In Luke 24 we have the account of Jesus appearing to a couple disciples after his resurrection. The disciples are downtrodden and sad. Not knowing it is Jesus they are walking with, they go on to tell him of the happenings of the past few weeks. Verse 21 is completely clear exactly what they were expecting.
Luke 24:21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Why were they sad? Because they were expecting the redemption of ISRAEL just like the prophets say. Every prophecy in the OT concerning Jesus’ birth and death came true LITERALLY. These men believed the promise of Israel’s restoration literally. Does Jesus then proceed to tell these disciples they were wrong, and the kingdom is actually a “spiritual” kingdom? No, he openly rebukes them for not believing ALL that the prophets said. Luke 24:24 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: The word ALL in this verse explains much that unfortunately most of Christianity doesn’t understand. The prophets did speak of Israel’s future restoration and Messiah’s reign ON EARTH. The prophets did in a few places also tell of a suffering servant. Yes, they were correct for believing in Israel’s promised earthly kingdom. Jesus wants them to understand all the prophecies. Much like todays Christianity, people want to pick and choose. Believing ALL the verses takes a willingness to stand alone in the endless sea of Bible spiritualizers. Today’s Bible spiritualizers only choose to take literally what they want to. Much like the scene as Jesus rebukes these disciples, most of Christianity will receive a rebuke from Christ at the judgment seat for not believing ALL the prophets have spoken. These men believed in a literal earthly kingdom, so the thought of the death of their King was a horrible thing. The key to understanding was believing EVERYTHING that was written. The suffering comes before the glory. I had a preacher one time throw John 18:36 at me when I pointed out that the Bible itself teaches a literal, earthly kingdom for Israel just like the prophets said. Let’s take a look at one of the verses the spiritualizers like to use. John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Of course, this preacher stopped at the colon and said that Jesus said his kingdom was “not of this world” trying to bolster his spiritual kingdom theology. Please read the WHOLE VERSE. Jesus says “but now is my kingdom not from hence” Jesus understands the timing of the matter. Jesus understands that it was prophesied that Messiah suffers before the glory. In Acts 1:6 after the resurrection the disciples now understanding the suffering ask Jesus the exact question they should have: Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? After getting their eyes opened by Jesus himself, they once again turn their attention to the HUNDREDS of promises in the OT of Israel’s restoration and reborn earthly kingdom. Jesus tells them in verse 7: “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons” Jesus knows he is going to interrupt the prophecy program with a mystery. A secret that was hidden in the mind of God since BEFORE the foundation of the world. Jesus reveals this mystery to Paul. An age where we are ALL saved by grace alone through faith alone. All I ask of people is to believe EVERY verse. This concept leaves to Israel the things God promised to Israel. If your theology does not allow you to believe EVERY verse, then friend YOU need to change your theology. Jesus openly rebuked these disciples for not believing ALL the verses. This same mistake is still rampant in churches today. Christian’s sit and listen to preachers change the verses to make them say what they want. Jesus will not give you a pass on this. You will suffer loss at the judgement seat of Christ for not building on what Paul started. I Cor 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. Paul tells you to take heed how you build upon his foundation. Jesus is all in all, and Jesus is the one that sent you an Apostle to follow in this dispensation. The decision is ours to make. We all will give account of ourselves. Are you sure? Comments are closed.
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AuthorSteve Schoenberger is a student of the Bible and the minister at Abundant Grace Bible Fellowship, A Mid-Acts Dispensational Bible church teaching the Bible rightly divided according the revelation of the mystery delivered to the Apostle Paul Archives
January 2025
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