two israels

There is a distinction between Israel of the flesh and the Church (the new spiritual Israel) and that the Church does not replace geographical Israel but comes out of Israel (the camp) as a remnant, joint as 'one new man' with a remnant of Gentile believers (you and me and others who are saved) who also have found salvation by entering the narrow way which is Christ. Moreover, physical apostate Israel of the flesh carries on in the Lord's prophetic timetable, until they are brought to their knee's by great calamity and tribulation when they will finally call out to the One whom they pierced. Which means ... there are two distinct groups here in scripture, where a remnant from each group can join as 'one new man' because Christ at the cross has smashed down the dividing wall separating them both.

Eph. 2: 14 - 18. "For he is our (the remnant people of God) peace, who hath made both (Jew and Gentile) one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us (Jew and Gentile); Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances (the Old Covenant); for to make in himself of twain (Jew and Gentile) one new man (the Body of Christ), so making peace; And that he might reconcile both (Jew and Gentile) unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you (Gentile) which were afar off, and to them that were nigh (Jew). For through him we both (Jew and Gentile) have access by one Spirit unto the Father."

Now as far as Israel of Old goes, who followed their Rock in the wilderness which was Christ, this can be seen in type, or shadow, or in picture of the Church in the New. Therefore, the principles, lessons, and examples to learn, can be seen or applied from the copy or example of the Old:

Heb. 8:5. "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount."

James 5:10. "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience."

1 Cor. 10:11. "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."

That's why we read the stories in the OT and apply them to us in a spiritual sense ... to the remnant who belong to the New Jerusalem, the spiritual Mount Zion, the heavenly tabernacle, the circumcision of the heart.

In regards to the 10 virgins ... I do not believe they have no relevance for the Church and believe verse 13 at the end of the parable was just as much for the Church as it was for Jesus disciples back then ... "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." Therefore, if this verse is for the benefit of the 'one new man' in Christ, then so is the whole parable, just as the other parable is. I've heard so much teaching that implies the parable of the sower is for us today but the rest was for the Jews back then. What mumbo jumbo'd nonsense I say!

As far as the marriage goes, it was just about to happen and was not past tense as verse 10 reveals. Other parables show how only those who were wearing the white robes (the righteousness of Christ) could enter the wedding banquet. Which fits in with the 10 virgins. Admittedly, the virgins were not the Bride (as this would support polygamy) but they were a part of the bridal party. Understanding ... no bridal party, then no Bride ... no Bride, then no wedding! Remember, in other parables guests were allowed to the wedding (on God's terms of course) but were not referred to as the Bride as in this case too. This did not exempt them from being a member of the Body upon entering through the door (which is Christ).

True, we do have the oil and are sealed by the Holy Spirit. However, we are exalted to be continually filled with the Spirit and to walk in the Spirit moment by moment so that we will not succumb to the flesh or make any allowance for the flesh. Additionally, James makes it clear that by succumbing to the flesh the believer will end in eventual spiritual death:

"Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

Moreover, James goes on and warns us (the remnant, the believers) with these sobering words, "Do not err, my beloved brethren"!

If a believer can't sin, or fall, or err, or get snagged by the flesh, or give into a lust, then why has this verse been placed here for us to give heed to? If it is impossible for us to rebel or fall then it would not make sense. In addition, if a believer was drawn away from the word and became a forgetful hearer, by becoming unmindful of other things crowding it out, would he not be on a backsliding path, unless he pulled his socks up, and got back into the Spirit?

Eph 4:30 says, "grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption". In a similar sense 2 Cor 11:2 says, "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." If we read the other verses in context to the verses just mentioned then a different pattern arises which needs seriously questioning I feel. Eph 4:

27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
1 ¶ Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
3 ¶ But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

If a Christian could not backslide from the faith or err from the truth then it would not make sense for Paul to warn and exhort us. Nor be concerned for us ... like, not giving "place to the devil" and making sure we were walking as children of the light, plus all the other requirements and commands.

2 Cor 11: 1-3: "Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."

The question that needs to be asked in alliance with above portion of scripture is why did Paul fear for his brethren that they would be beguiled like Eve, if they could not be deceived or beguiled?

Summing everything on this post, and at the end of the day, we need to decide through rightly dividing the word of truth whether there is such a person as a backslider in the Church or if there is no such thing as a backslider in the Church? Also, whether those who have bailed out of the faith, or are not letting go of the faith, or have turned back from the faith, are considered to have not tasted of the Lord in the first place? The second analysis just mentioned here I refute strongly and leave my reasons based on scripture for others to ponder over and come to their own conclusion by rightly dividing the word of truth for themselves:

If Israel of Old (His Chosen then) could backslide then why can't His chosen now (spiritual Israel) backslide, if they fail to heed the things they need to? Especially when it is there as our warning and example? Oh, how we love to quote Proverbs! However, does this verse not have relevance to the believer today?

Pr. 14:14. "The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself."

Paul said if a believer goes and joins himself to a harlot he is one with her. Therefore, Christians who commit adultery with the Whore (the IC) are no longer a virgin but a whore themselves. Unless they call out for mercy of course!

Jer. 3:8. "And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also."

Was there forgiveness for Israel? Yes, on the grounds of repentance:

Hosea 14:4. "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him"

Is there forgiveness for the backslider today? Yes, on the grounds of forgiveness:

1 John 1:9. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

There are 18 verses in scripture using the word 'backsliding', or 'backslidings', or 'backslider'. I'm sure they are there for admonishing, reproving, correcting, and training His called out people in righteousness, as we rightly divide the word of truth. Ps. 43:3:

"O may the Lord send out His light and thy truth: and let them lead us."

Following is an added comment ... Was Lot's wife there for warning and admonishing the New Testament believers? If she was not then why does Luke 17:32 exhort us to ...

"Remember Lot's wife"!!!

"And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

Good enough for Israel then good enough for the whole Body of Christ, present tense!

May '98. Updated last 20/6/05 NZ.

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