Session 2: The Church and Israel: A Defense of Replacement Theology
Posted by: michaelp in Fall 2008Fall 2007 Online Certificate Students:
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What is the relationship between Israel and the Church? Did the Church replace Israel in the program of God, or does God have a future plan for them distinct from the Church? Why is there so much hostility displayed between the Covenant view of the Church and the Dispensational view? This session will give an explanation and defense of the view that the Church replaced Israel in the program of God. Consideration will be given to the covenants of God as a guide to understanding the issues involved in these ecclesiological debates
Introduction [18:38m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download What is the Relationship Between the Church and Israel? [21:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download What is Replacement Theology? [10:52m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
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September 5th, 2008 at 10:28 am
1. During class we discussed the fact that God entered into time to choose to make a unilateral (one sided) unconditional covenant with an obscure individual named Abraham. There is nothing in Scripture that would suggest that Abraham was more deserving than anyone else. In fact, we are told that he came from a family of idol worshippers (Josh. 24:2)
How does the fact that God make this covenant with Abraham help you to understand God’s intention to redeem man?
In my opinion, this example of God choosing Abraham is another example of God’s sovereign choice and grace. Abraham did nothing on his own to win God’s favor or merit to inherit a promise. Abraham was chosen by God to bless all nations, and it was not due to anything Abraham did.
How does this help you understand the meaning of grace? Explain, giving examples of how this meaning applies to you.
For me, God choosing Abraham was a powerful example of God’s grace. Abraham’s family had served other gods. Abraham did nothing to earn God’s favor. God, out of his grace and love, intervened directly into the life of Abraham to give him a wonderful promise and a relationship with him. In my life, God has intervened in my life to give me a relationship with Him, not because of anything I have done, but due only to His grace and love for me.
2. Read Gen. 12:1-3.
In what ways is it that Abraham is a blessing to the entire world?
Abraham became the father of the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people through whom our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came from. It was Abraham’s line that Jesus came from. In this way, Jesus resurrection has blessed the entire world by providing the forgiveness of sins.
Read Gal. 3:6-9, 13-14 and further discuss this question.
Abraham set an example of faith by believing God. This goes to the heart of the question as to what God wants from us. He wants us to believe Him and follow Him. God credited Abraham because Abraham believed God. Abrahams did no action that caused God to credit righteousness to him, rather Abraham believed.
3. Compare Gal. 3:16 (if your Bible uses the words “seed” or “seeds” replace them with “descendent” or “descendents” and Gen. 12:7.
Galatians 3:16 is Paul’s argument that Christ is the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham. Genesis 12:7 seems to be an argument that Abraham’s people will receive the land of Canaan.
If Christ is the quintessential (ultimate) seed of Abraham, could His future reign in the New Jerusalem be considered fulfillment of the land promise God made to Abraham? (Read Rev. 21:1-3)
I think it is possible. Although, I believe that God had made promises to Israel that they will inherit the land. Current events have certainly made me think more about the OT covenants and their implication for Israel.
4. God gave the Mosaic Covenant which was a bi-lateral covenant (obligations on both sides). It contained over 600 separate laws with blessings for those who fulfilled them and curses for those who did not.
Do you think that God believed that the Israelites might be able to fulfill and properly mediate (offer it to the world) this covenant?
I do not presume to know what God is always thinking. Although, from the Scripture we do have, we know that God gave us the law so we would be aware of our sin and need for Him to save us. In a way, God is showing us how holy He is, how just He is and how perfect He is. We are by nature unable to keep the law and the law revealed this to us.
If God did not believe that the Israelites would be able to do this, why did He give it to them?
The purpose of the law was to demonstrate our inherit sinfulness and show how holy God is and how much we need Him to deliver us. The law showed us who we are and meant to bring us to repentance and point us to the Messiah.
What relationship does the Mosaic Covenant have with the Abrahamic Covenant? In other words, how might the Mosaic Covenant be a mediator (a way of fulfillment) of the Abrahamic Covenant?
The Mosaic Covenant builds on the Abrahamic Covenant by revealing more of God’s plan for Israel and man. How it is a mediator of the Abrahamic Covenant I am not completely certain. To a degree, Jesus Christ fulfilled the law and ultimately provided the way of salvation by fulfilling the law, dying and rising from the dead. In this way, God provided forgiveness and salvation to all nations, thereby fulfilling the Abrahamic Covenant.
5. Read Jer. 31:31-34 and Heb. 8:1-8. How is it that the New Covenant, with the Christ as the Priest, is a better mediator (way of fulfillment) of the Abrahamic Covenant than the Mosaic Covenant?
Certainly, Christ blessed all nations through His death and resurrection. The New Covenant represents God’s forgiveness of sins and placing of the Holy Spirit within people. This too is a blessing to all people and nations. In this way, the New Covenant is a greater fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant versus the Mosaic Covenant.
6. Many dispensationalists have argued that Replacement Theology is a heretical departure from the clear truth of God’s word. In what ways has the lesson helped you to evaluate this claim?
In this lesson we have examined the defense of and argument against Replacement Theology. I have learned to understand the arguments for Replacement Theology and the reasons why people believe it. I think there are many logical arguments that have led many distinguished and respected Christian thinkers and leaders throughout church history. I am waiting to go through the second part of this lesson before making a larger claim of knowledge of this subject.
7. It was discussed in class that early in Church history the Jewish nation, from a human perspective, was blamed for the death of Christ. This gave credence to Replacement Theology.
In what ways was the Jewish nation responsible for the death of Christ?
The Sanhedrin of the time had certainly conspired to arrest and crucify Christ. There were also faithful Jews at the time. It was the leadership of the Jewish nation, under Roman rule and oversight that arrested and crucified Christ.
In what ways are all people responsible for the death of Christ?
Christ died for the sins of the ungodly, which I and every man and woman are a part of. It is due to the sinfulness of mankind that God chose to come down and make a way of salvation through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
8. How was your thinking challenged the most by the lesson? Explain.
My thinking was challenged a great deal in this lesson. The relationship between Israel and the church is an important question and one with various views and perspectives. I find it interesting how world events throughout history have partly shaped the church’s perspective on this issue. I look forward to the next section.
September 5th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Group Discussion Questions #2
1. During class we discussed the fact that God entered into time to choose to make a unilateral (one sided) unconditional covenant with an obscure individual named Abraham. There is nothing in Scripture that would suggest that Abraham was more deserving than anyone else. In fact, we are told that he came from a family of idol worshipers (Josh 24-2).
How does the fact that God made this covenant with Abraham help you to understand God’s intention to redeem man?
God’s grace is offered to undeserving, unrighteous man. Abraham responded to God’s call to salvation and by faith (Heb. 11:8) Abraham responded. I received salvation this same way, as does everyone who comes to Chris tin repentance of sin.
How does this help you understand the meaning of the grace? Explain, giving examples of how this meaning applies to you.
In Eph. 2:8-9 proceeds faith. In other words, God acts first in relationship to man. That “Grace that comes before” is offered to us “sinners” (Rom. 5:8) and in response “by faith” we are saved.
2. Read Gen. 12:1-3. In what ways is it that Abraham is a blessing to the entire world?
The descendents of Abraham have been great inventors and great philanthropists. Certainly, as we look at history, we see how those “children of Abraham” have blessed the world through literature, the arts, politically, etc… But it is in Christ that this prophetic covenant is fulfilled ultimately.
Read Gal. 3:6-9, 13-14 and further discuss this question.
I feel verse 9 of Galatians chapter 3 is key: “So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham the believer.” Just as Abraham believed (responded in faith with actions) we too, coming to Christ in faith, receive eternal life. II Cor. 5:17-19 lets us know that once we have received Jesus as Savior and Lord, we have the opportunity to participate in sharing with others the good news of salvation. How else will “they” hear (Rom. 14-15)?
3. Compare Gal. 3:16 (if your Bible uses the words “seed” or “seeds” replace them with “descendent” or “descendents”) and Gen. 12:7.
Genesis 12:7 contains a phrase that occurs again and again in the Abraham narrative: “So he built an altar there to the Lord.” God’s covenant with Abraham was not ratified by a bloodless word, but rather by a series of altar rituals strung across the Middle East, all pointing forward to that other altar on Mt. Moriah where “God, in bloody garments dressed, didst purge our crimson stains” E. Baumel. This quoted from Dr. Timothy George’s Commentary on Galatians. Just as the altar in Gen. 12:7 points forward to the sacrifice on the cross, so also does the “seed” of Gen. 12:7 point to the seed which is Christ Jesus.” Paul’s main point was that all of these promises applied not only to one man, Abraham, but also to his “seed”. The word “seed” is singular, not plural; therefore, in its deepest meaning, it refers to one person, not many.” “To be “in Christ” the true seed (singular) of Abraham, is to find a new family, to become a child and heir of the promise through the adoption of grace.” Dr. Timothy George.
If Christ is the quintessential (ultimate) seed of Abraham, could His future reign in the New Jerusalem be considered fulfillment of the land promise God made to Abraham? (Read Rev. 21:1-3).
“Could” is a pretty big umbrella. It certainly “could” be that reference. I would question the advisability of building a theological promise using Rev. 21:1-3 as a prophetic fulfillment of a historical word given to Abraham.
4. God gave the Mosaic Covenant which was a bi-lateral covenant (obligations on both sides). It contained over 600 separate laws with blessings for those who fulfilled them and curses for those who did not.
Do you think that God believed that the Israelites might be able to fulfill and properly mediate (offer it to the world) this covenant?
Omniscient God knew they would not, could not, keep the covenant and provided through the sacrificial system that would point to the ultimate sacrifice of Calvary redemption and forgiveness.
If God did not believe that the Israelites would be able to do this, why did He give it to them?
God gave to us (Matt. 28:19-20) the commission to make disciples of every nation. The challenge is staggering. Though I might not meet even my part of the challenge, I must be faithful to that call. God placed before the Israelites a standard that only Christ could meet. Paul said, “I press toward the prize of the upward call…” The Mosaic Covenant points to the necessity of the Savior.
What relationship does the Mosaic Covenant have with the Abrahamic Covenant? In other words, how might the Mosaic Covenant be a mediator (a way of fulfillment) of the Abrahamic Covenant?
“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed…” Heb. 11:8. “By faith Moses…choosing rather to endure ill treatment…” Covenant - that God will provide salvation through the “seed” of Abraham to people of all the nations of the world. The Mosaic Covenant displays our inability to merit salvation in that we will always fall short of the demands of the Law.
5. Read Jer. 31:31-34 and Heb. 8:1-8. How is it that the New Covenant, with Christ as the Priest, is a better mediator (way of fulfillment) of the Abrahamic Covenant than the Mosaic?
Gal. 3:23-29 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.
Gal 3:24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor {to lead us} to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.
Gal 3:25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
Gal 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.
6. Many dispensationalists have argued that Replacement Theology is a heretical departure from the clear truth of God’s word. In what ways has the lesson helped you to evaluate this claim?
It amazes me how quickly we place barriers rather than making crooked ways straight. To deny the necessity of the Cross, or to deny resurrection, is heretical. Having a different interpretation is not. It is essential that our interpretation never supersedes scripture as truth.
7. It was discussed in class that early in Church history the Jewish nation, from a human perspective, was blamed for the death of Christ. This gave credence to Replacement Theology.
In what ways was the Jewish nation responsible for the death of Christ?
Acts 2:23 - “this {Man,} delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put {Him} to death.” God’s plan included the “godless hands” of Roman soldiers and the pressure brought to bear on Pilate by Jewish religious leaders. All acted willfully of their own accord, but it was God who determined the plan that Christ willingly embraced.
In what ways are all people responsible for the death of Christ?
Isa. 53:6 - “All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.” My sins caused Christ’s death. No one else is more to blame. Romans 5:8 - “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Yet, all share in the blame.
8. How was your thinking challenged the most by the lesson? Explain.
I struggle with a clear definition of reform theology. It seems as though it is a “slippery eel”. In the video of Soteriology, Michael referred to Arminianism as reformed, but in this lesson, Calvinist is used interchangeably with reform. Is the umbrella big enough for both, or is it exclusive to those who embrace all 5 points? Is covenant theology synonymous with reform? Or, is it counterproductive in a theological discussion to categorize; especially when the categories seem critical of another’s beliefs. Having read “The Doctrines of Grace” by Boice; I am plowing through “Arminianism” by Olsen. I am seeking to read for understanding in an open minded inquiry. Sarcasm and misinterpretation makes such studies tiring and frustrating. I respond often in kind; of which I am ashamed. Paul admonished us that “In as much as it is possible, live in peace with all men”, Rom. 12:18. Shouldn’t that highlight our discussions within the body?
September 8th, 2008 at 1:27 am
Discussion Questions 2
1. During class we discussed the fact that God entered into time to choose to make a unilateral (one sided), unconditional covenant with an obscure individual named Abraham. There is nothing in Scripture that would suggest that Abraham was more deserving than anyone else. In fact, we are told that he came from a family of idol worshipers (Joshua 24:2). How does the fact that God made this covenant with Abraham help you to understand God’s intention to redeem man?
This is another biblical example among many that demonstrate since Adam’s fall how it is always God that is seeking man rather than sinful man seeking God.
How does this help you understand the meaning of grace? Explain, giving examples of how this meaning applies to you.
Grace is God’s unmerited favor toward undeserving .people. No one can be saved without it, regardless of who they are, small or great. Just as Abraham had nothing special about him, so God has sovereignly chosen people throughout history and called them to be His sons and daughters through faith. David was the youngest in his family and though his older brother Eliab was impressive to Samuel (1 Samuel 16), he was not the one God had chosen as king. God could have easily destroyed Nineveh yet He was gracious to them and gave them warning through Jonah’s preaching.
2. Read Genesis 12:1-3. In what ways is it that Abraham is a blessing to the entire world?
Abraham’s posterity, Isaac and Jacob enjoyed a special relationship with God which continued with the descendants of Jacob’s twelve sons. They received God’s divine protection and His laws through the Mosaic covenant. This led to many blessings they received in their history. Our laws and government are based on the Judeo-Christian ethics based on Biblical principles. Finally the Messiah came and through His sacrifice and resurrection, salvation was offered to the Gentiles on a scale not before seen.
Read Galatians 3:6-9, 13-14 and further discuss this question.
We see that those who have exercised a trusting faith in God are, like Abraham are considered righteous as Abraham was. Not only that, Gentile believers are also regarded as children of Abraham.
3. Compare Galatians 3:16 (if your Bible uses the words “seed” or “seeds” replace them with “descendent” or “descendents”) and Genesis 12:7.If Christ is the quintessential (ultimate) seed of Abraham, could His future reign in the New Jerusalem be considered fulfillment of the land promise God made to Abraham? (Read Revelation 21:1-3).
It seems to me that all consider Jesus’ future reign to be the fulfillment of this to one degree or another. I believe this to be the ultimate fulfillment of the promise to Abraham, though it’s possible and to my mind likely there will be partial fulfillment for ethnic Israel in the millennial kingdom.
4. God gave the Mosaic Covenant which was a bilateral covenant (obligations on both sides). It contained over 600 separate laws with blessings for those who fulfilled them and curses for those who did not. Do you think that God believed that the Israelites might be able to fulfill and properly mediate (offer it to the world) this covenant?
In fact God knew that they would not live up to the terms of the covenant and warned them beforehand of the penalties that would happen when they did not keep it.
If God did not believe that the Israelites would be able to do this, why did He give it to them?
It was given for several purposes that I can think of. One, the nation of Israel did manage to partially obey God throughout their history from Moses to Christ and did receive some of the promises. They were protected and preserved as a people group and they provided the nation and culture from which the Savior would come from. Another reason was to show that man, in his own strength is unable to live up to what God demands. As Paul wrote in Galatians 3:24, the “law was has become our tutor to lead us to Christ so that we may be justified by faith”.
What relationship does the Mosaic Covenant have with the Abrahamic Covenant? In other words, how might the Mosaic Covenant be a mediator (a way of fulfillment) of the Abrahamic Covenant?
God took Abraham’s descendants and offered them the land and blessings promised to Abraham. As I said in the previous question the Israelites failed to live up to their end of the bargain but did not do so utterly. God worked with and through their partial obedience despite their failures.
5. Read Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:1-8. How is it that the New Covenant, with Christ as the Priest, is a better mediator (way of fulfillment) of the Abrahamic Covenant than the Mosaic?
Much of the book of Hebrews describes how the New Covenant is better than and the successor to the Mosaic Covenant. Christ’s priesthood is far superior to the Levitical; Christ’s sacrifice was the only one that could provide for the forgiveness of sins; the animal sacrifices only covered over sins, could not provide atonement and looked forward to the time when Jesus would offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice.
6. Many dispensationalists have argued that Replacement Theology is a heretical departure from the clear truth of God’s word. In what ways has the lesson helped you to evaluate this claim?
It’s kind of strange that some dispensationalists accuse Replacement Theology as heretical. As I read in Ryrie’s book, Dispensationalism, the same charge has been leveled against Dispensationalists by Replacement Theologians. This lesson has helped me to understand something of why Covenant and Replacement theologians take the positions that they do.
7. It was discussed in class that early in Church history the Jewish nation, from a human perspective, was blamed for the death of Christ. This gave credence to Replacement Theology. In what way was the Jewish nation responsible for the death of Christ?
When their Messiah appeared, they rejected Him because they were looking more for a political and military leader that would throw off Roman rule and restore the kingdom to Israel. They did not get this in Jesus Christ who also would not approve of their traditions they placed above Scripture, among other things. They then handed him over to the Romans and clamored for Him to be crucified.
In what ways are all people responsible for the death of Christ?
Even though the Jewish nation is guilty in some ways, so are we all for it was our sins and the sins of all mankind that demands punishment by a holy and just God. Jesus said in John 10:18 that no one could take His life but rather that He had the power to give it up voluntarily. This is what He had to do for it to be possible for anyone to be saved.
8. How way your thinking challenged the most by the lesson?
This lesson gave me insights as to how those who hold a Replacement Theology position think and challenged my Dispensationalist view.
September 11th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
EE -Week 2 – Group Discussion Questions;
1. During class we discussed the fact that God entered into time to choose to make a unilateral (one sided) unconditional covenant with an obscure individual named Abraham. There is nothing in Scripture that would suggest that Abraham was more deserving than anyone else. In fact, we are told that he came from a family of idol worshipers (Josh 24:2).
How does the fact that God made this covenant with Abraham help you to understand God’s intention to redeem man?
– I believe His intention has always been the best for us. Even though Adam free will fell and chose against God, He made a covenant with Abraham to give us another opportunity for an everlasting relationship with Him.
How does this help you understand the meaning of the grace? Explain, giving examples of how this meaning applies to you.
– In my own life I have rebelled against God, sinned and failed. Yet due to His love for us, me has given us all an eternal gift of salvation and everything we need thru Abraham.
2. Read Gen. 12:1–3.
In what ways is it that Abraham is a blessing to the entire world?
– “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great”
Read Gal. 3:6–9, 13–14 and further discuss this question.
– “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” “so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles”
3. Compare Gal. 3:16 (if your Bible uses the words “seed” or “seeds” replace them with “descendent” or “descendents”) and Gen. 12:7.
– in Gen 12:7 God promises the land to Abrams offspring, and in Gal 3:16 it says “”And to your offspring,” who is Christ.” The land goes to the descendants, or followers of Christ.
If Christ is the quintessential (ultimate) seed of Abraham, could His future reign in the New Jerusalem be considered fulfillment of the land promise God made to Abraham? (Read Rev. 21:1–3)
– Not sure…
4. God gave the Mosaic Covenant which was a bi-lateral covenant (obligations on both sides). It contained over 600 separate laws with blessings for those who fulfilled them and curses for those who did not.
Do you think that God believed that the Israelites might be able to fulfill and properly mediate (offer it to the world) this covenant?
– Of course He believed they could, He believes we can do all things He asks of us. But just as you and I were given free will to choose… The Israelites choose. God already had plan B in place and sent His son to mediate the covenant for us for ever.
If God did not believe that the Israelites would be able to do this, why did He give it to them?
– Not sure…
What relationship does the Mosaic Covenant have with the Abrahamic Covenant? In other words, how might the Mosaic Covenant be a mediator (a way of fulfillment) of the Abrahamic Covenant?
– The Abrahamic covenants are promises to the people. The Mosaic covenant is a blessing for obedience and curses for disobedience to the Abrahamic covenant.
5. Read Jer. 31:31–34 and Heb. 8:1–8. How is it that the New Covenant, with Christ as the Priest, is a better mediator (way of fulfillment) of the Abrahamic Covenant than the Mosaic?
– Because they did not keep the first covenant it ended. The new covenant in Christ is forever and ever.
6. Many dispensationalists have argued that Replacement Theology is a heretical departure from the clear truth of God’s word. In what ways has the lesson helped you to evaluate this claim?
– Heretical? This whole subject is so unclear that I don’t know how one can claim heresy to this. But… time and better understanding for me will help me evaluate this better.
7. It was discussed in class that early in Church history the Jewish nation, from a human perspective, was blamed for the death of Christ. This gave credence to Replacement Theology.
In what ways was the Jewish nation responsible for the death of Christ?
–Non recognition of the Messiah. So up they put Him for blasphemy.
In what ways are all people responsible for the death of Christ?
– Our sins put Him on the cross.
8. How was your thinking challenged the most by the lesson? Explain.
– This week got really deep really fast. I had to watch the video twice.
September 11th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Group Discussion Questions::
1. During class we discussed the fact that God entered into time to choose to make a unilateral (one sided) unconditional covenant with an obscure individual named Abraham. There is nothing in Scripture that would suggest that Abraham was more deserving than anyone else. In fact, we are told that he came from a family of idol worshipers (Josh 24:2).
How does the fact that God made this covenant with Abraham help you to understand God’s intention to redeem man?
The process of redemption involves making the appropriate payment to spare the life of the one to be redeemed. Abraham in proceeding to sacrifice Isaac demonstrated the future redemption plan of God.
How does this help you understand the meaning of the grace?
Explain, giving examples of how this meaning applies to you. Process by which God redeems, sanctifies, and glorifies his people. Grace is not received through any act of mankind, but is provided through the mercy of God. Abraham and Isaac received God’s mercy in His provision of a ram as a substitute. God was showing that mankind needed redemption and what it meant to be redeemed. God planned for and completed this plan through the sacrifice of His son for His elect people. The price for my life has been paid by Jesus Christ the Son of God.
2. Read Gen. 12:1–3.
In what ways is it that Abraham is a blessing to the entire world?
Through his descendants would come the redeemer of the entire world. Through his family would come God’s chosen people, the Nation Israel, as well as, the New Covenant Israel.
Read Gal. 3:6–9, 13–14 and further discuss this question.
Faith in God is the basis for mankind’s blessing. All those who have faith in the One God of Abraham.
3. Compare Gal. 3:16 (if your Bible uses the words “seed” or “seeds” replace them with “descendent” or “descendents”) and Gen. 12:7.
If Christ is the quintessential (ultimate) seed of Abraham, could His future reign in the New Jerusalem be considered fulfillment of the land promise God made to Abraham? (Read Rev. 21:1–3) Yes, the physical promised land could equate to the spiritual New Jerusalem, the tabernacle of God among men.
4. God gave the Mosaic Covenant which was a bi-lateral covenant (obligations on both sides). It contained over 600 separate laws with blessings for those who fulfilled them and curses for those who did not.
Do you think that God believed that the Israelites might be able to fulfill and properly mediate (offer it to the world) this covenant?
No
If God did not believe that the Israelites would be able to do this, why did He give it to them?
God’s law from the beginning of creation was to show His benevolence towards His creatures. It is through mankind’s obedience to His laws that life is attained, through disobedience life is forfeited. The law was to show the way in which His people could be obedient, unfortunately, corruption led to misunderstanding about the purpose of the law.
What relationship does the Mosaic Covenant have with the Abrahamic Covenant? In other words, how might the Mosaic Covenant be a mediator (a way of fulfillment) of the Abrahamic Covenant? I don’t know that I see the Mosaic Covenant as a way of fulfillment but as a revealing or gradual unfolding of His plan that the mankind that He created should come to realize who He is and bow before Him in eternal worship. The Mosaic covenant established moral direction to His people that had not been present in the Covenant with Abraham.
5. Read Jer. 31:31–34 and Heb. 8:1–8. How is it that the New Covenant, with Christ as the Priest, is a better mediator (way of fulfillment) of the Abrahamic Covenant than the Mosaic? The mediator of the New Covenant is without Fault-sinless. Hebrews 8:1-8 indicates that the preceding covenants were not faultless.
6. Many dispensationalists have argued that Replacement Theology is a heretical departure from the clear truth of God’s word. In what ways has the lesson helped you to evaluate this claim? This lesson gave a good starting point in evaluating Replacement Theology, but much additional work in understanding what was meant in the passages was necessary. For instance, what is meant by…all the nations, the kingdom of God, or the whole nation of Israel
7. It was discussed in class that early in Church history the Jewish nation, from a human perspective, was blamed for the death of Christ. This gave credence to Replacement Theology.
In what ways was the Jewish nation responsible for the death of Christ?
Their rejection of Jesus as their messiah, allowing their leaders to arrest and turn Him over to the Roman authorities.
In what ways are all people responsible for the death of Christ?
All mankind is in disobedience Death is the penalty for disobedience. Because of this disobedience God provided for mankind’s redemption by providing a faultless substitute for us. If mankind were capable of obedience then there would have been no need for the death of Christ, but that is just not how it is, thus all mankind’s responsibility in His death.
8. How was your thinking challenged the most by the lesson? Explain.
All of the lessons were a challenge.
September 14th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
EE Session 2…Group Discussion Questions
1. During class we discussed the fact that God entered into time to choose to make a unilateral (one sided) unconditional covenant with an obscure individual named Abraham. There is nothing in Scripture that would suggest that Abraham was more deserving than anyone else. In fact, we are told that he came from a family of idol worshipers (Josh 24:2).
How does the fact that God made this covenant with Abraham help you to understand God’s intention to redeem man?
Here we see an unrighteous idol worshiper chosen by God to be redeemed. Abraham was not looking to play this key role in God’s plan for the world, but God’s plan will not be stopped. In the same way we are undeserving and unrighteous until and unless God chooses us.
How does this help you understand the meaning of the grace?
Explain, giving examples of how this meaning applies to you.
Grace is a gift we don’t deserve. Just like Abraham, I am undeserving and yet God called me to be justified through repentance and faith in Christ. And even now, as I struggle to remove sin from my life, God sticks with me because His grace is unending and his plan for me unchangeable.
2. Read Gen. 12:1–3.
In what ways is it that Abraham is a blessing to the entire world?
Jesus Christ is a descendant of Abraham. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection atoned for the sins of the world, the greatest blessing the world could ask for.
Read Gal. 3:6–9, 13–14 and further discuss this question.
Abraham was made righteous by believing the promises of God (Gen. 15:6) and Paul tells the Galatians that in the same way, justification by faith in Christ will bring blessings from God.
3. Compare Gal. 3:16 (if your Bible uses the words “seed” or “seeds” replace them with “descendent” or “descendents”) and Gen. 12:7.
In Gen. 12:7 God tells Abraham that the land will be given to his “offspring”, “descendants” or “seed”. In Gal. 3:16 Paul is making it clear that the promises of God were for Abraham and his one particular descendant: Jesus Christ.
If Christ is the quintessential (ultimate) seed of Abraham, could His future reign in the New Jerusalem be considered fulfillment of the land promise God made to Abraham? (Read Rev. 21:1–3)
I suppose it could…but it is not clear to me. Gen. 12:6-7 seems to be specifically referencing the land where Abraham is physically standing and where the Canaanites are present. Rev. 21:1-3 speaks of a place in a “new earth” after the old has passed away…Canaan adn the New Jerusalem seem separate to my mind.
4. God gave the Mosaic Covenant which was a bi-lateral covenant (obligations on both sides). It contained over 600 separate laws with blessings for those who fulfilled them and curses for those who did not.
Do you think that God believed that the Israelites might be able to fulfill and properly mediate (offer it to the world) this covenant?
No. I think God knew all mankind was in need of a Savior and His plan to redeem His fallen creation was already underway. The Mosaic Covenant was part of that plan and Paul tells us “the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ.” (Gal. 3:24).
If God did not believe that the Israelites would be able to do this, why did He give it to them?
Gal. 3:24 (see above).
Rom. 3:20 “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.”
What relationship does the Mosaic Covenant have with the Abrahamic Covenant? In other words, how might the Mosaic Covenant be a mediator (a way of fulfillment) of the Abrahamic Covenant?
In Gal. 3:15-16 Paul explains that the Abrahamic Covenant was a promise God made to Abraham and his seed (singular) who is Christ. Paul further explains that the law was put in place to lead us to Christ (v.24). In the law we realize we need a Savior, we come to Christ and place our trust in Him, who was the only one to ever live a sinless life. Paul then shows us in vv.26-29 that if we trust in Christ we are all one in Christ and therefore Abraham’s seed and heirs of the promise. This brings us back to what Paul laid out at the start of the chapter in v.14: “He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the gentiles through Jesus Christ, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”
5. Read Jer. 31:31–34 and Heb. 8:1–8. How is it that the New Covenant, with Christ as the Priest, is a better mediator (way of fulfillment) of the Abrahamic Covenant than the Mosaic?
The writer of Hebrews tells us that New Covenant is “superior to the old one” (Heb. 8:6) because it is established on better promises: the law will move from an “outside” thing to inside our hearts and minds, all will know the Lord and their sins will be forgiven. The writer is basically saying that the New Covenant will remove the need for the old rules, regulations and sacrifices of the old covenant. With the New Covenant established, we will receive the promises through faith in Christ with the law in our conscience.
6. Many dispensationalists have argued that Replacement Theology is a heretical departure from the clear truth of God’s word. In what ways has the lesson helped you to evaluate this claim?
I think this lesson goes a long way to show that Replacement (or Covenant) Theology is not “heretical”, but is in fact a reasonable way to look at the promises of God. By showing that the Abrahamic Covenant was meant for Abraham and Christ, and by extension anyone in Christ, we see how the Church, those who have come to a saving faith in Christ, now inherit the promises God gave to Israel.
7. It was discussed in class that early in Church history the Jewish nation, from a human perspective, was blamed for the death of Christ. This gave credence to Replacement Theology.
In what ways was the Jewish nation responsible for the death of Christ?
The Jewish religious leaders conspired to have Jesus killed because his teachings questioned their authority, knowledge and power.
In what ways are all people responsible for the death of Christ?
All of us nailed Jesus to the cross in that he died for all of our sins.
8. How was your thinking challenged the most by the lesson? Explain.
My thinking was most challenged in the examination of the relationship between the Mosaic, Abrahamic and New Covenants. Trying to settle in my mind how the law was a blessing, how Christ is the mediator between the the Mosaic and Abrahamic and then how Christ serves a much better role of Priest in the New Covenant.