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Heaven will be on a renewed, restored earth<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Heaven has nothing to do with earth; only a spiritual realm<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
A renewed, restored earth will occur after Jesus’ return<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Earth and material things viewed positively and will be restored in
the future<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Earth and material things viewed negatively and will not exist in the
future heaven<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Softening of dualism between physical and spiritual matters<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Physical bodies viewed positively now and will exist in the future<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Physical bodies viewed negatively and will not exist in the future
(came close to denying bodily resurrection)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Physical bodies not viewed as negatively with later Augustine, and
will exist and be beautiful in Heaven; yet must obey the will of the spirit<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Food, culture, and society are often good and can be enjoyed now and
in Jesus’ messianic kingdom<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Food, culture, and society hinder the pursuit of God; ascetic ideal
should be sought; those matters do not exist in Heaven; no social
interactions<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Seeing God is primary but some eating and drinking will occur, but
not out of necessity; societal interactions will occur<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Civilized urban life in the present can be good, is not all bad<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Urban life in the present is corrupt and bad; escape it<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
A somewhat softening from the early Augustine; some appreciation of
civilized life<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 10;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jesus’ kingdom is compensation for lost life and production in this
world<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Heaven is a glad escape from the present world<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mostly early Augustine<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 11;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Those loyal to Jesus will regain life on earth in the future world<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Those loyal to Jesus will be rewarded with a heavenly escape from the
world<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mostly early Augustine<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 12;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The physical body will be a major part of Jesus’ kingdom; Believers will do
much with their bodies<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The human body is not part of Heaven<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
More place for physical,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>resurrected body; physical eyes will be part of seeing God<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 13;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
3 main eras: 1. Present era; 2. Kingdom of Messiah (millennium); 3.
Kingdom of the Father (Eternal State)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
2 main eras: 1. The present era is Jesus’ kingdom. 2. Then eternal state<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Same as early Augustine<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 14;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Not much discussion of what the Kingdom of the Father will be like
after Jesus’ messianic, millennial kingdom<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is the era of Jesus’ kingdom; spiritual Heaven is the eternal
state<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Same as early Augustine but Augustine open to a renewed earth<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 15;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Marriage, family, childbearing occur in Jesus’ kingdom (future
millennium)<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
No marriage, family, childbearing in eternal Heaven<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Same as early Augustine but some recognition of previous
relationships could occur<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 16; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.8pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Distinctions in genders exist in the future<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
No distinctions in gender<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 155.85pt;" valign="top" width="208"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Distinctions in gender will exist in the future; gender body parts will
exist, but are beautiful and lust will not occur<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-82073940269205656872020-05-31T12:54:00.000-07:002020-05-31T12:55:50.986-07:00A Post about Future Blog Posts<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px; text-align: justify;">Hello stranger! This blog post is mostly about what I hope to be doing with future blog posts. If you follow me on this site at all you know that my posts are very few and far between. This is mostly because I try to provide high-quality information. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">But the effort and time needed to do that is a lot. Plus I have been involved with several writing projects. Once I'm focused on a book or chapter I feel like I need to stay with it until it's done. Sometimes when I get ready to make a blog post, I think to myself, "But you could be spending this time getting your book completed." That is why I rarely do posts on this site. My energies have been directed elsewhere.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">But the two book projects I have been working on are nearly finished (I'll give more info on these later). So Im planning on doing more posts. These probably will be shorter and more informal, and not always as deeply researched and footnoted as some others have been. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">In short, I hope to put out more information on what Im thinking about and writing about. Some of these might be in the genre of a tweet on Twitter, but a little longer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Anyway, this post is the first step to getting back to writing on this site more. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Thanks for reading!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Mike</span></span></div>
<br />Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-61349718093870157542019-07-27T21:49:00.000-07:002019-07-27T21:49:16.172-07:00Six Views on New Covenant Fulfillment<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">By Michael J. Vlach<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">(@mikevlach)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Below is a listing of six
views on New Covenant fulfillment of which I am aware. This is simply a listing
and is not a refutation or defense of any of these views. Also, my emphasis is
not on the adherents of each view, although I make some general statements
concerning which theological camps hold to each view. For the curious, I hold
to View 6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are the views:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The New Covenant will be fulfilled in the future with national Israel;
the church has no relationship to the New Covenant</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> (some classical dispensationalists)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are two New Covenants—one with Israel and another for the church</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> (some traditional dispensationalists
including John Walvoord)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The New Covenant is completely fulfilled with the church; there is no
future fulfillment with national Israel</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> (Covenant Theology and some non-dispensational systems)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The New Covenant will be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fulfilled</i>
with Israel but the spiritual blessings of the covenant are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">applied</i> to the church today</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> (some traditional and revised dispensationalists)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The New Covenant will be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fulfilled</i>
with Israel but the church is an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">added
referent</i> to the New Covenant promises so there is a sense in which the New
Covenant is being fulfilled with the church</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. <b>The New Covenant has two referents—Israel and the
church</b> (some revised dispensationalists; Paul Feinberg)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Since the New Covenant was given to Israel for the purpose of also blessing
Gentiles there is literal fulfillment of the spiritual blessings of the New
Covenant to all believing Jews and Gentiles in this present age, while the
physical/national promises await fulfillment with Jesus’ second coming when
national Israel is incorporated into the New Covenant</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> (some revised and most progressive dispensationalists)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-72414188660379135412019-07-25T20:21:00.000-07:002019-07-25T23:49:18.375-07:00How Jesus Used the Old Testament in Matthew 5:21-48<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">By
Michael J. Vlach<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">With
Matthew 5:21-48 Jesus quoted the OT seven times. Six of these involve an OT
command from the Law of Moses followed by the statement “But I say to you. . .
. .” A seventh concerns a statement that Jerusalem is “the city of the great King,”
a reference to Psalm 48:2 in Matthew 5:35. This latter example, from Psalm 48:2,
is a contextual affirmation of the significance of Jerusalem. Our attention,
though, focuses on the other six uses of the OT. These reveal how Jesus viewed
himself in relation to the Law of Moses. These six uses of the OT by Jesus are:
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">You
have heard . . . “‘</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">You shall not commit murder</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">’ </span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable
to the court.’</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"> . . .
But I say to you . . . .” (Matt. 5:21-22; quotation of Exodus 20:13).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">You have heard that it was said, “‘<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">You shall not commit adultery</span>’; but I say to you. . .
.” (Matt. 5:27-28; quotation of Exodus 20:14).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">“It was said, “‘<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Whoever
sends his wife away, let him give her a certificate of divorce</span>’; but
I say to you. . . .” (Matt. 5:31-32; quotation of Deut. 24:1).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Again, you have heard . . . “‘<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">You shall not make false vows, but shall fulfill your</span> <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">vows to the Lord</span>.’ But I say to
you. . . .” (Matt. 5:33-34; allusion to Lev. 19:12; Deut. 23:21).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">You have heard that it was said, “‘<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth</span>.’ But I say
to you. . . .” (Matt. 5:38-39; quotation of Exod. 21:24).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">You have heard that it was said, “‘<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">You shall love your neighbor</span> and hate your
enemy.’ But I say to you. . . .” (Matt. 5:43-44; quotation of Lev. 19:18).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Noticeable is the recurring formula, “You have heard” or “It
was said,” followed by “But I say to you.” This repetition indicates these six
uses of the OT are joined in a broader argument. These six uses must
be studied individually and collectively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">How is Jesus using these OT texts from the Law of Moses? Before
commenting on this question, note that the meaning of Matthew 5:21-48 is
heavily debated, as is the section immediately preceding it—Matthew 5:17-20. These
two sections have ramifications for how Jesus viewed the Law of Moses and whether
the Mosaic Law is binding on Christians today. A full discussion of these
issues and the debates over them go way beyond our purposes here. But it is
necessary to briefly state the main positions concerning what Jesus is doing in
Matthew 5:21-48.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">One view is that Jesus corrected distortions that the Jewish
religious leaders allegedly made to the Law of Moses. So Jesus is removing
rabbinic-tradition clutter from the Law of Moses so the Law can be correctly
understood and followed. If this is accurate, Jesus is not really “quoting”
Mosaic commands but stating rabbinic traditions of the Law so that He can
correct them. Charles Quarles seems to affirm this position when he writes:
“The formula [“But I say to you”] contrasts Jesus’s interpretation of the
Scriptures with popular rabbinic interpretations” (</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Matthew</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">, Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament, 55).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Another position is that Jesus actually quotes Mosaic Law
instructions to contrast these with His new instruction for the new era He brings.
With this view, Jesus is the better Moses and King who offers New Covenant
instruction that supersedes the instruction of the Mosaic era.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">A third and mediating view is that Jesus
maintains continuity with the Law of Moses as a rule of life for today, but He
also makes some modifications to the Law, perhaps internalizing and individualizing
the Mosaic commands. Allegedly, a merger of the Law of Moses and Law of Christ
is happening. What Jesus says has ramifications for the New Covenant and Law of
Christ but this involves the Mosaic Covenant, too, in some aspects. Turner
seems to affirm a version of this third perspective when he writes, “On the one
hand, Jesus does not contradict the law, but on the other hand, he does not
preserve it unchanged.” (</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Matthew</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">, in
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, 167).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">In short, the issue here is whether Jesus is exegeting and
confirming the Mosaic Law as a rule of life or whether He is giving New Covenant instruction that is not the same as the Mosaic Law. Or is the truth
somewhere in between? Which view one holds often affects how the six quotations
in Matthew 5:21-48 should be understood. If the first view above is correct
then Jesus confirms the Law of Moses by removing false Jewish understandings of
the Law. If the second view is correct, Jesus is quoting actual Mosaic Law commands
to contrast them with His new instruction as the better Moses and Messiah. The
third view takes a middle-ground approach. If correct this seems to blend
Mosaic and New Covenant instructions in a hybrid manner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">We think the second view is accurate. All six statements by Jesus
can be linked with specific Mosaic instruction. And while Jesus mentions the scribes
and Pharisees in Matthew 5:20, He does not appear to be addressing the issue of
rabbinic interpretations in His sermon. Thus, the simplest and best view is that
Jesus is simply quoting and paraphrasing Mosaic Law instruction. In sum, Jesus
quoted the Mosaic Law six times in Matthew 5:21-48, not simply to explain the Mosaic
Law or to correct misunderstandings of this Law, but to contrast Mosaic Law
instruction with His New Covenant requirements. In fact, all of Matthew 5-7 (the
Sermon on the Mount) is new instruction from the King. He offers at least 46 explicit commands in this section. Note Jesus’ emphasis on
His words at the end of the Sermon:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Therefore everyone who hears <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">these words of Mine</i> and acts on
them. . . . (Matt. 7:24).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Everyone who hears <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">these words of Mine</i> and does not act on them. . . . (Matt.
7:26).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">for He was teaching them <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">as <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">one</span> having
authority</i>. . . . (Matt. 7:29) (emphases mine).</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">The stress with these statements is on Jesus’ words, not
those of Moses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">With Matthew 5:17-19 Jesus declared that He did not come to
abolish the Hebrew Scriptures (i.e. “the Law or the Prophets”). He came to
“fulfill” them. Matthew 5:18 reveals that fulfillment means that everything in the
Hebrew Scriptures (i.e. the Old Testament) must come to pass. And one of these
predictions was that there would be a coming New Covenant that would supersede
the previous Mosaic Covenant. Jeremiah 31:31-32 predicted this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .3in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Behold,
days are coming,” declares the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">, “when <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I will make a new covenant </i>with the
house of Israel and with the house of Judah,</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"> <span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not like the covenant which I made with
their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the
land of Egypt</i>, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband
to them,” declares the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> (emphases
mine).</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">So fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets includes the prediction that the New Covenant would replace the older Mosaic Covenant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">This does not mean Jesus’ New Covenant instruction is
contrary to what Moses said. While God’s moral standards existed before the
Mosaic Law was given in Exodus 20, the Mosaic Law represented God’s moral
standards for the era between Moses and Jesus. And we should expect continuity
of God’s moral standards across human history. This is true for both the Law of
Moses and the Law of Christ. But a new era arrived in Jesus and with it a New Covenant and it requirements. Just as Jesus’ superior priesthood has superseded
the Aaronic priesthood (see Hebrews 7-8), so too Jesus and the New Covenant
supersede Moses and the Law of Moses. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In
sum, with Matthew 5:21-48 Jesus is the ultimate Prophet and Lawgiver who now declares
a transition from Moses and the Mosaic Covenant to Himself and the New Covenant</i>.
An epochal transition has occurred (see 2 Cor. 3:6-11). This development was not
unforeseen. Moses himself predicted a coming Prophet to whom the people would
listen (see Deut. 18:15, 18), and that prophet arrived with Jesus (see Acts
3:22-23). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Important with Matthew 5:21-48 are the six transitions from
“You have heard it said” to “But I say to you.” The “but” (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">de</i>) is adversative and indicates a contrast. The “I say” (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">egō legō</i>) highlights the authority of
Jesus. To paraphrase, “Moses said . . . <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">but
I say to you</i> . . . .” This is more than Jesus explaining Moses, He is
emphasizing His authority. A transition occurs from the Mosaic era to the New Covenant era in Jesus (see John 1:17). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus
presented Himself as the New Covenant lawgiver who contrasted His new and
authoritative teaching with that of the Mosaic instruction</i>. Jesus is not
saying the previous Mosaic Covenant was wrong (see Rom. 7:12), any more than
the old Aaronic priesthood was wrong. But the Mosaic Covenant and its
particulars were shadows (see Heb. 10:2) that now give way to the superior New
Covenant. This transition is similar to the message of Hebrews 8:13: “When He
said, ‘A new <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">covenant</span>,’ He
has made the first [Mosaic] obsolete.” With Galatians 4 Paul said the Law was a
“tutor” to that leads us to Christ, but now that Christ has come the tutor is
no longer needed (see Gal. 3:24-25).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">What does this mean for our purposes? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus’ six quotations from the Mosaic Law are contextual and offered
for the point of contrast for the new era in Jesus</i>. There are no
explanations of the Mosaic commands mentioned because Jesus takes them at face
value to springboard to His new requirements. There certainly are no hidden
meanings or reinterpretations being offered. Jesus is saying, “Moses said this,
but now I’m telling you what I expect.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">This understanding is bolstered by the fact that Jesus’ six “But
I say to you” statements sometimes reveal <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">differing
requirements and consequences</i> than Moses spoke of. Jesus</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> quoted Exodus 20:13 in Matthew 5:21 to show that
whoever committed murder during the Mosaic era would be liable to a judicial
court. But with the new era Jesus brings, hatred is considered murder, and the
consequences of hatred can lead to being sent to the “fiery hell” (5:22). While
the Mosaic law was also concerned heart issues such as coveting (e.g. coveting
in Exodus 20:17), Jesus goes beyond the physical act of murder to addressing
hatred. He also points out even more severe eternal consequences for hatred—namely
eternal fiery judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Next,
in Matthew 5:27 Jesus quoted Exodus 20:14 concerning avoiding adultery and stated
that lust for a woman is adultery of the heart (Matt. 5:28). Jesus then declared
that radical removal of tempting influences is necessary to avoid adultery of
the heart which can lead to hell (Matt. 5:29-30). As the greater Moses and
Messiah, Jesus requires purity of heart for His followers with implications for
eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">With
Matthew 5:31, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 24:1, a part of the Mosaic Law that
allowed for divorce. But with Matthew 5:32 Jesus declared that divorce should
never happen except for sexual immorality. The Mosaic Law temporarily allowed
for divorce because of the hardness of men’s hearts (see Matt. 19:8), but Jesus
reestablished the principle from creation that God made man and woman to be
joined for life (see Matt. 19:3-9). So now with Jesus’ new instruction, no
divorces were allowed, except for sexual immorality. The temporary allowance
for divorce under the Mosaic era is removed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">In
Matthew 5:33 Jesus </span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">alluded
to Leviticus 19:12 and Deuteronomy 23:21. Under the Mosaic Law oaths to the
Lord were allowed. But in the New Covenant era oaths are not be made at all.
Instead, the good word of a Jesus follower makes oaths unnecessary (Matt.
5:34-37). This too is a change from conditions under Moses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">With
Matthew 5:38, Jesus stated that the Mosaic law command concerning retaliation in Exodus 21:24 should not be the emphasis for His followers as they serve Him. Instead of seeking retaliation, the
followers of Jesus should show radical kindness to those who afflict them (see
Matt. 5:39-42) in the cause of Jesus. This is not a statement that governments cannot seek justice for wrongs done, but in the cause of Jesus' work, the emphasis is not on seeking retributive justice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Lastly, with 5:43-48: Jesus called for loving both friends and enemies.
The command to love your neighbor is an obvious reference to Leviticus 19:18,
although the words “as yourself” are missing. The following command in Matthew
5:43b to “hate your enemy” is more difficult to understand. Since there is no explicit
command to hate your enemy in the Mosaic Law some think Jesus is correcting misguided
Jewish oral tradition here. Allegedly, Jesus corrects a misunderstanding of the
Mosaic Law by removing the addition of hating enemies. A better understanding,
though, is that Jesus paraphrased Mosaic instructions concerning enemies of
Israel. Deuteronomy 23:3-6 forbade entrance to the assembly for Ammonites and
Moabites since they denied food and water to Israel when Israel came out of
Egypt. Likewise, Deuteronomy 25:17-19 commanded harsh treatment of the
Amalekites for how they mistreated Israel after the exodus from Egypt. According
to the Law of Moses, Ammonites, Moabites, and Amalekites were to be treated as
enemies for a time. While acknowledging that Jesus could be correcting Jewish
oral tradition, Blomberg notes, “it is equally possible that Jesus is
summarizing in the second clause of his ‘quotation’ a very natural inference
that could be drawn from the original meaning of various OT passages (e.g.
Deut. 23:3-6; 25:17-19 . . .)” (“Matthew,” in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament</i>, 27). In
short, Jesus’ reference to not hating enemies probably refers to the Mosaic
commands concerning Israel’s enemies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">When
the six OT quotations in Matthew 5:21-48 are examined properly, we see that Jesus
does more than explain or exegete Mosaic instruction; He offers commands for the
new era He brings. Jesus authoritatively states what He expects from His
followers. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thus, in Matthew 5:21-48 Jesus
quoted the OT contextually</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in order
to make a contrast</i>. He does not change the meaning or reinterpret the
Mosaic commands. He quoted these to emphasize His role as New Covenant Lawgiver.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-71923377007916465542019-07-05T20:48:00.001-07:002019-07-05T20:48:41.561-07:00The Meaning of Matthew 5:17-19, Part 5: What Did Jesus Mean by “These Commandments”?<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By Michael J. Vlach<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">@mikevlach</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">This
entry is Part 5 concerning what Jesus meant in Matthew 5:17-19. My focus here
specifically is on what Jesus meant by “these commandments” in Matthew 5:19.
This verse reads:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Whoever then annuls one
of <u>the least of these commandments</u>, and teaches others <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">to do</span> the same, shall be called
least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">them</span>, he shall be called great in the
kingdom of heaven</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus makes two key points here. First, anyone
who “annuls one of the least of these commandments” will be called “least in
the kingdom of heaven.” Second, whoever “keeps and teaches” the “least of these
commandments” will be called great in the kingdom. Since Jesus’ message
involves one’s status in the kingdom of God, getting “these commandments” right
is important. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The word for “annuls” comes from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">luō</i> which often means “loose,” “set
free,” “dissolve,” or “destroy.” In this context, “annuls” probably means to
“to do away with.” If one does away with “the least of these commandments” they
can expect a lower position in the kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The word for “keeps” is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">poieō</i>. Of the 581 uses of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">poieō</i>
in the New Testament the dominant meaning is related to “does” or “doing.”
There are also a variety of nuances of this term based on context. Since this
term is paired against “annuls” the meaning here is probably that of
“establishes” or “does”. Thus, the one who is great in the kingdom is one who “establishes”
or “does” “these commandments.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">But what are “these commandments” Jesus refers
to? The word for “commandments” is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">entolē</i>,
which can be translated as “command,” “commandment,” “order,” “instruction,” or
“precept.” This term in 5:19 differs from Jesus’ two uses of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nomos</i> (“Law”) in Matthew 5:17-18. This
shift from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nomos</i> to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">entolē</i> may or may not be significant. Is
Jesus using <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">entolē</i> as a synonym for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nomos</i> or is He using <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">entolē</i> to contrast His teachings with
“the Law”? Context will determine which understanding is more accurate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There are three options for understanding “these
commandments” in Matthew 5:19. First, “these commandments” could <u>refer specifically
to the commands of the Mosaic Law</u>. This view, which is held by many, is
based on the belief that Jesus’ second use of “Law” in Matthew 5:18 refers specifically
to the commands of the Mosaic Law. Thus, keeping “the least of these
commandments” means keeping all of the Mosaic Law commands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Second, another view is that “these commandments”
<u>refers to the Old Testament as a whole, including its principles and
prophecies</u>. If Jesus is referring back to verse 18, this view is possible. If
“Law” in 5:18 referred to the Old Testament as a whole, then “keeping” and “teaching”
“these commandments” could refer to keeping and teaching the instructions,
principles, and predictions of the Old Testament. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">One thing to note about Views 1 and 2 above is
that they both assert that “these commandments” in 5:19 point back to the “Law”
of 5:18. The third view discussed below is different in that it anticipates
what Jesus will say starting in 5:21 through chapter 7.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A
third view is that “these commandments” <u>refers to Jesus’ instructions in the
Sermon on the Mount of Matthew 5-7, particularly what He says from 5:21 through
chapter 7 where many commands are given</u>. The Sermon of Matthew 5-7 is full
of commands from Jesus and perhaps that is what Jesus refers to. Particularly
significant is Jesus’ statements at the end of the Sermon concerning “these
words of Mine” and the “authority” He possesses: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Therefore everyone who hears <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">these words of Mine</b> and acts on them, may be compared to
a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matt. 7:24).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Everyone who hears <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">these
words of Mine</b> and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who
built his house on the sand” (Matt. 7:26).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were
amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">one</span> having
authority</b>, and not as their scribes (Matt. 7:28-29).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">This
third option asserts that “these commandments” of 5:19 is the same as “these
words of Mine” in 7:24, 26, which encompass the entire sermon of Jesus. If this
view is accurate, Jesus is not pointing back to the “Law or the Prophets” of
5:17-18 in 5:19, but He is emphasizing His own authoritative commands in
Matthew 5-7, particularly beginning at 5:21. Starting with 5:21 Jesus offers
many commands and instructions. Thus, “these commandments” in 5:19 could refer
to Jesus’ New covenant instruction as the Messiah. This view is consistent with
the idea that Jesus is not “explaining” Moses, but is offering His
authoritative New covenant instruction for the new era in Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">These
three views can be summarized as follows with the arrows meaning “refers to”:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Law (Mosaic
Law)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 26.0pt;">←<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">These
commandments<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Law or the
Prophets (Old Testament) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 26.0pt;">← </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">These commandments<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">These commandments
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 26.0pt;">→<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus’ commandments in Matthew 5-7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So which of the three views mentioned above is
most accurate? The first view concerning keeping Mosaic Law commandments is
unlikely since Jesus’ use of “Law” in 5:18 is most likely shorthand for “the
Law or the Prophets” mentioned in 5:17, which refers to the Old Testament as a
whole, not just the Mosaic Law. Mosaic covenant instruction is too narrow in
this context. Plus, with Jesus’ six “But I say to you” statements in 5:21-48,
Jesus seems to be asserting His superior instruction as the Messiah. In
addition, there are major theological problems with asserting that all commands
of the Mosaic Law must be kept after Jesus’ first coming. If Jesus is referring
specifically to the Mosaic Law, this seems to be an affirmation that all 613
commands of the Mosaic Law, including all the civil and ceremonial aspects of
the Mosaic Law, must be kept by His followers. This idea seems to be refuted by
much teaching in the New Testament (see 2 Cor. 3:6-11; Hebrews 8-10). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The best answer lies with either View 2 or View
3. Concerning View 2, the near context of “these commandments” in 5:19 with
“the Law or the Prophets” in 5:17-18 shows Jesus could be referring back to the
Old Testament as a whole. This view is possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">View 3 is also very possible. If one looks at the
Sermon as a whole, Jesus is giving <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">His authoritative
instruction</i> for His followers. He does not seem to be pointing back to
Moses; instead, He is asserting His authority, which clearly is noted in
Matthew 5:21-48 and 7:24, 26. So, “the least of these commandments” could point forward to what follows starting in 5:21 through chapter 7. If accurate, this
understanding would be similar to Jesus’ statement in John 14:15: “If you love
Me you will keep my commandments [<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">entolē</i>].”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">If this third view is correct, then Jesus’ message
in Matthew 5:17-19 is that He is the King and greater Moses (see Deut.
18:15-18) who is giving new instruction for His followers. But in contrast to
the claim of His enemies, this new instruction is not contrary to what the Old
Testament taught. A person cannot rightly claim that he is following the Hebrew
scriptures while also rejecting Jesus and His teachings since Jesus and His
words are in perfect harmony with the Law and the Prophets. Every single thing the
Old Testament taught must come to pass, including the reality that the Messiah
would bring a better New covenant (see Jeremiah 30-33). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In the end, it is a close call between Views 2
and 3. I give preference to View 3 and its assertion that “these commandments”
refers to Jesus’ instructions in the Sermon on the Mount of Matthew 5-7. I believe this because Jesus
emphasizes His authority in 5:21-48 and the sermon ends with an emphasis on
Jesus’ words (see Matt. 7:24, 26). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b>Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-85637690113394038342019-05-28T17:21:00.000-07:002019-05-29T07:03:26.521-07:00Paul’s Uses of “Law” in Romans<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b>by Michael Vlach</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b>@mikevlach</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Most who study the use of “law” in Paul’s writings
note that understanding all of Paul’s uses of the term is not easy. Below is a
listing of Paul’s uses of “law” (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nomos</i>)
in Romans and my attempt to categorize each use. Paul’s use of “law” (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nomos</i>) occurs about 80 times. The vast
majority of “law” statements refer specifically to the Mosaic Law. Yet there
are about 20 uses of “law” that do not refer to the Mosaic Law. At this point in
time, this is how I categorize his uses. This could be altered with further
study. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mosaic
Law: about 56 times<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mosaic
Law for Jews/God’s law known to Gentiles: 2 times<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Principle
of faith: 1 time<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
God requires: 4 times<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Law
in general: 2 times<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Standard
of what is right: 1 time <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">New
Covenant Law: 1 time <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Old
Testament as a whole:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 or 0 times <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Civil
law concerning marriage: 4 times<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Disposition
to sin: 4 times<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Anti-God’s
law: 3 times<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Righteousness
through the Mosaic Law: 2 times<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Knowing what is right: 1 time</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(NOTE
1: I did not find any references to Jewish abuses or misunderstandings of the
Mosaic Law)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(NOTE
2: I am not commenting on Paul’s uses of “commandment” (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">entole</i>) in Romans.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">*<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+2:12&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 2:12</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For all who have sinned without
the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">will also perish without the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, and all who have sinned under the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">will be judged by the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+2:13&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 2:13</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">for <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">it is</span> not the hearers of the <b>Law (MOSAIC LAW FOR
JEWS/GOD’S LAW KNOWN TO GENTILES)</b> <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">who</span> are just before God, but the doers of the <b>Law</b> <b>(MOSAIC
LAW FOR JEWS/GOD’S LAW KNOWN TO GENTILES) </b>will be justified. (NOTE: the point seems to be that those who do what God requires will be vindicated on judgment day; see Matt. 25:31-46)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+2:14&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 2:14</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For when Gentiles who do not have
the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">do instinctively the things of the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, these, not having the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, are a <b>law</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">STANDARD OF WHAT IS RIGHT similar to Mosaic Law</b>) to themselves,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+2:15&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 2:15</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">in that they show the work of
the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness
and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+2:17&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 2:17</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But if you bear the name “Jew” and
rely upon the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC
LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">and boast in God,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+2:18&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 2:18</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">and know <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">His</span> will and approve the things
that are essential, being instructed out of the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+2:20&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 2:20</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">a corrector of the foolish, a
teacher of the immature, having in the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+2:23&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 2:23</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You who boast in the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, through your breaking the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, do you dishonor God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+2:25&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 2:25</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For indeed circumcision is of value
if you practice the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC
LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">; but if you are a transgressor of
the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+2:26&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 2:26</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So if the uncircumcised man keeps
the requirements of the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">essence
of the MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, will not his uncircumcision be
regarded as circumcision?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+2:27&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 2:27</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And he who is physically
uncircumcised, if he keeps the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">essence of the</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, will he not judge you who though having the letter <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">of<i> </i>the<i> </i><b>Law</b></span> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">and circumcision are a transgressor of the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3:19&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 3:19</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now we know that whatever the <b>Law</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW OR OLD TESTAMENT AS A WHOLE</b>)
says, it speaks to those who are under the <b>Law </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(<b>MOSAIC LAW OR OLD TESTAMENT AS A WHOLE</b>)</span>,
so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to
God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3:20&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 3:20</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">because by the works of the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through
the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">comes</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> the knowledge of sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3:21&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 3:21</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But now apart from the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">the<i> </i></span>righteousness
of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">and the Prophets,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3:27&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 3:27</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Where then is boasting? It is
excluded. By what kind of <b>law (LAW IN GENERAL)</b>? Of works? No, but
by a <b>law</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">of faith (PRINCIPLE
OF FAITH)</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3:28&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 3:28</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For we maintain that a man is justified
by faith apart from works of the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3:31&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 3:31</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do we then nullify the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish
the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW as a witness to the
righteousness to be manifested in Christ (see 3:21)</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3:31&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 4:7</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Blessed
are those whose <b>law</b>less (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ANTI-GOD’S
LAW</b>) deeds have been forgiven</span>, <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">And
whose sins have been covered</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+4:13&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 4:13</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For the promise to Abraham or to his
descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, but through the righteousness of faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+4:14&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 4:14</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For if those who are of the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+4:15&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 4:15</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">for the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">brings about wrath, but where there is no <b>law (EXPLICIT
STATEMENT OF WHAT GOD REQUIRES)</b>, there also is no violation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+4:16&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 4:16</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For this reason <i>it is</i> by
faith, in order that <i>it may be</i> in accordance with grace, so
that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those
who are of the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is
the father of us all,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5:13&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 5:13</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">for until the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is
no <b>law (LAW IN GENERAL)</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5:20&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 5:20</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">came in so that the transgression would increase; but where
sin increased, grace abounded all the more,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6:14&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 6:14</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For sin shall not be master over
you, for you are not under <b>law</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">LAW IN GENERAL WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR THE MOSAIC LAW</b>) but under
grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6:15&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 6:15</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What then? Shall we sin because we
are not under <b>law (</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">LAW IN
GENERAL WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR THE MOSAIC LAW)</b> but under grace? May it never
be!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6:19&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 6:19</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I am speaking in human terms because
of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves
to impurity and to <b>law</b>lessness (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ANTI GOD’S LAW</b>), resulting in <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">further</span> <b>law</b>lessness (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ANTI-GOD’S LAW</b>), so now present your members as slaves to
righteousness, resulting in sanctification.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:1&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 7:1</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Or do you not know, brethren (for I
am speaking to those who know the <b>law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">), that the <b>law</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CIVIL LAW CONCERNING MARRIAGE</b>) has jurisdiction over a person as long
as he lives?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:2&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 7:2</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For the married woman is bound
by <b>law</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CIVIL LAW
CONCERNING MARRIAGE</b>) to her husband while he is living; but if her husband
dies, she is released from the <b>law</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CIVIL LAW CONCERNING MARRIAGE</b>) concerning the husband.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:3&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 7:3</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So then, if while her husband is
living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if
her husband dies, she is free from the <b>law (CIVIL LAW CONCERNING
MARRIAGE)</b>, so that she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another
man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:4&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 7:4</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Therefore, my brethren, you also
were made to die to the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">through the body of Christ, so that
you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order
that we might bear fruit for God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:5&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 7:5</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For while we were in the flesh, the
sinful passions, which were <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">aroused</span> by
the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for
death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:6&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 7:6</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But now we have been released from
the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we
serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:7&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 7:7</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What shall we say then? Is the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come
to know sin except through the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">; for I would not have known about
coveting if the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC
LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">had not said, “<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">You shall not covet</span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:8&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 7:8</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But sin, taking opportunity through
the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from
the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">sin <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span> dead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:9&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 7:9</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I was once alive apart from
the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I
died;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:12&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 7:12</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So then, the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:14&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 7:14</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For we know that the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:16&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 7:16</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But if I do the very thing I do not
want <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">to do</span>, I agree with
the <b>Law </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">, <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">confessing</span> that
the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">is good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:22&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 7:22</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For I joyfully concur with the <b>law</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">of God</b> [<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PROBABLY MOSAIC LAW</b>) in the inner man,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:23&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 7:23</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">but I see a different <b>law</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A DISPOSITION TO SIN</b>) in the members of
my body, waging war against the <b>law</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">of my mind</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">KNOWING WHAT IS
RIGHT</b>) and making me a prisoner of the <b>law</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">of sin</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DISPOSITION TO SIN</b>) which is in my members.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:25&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 7:25</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thanks be to God through Jesus
Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving
the <b>law</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">of God</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>), but on the other, with my
flesh the <b>law </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">of sin</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DISPOSITION TO SIN</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8:2&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 8:2</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For the <b>law</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NEW COVENANT</b>) has set you free from
the <b>law</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">of sin and of
death.</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DISPOSITION TO SIN probably
linked with the MOSAIC LAW</b>) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8:3&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 8:3</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For what the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God <i>did</i>:
sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">as an offering</span> for sin, He
condemned sin in the flesh,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8:4&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 8:4</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">so that the requirement of the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW INSTRUCTION CONCERNING LOVE (SEE
ROM. 13:8-10))</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">might be fulfilled in us, who do not
walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8:7&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 8:7</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">because the mind set on the flesh is
hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the <b>law</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">of God</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WHAT GOD REQUIRES</b>), for it is not even able <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">to do so</span>,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+9:4&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 9:4</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">who are Israelites, to whom belongs
the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of
the <b>Law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">and the <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">temple</span> service
and the promises,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+9:31&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 9:31</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">but Israel, pursuing a <b>law</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">of righteousness</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH THE</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC
LAW</b>), did not arrive at <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">that</span> <b>law
(RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH THE MOSAIC LAW)</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10:4&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 10:4</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For Christ is the end of the <b>law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">for righteousness to everyone who believes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10:5&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 10:5</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For Moses writes that the man who
practices the righteousness which is based on <b>law</b> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOSAIC LAW</b>) </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">shall live by that righteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+13:8&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 13:8</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Owe nothing to anyone except to love
one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">the</span> <b>law (WHAT GOD REQUIRES CONCERNING
LOVE)</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+13:10&version=NASB"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 13:10</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Love does no wrong to a neighbor;
therefore love is the fulfillment of <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">the</span> <b>law (WHAT GOD REQUIRES CONCERNING LOVE)</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%;">*Scripture references are from Biblegateway.com from
the NASB.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-72864946680236312442019-04-19T17:02:00.000-07:002019-04-19T17:02:44.310-07:00A Good Friday Lesson Involving a New Testament Use of the Old Testament<div style="text-align: center;">
by Michael J. Vlach</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">It just so happens that my study of "New Testament Use of the Old Testament" intersects with Good Friday today. This involves the quotation of Psalm 31:5 in Luke 23:46.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Psalm 31 describes
David’s trust in God while in distress. While in turmoil, it is the Lord in
whom David takes refuge; and it is the Lord who is David’s rock and fortress
(Ps. 31:1-3). With verse 5 David declared: “</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You
have ransomed me, O <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, God
of truth.” David trusted the Lord with his life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Centuries
later just moments away from death, the ultimate David, Jesus the Messiah,
quoted David’s words of trust in Psalm 31:5 as described in Luke 23:46:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice,
said, <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Father, </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">into
Your hands I commit My spirit</span></span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">.”</span></span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Having
said this, He breathed His last.</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">This was
no coincidence. The first David trusted God during troubling times, and now the
ultimate David, Jesus, trusted His life to God in the ultimate moment of
darkness on the cross as He bore the sins of the world. Pao and Schnabel point
out that Jesus’ quotation of Psalm 31:5 reveals two truths. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">First, it
demonstrates that Jesus’s death fulfills God’s purposes in the midst of
darkness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">And second,
it reveals “that he [God] will rescue him [Jesus] from his enemies and raise him
from the dead.” Thus, Jesus’ final words are more than nice famous last words;
they were “a gesture of confidence.” They were a statement of trust in God to decisively
vindicate Him and raise Him from the dead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Psalm 31
expresses David’s heartfelt trust that God would deliver him. While Psalm 31:5 probably
is not a direct prophecy of what Jesus would say on the cross, it was appropriate
that Jesus used the words of the first David concerning trust in the Lord as
His earthly life as the ideal David expired. This is a contextual use of the
OT. As Pao and Schnabel note: “The appropriation of Ps. 31:5 in v. 46 does not
violate the original context and meaning in the psalm.” It takes David’s trust
of God in life and extends it to death, in this case the death of the Messiah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">These are sober and encouraging words to think about on Good Friday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Quotations are taken from, </span>David W. Pao and Eckhard J.
Schnabel, “Luke,” in <i>Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old
Testament</i>, eds. G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2007), 399.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-53290801744204987882019-04-01T16:27:00.001-07:002019-04-01T16:27:33.747-07:00The Meaning of Matthew 5:17-19, Part 4: The Meaning of "To Fulfill"<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">By Michael J. Vlach<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">@mikevlach</span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In my previous post I addressed the meaning of “to abolish” in Matthew 5:17. Now I interpret the meaning of “to fulfill” in 5:17 with a view to understanding what Jesus meant when He said, “<span style="background: white;">Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but <b>to fulfill</b>” (emphases mine).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">What Jesus meant by “to fulfill” has been the subject of much debate with several differing views offered. At first, I considered discussing the various views and then presenting my particular understanding all in one post. But that is far too much for one entry. So my purpose here is to positively present the view I think is accurate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Pleroō</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> in the New Testament<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Greek term for “to fulfill” in Matthew 5:17 is <i>plērōsai</i>, coming from the verb, <i>pleroō.</i> A form of <i>pleroō</i> occurs 90 times in the New Testament. There are several ways the word is used (list is not exhaustive):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">--To fill up <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">--To fill to the full or top<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">--To complete or accomplish<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">--To carry through to the end<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">--To make complete or perfect<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">--To show a correspondence with heightening<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">--To realize or bring something to realization<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Because the term is used 90 times, sometimes in differing contexts, the interpreter must determine which sense of <i>pleroō</i> is the precise meaning in any given example.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">More narrowly, <i>pleroō</i> is found sixteen times in Matthew outside of 5:17. Within Matthew the term is used in four senses:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">the literal accomplishment of an Old Testament prophecy (1:22; 2:23; 4:14; 8:17; 12:17; 13:35; 21:4; 26:54, 56; 27:9, 35); <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">a correspondence with heightening between an event in Israel’s history and an event in Jesus’ life to connect Israel with Jesus (2:15, 17); <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">the bringing to fruition of something or making something happen (3:15); <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">(4) a filling to the top or making full (13:48; 23:32).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The most dominant use in Matthew is the first option mentioned above concerning the accomplishment of Old Testament prophecy. But what does Jesus mean by <i>plērōsai</i> (“to fulfill”) in Matthew 5:17? That is the main issue before us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We do know that<i> plērōsai</i> is an active infinitive verb, indicating that Jesus actively takes it upon himself to fulfill the Law and the Prophets (i.e. the Old Testament). He is not passive, but active in this process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Meaning of “Fulfill” in Matthew 5:17<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://mikevlach.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-meaning-of-matthew-517-19-part-2.html" target="_blank">With Part 2</a> I argued that “Law or the Prophets” in 5:17 and “Law” in 5:18 refer to the Old Testament in its entirety. Thus, I think “to fulfill” in 5:17 relates to the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures as a whole. Remembering this point is important since many assume that Jesus is only referring to Mosaic Law commands. But Jesus is referring to the entire Old Testament Scriptures with His “to fulfill” claim in 5:17.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Before getting into the details, I state my view upfront:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I believe “to fulfill” in Matthew 5:17 means “to complete,” “to come to pass,” or “to accomplish.” In this context,</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> <i>Jesus declared that everything stated, promised, and predicted in the Old Testament Scriptures must come to pass or be accomplished in all its details because He takes it upon himself to bring these to completion</i>. <i>I call this view the “Everything written in the Old Testament must happen because of Jesus” view. There is no matter too small that will not occur.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">By stating “everything” in the Old Testament must happen, this seems to include the following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">--all messianic prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">--all prophecies and eschatological details in the Old Testament, including Day of the Lord and Kingdom predictions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">--all aspects of the covenants of promises (Abrahamic/Davidic/New) in the Old Testament. (This includes the promise that the New covenant would supersede the Mosaic covenant (Jer. 31:31-34))<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of the three categories mentioned above, the first—all messianic prophecies about Jesus—could be primary. Note the similarity between Matthew 5:17 and Luke 24:44 below:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Matthew 5:17: “Do not think that I came to abolish the <b>Law or the Prophets</b>; I did not come to abolish but to <b>fulfill</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Luke 24:44: “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that <b>all things which are written about Me</b> in the <b>Law of Moses and the Prophets</b> and the Psalms <b>must be fulfilled</b>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">These two verses above are the only cases where “Law,” “Prophets,” and “fulfill” are mentioned together, and with Luke 24:44 Jesus’ emphasis is on the fulfillment of messianic prophecies about himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.3in;">With Luke 24:25-27 Jesus stated that messianic prophecies about His suffering and glory were predicted by “Moses” and “all the prophets”:</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! <b><sup> </sup></b><b>Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures</b> (emphases mine).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Again, when it comes to what Moses and the prophets predicted, Jesus emphasized the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. A similar statement is found in Luke 18:31:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Then He [Jesus] took the twelve aside and said to them, <span class="woj">“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and <b>all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished</b>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Here Jesus actively takes it upon himself to go to Jerusalem and accomplish what was predicted by the prophets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Also, when it comes to Jesus and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about His sufferings, note Acts 3:18 and Peter’s words:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled</span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> (emphases mine).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I am not saying that only messianic prophecies are in view with “to fulfill” in Matthew 5:17. As mentioned earlier, there are other matters that must be fulfilled as well. But so much emphasis in the New Testament is given to the fulfilling of messianic prophecies, it is difficult not to see this category as being a major part of Jesus’ meaning in Matthew 5:17, especially when He mentions messianic prophecies about himself on several other occasions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Matthew 5:18 as the Explanation of 5:17<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Matthew 5:18 is a major reason why I believe “to fulfill” means the accomplishing of all things stated in the Old Testament. To know what “fulfill” means in 5:17 we need to grasp what verse 18 means, especially the word “accomplished.” The conjunction “for” (<i>gar</i>) early in verse 18 connects the word “fulfill” with what Jesus means by “fulfill”:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but <b>to fulfill</b>. <sup>18<b> </b></sup><b>For</b> [<i>gar</i>] truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until <b>all is accomplished</b>” (emphases mine).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Why do I mention that verse 18 is the explanation of verse 17? In my opinion, discussions of “to fulfill” in Matthew 5:17 often miss this point. Sometimes when I read scholars comment on “to fulfill” in 5:17 they appeal to the various nuances of <i>pleroō</i> found in lexicons or dictionaries. Or they offer broad theological statements on what they think it means for Jesus to fulfill the Law. Now, I’m certainly not against looking at lexicons or engaging in broader discussions of Jesus and the Law. But the immediate context is the most important factor here. We can look at Jesus’ explanation in 5:18 to know what He meant in 5:17. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus’ point in Matthew 5:18 is that every part of the Old Testament must come to pass as stated. This involves “the smallest letter or stroke.” In fact, the universe cannot pass away until <i>everything</i> stated in the Old Testament happens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Note that there is a close connection between “fulfill” in 5:17 and “accomplished” in 5:18. So much so, that I think “accomplished” is the explanation of “fulfill.” As we discover what “accomplished” means in verse 18, we can understand what “fulfill” means in 5:17. As I will assert below, when “accomplished” is linked with prophets or prophecies by Jesus, the meaning involves the completion or coming to pass of prophetic and eschatological details.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Accomplished” in Matthew 5:18 is the Greek verb, <i>genetai</i>, coming from <i>ginomai</i>. Forms of <i>ginomai</i> occur around 460 times in the New Testament, and 75 times in Matthew. In Matthew 1:22, <i>ginomai</i> and <i>pleroō</i> are used together concerning the messianic prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 concerning Jesus’ virgin birth:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Now all this <b>took place [<i>ginomai</i>] to fulfill [<i>pleroō</i>]</b> what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Behold, the virgin shall be with</span> <span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name</span> <span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Immanuel</span>,” which translated means, “<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">God with us</span>” (Matt. 1:22-23) (emphases mine).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">When dealing with the details of prophecies or events, the word <i>ginomai</i> often has the idea of “come to pass” “happen” or “take place” concerning these details (Matt. 21:21; 24:6; 26:56). In the great prophetic message of the Olivet Discourse Jesus declared: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“<span style="background: white;">You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must <b>take place</b> (<i>genesthai</i>)” (Matt. 24:6) (emphases mine). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Here Jesus says eschatological details must happen. When discussing detailed eschatological events in Luke 21:32 Jesus said: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“<span style="background: white;">Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things <b>take place [</b><i>genetai</i>]” (emphases mine). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Again, Jesus used <i>ginomai</i> to indicate fulfillment of all prophetic details in His discourse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Significant for our purposes is this—when <i>ginomai</i> is used by Jesus in reference to prophets or prophecies, the literal accomplishment of prophetic details is often on His mind. And that is what we see in Matthew 5:17-18 where Jesus explicitly mentioned “the prophets” (5:17) and then referred to “accomplished” (5:18).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Again, I am not limiting “fulfill” or “accomplished” to just prophecies. But the idea of fulfillment of prophecies seems to fit well in Matthew 5:17-18. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In the book, <i>The Law, the Gospel, and the Modern Christian</i> (Zondervan, 1993), <span style="background: white;">Wayne </span>Strickland observed, “That fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament is in view is signaled by the phrase, ‘until everything is accomplished’ in verse 18” (258). I agree with Strickland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">At this point, I anticipate the objection that the Mosaic Law, not prophecy, is in view in Matthew 5:17-18. In the same book mentioned above, Greg Bahnsen mocked Strickland for claiming that Jesus included prophecies in 5:17-18: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">But the alert reader must cry out: “Where is there <i>any</i> mention or discussion of Old Testament prophecies in this passage or its local context?” The fact is that there is not so much as a word about Old Testament prophecies to be found. Strickland fabricates that this is the subject under discussion and then imports it into the passage from the outside. Any reader can see that Christ is not discussing prophecy but ethics, at this particular point—indeed, extending up to the end of the sermon<a href="file://gospelmin/files/home/mvlach/The%20Meaning%20of%20Matthew%205%2017%2019%20mar%2025.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> (emphases in original) (299-300).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Also disagreeing with Strickland, in the same book, Moo said the Golden Rule of Matthew 7:12 and Jesus’ statement that love of God and people is linked with the Law and the Prophets (Matt. 22:40) shows that that “Law” and “the Prophets” is focused on commands and not Old Testament prophecies (Moo, 314). Moo also claimed that Matthew 5:21-48 revealed that Jesus’ emphasis was on commands (314).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">My response to these objections is twofold. First, as we have seen, when Jesus mentions “Law” and “Prophets” together, He often does so with messianic prophecies about himself in mind. That He also does so in Matthew 5:17-18 is likely. Note that Jesus mentioned “prophets” in 5:17, so the prophets are in the context, contrary to what Bahnsen claimed above. Perhaps the question could be asked back to critics: “If Jesus mentioned ‘Prophets’ in 5:17, why would we not believe prophecies were on His mind, especially when He does this on other occasions where the Law or Moses are mentioned too?” Second, we must remember that the books of Moses also contain major prophecies and prophetic details, some of which are messianic such as Genesis 49:8-12; Numbers 24:17-19; and Deuteronomy 18:15-18. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Also, this idea that <i>pleroō</i> is linked with the literal accomplishment of messianic prophecies fits well with the dominant use of the term in Matthew. As mentioned earlier, <i>pleroō</i> in Matthew often refers to the accomplishment of prophetic predictions concerning Jesus (see Matt. 1:22; 2:23; 4:14; 8:17; 12:17; 13:35; 21:4; 26:54, 56; 27:9, 35). So for messianic prophecies to be part of the meaning of “to fulfill” in Matthew 5:17 makes sense. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In sum, my view of “to fulfill” in Matthew 5:17 is that “everything written in the Old Testament must happen because of Jesus.” While not exhausting the meaning of “fulfill,” this primarily involves messianic prophecies about Jesus. I think this understanding can be defended from the immediate context of Matthew 5:17-18, and it can be supported by other passages in which Jesus and others link messianic prophecies with the Law and Prophets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-86807789418489772032019-03-20T16:28:00.000-07:002019-03-20T16:28:36.479-07:00The Meaning of Matthew 5:17-19, Part 3: The Meaning of “Abolish”<div style="text-align: center;">
by Michael J. Vlach</div>
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@mikevlach</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Below is Part 3 of an ongoing series on “The Meaning of </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Matthew 5:17-19.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">With my last post, I argued that “the Law or the Prophets” and “Law” in Matthew 5:17-18 referred to the Old Testament in its entirety. This is contrary to the popular idea that Jesus was addressing the Mosaic Law only, especially with Matthew 5:18. The purpose of this post is to examine the term, “abolish,” in 5:17. What did Jesus mean when He said that He did not come to “abolish” the Law or the Prophets?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A Word about Word Studies<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">This study and the one after this will focus on the meanings of the terms “abolish” and “fulfill” in Matthew 5:17-18. But first a note about words and word studies is appropriate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As with all words, there is usually a range of meaning for a term depending on how it is used. If used extensively, most words have two or more meanings. That is how language usually works. For example, the Greek term <i>pneuma</i> in the New Testament, often translated “spirit,” can refer to the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13), wind (John 3:8), breath (2 Thess. 2:8), the immaterial part of a person (Luke 8:55; Acts 7:59), angels (Heb. 1:14), demons (Matt. 8:16), and other things. Context will decide which sense was in the author’s mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Obviously when Jesus said, “The wind [<i>pneuma</i>] blows where it wishes” in John 3:8 we are not free to plug in any of the options we want. “Wind” is the clear meaning here based on the context. Jesus did not mean “demons” or the “immaterial part of a person.” So while consulting dictionaries and lexicons for meanings of words is definitely helpful, ultimately the meaning of a word must be determined by the context in which it is used.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">This point will be particularly significant when we look at the word <i>pleroō</i>, translated “fulfill” in Matthew 5:17. There are several ways <i>pleroō</i> is used in Matthew’s gospel and the New Testament. So we have to balance two things with word studies. First, we pay close attention to how a word is used in Scripture. But two, ultimately meaning is determined with the immediate context. This warning is not that big of an issue with the word “abolish,” since the meaning of this term is quite obvious in Matthew 5:17. But it will be more of an issue with “fulfill” since there are several different views of what this term means in 5:17.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Meaning of “Abolish” (<i>kataluō</i>)<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The word “abolish,” which is used twice in Matthew 5:17, is the Greek term <i>kataluō</i>. In 5:17 the term is an infinitive verb, <i>katalusai</i>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="woj"><b><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Do not think that I came to <b>abolish</b> (<i>katalusai</i>) the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to <b>abolish</b> (<i>katalusai</i>) but to fulfill.”</span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Kataluō</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> is found 15 times outside of Matthew 5:17. Eight of these involve the idea of “destroy” or “demolish” concerning a temple. For example, Acts 6:13-14 states:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">They put forward false witnesses who said, “This man [Stephen] incessantly speaks against this holy place and the Law;</span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <span class="text">for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, <b>will destroy [<i>katalusei</i>]</b> this place and alter the customs which Moses handed down to us” (Acts 6:13-14).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Concerning the Jerusalem temple in Matthew 24:2, Jesus said:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">And He said to them, <span class="woj">“Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not <b>be torn down [<i>kataluthēsetai</i>]</b>.”</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We are accurate to conclude that the idea of “destroy,” “demolish,” “overthrow,” “abolish,” and “tear down” is the meaning of <i>katalusai</i> in Matthew 5:17. The NASB, ESV, and NIV all interpret <i>katalusai</i> as “to abolish.” The HCSB translates it “to destroy.” Any of these descriptions works. This is a case where the term in Matthew 5:17 fits very closely with most uses of this term in the New Testament.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In order for Jesus to makes such a statement there must have been an accusation that He sought the destruction of the Law and the Prophets. But Jesus combats this idea. He did not come to abolish, destroy, or tear down the Law or the Prophets. He came to fulfill them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In sum, when we combine the meaning of “abolish” with “the Law or the Prophets” in 5:17 the idea is this: Contrary to what some of His opponents asserted, Jesus did not come to abolish, destroy, or tear down the Law or the Prophets (i.e. the Hebrew Scriptures). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">With my next post I will explain what it means for Jesus to “fulfill” the Law or the Prophets. Concerning this term much more debate exists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-31390154529066380882019-03-18T13:32:00.000-07:002019-03-18T13:32:40.146-07:00The Meaning of Matthew 5:17-19, Part 2: Understanding “the Law or the Prophets”<div style="text-align: center;">
by Michael J. Vlach</div>
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@mikevlach</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">In Part 1, I mentioned that a decision must be made concerning what Jesus meant by “the Law or the Prophets” in Matthew 5:17 and “Law” in 5:18. While this issue might not seem that significant at first glance, it is important for a correct understanding of Matthew 5:17-19. The purpose of this post is to survey the issues here and comment on what I think is the best understanding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Before we start, though, I understand that the issues we are beginning to discuss are heavily debated And reasonable people can disagree with my findings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">To begin, note Jesus' words in Matthew 5:17-18:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Meaning of “the Law or the Prophets” in 5:17<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Ten other times, “Law” and “Prophets” are coupled in the New Testament—Matthew 7:12; 11:13; 22:40; Luke 16:16; 24:44; John 1:45; Acts 13:15; 24:14; 28:23; and Romans 3:21. The joining of “the Law” and “the Prophets” together refers to the entirety of the Hebrew Scriptures, i.e. the Old Testament. The “Law” in this context refers to the Torah or first five books of the Bible. And “Prophets” refers to the rest of the Old Testament books. As Grant Osborne observes, “‘The law or the prophets’ means the whole of Scripture” (<i>Matthew</i>, 181). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Jesus’ mention of “or” (<i>ē</i>) instead of the usual “and” (<i>kai</i>) when connecting “the Law” with “the Prophets” does not change this reality. The point is that Jesus did not come to abolish “the Law” as part of God’s Word “<i>or</i>” “the Prophets” as part of God’s word. Together, there are no parts of the Hebrew Scriptures that Jesus came to abolish. In sum, we are on solid ground to view “the Law or the Prophets” in 5:17 as referencing the entirety of the Old Testament.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Meaning of “Law” in 5:18<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">But determining what Jesus meant by “Law” in Matthew 5:18 is more challenging and debated:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the <b>Law</b> until all is accomplished (emphasis mine).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Here Jesus mentioned “Law” but not “Prophets.” What should we conclude from this? Is Jesus drawing specific attention to the Mosaic Law commandments only? This is the majority view among commentators. Or is He using “Law” here as shorthand for “the Law” and “the Prophets” just mentioned in 5:17? With this understanding, this second use of “Law” also refers to the Hebrew Scriptures as a whole.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Three arguments exist for the ‘Mosaic Law only’ view. First, Jesus just mentions “Law.” By leaving out “Prophets” here He is focused solely on the Mosaic commands. Second, the context indicates He is focused on Mosaic Law commands. In verse 19, Jesus will mention “these commandments.” And in verse 20, He will discuss a righteousness needed to enter God’s kingdom. Then with Matthew 5:21-48 Jesus will bring up six Mosaic commandments showing that the Law was His emphasis. Third, most uses of “Law” in the New Testament focus on Mosaic Law commandments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">On the other hand, some believe “Law” in 5:18 is shorthand for the entire Hebrew Scriptures. So the Old Testament as a whole is in view, not just Mosaic Law commands. Several arguments exist for this view. First, since Jesus just mentioned “the Law or the Prophets” in 5:17 it seems unlikely that He would exclude “the Prophets” in 5:18. Second, the conjunction “for” (<i>gar</i>) connects the “Law” and “Prophets” of 5:17 with 5:18. So the message of 5:18 seems to be an explanation of what was stated in 5:17. This would have to include Hebrew Scriptures outside just the Mosaic commands. Third, with 5:17 Jesus speaks of <i>fulfilling</i> the Law and the Prophets, and in 5:18 He speaks of <i>accomplishing</i> all the details of the Law. It seems odd that the accomplishing of 5:18 would be distinct from the fulfilling of Matthew 5:17. Fourth, while it is true that “Law” most often refers to Mosaic commandments, it is not uncommon for “Law” to be used of the Old Testament as a whole. As Schreiner observes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">In some texts “Law” alone seems to refer broadly to the Old Testament Scriptures (Matt. 22:36; Luke 10:26; John 7:49; 10:34; 12:34; 15:25; 1 Cor. 9:8-9; 14:21, 34; Gal. 4:21), though in some of these texts a particular precept from the Mosaic law may be in view as well (John 7:49; 1 Cor. 9:8-9; 14:34) (Schreiner, <i>40 Questions about Christians and Biblical Law</i>, 21).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Fifth, in the only other case where the three elements of Mosaic Law, Prophets, and “fulfill” occur, the emphasis is on prophecies of the Old Testament being fulfilled, not just Mosaic Law fulfillment:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Now He said to them, <span class="woj">“These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the <b>Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms</b> <b>must be fulfilled</b>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">In looking at the two views, I think the second view is more convincing and is more likely to be accurate. <i>It seems best to view “Law” in 5:18 as shorthand for “Law” and “Prophets” and to see Jesus as including the entire Old Testament corpus with His second use of “Law.”</i> With 5:17-18 Jesus addressed more than Mosaic Law commands. He made a statement about the fulfillment of the entire Hebrew Scriptures. Perhaps Jesus includes the prophecies, covenants, messianic predictions, and principles of the entire Old Testament. With Luke 24:44 we know that He included prophecies about his death and resurrection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">But what about the argument that the context of Matthew 5:17-48 is focused on the Mosaic Law commandments? There are several responses. First, the broader view of “Law” does not exclude the possibility that Jesus could make statements about the Mosaic Law. A statement about the “Law” does not mean the “Prophets” are excluded from the discussion. Second, as will be shown in a later post, “these commandments” in 5:19 might not refer to Mosaic Law commands. A reasonable case could be made that “these “commandments” refers to the entirety of the Old Testament instruction. Or, “these commandments” could refer to Jesus’ authoritative words in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). At the end of the Sermon, Jesus draws attention to “these words of Mine” (Matt. 7:24, 26). Also, while Jesus will bring up six Mosaic commands in 5:21-48, He could be doing so to contrast Mosaic Law instruction with the New covenant instruction He is now offering. The main point here is that it cannot be assumed that the context of Matthew 5 demands that “Law” in Matthew 5:18 means only the Mosaic Law. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The Debate on This Issue<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">This debate concerning what Jesus meant by “the Law or the Prophets” and second use of “Law” in 5:18 was tackled by the contributors in the book, <i>The Law, the Gospel, and the Modern Christian</i>. Taking the broader view that Jesus was referring to the entire Old Testament Wayne Strickland stated:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">In Matthew, the phrase “the Law and the Prophets” refers not simply to the Mosaic law, but to the entire Old Testament (cf. 7:12; 11:13; 22:40). Thus the term “law” in the following verse [5:18] is an abbreviated way of referring to the same Old Testament. It should also be noted that the explicit reference to “Prophets” indicates that the author is speaking of prophecy. That fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament is in view is signaled by the phrase “until everything is accomplished” in verse 18. (p. 258)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Douglas Moo pushed back on Strickland’s understanding saying Strickland’s view “skews not only the meaning of this passage but one’s general theological synthesis” (p. 313). Moo says the phrase, “the Law and the Prophets” “focuses not on the prophecies of the Old Testament but on the legal, or commanding, aspects of the Old Testament” (p. 314). Thus, Moo thinks the context supports a narrower understanding concerning Mosaic commands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">But if “Prophets” are in the near context of Jesus’ discussion in 5:17 it makes sense that Jesus includes the Prophets in 5:18. That is hardly a skewed understanding, but a contextual one. Also, I am not sure how a statement that the Old Testament Scriptures must be fulfilled in their entirety is a threat to a “general theological synthesis.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">In sum, I believe “the Law or the Prophets” in 5:17 and “Law” in 5:18 refer to the Old Testament as a whole. I would not say this understanding is proven beyond a shadow of a doubt or that reasonable people cannot disagree. But I think this understanding is more likely than not, even probable. I certainly think it is reasonable and worthy of consideration. On the other hand, I think the Mosaic Law-only view is harder to prove. I also would be cautious of any theological system or view that bases the weight of its validity on a narrower understanding of “Law” in Matthew 5:18.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">My next post we will look at the meaning of “abolish” and “fulfill” in Matthew 5:17-18 and how these terms relate to “the Law or the Prophets.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-63520049748848441272019-03-13T10:11:00.000-07:002019-03-13T10:11:34.401-07:00The Meaning of Matthew 5:17-19: Part 1<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">by Michael J. Vlach </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">I have had a desire for some time to write on the meaning of Matthew 5:17-19. As I began to construct a blog post, it quickly became clear that a one-part entry would not be sufficient. So I am addressing this passage in a series, with this being Part 1. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The purpose of this post is to introduce Matthew 5:17-19, and point out five key interpretive decisions that must be made here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">For clarification, I am not offering a comprehensive biblical theology or systematic treatment of the Law of God in the Bible. That would take a large book. Nor is this a comprehensive examination of every view of Matthew 5:17-19, although I will mention some of the various views later. <i>My goal primarily is to understand what Jesus meant in Matthew 5:17-19</i>. We must let an accurate understanding of Matthew 5:17-19 inform our understanding of the Law and not force a predetermined view on this text.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Let us begin by reciting the text:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Matthew 5:17-19<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> In Matthew 5:17-19, Jesus states:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 9pt;">17 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. </span><b><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 9pt;">18 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. </span><b><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 9pt;">19 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Whoever then annuls one of the least of these<b> </b>commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven (NASB).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Jesus’ words here reveal His understanding of the “Law or the Prophets” and His relationship to them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">5 Major Interpretive issues<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">There are five parts of Matthew 5:17-19 where a significant interpretive decision must be made. How one decides on these will influence how one views this passage as a whole. Also, a wrong move on any of these five areas could mean an incorrect understanding of the passage. Precision of interpretation is crucial here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">First, what does Jesus mean by “the Law or the Prophets” in 5:17?</span></u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> Is Jesus singling out the Mosaic Law code for a specific explanation? Or is He referring to the entire Hebrew Scriptures, what Christians often call the Old Testament? This issue is very strategic for understanding what Jesus is doing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><u>Second, what does Jesus mean by “Law” in 5:18?</u> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Does He mean the same thing as “the Law or the Prophets” in 5:17 (i.e. the Hebrew Scriptures) or is He specifically focused on the Mosaic Law code here? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Third, what does Jesus mean by “abolish” in 5:17?</span></u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> He uses this term twice, but what does this term mean?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Fourth, what does Jesus mean by the term “fulfill” in 5:17?</span></u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> Does he mean “establish” or “uphold”? Does He mean “deepen” or “extend”? Does He mean “fulfill” in the sense of finding completion in Him? Or does He mean that a literal fulfillment of what was stated must be accomplished? Grasping the meaning of <i>plerōsai</i> here is very important for an accurate understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Fifth, what does Jesus mean by “these commandments” in 5:19?</span></u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> Why does Jesus shift from <i>nomos</i> (“Law”) to <i>entole</i> (“commandments” or “instructions”)? Are these terms parallel in meaning or different? Does “these commandments” refer to the commandments of the Mosaic Law legal code? Or does it refer to the instructions of the entire Old Testament? Or does it refer to the words of Jesus from 5:21 through chapter 7? Again, the implications of this issue are significant.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;">My next post will start addressing these questions and issues.</span></div>
Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4666049145812503636.post-70525465224571599332018-02-26T18:35:00.001-08:002018-02-26T18:36:51.687-08:00A Case For Premillennialismby Michael J. Vlach<br />
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I have presented a case for Premillennialism in two forms.<br />
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One is a book.<br />
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The other is a chapel message I did at The Master's Seminary (49 minutes).<br />
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Since Premillennialism is linked with so many Bible passages I focus mostly on a positive case for Premillennialism.<br />
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These two sources can be found below (click on links):<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Premillennialism-There-Future-Earthly-Kingdom/dp/0692499504/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483371530&sr=1-1&keywords=vlach+premillennialism" target="_blank"><i>Premillennialism</i> (book)</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.tms.edu/chapel/premillennialism-and-the-kingdom/" target="_blank">Chapel Message</a><br />
<br />Mike Vlachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11901564537165580259noreply@blogger.com7