DEFINITION OF TERMS (For Serious Students)

COVENANT

LAW

LAW
I. In the Old Testament
II. In the New Testament

GRACE

GRACE, MEANS OF

KINGDOM OF GOD

KINGDOM OF GOD, KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
I. In John the Baptist
II. In the teaching of Jesus
III. Kingdom and church
IV. In the rest of the New Testament
V. In theological thought

Abram (exalted father) was chosen by God to become Abraham (father of a multitude), the physical father of the Jews and our spiritual father today, through the chosen line of Isaac. Incidentally, he is also the spiritual father of the Moslems, through Ishmael!

As we have already seen, the 'promise' of the 'Promised Land' of Canaan, the nation of the second kingdom age, was given to Abraham.

But God reiterated once again, that all His promises are conditional upon obedience. In this case, obedience was to be shown through the painful, physical process of circumcision. For at this time there was no formal Law, either in written form or placed upon the heart, as existed in the two next kingdom ages.

Abraham was the example to those of his own and succeeding generations. For God blessed him physically, with huge flocks and wealth, and spiritually, as the father of the nations to come.

They still keep hold of the promise of God through Isaiah.

Jesus too, acknowledged the special place of Abraham in the Jewish inheritance.

Indeed, Abraham was God's foremost representative during the first kingdom age.

Moses was God's messenger, conveying the Law and God's other desires, to the people.

Moses met with the Lord in the Tent of Meeting.

The anointing of God rested upon him so strongly, that others could not bear to look at him after he had been in God's presence.

He was regarded as the first amongst all the prophets in the Old Testament.

Moses too, was the only human to whom Jesus likened himself.

The writer of Hebrews also made this comparison, with Jesus being pictured as a greater Moses.

Yes, Moses was the outstanding character bestriding the second kingdom age.

Few would argue with the thesis that Jesus was the dominant figure of the third kingdom age. As reflected in the New Testament by Jesus himself.

Christ is the head of the church.

Christ is the mediator of the New Covenant that replaces the Law.

Today, Christ lives in believers. A message Paul delivered as God's servant, often through pain and hardship.

Jesus took on the nature of a servant, and we are to do so too.

Jesus is our example, not only the giant character of the third kingdom age in which we live, but also as Savior of the world!

Jesus linked Himself with Abraham and Moses in the story of Lazarus and the rich man. In so doing He linked the leading characters of the three kingdom ages.

A big problem in the church is the way we structure authority. For, in many cases, we apply structures that apply to previous kingdom ages.

So let's see what is applicable to today's third kingdom age.

God always has a man or woman for the times. One who is fully sold out to Him and available to be used in whatever way God chooses.

The question He asks each one of us is, "Are you available?"

"God, use me in which ever way you choose - be it big, small, or even, not at all. I surrender everything to you."

TORAH SCROLL

Illustration of an Ancient Torah Scroll

Source: http://www.bible-history.com