The Many Covenants Of Scripture . . .

3. Scripture: "That at that time you were without CHRIST, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without GOD in the world, { Ephesians 2:12 }."

4. The above { V. 12 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "That at that time you [ Gentiles were separated and ] were [ living apart from Israel ] without CHRIST, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and [ you had no hope and no promise; without GOD ] strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without GOD in the world,"

5. Scripture: "Who are Israelites; to whom pertains 'the adoption [ as a nation' ], and [ had the glorious Shekinah glory ] the glory, and the [ 'special ] covenants, and the giving of the law,' and of 'the [ Temple ] service of GOD,' and the promises, { Romans 9:4 }." See { Exodus 4:22; - & - Hosea 11:1 }

6. Commentary . . . One should notice that in the above verse in Romans, there are six things which are associated with the Hebrew Nation. Naturally some of the things in type are applied to the BODY OF CHRIST Dispensation. In the prison Epistles that the Apostle Paul wrote we find "adoption" in { Ephesians 1:5 }, "promise" { 2- Timothy 1:1; - & - Ephesians 1:13 }, and the glory in { 2- Timothy 2:10 } which are all applied to the BODY OF CHRIST Dispensation. Paul mentions a certain promise to Abraham and his descendants as follows,

7. { V. 14 } Scripture: "That the blessings of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through JESUS CHRIST; that we might receive the promise of the [ HOLY ] SPIRIT through faith.

8. { V. 17 }: And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of GOD in CHRIST, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

9. The above { V. 17 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "And this I say, that the covenant [ concerning the MESSIAH ], that was confirmed before of GOD in CHRIST, the Mosaic Law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul [ the covenant previously established and "ratified" by GOD or ], that it should [ abolish the former covenant and ] make the promise of none effect.

10. { V. 29 }: And if you be CHRIST's, then are you Abraham's seed, and [ 'spiritual ] heirs according to the promise' { Galatians 3:14, 17, 29 }."

12. { V. 25 } Scripture: "You 'are [ Descendants,' Israelite's ] the children of the prophets, 'and [ heirs' ] of the covenant which GOD made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your 'seed [ Heir, MESSIAH' ] shall the kindreds of the earth be blessed,

13. { V. 26 }: "[ It was ] Unto you first GOD, having raised up His SON JESUS [ and, then the FATHER ] sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his 'iniquities [ wicked ways' ], { Acts 3:25-26 }." See { Genesis 22:18; - & - Galatians 3:16 }.

15. { V. 25 } Scripture... "For I would not, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

16. { V. 26 }: And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

17. { V. 27 }: For this is My Covenant to them, when I shall take away their sins.

18. { V. 28 }: As concerning the Gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes, { Romans 11:25-28 }."

19. The above { Vs. 25-28 } paraphrased in commentary form . . .

{ 25 } Scripture: "For I would not, brethren, that you should be ignorant [ self opinionated because ] of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness and a hardening and insensibility in part is [ temporarily ] happened to Israel [ to last ], until the fulness [ or rather unto a full number of the in-gathering ] of the Gentiles be come in . . .

{ 26 }: And so all Israel [ speaking of those who are of the Saved Remnant of Jews and have refused to take the mark of the beast during the Tribulation Period, these: ] shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall [ banish and ] turn away ungodliness from 'Jacob [ Israel,' and from all those who are saved after the Beginning of the Millennial reign of MESSIAH ] . . .

{ 27 }: For this is to be 'My Covenant [ and agreement' ] to them, when I shall take away their sins. See { Jeremiah 31:33; - & - Isaiah 27:9 } . . .

{ 28 }: As concerning 'the Gospel [ good news' ], 'they the Hebrews at the present' are enemies of MESSIAH GOD, for 'your sakes advantage and benefits': but as touching the point of view of GOD's choice of election and of Divine selection, they the Hebrews are still the beloved [ whom are dear to ALMIGHTY GOD ] for the FATHERs' sakes { Romans Ch. 11 }."

21. { V. 5 } Scripture: "Now therefore, if you will obey My voice, and keep My Covenant, then you shall be a 'peculiar [ protected' ] 'treasure to Me [ from among' and ] above all people: for all the earth is mine. [ During the Millennial reign of MESSIAH ]:

22. { V. 6 }: And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests, and 'an holy nation. [ Consecrated, and set apart to the worship of GOD' ]. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel { Exodus 19:5-6 }." [ The New Covenant from GOD JEHOVAH to Israel is found in the book of Jeremiah ].

23. { V. 31 } Scripture: "Behold, the days come says the LORD, that I will make a New Covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah. See { Luke 22:20; - & - 1- Corinthians 11:25 }, . . . [ This is to be a future Covenant with the Israelis ].

24. { V. 32 }: Not according to the Covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which My Covenant they broke, although I was an husband to them [ in the Hebrew engagement ceremony ], says the LORD.

25. { V. 33 }: But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the House of Israel; after those days, says the LORD, I will put My law "in their inward parts [ in their hearts . . . minds" ] and write it in their 'hearts [ minds' ]; and will be their GOD, and they shall be My people { Jeremiah 31:31-33 }."

27. { V. 6 }: Scripture "Wherefore say to the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

28. The above { V. 6 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Therefore say to the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will 'rid [ free' ] you out of their bondage, and I will [ be your Kinsman- Redeemer and will ] 'redeem [ and rescue' ] you with a stretched out arm,' and with [ special and vigorous action. . . and by mighty acts' of ] great judgments . . .

29. { V. 7 }: And I will take you to [ and, with ] Me for a people, and I will be to you a GOD: and you shall know that I am the LORD your GOD, which brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

30. { V. 8 }: And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it [ to ] you for an heritage: I am the LORD [ you have the pledge of My changeless omnipotence and faithfulness ], { Exodus 6:6-8 }."

31. Scripture . . . "You [ LORD ] 'in your mercy [ and loving kindness' ] have led forth the people which You have redeemed: You have guided them in Your strength into Your Holy habitation { Exodus 15:13 }." See { Hosea 2:19 }.

No. 1. . . The Covenant 0f Redemption . . .

34. Scripture: "Resting "In hope of eternal life, [ life ] which [ the ever- truthful ] GOD that cannot lie [ or deceive ], promised before the world [ or ages of time ] began { Titus 1:2 }."

35. Scripture: "Now the GOD of peace, that brought again from the dead our LORD JESUS, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the "everlasting" Covenant, { Hebrews 13:20 }."

36. The above { V. 20 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Now the GOD of peace [ who is the author of peace ], that brought again from [ among ] the dead our LORD JESUS CHRIST, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood [ that sealed, ratified the guarantee ] the "everlasting" Covenant, [ agreement, 'Testament' ]."

37. Commentary . . . These words in Titus: "In hope of eternal life," is connected with the whole preceding sentence. The Apostle Paul states . . . That whereon rests my aim as an apostle to promote the elect's faith and full knowledge of the truth, is, . . . "the hope of eternal life" { Titus 3:7 }." See { also Titus 2:13; Acts 23:6; 24:15; - & - 28:20 }. "GOD is One that cannot lie!" Again the Apostle states . . .,

38. Scripture: "GOD forbid: yes, let GOD be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That you might be justified in your sayings, and might overcome when you are judged, { Romans 3:4 }." See { Hebrews 6:18 } below . . .

39. Scripture: "Who has saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and Grace, which was given us in CHRIST JESUS before the world began, { 2- Timothy 1:9 }."

40. The above { V. 9 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "For it is CHRIST JESUS Who delivered and has saved us, and called us with an holy calling to a life of consecration, and a vocation of holiness, CHRIST performed it, not according to our works that we have performed, but according to His own purpose and His unmerited favor and Grace, which was given us in CHRIST JESUS before the world began [ in the eternal ages ago ], { 2- Timothy 1:9 }."

41. { V. 16 } Scripture: "For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for conformation is to them an end to all strife.

42. { V. 17 }: Wherein GOD, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath:

43. { V. 18 }: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for GOD to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

44. { V. 19 }: Which hope we have as an anchor of the sole, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil;

45. { V. 20 }: Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even JESUS, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec, { Hebrews 6:16-20 }."

46. The above { Vs. 16-20 } paraphrased in commentary form . . .

{ 16 }: "Men indeed swear by a greater [ than themselves ], and with them in all disputes the oath taken for confirmation is final . . . ending strife. . . .

{ 17 }: Accordingly GOD also, in His desire to show more convincingly and beyond doubt, to those who were to inherit the promise, the unchangeableness of 'His purpose [ counsel' ] and plan, intervened [ mediated ] with an oath. . . .

{ 18 }: This was so that by two unchangeable things [ His promises and His oath ], in which it is impossible for GOD to ever prove false or deceive us, we who have fled [ to Him ] for refuge [ that we ] might have mighty indwelling strength and strong encouragement to grasp and hold fast the hope appointed for us and set before [ us ]. . . .

{ 19 }: [ Now ] we have this [ hope ] as a sure and a steadfast anchor of the soul . . . it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever steps out upon it . . . [ a hope ] that reaches farther and enters into [ the very certainty of the Presence ] within the veil, see { Leviticus 16:2. } . . .

{ 20 }: Where JESUS has entered in for us [ in advance ], a Forerunner having become a High priest forever after the order [ with the rank ] of Melchizedek. See { Psalm 110:4 }.

47. Commentary . . . 16. An oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Or perhaps, in all their disputes, an oath is final for confirmation. 18. Two immutable things. The promise made to Abraham and the oath that rests on the very being of GOD. 19. Within the veil. I.e., in the presence of GOD. Christians have as strong encouragement as did Abraham in his time, because JESUS has already entered into the presence of GOD the FATHER and assures us of our entrance into Heaven as well. CHRIST has gone ahead into Heaven, and as our hope/anchor, though out of sight, He holds us secure, especially in times of troubles. 20. Forerunner. A word used of a scout reconnoitering or of a herald announcing the coming of a king, or as ambassadors such as Christians are commanded to be, see { 2- Corinthians 5:17-21 }. The concepts mentioned imply that others are to follow.

49. GOD's covenant to Abraham was based on two immutable [ unchangeable ] elements. First, GOD's promise was based upon His Own unchanging ward. He cannot lie; He will not allow His word to fail { Matthew 5:28; - John 10:35; - & - 17:17 }. What He says, He will do. Further, His word was confirmed by His oath. And since He can swear by none greater, He swears by Himself. If in any way His word would not be sufficient, He bases His promise upon His Own holy character. GOD's covenant to Abraham is irreversible. It is as immutable as GOD Himself. That truth did not provide assurance for Abraham alone, but it applies equally to us who have received the salvation provided in the Abrahamic covenant. The author has focused upon the appropriate text to prove the security of salvation which he desires his readers to have.

50. Starting at the end of { V. 18 }, the author uses three illustrative pictures to demonstrate the security of being in CHRIST. First, it is described as being a safe protection to the believer, as the six cities of refuge in the Old Testament were to those allowed their protection { Numbers 35:6-32 }. Second, our hope is sure and steadfast as a well placed, unbending anchor. Our anchor is not located in the deepest sea, but in the highest Heaven. It is fixed in the surest of all places . . . in the sanctuary of Heaven itself. The third figure is that of a forerunner. Though the figure changes, the location does not. Our Forerunner is likewise positioned in the sanctuary of Heaven. As our Forerunner, JESUS is far different from the Old Testament priests.

51. The Old Testament high priest could represent and intercede for the people within the sanctuary, the Holy of Holies; but he could not take the people into it. As our Forerunner, JESUS has opened the way before us, that eventually [ but certainly ] we might enter in with Him. The warning passage ends where it began, speaking of JESUS as a priest according to the priesthood of Melchizedek. It is the author's hope that his readers would no longer be sluggish in hearing, see { Hebrews 5:11, } but would be ready to grapple with the new Christian doctrine. If the reader wishes to study about the priestly order of Melchizedek he should study Hebrews chapter { 7:1-28 }. The thesis that CHRIST is superior to the Levitical high priest actually begins in { Hebrews 4:14 }. Due to the immaturity of the readers, our author of Hebrews has not yet presented the main part of his argument. He now does this as we have said- in chapter 7. CHRIST's ministry is proven to be superior, for His priesthood is after the order of Melchizedek!

52. In eternity past, GOD promised mankind even before man was created that salvation would be a guaranteed fact for those who would follow the dictates of the Trinitarian GOD-head in His program for them. This we believe was even before sin was instituted by Satan. The writer who wrote the Book of Hebrews must of thought of this when he penned { V. 20 } above. As the reader can see, many of the Covenants are everlasting covenants as the above verses indicates.

54. Commentary . . . This is actually not called a Covenant but several Theologians consider it as such. It is spoken of in { Genesis 3:14-19 }. This Scripture points to a Divine condition which is to shape the life of humanity after the fall of man and during the "Dispensation of Conscience," as given in { Genesis 3:14-19 }. It concerned the curse upon Satan, a wonderful promise of the Redeemer CHRIST, how the woman's state would be changed, a curse upon the earth until CHRIST's Second Coming, the fact that sorrow in the life of mankind would now began, difficult rigorous toilsome labor, and the physical death of the human body.

56. { V. 9 } Scripture: "And I, behold, I establish My Covenant with you, and with your seed after you;

57. { V. 10 }: And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the Ark, to every beast of the earth.

58. { V. 11 }: And I will establish My Covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there be any more a flood to destroy the earth { Genesis 9:9-11 }." See { Ch. 8:20-22 }.

59. Commentary . . . Notice the various conditions for the life of man upon the earth. This Covenant ushered in the "Dispensation of Human Government" and its "Sign" is the Rainbow. The fear of mankind is now to be bestowed upon the animal kingdom and now the earth's people are to be allowed to eat the flesh of animals. Also notice that humans are forbidden to partake of blood in their diet; from now on authority is given to practice capital punishment. Never before this time could capital punishment concerning a death sentence be given for a crime { Genesis 4:15 }. Men are now able to govern the world and this is why this is called "the Dispensation of human government." This Covenant proceeds until the "Renovation of the earth by fire," of which it is the type. Notice the word "Everlasting" in { V. 16 }, this Covenant cannot be annulled.

61. { V. 14 } Scripture: "And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now your eyes, and look from the place where you are northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:

62. { V. 15 }: For all the land which you see, to you will I give it, and to your seed forever. See { Acts 7:5 }.

63. { V. 16 }: And I will make your seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall your seed also be numbered.

64. { V. 17 }: Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto you, { Genesis 13:14-17 }."

65. Commentary. . . Nothing in the text states that Abraham had to immediately begin walking through the land. Naturally it would take him a long period of time to travel where GOD had told him to walk. It is believed that Abraham was born around the year 2000 B. C. which would not have been long after the tower of Babel was constructed. GOD, we believe, had given up on the human race because of the evil conditions which had come about during the previous Dispensations which condition is referred to in { Romans 1:21-32 }. The fact is, GOD could have left mankind in the degrading and lost state in which he had become. The LORD as we know had other plans as is brought out in { Genesis 12:1-3 }. He had chosen Abraham from the city of Ur of Chaldea, in order that the nations of the world would be blessed by the descendants of this great man. The nation of Israel would be established through Abraham's seed and through this seed the entire world would be blessed. See { Genesis Ch. 12 }. JEHOVAH also promised to bestow upon him and his Hebrew descendants the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession. The Apostle Paul based his teaching concerning justification by faith apart from works by what had been written in { Genesis 15:6 }. Paul wrote . . .

66. Scripture: "For what says the scripture? Abraham believed GOD, and it was counted unto him for righteousness, { Romans 4:3 }."

68. Scripture: "And the same day the LORD made 'a covenant [ promise, a pledge' ] with Abram, saying, Unto your seed [ descendants ] have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates, { Genesis 15:18 }."

69. { V. 2 } Scripture: "And I will make 'My covenant [ solemn pledge' ] between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.

70. { V. 3 }: And Abram fell on his face: and GOD talked with him, saying,

71. { V. 4 }: As for Me, behold, My 'Covenant [ solemn pledge' ] is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations.

72. { V. 5 }: Neither shall your name any more be called 'Abram [ high father' ], but your name shall be 'Abraham [ father of multitudes' ]; for a father of many nations have I made you.

73. { V. 6 }: And I will make you exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come out of you.

74. { V. 7 }: And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and 'your seed [ descendants' ] after you in their generations for an "EVERLASTING COVENANT" [ solemn pledge ] to be a GOD unto you, and to your 'seed [ posterity' ] after you. See { Galatians 3:16 }.

75. { V. 8 }: And I will give unto you, and to your seed [ posterity ] after you, the land wherein [ in which ] you are a stranger [ going from place to place, over ] all the land of Ca'naan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their GOD. See { Acts 7:5; - Genesis 12:7; - & - 17:8 }.

76. { V. 9 }: And GOD said unto Abraham, you shall keep My Covenant therefore, you and your seed [ descendants ] after you in their generations.

77. { V. 10 }: This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you [ and your posterity ]; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.

78. { V. 11 }: And you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be 'a token [ a sign' ] of the covenant [ the promise or pledge ] between Me and you.

79. { V. 12 }: And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, [ whether it is ] he that is born 'in the [ your' ] house, or bought 'with [ your' ] money of [ or from ] any stranger [ foreigner ], which is not of your seed [ offspring ].

80. { V. 13 }: He that is born in your house, and he that is bought with your money, must needs be circumcised: and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

81. { V. 14 }: And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant { Genesis 17:2-14 }."

82. Commentary. . . As we see the sign of this Covenant is "Circumcision" notice also that this is an everlasting Covenant, in { Ch. 17:1-8 }. See { Ch. 13:14-17 }. This Covenant extends to the purging of this earth around THE YEAR 3,000 A.D. and also takes in the "New Earth Forever." See { Revelation 21:1 - & - 2- Peter 3:7-13 }. Some believe that we today are under the promises of this covenant. The Apostle Paul has never stated that the BODY OF CHRIST is under the program of any covenant or ordinance of outward works! On the other hand, He does state that the BODY OF CHRIST are children and of the seed of Abraham, see { Galatians 3:7; - & - 3:29 }. According to this, it seems that a Covenant and the promises that are made to the BODY OF CHRIST are synonymous. Concerning the Abrahamic seed, his posterity . . .

83. { V. 8 } Scripture "And the Scripture, foreseeing that GOD would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the Gospel unto Abraham, saying, In you shall all nations be blessed.

84. The above { V. 8 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "And the Scripture, foreseeing that GOD would justify [ and declare righteousness and put in right standing in Himself ] the "heathen [ Gentiles" ] through faith [ had ], preached [ and proclaimed a long time ] before 'the Gospel [ Glad tidings of a Saviour' ] unto Abraham, saying, In you shall all nations be blessed.

85. { V. 9 }: So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham, { Galatians 3:8-9 }." See { Genesis 12:3 }.

86. { V. 17 } Scripture: "And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before GOD in CHRIST, the Law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

87. { V. 18 }: For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but GOD gave it to Abraham by promise.

88. { V. 19 }: Therefore then serve the law? [ that is, what then was the purpose of the law? ] It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

89. { V. 20 }: Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but GOD is One, { Galatians 3:17-20 }."

90. Commentary . . . The Law was given to Israel because of their transgressions. i.e., to make sins known and to restrain the people. The Law was mediated through angels and Moses, whereas the Covenant with Abraham was given directly by GOD { Genesis 15:18 }. The presence of a mediator assumes two parties, and the need of a mediator shows the inferiority of the old Law. The Law shows the world to be under sin so that the people could realize that works could not save them, only CHRIST can save! { V. 24 } of the above chapter shows that the Old Law was to act as a schoolmaster. The Greek word used here does not refer to a 'teacher' but to an 'attendant, custodian,' usually a slave whose job it was to accompany the child, train him, and discipline him. The Law was such a disciplinarian until CHRIST the true Teacher came!

91. Because, we as Children of GOD are saved by faith as Abraham was, justifies us the same as Abraham was justified, and this of course is apart from our personal works. The LORD JESUS in His physical body was a Hebrew born from a Hebrew Mother who was in turn the seed of Abraham. Since we as Saints in CHRIST are baptized into CHRIST by the HOLY SPIRIT, { I Corinthians 12:13; - Ephesians 4:5; - & - Romans 6:3, } this means that we are also Abraham's seed.

92. Commentary . . . As we have brought out above in { Genesis 17:9-14 }, all male Israelites according to this Covenant was to be circumcised as a "sign" of obedience to GOD that they would obey the ordinances of the Covenant. { V. 14 } brings out the fact that those who failed to obey this ordnance would be cut off from the LORD's people. This ordinance was the reason the nation was called the "Circumcision" by the apostle Paul when he said . . .

93. { V. 7 } Scripture: "But contrariwise, when they saw that the Gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the Gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

94. { V. 8 }: [ For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:

95. { V. 9 }: And when James, Ce'phas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived, the Grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the 'heathen, and they unto the circumcision, { Galatians 2:7-9 }."

96. The above { Vs. 7-9 } paraphrased in commentary form . . .

{ 7 }: "But contrariwise, when they really saw that the Gospel of the 'uncircumcised Gentiles' had been intrusted i.e., committed unto me to carry it to the heathenistic Gentiles, just as definitely as the Gospel of the 'circumcision - Hebrews' 'was intrusted unto Peter to proclaim;' . . .

{ 8 }: For he that worked and was motivated effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was motivated and fitted mighty in me and through me toward the Gentiles for a mighty mission . . .

{ 9 }: And when James, 'Ce'phas Peter,' and John, who seemed to be pillars, 'perceived that is, recognized, and acknowledged,' - 'the Grace of GOD's unmerited favor' that was given unto 'me Paul,' they who were reputed to be pillars of the Jerusalem Assembly gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship with the understanding; that we should go to the heathen Gentiles, and they unto the circumcised Hebrews also, { Galatians 2:7-9 }."

97. { V. 9 }: Scripture: "Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

98. { V. 10 } How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in un- circumcision.

99. { V. 11 } And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also,

100. { V. 12 }: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised, { Romans 4:9-12 }."

101. The above { Vs. 9-11 } paraphrased in commentary form . . .

{ 9 } Scripture: "Is this blessing, this happiness then meant only for the circumcised Hebrews only, or also for the uncircumcised Gentiles and Christians also? We say that faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness. . .

{ 10 }: How then was it credited to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised?. . .

{ 11 }: And, he received the sign of circumcision as a token or as an evidence or seal of the righteousness' which he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised, [ faith ] that he was to be made the father of all who truly believe though they remain yet uncircumcised; and who thus have righteousness i.e., right standing with GOD imputed to those who were believers also and credited to their account , . . .

{ 12 }: As well as to make him the father of those circumcised persons, who are not merely circumcised, but also walk in the way of that faith which our father Abraham had before he was circumcised."

102. Commentary . . . The illustration Paul gives here is that justification did not come to Abraham by faith plus circumcision. Justification was not by faith plus keeping the Mosaic law { Vs. 13-17 }; Justification was by faith alone { Vs. 18-25 } Abraham's acceptance by GOD was on the basis of faith which preceded his circumcision { Genesis Ch. 15 is before Genesis Ch. 17 }. See { Ch. 17:5, - & - Ch. 15:5 }, Before the law was given Abram was a Gentile. He became the first Hebrew, and the great, great grand father of the Hebrew nation. Isaac, the son of Abraham, was the great, grandfather of the nation. Jacob, the son of Isaac, was the grandfather and Jacob's sons became the fathers of the 12 tribes of Israel.

103. As stated, Abraham was the first person to be referred to as a Hebrew, with many descendants deriving from him. The name Hebrew comes from Eber one of his ancestors { Genesis 11:10-14 }. The name also has a wider use as a general designation for nomadic people like Abraham, who would have been considered a migrant by the Canaanites, since he came from Ur and Haran. After GOD changed Abram's name to Abraham and designated him as the first Hebrew, he now was no longer a Gentile but became the father of a new race of people, in other words, of the Circumcision the natural descendants of Abraham. These folks would proceed onward to eventually inherit the specific blessing of the Covenant. You notice that we gave the verse above stating that Peter's message to the Hebrew people is called "the Gospel of the circumcision { Galatians 2:7 }."

105. Commentary . . . This covenant was temporary and conditional which was given to Moses on Mount Sinai. It ushered in the Dispensation of the Mosaic Law. It was conditioned on obedience, and was divided into three parts, moral law, civil law and ceremonial law. See { Exodus 20:1-26; - 21:1-25; - 24:18; - 25:1; - & - 40:38. }

106. The sign of this Covenant was the Sabbath. { Exodus 31:12-18 }. The Mosaic Covenant was in force until the Kingdom Gospel was introduced by John the Baptist { Luke 16:16; - & - Matthew 11:12-13 } and fulfilled in part - on the Cross by the LORD JESUS CHRIST. It will be renewed when Israel is converted and restored to their land at the beginning of the Millennial Reign of Messiah. It has been taught by several Theologians [ "BUT NOT BY ME." ] that It will then be known as the "Palestinian Covenant," which will end with the renovation of the earth by fire." Note this please, "As we have before stated, there never was a legalized Palestinian nation." Personally, I would rather call the Covenant "the renewed Mosaic Covenant."

107. The word Palestine means "migratory" pertaining to a migration, roving, or nomad, and the Gaza strip was called "Philistia," and It was formerly occupied by the Philistines. And, also by the "Phoenicians, who were native or inhabitants of Phoenicia." Both the Philistines and the Phoenicians are extinct races of people today! This word Palestine is mentioned in { Joel 3:4 } and refers to the land where the Gaza Strip is occupied by the so-called Palestinians, Israel's enemies, who are stationed there at this very time. Incidentally, the Philistines were members of a non-Semitic race who settled on the coast of the eastern Mediterranean Sea about 1200 B.C., and with who the history of Israel was intimately connected.

109. { V. 10 } Scripture: For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. See { Deuteronomy 27:26 }.

110. { V. 11 } But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of GOD, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. See { Galatians 2:16; Romans 1:17; - & - Hebrews 2:4 };

111. { V. 12 }: And the law is not of faith: but, That man that does them shall live in them. See { Leviticus 18:5 }.

112. { V. 13 }: CHRIST has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree, See { Deuteronomy 21:23 } . . .

113. { V. 14 }: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through JESUS CHRIST; that we might receive the promise of the SPIRIT through Faith, { Galatians 3:10-14 }."

114. The above { Vs. 10-14 } paraphrased in commentary form . . .

{ 10 }: Scripture: "For as many as depend on the law and are zealous of the works of the law and are seeking to be justified by obedience to the law of rituals, these folks are under the curse and are doomed to disappointment and destruction: for it is written in the Scriptures, Cursed i.e., accursed, devoted to destruction, and doomed to eternal punishment is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. See { Deuteronomy 27:26 }.

{ 11 } But it is evident that no man is justified or declared righteous and brought into right standing by the law in the sight of GOD, it is also evident: that, The just and righteous Children of GOD shall live by faith. See { Galatians 2:16; - Romans 1:17; - & - Hebrews 2:4 };

{ 12 }: And the law does not rest on and is not of faith: but, That man that does them i.e., the things that are prescribed by the law shall live in and by the law and not by faith. See { Leviticus 18:5 }.

{ 13 }: CHRIST has redeemed us by purchasing our freedom with His own blood from the 'curse [ doom' ] of the law and its condemnation, being made a curse for us: for it is written in the Scriptures, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree [ by crucifixion ] See { Deuteronomy 21:23 } . . .

{ 14 }: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through their receiving JESUS CHRIST by the blessing promised to Abraham; that we today who are lost Hebrew or Gentiles might receive the realization of the promise of the HOLY SPIRIT through Faith, and thus, that we can be saved only by believing in the Saviour JESUS CHRIST, be Baptized by the HOLY SPIRIT Baptism of { 1- Corinthians 12:13 } into CHRIST and His BODY which is the BODY OF CHRIST today ] { Galatians 3:10-14 }."

{ 10 }: Folks, we are not to rely on any type of works for salvation during this age of Grace. Should people listen to a preacher or teacher ignorantly place them back under the Old Mosaic Law and its ordinances, this would mean that they are very unfamiliar with { Colossians 2:14 }. Thus, all people who are resting upon their works and counting on justification by their obedience to the old Law are living a lie! Two classes of people stand out in opposition: those of faith and those of works. Those who place you under the Law and its ordinances, and those of you who obey the old Mosaic ordinances and commandments place themselves under the curse of the Law, read again the 5 verses above. If you fail to listen to this advice the wrath of GOD will hang over you! People who live according to works are only heaping the LORD's wrath upon themselves. This curse includes both their present alienation from GOD and their future, eternal separation from GOD, see { John 3:18, 36 }.

116. Those under the Law stand condemned, not justified; cursed, not blessed. The Greek perfect tense indicates that GOD's Word is a permanent record { Psalm 119:89 } and shall never be altered, amended, or annulled. JESUS said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My words shall not pass away, { Mark 13:30 }. Should one allow himself to live according to the Law's old ordinances, then they must keep every iota of that Old Law, read verse 10 again. All, must be kept, not just a majority; both small and great in their sum total with no exception. "To do them." The infinitive expresses purpose. To do them fully, precisely, entirely. By keeping the ordinances of the Law during this Grace age, who could be saved? No one except our LORD JESUS CHRIST ever perfectly kept the Law all the time. To fail in just one point, one time, places one under the curse { Deuteronomy 27:26; - & - James 2:10 }. Men put themselves under the curse by putting themselves under the Law!

117. { 11 }: "No man is justified by the Law." No man ever kept it. A broken Law can only curse, not bless. "The just shall live by faith." GOD did not design the Law to be the means of justification; He designed faith for that purpose. Righteousness and faith are inseparable. Law and righteousness are total strangers. Faith is not a substitute for righteousness; it is the trust in the heart that brings one into a new relation with GOD, that of being accepted in CHRIST { Ephesians 1:6 } and which results in faithfulness, integrity, and steadfastness. "The just shall live by faith." This Old Testament verse { Hebrews 2:4 } is quoted three times in the New Testament { Romans 1:17; - Galatians 3:11; - & - Hebrews 10:38. } The righteous live by faith, not works!

118. { 12 }: "The Law is not of faith." The two principles of legalism and faith are absolutely opposed to each other and are mutually incompatible with each other as a means of justification. Man can be in only one of two conditions; he is either under the Law or he is under Grace { Romans 6:14-15 }. The person who lives under just one portion of the Law must live according to all of it! This expresses the principle of the Law. I.e., again we say, people who try to keep the old Law must keep all of it and failure to render absolute abidance to every particle of it is fatal.

119. { 13 }: Every Child of GOD today is redeemed from the old Law of works! What the Law could not do, GOD did { Romans 8:3-4 }. The word "Redeemed" [ Greek - exagorazo, ] means "to buy out from" the slave market so that the liberated slave shall never be put on sale again. CHRIST paid the ransom price, with His precious blood { 1- Peter 1:18-19 }, to deliver us from slavery to liberty. There is no such thing as partial redemption! CHRIST redeemed us completely, freely, and irreversibly. Once acquitted, acquitted forever { John 5:24; - & - Romans 8:1 .} All Christians are redeemed from the curse of a violated Law, i.e., from its condemnation. The curse was the effect of sin in separating us from GOD. We were sentenced to die { Romans 6:23 }, But CHRIST died as our Substitute { Romans 5:8 }. The curse of the Law was: universal { Romans 3:23 }, fearful { Psalm 9:17 }, and present { John 3:18, 36. } The Law was of Divine origin, holy and Heavenly. But, it was just as cold, hard, and irresistible as the tablets of stone on which the Mosaic Law was written with the finger of GOD { Exodus 31:18 }.

120. "Being made a curse for us." This was the method used by CHRIST when He redeemed us. He "suffered the just for the unjust" "that He might bring us to GOD { 1- Peter 3:18. }" He was our only Mediator { 1- Timothy 2:5 }. He became a curse for us { 1 - Peter 2:24 } and was made sin for us [ 2- Corinthians 5:21. } He did this for us voluntarily { John 10:17-18 }. This preposition [ Greek, hyper ] implies substitution. "For it is written, cursed." { Deuteronomy 21:23 } does not refer to crucifixion, but rather to the ignominious hanging of a body of an executed criminal on a post or stake. GOD wants CHRIST to be seen as what He actually became, a curse. Three prepositions give us a vivid picture of redemption. We were under [ Greek, 'hypo' ] the curse of the Law { V. 10 }. CHRIST came above [ Greek, 'hyper' ] us, between us and the curse, and took us out from [ Greek, 'ex' ] under the curse having become a curse for us. He took our place; He took all of our sins and gave us all of His righteousness. GOD was satisfied forever; the Law was silenced forever; and the Christian is saved forever.

121. { 14 }: "That" . . . "that." . . . two purpose clauses. "The blessing of Abraham" is justification by faith. There is no room for the Law. This blessing is intended for the whole world, but it is only in and through [ Greek, 'en' ] CHRIST. No person is saved apart from CHRIST and any person may be saved by CHRIST { John 6:37 }. "The promise of the HOLY SPIRIT," the gift that comes to all, who accept all who accept CHRIST, is 'through [ Greek 'dia' ] faith.' It is folly indeed to seek for higher or holier blessings by deeds of personal merit.

123. { V. 1 }: Scripture: "And He [ JEHOVAH ] said to Moses, Come up to the LORD, you, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abi'hu { Aaron's sons, Exodus 6:23 }, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship you [ at a distance ] afar off.

124. { V. 2 }: And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: 'but [ the others' ] they shall not come near; neither shall the people go up with him.

125. { V. 3 }: And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments [ and ordinances ]: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD has said will we do.

126. { V. 4 }: And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and built an altar under the hill [ at the foot of the mountain ], and [ he built ] twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

127. { V. 5 }: And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD.

128. { V. 6 }: And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basins; And half the blood he sprinkled on the altar.

129. { V. 7 }: And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD has said will we do, and be obedient.

130. { V. 8 }: And Moses took the [ remaining half of the ] blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you concerning all these words { Exodus 24:1-8 }." . . . See { 1- Corinthians 11:25; - Hebrews 8:6; - & - 10:28-29 }.

131. Commentary . . . The Covenant was publicly confirmed, written down, and ratified again. Various forms of ritual ratification included blood sacrifices [ as here ], passing through the pieces of the slaughtered sacrifice, see { Genesis 15:10,17 }, partaking of a meal { Genesis 31:54 }, and eating salt together { Numbers 18:19 }.

134. { V. 4 } Scripture: "For if He were on earth, He should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the Law:

135. { V. 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, said He, that you make all things according to the pattern showed to you in the mountain.

136. { V. 6 }: But now has He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises, { Hebrews Ch. 8 }."

137. The above { Vs. 4-6 } paraphrased in commentary form . . .

{ 4 } Scripture: "For if He were [ still living ] on earth, He 'should [ would' ] 'not be a priest [ at all' ], seeing that there 'are [ already' ] priests that offer [ those ] gifts according to the Law . . .

{ 5 }: [ But, these ] Who serve [ offer service merely as ] unto 'the example [ pattern' ] and [ as a "fore: ] shadow [ ing" ] of [ what has its true existence and reality in ] 'heavenly things [ sanctuary' ], as Moses was admonished of GOD when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, said 'He [ GOD as a warning' ], that you make 'all things [ exactly' ] according to the pattern [ copy and, model, . . . a pattern of the 3 Heavens which was ] showed to you in the mountain. See { Exodus 25:40 }. [ notice that the word "Testament or Covenant " has been spoken of and referred to 4 times in the above texts ] . . .

{ 6 }: But now has 'He [ CHRIST who' ] obtained a more excellent [ priestly ] ministry, by how much also 'He [ is superior' and ] is the mediator of a 'better [ and more superior ] covenant [ than the old Covenant' ], which was established upon better promises.

[ Because it is enacted and rests upon more important and awe inspiring , higher and nobler promises ] { Hebrews Ch. 8 }." The death of CHRIST was in anticipation of His priestly ministry. This is why the LORD prayed in the LORD's prayer of { John Ch. 17 },:

138. { V. 7 } Scripture: "Now they have known that all things whatsoever You have given Me are of You.

139. { V. 8 }: For I have given unto them the words which You gave Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from You, and they have believed that You did send Me.

140. { V. 9 }: I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which You have given Me; for they are Yours.

141. { V. 10 }: And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I am glorified in them, { John Ch. 17 }."

142. The above { Vs. 7,8, - & - 10, } paraphrased in commentary form . . .

{ 7 } Scripture: "Now [ at last ] they have known [ and understood ] that all things whatsoever You have given Me are of [ and belongs to ] You [ and is really and truly Yours ].

{ 8 }: For I have given unto them the words which You gave Me; and they have received [ and accepted ] them, and have known surely [ and positively believe with absolute assurance ] that I came [ forth ] out from You [ from Your very presence ], and they have believed [ and are convinced ] that You did send Me.

{ 10 }: And 'all [ that are' ] Mine are Yours, and [ all that are ] Yours are Mine [ they belong to Me ]; and I am glorified in [ and through ] them. [ They have done Me honor . . ., in them My glory is achieved ] { John Ch. 17 }." The Levitical sacrifices and ministry are typical of the redemptive ministry of JESUS and only applied to those who are Believers.

143. Commentary . . . 1. { Exodus 20:1-17; - & - Deuteronomy 5:7-21 }, The ten commandments of the Mosaic law which concerns the Hebrew nation's moral relation to the will of a righteous JEHOVAH.

144. . . 2. { Exodus 21:1- 24:11}, That which concerns the social life and various judgments of the nation.

145. . . 3. { Exodus 24:12- 31:18 }, That which governs the religious life and Ordinances of the nation.

146. The reason is stated, { V. 8 } Scripture: "And let them make me 'a sanctuary [ dwelling place' ]; that I may dwell among them.

147. { V. 9 }: According to all that I show you, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all 'the instruments [ and furniture' ] thereof, even so shall you make it, { Exodus 25:8-9 }."

149. { V. 5 } Scripture: "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that GOD is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.

150. { V. 6 }: If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and "do not the truth: [ i.e., the truth is not in us," ]

151. { V. 7 }: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of JESUS CHRIST His SON cleanses us from all sin, { 1- John 1:5-7 }."

152. The above { Vs. 5-7 } paraphrased in commentary form . . .

{ 5 } Scripture: "This then is 'the message [ of promise' ] which we 'have heard of [ from ] him,' and [ now reporting and ] declare unto you, that GOD is light, and in Him is no darkness at all [ no not in any way ].

{ 6 }: [ So ], If we say we have fellowship [ and are partakers together ] with him, and [ when we live, move and ] walk [ about ] in darkness, we [ all speak falsely with a ] lie, and do not [ live and practice ] the truth [ of the Gospel of CHRIST, ]: see { V. 8 }.

{ 7 }: But if we [ are really living and ] walk in the light, as 'He [ CHRIST Himself ] is in the light, we have [ true, unbroken ] fellowship one with another, and the blood of JESUS CHRIST His SON cleanses [ and removes ] us from all sin, [ and guilt and keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations ]. { 1- John 1:5-7 }."

154. Scripture: "And every priest stands daily ministering and offering often times the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins, { Hebrews 10:11 }."

155. The above { V. 11 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "And every [ human ] priest 'stands daily [ at his assembly's altar of service ] ministering and offering often times the same sacrifices [ over and over again' ], 'which can never take away [ from any part of us ] sins [ that envelop us' ] { Hebrews 10:11 }."

157. { V. 10 } Scripture: "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

158. { V. 11 }: But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of GOD, it is evident: for The just shall live by faith.

159. { V. 12 }: And the law is not of faith but, The man that does them shall live in them { Galatians 3:10-12 }."

160. The above { Vs. 10-12 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "

{ 10 } Scripture: "For as many as are of the works of the Law [ and who are seeking to be justified by obedience to the Law of rituals ] are under the curse [ and doomed to disappointment and destruction ]: for it is written [ in the Scriptures ], Cursed [ are those that are devoted to destruction, and doomed to eternal punishment ] is every one that continues not in all things [ by all the precepts and commands ] which are written in the book of the Law to do them. See { Deuteronomy 27:26 }.

{ 11 }: But [ now it is evident ] that no man [ no person ] is justified [ declared righteous and brought into right standing ] by the Law in the sight of GOD, it is [ also ] evident: for [ the Scriptures state, that men in right standing with GOD, the righteous and ] The just shall live by faith [ and he who through and by faith is declared righteous and in right standing with GOD shall live ]. See

{ Habakkuk 2:4 }.

{ 12 }: And the Law is not of faith [ and does not rest on faith, does not require faith, and has nothing to do with faith: the Law itself makes clear . . . that they that perform and keep the things prescribed by the Law, shall not do these things by faith ] but, The man that does them shall live in them { Galatians 3:10-12 }." See also { Leviticus 18:5 }.

162. { V. 6 } Scripture: ". . . Now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of SPIRIT, and not in oldness of the letter .

163. { V. 7 }: What shall we say then? Is the law sin? GOD forbid. No I had not known sin, but by the law : for I had not known lust, except the law had said, you shall not covet..

164. { V. 8 }: But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.

165. { V. 9 }: For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

166. { V. 10 }: And the commandment which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.

167. { V. 11 }: For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.

168. { V. 12 }: Therefore the law is holy, and the commandments holy, and just, and good.

169. { V. 13 }: Was then that which is good made death unto me? GOD forbid! But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful, { Romans 7:6-13 }."

170. The above { Vs. 6-13 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "

{ 6 } Scripture: ". . . Now we are delivered from the law [ and have terminated all intercourse with it ], that being dead [ to the Law that once restrained us ] wherein we were held [ captive ]; that we should serve in newness of [ life in the ] SPIRIT, and not in oldness of the letter [ of obedience to the old code of regulations under the ordinances of the Law ]. . . .

{ 7 }: What shall we say then? Is the law [ identical with ] sin? [ Certainly not ] GOD forbid. No I had not known sin, but by the law, [ had it not been for the Law, I would not have recognized sin. The same can be said concerning lust ]: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, you shall not covet [ for instance, I would not have known about covetousness and would have no consciousness of sin or any sense of guilt if the Law had not ( repeatedly ) said, You shall not covet and have an evil desire ( for one thing and another ). See { Exodus 20:17; - Deuteronomy 5:21; - Romans 3:4; - 20; 7:25; - James 2:9-11; - & - John 3:4 }. . . .

{ 8 }: But sin, [ finding opportunity and ] taking occasion by the commandment [ to express itself ], brought in all manner of concupiscence [ Doubled minded, or lustful desire, got hold of me, aroused and stimulated all kinds of forbidden desires such as lust and covetousness ] for without the law sin was dead [ the sense of it is now inactive and a lifeless thing ]. . . .

{ 9 }: For I was alive without the law once: [ but quite apart from and unconscious of the Law, ] but when the commandment came, sin revived [ and lives again ], and I died [ that is, I was sentenced by the Law to death. I.e., when Paul first began to understand the true meaning of the old Law, he realized that he was a sinner and worthy of death ]. . . .

{ 10 }: And [ the very legal ordinance and ] the commandment which was [ designed, ] ordained [ and intended to bring ] to life, I found [ it actually proved to me that it meant ] to be unto death. See { Leviticus 18:5 }. . . .

{ 11 }: For sin [ seizing the opportunity and getting a hold on me "by taking its incentive," that is ], taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me [ the truth is, sin beguiled, entrapped and cheated me, and using it "as a weapon" killed me ]. . . .

{ 12 }: Therefore the law [ then ] is holy, and [ each of ] the commandments [ are ] holy, and just, and good. [ The Law is fundamentally good, but the result of the Law is to bring into the open the power of sin, not the Law which exposes it, but that deceives and kills { V. 11 }. . . .

{ 13 }: Was [ the Law ] then that which is good [ and which proved fatal, was it that which ] made death unto me? GOD forbid [ certainly not ]! But [ it was ] sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good [ that is, by using the good things in me as a weapon in order ]; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful [ and plainly appear ]. { Romans 7:6-13 }."

171. { V. 18 }: Scripture: "Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

172. { V. 19 }: For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteousness.

173. { V. 20 }: Moreover, the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, Grace did much more abound :

174. { V. .21 }: That as sin has reigned unto death, even so might Grace reign through righteousness unto, eternal life by JESUS CHRIST our LORD, { Romans 5:18-21 }."

175. The above { Vs. 18-21 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "

{ 18 }: Scripture: "Therefore as by the offense of one [ Adam in the flesh, who was perfection in the sight of GOD, then sinned against GOD by partaking of the fruit of the tree of good and evil, therefore, ] judgment came upon all men to condemnation [ because of Adam's sin ]; even so by the righteousness of 'one [ man CHRIST, the perfect man being both GOD and man, who was without sin and could not sin, took on the sins of all mankind and shed His blood so that ] the free gift [ of salvation ] came upon all men unto justification of life. . . .

{ 19 }: For as by one 'man's [ Adam's ] disobedience' [ of failing to hear, heedlessness and carelessness ] many were made sinners, so by the obedience of 'one [ the GOD MAN CHRIST' ] shall many be made righteousness [ and brought into a right standing with CHRIST ]. . . .

{ 20 }: Moreover, the law entered, that the offense might abound [ that is, only to expand and increase Adam's trespass against GOD making it more apparent and exciting opposition ]. But 'where sin abounded [ increased and abounded' ], Grace [ GOD's unmerited favor has surpassed and ] did much more abound [ the Grace increased much more and super abounded ]: . . .

{ 21 }: [ so ] That [ just ] as sin has reigned unto death, even so might Grace [ the unearned and undeserved favor might ] reign [ also ] 'through righteousness [ right standing with GOD' which issues ] unto, eternal life by JESUS CHRIST our LORD,{ Romans 5:18-21 }."

176. Commentary . . . { 18 }: Notice in the above passage: the contrast between Adam and CHRIST . . . between their deeds and the results of those deeds. The contrasts would lose meaning if Adam had not been a historical person. "All men { V. 18 }," not that all are actually saved { Ch. 2:12 } but that justification, though offered to all, must be received through faith. { V. 17; - & - 3:24-25 }. { 19 }: "Shall many be made righteous:" Through the process of sanctification, which culminates in our glorification. { 20 }: The Law added transgressions, showing even more vividly the superabundant ( the word is heightened ) Grace of GOD. If Grace abounds in the presence of sin, then "shouldn't we continue in sin, that Grace may abound." Read { 6:1 }.

177. Scripture: "Now we know that what things soever the law says, it says to them who are under the law: that [ the murmurs and excuses of ] every mouth may be stopped, and all the 'world [ cosmos' ] may become guilty before GOD { Romans 3:19 }."

178. Commentary . . . [ All Christians are under this cosmos, and remain guilty before GOD. Even Satan's mouth will be stopped ]! { Romans 3:20- & - Galatians 2:16 } prove that the Law wasn't given to make all men Christians or to continually keep them from sinning. There is no doubt that GOD had redemption on His mind. Sin was to be fully manifested to show and prove to humanity the dreadful manifestation of sin and to show why judgment in the future would become a necessity for the human race. He wanted the people to realize why only salvation in GOD would be a necessary ingredient to save the souls of men. He meant also for mankind to realize why a Saviour must come into the world to pay the penalty for sin, otherwise all would perish. By such a realization of the LORD's sacrifice, the human race as a whole might find a better understanding and a realization that by His death all people would have the chance to be saved.

179. Scripture: "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight : for by the law is the knowledge of sin { Romans 3:20 }."

180. The above { 20 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no [ person in the ] flesh be justified [ or made righteous, acquitted and judged acceptable ] in His [ CHRIST's ] sight [ by observing the works prescribed by the Law ]: for by the [ real function of the ] law is the knowledge of sin." [ The Law could not justify those who sin ]!"

181. Scripture: "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under Grace, {Romans 6:14 }."

182. The above { 14 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "For sin shall not [ any longer ] have dominion over you: for you are not [ any longer ] under the law [ as slaves ], but 'under Grace [ as subjects of GOD's favor and mercy', ] {Romans 6:14 }." [ Under the Law, no one could be delivered from the dominion of a sinful life ].

183. Scripture: "For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw near to GOD { Hebrews 7:19 }." [ No perfection could be accomplished by the works of the Law ].

184. { V. 1 } Scripture: "There is therefore now no condemnation [ no adjudging guilty of wrong ] to them which are in CHRIST JESUS, who walk not after the [ dictates of the ] flesh, but after the [ dictates of he HOLY ] SPIRIT.

185. { V. 2 }: For the law of the SPIRIT of life [ which is ] in CHRIST JESUS has made me free from the law of sin and death. [ I.e., The reason for the inability of the Law to accomplish the above things is due to the weakness and sinfulness of man's flesh ].

186. { V. 3 }: For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, GOD sending His own SON in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.

187. { V. 4 }: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the SPIRIT.

188. { V. 5 }: For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the SPIRIT the things of the SPIRIT, { Romans 8:1-5 }."

189. { V. 6 }: For to be carnally minded is death: but to be spiritually minded is life and peace, { Romans 8:1-6 }." Read again { V. 5-6 }.

190. The above { Vs. 3-6 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "

{ 3 }: For [ CHRIST has done ] what the law could not do, in that 'it [ its power' ] was weak through the flesh [ that is , the entire nature of man without the HOLY SPIRIT ], GOD sending His own SON in the likeness of sinful flesh, 'and [ as an offering on the Cross' ] for sin, [ GOD ] 'condemned sin in the flesh [ subdued, overcame, and deprived the Law of its power over all who accept CHRIST's sacrifice.' [ Concerning the offerings of the Law see { Leviticus 7:36-37 }. . . .

{ 4 }: That 'the righteousness [ and just requirements' ] of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not 'after [ or in the way of' ] the flesh, 'but after [ and in the ways of' ] the SPIRIT. [ As to moral law, our lives should be governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the HOLY SPIRIT ]. . . .

{ 5 }: For they that 'are after [ or according to' ] the flesh do mind [ and are controlled by ] 'the things [ unholy desires' ] of the flesh . . . [ they set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh ]; but they that are after 'the SPIRIT [ of GOD' which helps them to control their desires and everything else concerning ] 'the things of the SPIRIT [ set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the HOLY SPIRIT ]. [ When GOD's SPIRIT is in control, the laws requirements are carried out in our "hearts, minds" ]. . . .

{ 6 }: Now the mind 'of the flesh [ which is sense and reason without the HOLY SPIRIT ] is death . . . death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter. But to be spiritually minded is life and soul-peace [ both now and forever ], { Romans 8:3-6 }."

191. Scripture: "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good { Romans 7:12 }."

193. { V. 1 } Scripture: "Know you not, 'Brethren, [ for I speak to them that know the mosaic Law' ] how that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives?

194. The above { V. 1 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Do you not know , brethren, for I am speaking to men who are acquainted with the Law, that legal claims have power over a person only so long as he lives?" . . .

[ i.e., A Christian, because of his death baptism with CHRIST, { Romans 6:3-5; - & - Colossians 2:14 }, is free from the Law and is brought into a new relationship with CHRIST as an adopted son of GOD the FATHER. This new union demands a CHRIST like life as its issue ].

195. { V. 2 }: For [ instance ] the woman which has an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he lives: but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.

196. { V. 3 }: So then if, while her husband lives, she be married [ or unites herself ] to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

197. { V. 4 }: Therefore, my brethren, you are also become dead to the law by the BODY OF CHRIST; that you should be married

198. { V. 5 }: For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.

199. { V. 6 }: But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in oldness of the letter, { Romans 7:1-6 }."

200. The above { Vs. 4-6 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "

{ 4 }: Likewise, my brethren, you are also become dead to the Law by the crucified slain body of CHRIST, and now you belong to the 'called out BODY OF CHRIST;' that you should be married [ i.e., as an adopted brother to CHRIST JESUS { Colossians 3:9-10; - Ephesians 2:15; - & - 4:24 } to another, even to Him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto GOD. [ The Child of GOD who has died with CHRIST is released from bondage to the Law and hence from bondage to sin, and is free to experience the abundant life of CHRIST. I.e., this positively hasn't anything to do with the future "Bride of CHRIST!" ]:

{ 5 }: For when we were in the flesh [ I.e., before we were saved ], the motions of [ sinful passions that were awakened and aroused up ], which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death [ these passions were constantly operating in us because of our old sin nature that we possessed at that time, and in the sensitive appetites and will of the flesh ].

{ 6 }: But now we are delivered from the law [ and have terminated all intercourse with it ], that being dead wherein we were held [ captive ]; that we should serve [ from now on ] in newness of spirit, and not in oldness of the letter [ of written regulations, but under obedience to the promptings of the HOLY SPIRIT ] { Romans 7:1-6 }." [ The Apostle Paul teaches that the law which was given 430 years after the promise made by JEHOVAH to Abraham, could not disannul the promise of ] { Galatians 3:17; - & - Exodus 12:40 }.

201. Commentary of the above . . . { V. 1 }: What is a metaphor? It's a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable, in order to suggest a resemblance, as "A mighty fortress is our GOD." And, here Paul introduces a new metaphor, that of a fruitful marriage. The Christian has died to CHRIST. Because of ones death with CHRIST, he has become free from the marriage of the Law and is pictured as being brought into a new marriage with the Saviour CHRIST JESUS. The new union demands good living as its issue, i.e., or new law according to the LORD's N.T. Word . The Apostle Paul speaks of the 'law of GOD [ Mosaic Law' ] and the 'law of the state [ Roman law,' ] both Divine and civil law was to maintain a hold on mankind as long as they lived according to the Dispensation they lived in.

202. Commentary of the above . . . { Vs. 2-3 }: Both the Jewish and the Roman law required that a woman remain with her husband until his death. Should a woman join herself to another man prior to the death of her husband, she was considered an adulteress { Mark 10:12. } The Greek verb used here is 'chrematizo' which means "to be publicly known as" - see { Acts 11:26 } where the verb was used in giving the name "Christians" to the followers of JESUS CHRIST. Only if her husband should die was a woman free to marry another without publicly being branded an adulteress. [ See our message concerning divorce ].

203. Commentary of the above . . . { Vs. 4-6 }: Having given the analogy of marriage, Paul now draws the conclusion . The law confirms and seals our bondage to sin. As long as we are governed by the law, there is no possibility of being released from that bondage. The only alternative is death. But when CHRIST died at Calvary, we died to the law. Sin has no more dominion over us, neither does the old Law. Thus, we Children of GOD have indeed died to the old Law, having been crucified with CHRIST when He, in His death nailed the old Law to His Cross. The Christian's body did not die to the Law, but CHRIST's body did { V. 4 }; We therefore have become "dead to the law by the body of CHRIST." He shed His life's blood that we might be free from the Law's dominion and be His forever, see { Galatians 2:19-20 }. Moreover, the fruit that issued from the former union could be only "unto death," but the fruit that issues from our union with the resurrected CHRIST brings forth new life.

204. Scripture: "Who also has made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the 'letter [ of the old Law' ], but of the SPIRIT: for the letter kills, but the SPIRIT gives life, { 2- Corinthians 3:6 }."

205. According to { V. 6 } above we are delivered from the old Law, and now Paul make clear that we are to serve the blessed Saviour and LORD, see also { Hebrews 10:19-20 }. Paul contrasts the old, dead way of approach to GOD's [ altar of sacrifice, etc. ] with the "new and living way," as he draws a contrast between serving GOD "in newness of spirit," and "in the oldness of the letter." Indeed, our relationship to the old Law has been doubly dissolved; it has died to us and we have died to it. We are not to serve in the old, dry, dead, religious way, because the Law said we must, but in the new fresh joyous "newness of SPIRIT," with our words and works expressing our gratitude and love. What does all this teach us? That we must never let anyone try to place us back under the ordinances of the old Law as some do today. Church and denominational doctrine will do this if we are not careful.

206. Scripture: "And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of GOD in CHRIST, the Law which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect, { Galatians 3:17 }."

207. The above { V. 17 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "This is my argument: The Law, which began four hundred and thirty years after 'the covenant [ concerning the coming MESSIAH' ], does not and can not annul the Covenant previously 'established [ ratified' ] by GOD, so as to abolish the promise and make it void. See { Exodus 12:40 }.

209. { V. 4 } Scripture: "Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of Grace, but of debt.

210. { V. 5 }: But to him that works not, but believes on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

211. { V. 6 }: Even as David also described the blessedness of the man, unto whom GOD imputed righteousness without works,

212. The above { Vs. 4-6 } paraphrased in commentary form . . .

{ 4 } Scripture: "Now to 'him [ the laborer' ] that works is the reward [ and his wages certainly are ] not 'reckoned [ i.e., counted as a favor or a gift ] of Grace,' but 'of debt [ of an obligation which is owed to him' ]. . . .

{ 5 }: But to him that works 'not [ by law' ], but believes [ fully and lays all his trusts ] on Him [ 'CHRIST ] that justifies the ungodly,' [ that persons which ] 'his [ this great ] faith' is counted for righteousness [ and is acceptable to GOD ] . . .

{ 6 }: Even as David also [ congratulates the man and ] described [ and pronounces ] the blessedness of the man, unto whom GOD imputed righteousness without [ or apart from 'any ] works [ that the man has done" ],

213. { V. 7 }: Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities 'are forgiven [ completely buried' ], and whose sins are covered.

214. { V. 8 }: Blessed [ also ] is the man to whom the LORD will not impute sin { Romans 4:4-8 }." See { Psalms 32:1-2 }," The fact is:

215. Scripture: "For CHRIST is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes { Romans 10:4 }."

217. { V. 14 } Scripture: "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under Grace.

218. { V. 15 }: What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law but under grace? GOD forbid.

219. { V. 16 }: "Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? { Romans 6:14-16 }."

220. The above { Vs. 14-16 } paraphrased in commentary form . . .

{ 14 } Scripture: "For sin shall 'not [ any longer' ] have dominion over you: for you 'are not [ any longer' ] under the Law, but 'under Grace [ as subjects of GOD's favor and mercy' ].

221. Commentary . . . Demons can cause uncontrollable sin, with no spiritual victory, abnormal passions, chronic emotional turmoil, addiction to sex, alcohol, vice, nervous apprehension, violent temper, and instability. See { Matthew 6:14-15 }. . .

222. { 15 }: What then [ are we to conclude ]? shall we sin, because we are not under the law but under 'grace [ GOD's favor and mercy' ]? GOD 'forbid [ certainly not' ].

223. Commentary . . . We must not forget that folks are under the moral law in every age. See { Romans 8:3; - & - 1- Corinthians 15:56 }. Concerning { Romans 6:15-23 }, this passage is the ethical application of { Romans 5:12-21 }. When we were in Adam, sin was master, demanding shameful living and repaying with death. In CHRIST we can be slaves of righteousness.

224. { 16 }: "Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey [ such as sinful men who are servants of Satan ], his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, 'or [ better yet, yielding yourself to GOD in and ] of obedience unto righteousness?' { Romans 6:14-16 }."

225. Commentary . . . One must ask himself, "am I obedient to CHRIST or to Satan." The best thing to do, is pray constantly. The O.T. Covenant, called the ministration of condemnation and death has been "done away and has been abolished" as a dispensational system, see { 2- Corinthians 3:6-14 }.

226. This "Covenant." { Deuteronomy 30:1-10 }. Given to the nation Israel through Moses and is conditioned on the repentance of the nation. The Covenant ushers in the "Millennial Dispensation," and ends at the end of the thousand year reign of CHRIST. There are four promises given here that are outstanding.

227. 1: Restoration of the land which was promised to Abraham and his descendants { V. 5 };

228. 2: A wonderful promise of love from JEHOVAH to the nation { V. 6 };

229. 3: JEHOVAH WILL put a curse on all people that hate the Hebrew people and those who have persecuted any of them in the past or will persecute them in the future { V. 7. See Joel 3:1-3 }. The words "Circumcise your heart [ mind ]," is used figuratively in { V. 6 } and means "separate yourselves from sins of the flesh, and refers to 'self purification [ cleansing' ]."

230. 4: { V. 9 }: speaks of great prosperity in the land of promise. See { Amos Ch. 9:11-15 }. Dr. Dwight Pentecost states:

[ 1 ] The nation will be plucked off the land for its unfaithfulness { Deuteronomy 28:63-68; - & - 30:1-3 };

[ 2 ] there will be a future repentance of Israel { Deuteronomy 28:63-68; - & - 30:1-3 };

[ 3 ] their MESSIAH will return { Deuteronomy 30:3-6 };

[ 4 ] Israel will be restored to the land { Deuteronomy 30:5 };

[ 5 ] Israel will be converted as a nation { Deuteronomy 30:4-8; - & - Romans 11:26-27 };

[ 6 ] Israel's enemies will be judged { Deuteronomy 30:7 };

[ 7 ] the nation will then receive her full blessing { Deuteronomy 30:9 }."

233. No. 3: Future fulfillment in { Zechariah 14:4 }.

234. No. 4: After the Second Coming of CHRIST { Zechariah 14:4 }.

235. No. 5: After CHRIST's Second Coming { Zechariah 14:4 }.

236. No. 6: At the judgment of the nations after the Second Coming { Matthew 25:31-46 }.

237. No. 7: During the Millennial reign of MESSIAH when Israel becomes a nation of Priests { Isaiah 61:6; - & - Exodus. 40:15. }

238. Commentary . . . The "Davidic Covenant." { 2- Samuel 7:4-29 }, which later ushered in the "Dispensation of Grace." There is but one condition here, based on disobedience, which would lead to chastisement and postponement of the promise, but not its Abrogation. This Covenant contains four promises, 'A- Davidic House,' { V. 13 }. B- Davidic Throne, { V. 13 }. C- Davidic Kingdom, { V. 13 }, and D- It will last Forever { Vs. 13, 24, 25-26, 29 }.

239. { V. 12 } Scripture: "And when your days be fulfilled, and you shall sleep with your fathers, I will set up your seed [ offspring ] after you, which shall proceed out of your bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

240. { V. 13 }: He shall build an house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. [ During the Millennium and beyond ].

241. { V. 14 }: I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:

242. { V. 15 }: But My mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before you.

243. { V. 16 }: And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you: your throne shall be established forever, [ There are many places in the Old Testament where confirmation is made of the Davidic Covenant ] { 2- Samuel 7:12-16 }."

245. No. 1. David would have a son who would succeed him and establish his kingdom { V. 12 };

246. No. 2. King David's son Solomon, rather than David, would build the Temple { V. 13 };

247. No. 3. the throne of Solomon's kingdom would be established forever { V. 13 };

248, No. 4. Though David's sins justified chastening, GOD's mercy to him and his seed that are followers of Him will be forever. See { Hosea 2:19; - & - 14-15 };

249. No. 5. David's house, kingdom, and throne would be established forever { V. 16 }. The Covenant did not guarantee uninterrupted rule by David's family [ and, in fact, the Babylonian Exile interrupted it ], but did promise that the right to rule would always remain with David's dynasty. JESUS CHRIST is the ultimate fulfillment of these promises, see { Luke 1:31-33 }: and although at this present time CHRIST is not ruling from the throne of David { Hebrews 12:2 }, at CHRIST's Second Coming, JESUS as the MESSIAH will assume this throne, see { Matthew 15:15-16; - & - 19:28 }.

250. { V. 3 } Scripture: "I [ JEHOVAH GOD ] have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn unto David My servant,

251. { V. 4 }: Your seed [ CHRIST first as King, secondly, the chosen Remnant ] will I establish for ever, and build up your throne to all generations. "Selah" [ Selah means pause, meditate about what you just read. ] { See Galatians 3:16; - Isaiah 9:7; - & - Luke 1:32-33 }.

252. { V. 34 }: My covenant will I not break [ or profane ], nor [ alter ] after the thing that is gone out of My lips.

253. { V. 35 }: Once [ for all ] have I sworn by My holiness that I will not lie unto David. [ There is nothing higher for GOD to swear by than Himself ].

254. { V. 36 }: His seed shall endure for ever, and His [ CHRIST's ] throne as the sun before Me { Psalm 89:3-4, 34-36 }." [ The words of GOD are absolutely unconditional and the Kingdom will be the literal establishment of the throne of CHRIST after His Second Coming ].

255. { V. 28 }: Scripture "And the angel came in unto her, and said, 'Hail [ oh joy' ], you that are 'highly favored [ endued with grace' ], the LORD is with you: 'blessed [ favored of GOD' ] are you among women.

256. { V. 29 }: And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

257. { V. 30 }: And the angel said unto her. Fear not, Mary: for you have found favor with GOD.

258. { V. 31 }: And, behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring fourth a son, and shall call his name JESUS.

260. { V. 32 }: He shall be 'great [ distinguished' ], and shall be called the SON of the highest: and the LORD GOD shall give unto Him the throne of His father David.

261. { V. 33 }: And He [ CHRIST ] shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His Kingdom there shall be no end { Luke 1:28-33 }."

262. { V. 29 }: Scripture "Men and brethren [ it is permitted to ] let me freely speak unto you [ confidently and with freedom ] of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried and his sepulcher is with us unto this day.

263. { V. 30 }: Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that GOD has sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up CHRIST to sit on his [ David's ] throne { Acts 2:29-30 }."

Covenant No. 10. "The New Covenant." . . .

265. Commentary . . . The "New Covenant" See { Hebrews 8:7-13 }. This particular Covenant has not been given as yet, but will be after Israel returns to their land at the time of the Second Coming of our LORD. This Covenant was originally promised in { Jeremiah 31:31-34 }. It is Unconditional, and it covers the Millennial Reign of CHRIST and also the new earth after CHRIST creates it, and it is based on the finished work of CHRIST on the Cross { Matthew 26:28 }. This Covenant has nothing to do with the BODY OF CHRIST and does not belong to the present Dispensation. It speaks of Resurrection and Eternal completeness for the earthly nation Israel. The name of this Covenant we find only once in the Old Testament { Jeremiah 31:31 }. In the New Testament . . .

266. { V. 27 } Scripture: "And He [ CHRIST ] took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, drink you all of it;

267. { V. 28 }: For this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. [ The New Testament, or a New Covenant, based on the death of CHRIST, a new arrangement with mankind ].

268. { V. 29 }: But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My FATHER's Kingdom. [ Speaking of the future Millennial earthly Kingdom of MESSIAH ]. { Matthew 26:27-29 }."

270. { V. 22 } Scripture: "And as they did eat, JESUS took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave [ it ] to them, and said, Take eat: this is My body. [ A command! ] . . .

271. { V. 23 }: And He took the cup [ of the juice of the grapes ], and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them: and they all drank of it.

272. { V. 24 }: And He said unto them, This is My blood of the New Testament, [ which ratifies the New Covenant, or agreement ] which is shed [ poured out ] for many.

273. { V. 25 }: 'Verily [ surely and truthfully' ] I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that [ millennial ] day that I drink it new in the [ Earthly Millennial ] Kingdom of GOD [ which is also a Millennial or rather a 1,000 year Sabbath ] { Mark Ch. 14 }."

274. Commentary . . . These verses have the same meaning as those above. Notice they all apply to the saved remnant of Israel. The bread in { 22 } above was not changed into His body but represented the body in which He lived a sinless life and thus qualified Himself to be the bearer of our sins.

275. { V. 19 } Scripture: "And He took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave unto them, saying, This is My body which is given for you: 'THIS DO IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME. [ A command! ]

276, Commentary . . . [ Notice when CHRIST said do this in the Book of Luke . . . it was a commandment! This was during the Kingdom Dispensation and not during this Christian period of pure Grace, the BODY OF CHRIST had not yet begun { Ephesians 3:3-9 }! Again we repeat: "The bread cannot be changed into flesh, but this bread is typical of CHRIST's BODY, it is an illustration such as 'I am the door' in { John 10:7, }."

277. { V. 20 }: Likewise [ in a like manner He ] also [ took ] the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament [ New Covenant for Israel same as that in { Jeremiah Ch. 31 } in My blood, which is shed [ poured out ] for you { Luke 22:19-20 }." [ Now notice the slight difference for this Grace Dispensation in the wording of this next text foretold by the Apostle Paul ] . . . =========================

A New Testament, Promise, And Covenant N0 11 . . . Which Has To Do With This Present Period Of Grace! . . .

278. { V. 25 }: Scripture: "After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the New Testament in My blood: 'this do you,' [ and ] 'AS OFTEN AS YOU DRINK IT, [ drink it ] in remembrance of Me.'

279. { V. 26 }: For "AS OFTEN AS YOU EAT THIS BREAD, and drink this cup, you do show the LORD's death till He come."

280. { V. 27 }: Therefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the LORD, unworthy [ without first confessing all your sins ], shall be guilty of the body and blood of the LORD { I- Corinthians 11:25-27 }."

281. Commentary . . . Notice that the word "Testament or Covenant " has been spoken of and referred to 4 times in the above texts. There is something else that is very important to notice in the above texts, in { Matthew 26:27 }, JESUS says "drink you all of it." In { Mark 14:22 }, He said "take eat." In { Luke 22:19 }, He said "do this in remembrance of Me." Notice, each of these verses is as a commandment to do what JESUS says! On the other hand as we have stated, in { 1- Corinthians 11:25-26 }, Paul states . . . "AS OFTEN AS YOU DRINK IT, { V. 25 }." We must remember that there are two New Covenants spoken of, one applied to Israel exclusively for her own Dispensational period, and this new Grace Dispensational Covenant for today for the BODY OF CHRIST!

282. { V. 26 } says: "AS OFTEN AS YOU EAT THIS BREAD." . . . Which means . . . that in the synoptic Gospels before the BODY OF CHRIST had began, the commandments were as ordinances that must be obeyed and which applied to Saints of Israel which concerned their Kingdom calling. Whereas in Paul's Epistle { I- Corinthians 11:25-26 }, after the BODY OF CHRIST had began, there is no commandment or ordinance involved but the reference is applied as a "MEMORIAL" in a different dispensational calling. Thus, people should partake of but 'NOT' as an ordinance or a commandment. The LORD's supper for the BODY OF CHRIST is a "MEMORIAL" looking forward to the coming of CHRIST at the time of the Resurrection of the BODY OF CHRIST just before the dreadful Tribulation Period commences. Plus, after the BODY OF CHRIST has been resurrected, those whom are saved during the Tribulation Period are to do the same thing until the return of MESSIAH!

283. { V. 8 } Scripture: "For finding fault with them, he says, Behold, the days come, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.

284. { V. 9 }: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in My Covenant, and I regarded them not, says the LORD.

285. { V. 10 } For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD; I will put My laws into their minds, and write them in their hearts: I will be to them a GOD, and they shall be to Me a people.

286. { V. 13 }: In that He says, A new Covenant, He has made the first old. Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away, { Hebrews 8:8-10, 13 }."

{ 8 } Scripture: "For finding fault with them [ showing its inadequacy when ], he says, Behold, the days will come, says the LORD, when I will 'make [ and ratify' ] a new 'Covenant or agreement' with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, { the pattern, see Exodus 25:40 }. . .

{ 9 }: Not according 'to [ or like' ] the Covenant that I made with their [ 'fore . . . ] fathers' in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in My Covenant, 'and [ so I withdrew My favor' and ] I regarded them not, says the LORD. . .

{ 10 } For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD; I will 'put and imprint' My laws into their minds, and 'write them [ indelibly' ] in their innermost thoughts and understanding, and engrave them upon their "hearts [ minds" ]: I will be to them a GOD, and they shall be to Me a people [ through His Grace, ] see { Matthew 1:21; - Romans 3:25- 32; - & - Galatians 2:20 }. . .

{ 13 }: In that He says [ when GOD speaks of ], 'A new Covenant [ or agreement' ], He has made the 'first Covenant' old and obsolete . . . out of use and annulled because of age' but the promises of the Covenant will never be annulled. Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away, { Hebrews 8:8-10, 13 }."

288. { V. 15 }, Scripture: "And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

289. The above { V. 15 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Scripture: "And for this cause 'He [ CHRIST the MESSIAH' ] is 'the [ Negotiator and ] mediator' of 'the [ entire ] new testament [ and agreement or covenant' ], that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."

290. { V. 16 }: For 'where [ there is a last will or ] a testament is [ involved' ], there must also of necessity be the death of the testator, { Hebrews 9:16 }."

292. { V. 17 }: Scripture: "For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives.

293. { V.18 }: Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.'

294. { V. 19 }: For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, { Hebrews 9:17-19 }."

295. The above { Vs. 17-19 } paraphrased in commentary form . . .

{ 17 }: Scripture: "For a 'testament [ will and or Covenant' ] is valid and takes effect and remains in force after the testator has died: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives . . .

{ 18 }: Whereupon neither the [ old i.e., ]: first [ Covenant ] 'testament [ i.e., GOD's will' ] was [ not inaugurated and ratified and ] 'dedicated - that is, put in force' 'without the shedding of CHRIST's blood.' . . .

{ 19 }: For when Moses had spoken 'every command of the Law' to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of 'slain calves and of goats, together with water, and scarlet wool,' and then 'with sprigs of hyssop, sprinkled [ which is - a type of baptismal cleansing' ] both 'the book [ that was actually a scroll of the Law' ], and all the people also, { Hebrews 9:17-19 }."

297. { V. 20 } Scripture: "Saying, This is the blood of the testament which GOD has enjoined unto you.

298. The above { V. 20 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Scripture: "Saying, This is the blood of 'the testament [ that seals and ratifies the agreement, i.e., the Covenant' ] which GOD has 'enjoined [ commanded me to deliver' ] unto you.

299. { V. 22 }: 'And [ In fact' ] almost all things are by the law 'purged [ purified' ] with blood; and without shedding of blood '[ there ] is no remission [ i.e., no forgiveness' ], { Hebrews 9:20, 22 }." "Read the rest of the chapter."

The Direction Of Life For Messianic Christians . . . { Hebrews 12:15-24 } . . .

300. { V. 15 } Scripture: "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the Grace of GOD; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

301. { V. 16 }: Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

302. { V. 17 }: For you know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

303. { V. 18 }: For you are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and tempest,

304. { V. 19 }: And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:

305. { V. 20 }: [ For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:

306. { V. 21 }: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake: ]

307. { V. 22 } But [ rather you ] are [ 'have ] come [ approached' ] unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living GOD, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

308. { V. 23 }: To the general assembly and "church [ Congregation" ] of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to GOD the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

309. The above { V. 23 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "These spirits in the above verse refer to the old Testament saints, distinguished in this way from the Congregation of the first born ones; they receive their perfection when the BODY OF CHRIST is gathered home to Heaven }, see { Hebrews 11:40 }. . . .

310. Commentary . . . { Vs. 15-23 } above introduce once more the question of Covenant. The Covenant of which the LORD JESUS CHRIST is Mediator and is now identified with a testament of which He is the testator. When there is a testament there must also of necessity be the death of the testator, before the rights and possessions acquired in the "testament [ will" ] can be possessed and enjoyed. The first Covenant was inaugurated by blood. Read again the above verses in { Hebrews 9:19-22 }, and see { Leviticus 14:4; - & - Numbers 19: 6 }. The blood was used in a threefold manner. The Covenant itself is founded on the blood. Defilement is washed away by the blood and the guilt is taken away through the blood that has been shed. And all this is only fully realized through the blood shed by the LORD JESUS CHRIST, He died and all the blessings of the new and better Covenant are righteously willed to the Believer.

311. { V. 24 } "And to JESUS the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel,' { Hebrews 12:15-24 }."

312. The above { V. 24 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "And to JESUS the 'Mediator [ Go-between' ] of the new Covenant, and to the 'blood of sprinkling, [ i.e., the Old Testament purification ritual of baptismal sprinkling which speaks also of mercy' and: ] 'that speaks [ of a ] better [ and nobler and more gracious message of ] things than that of [ the blood of ] Abel,' [ of "which - cried out for vengeance" ], { Hebrews 12:15-24 }." See { Genesis 4:10 }.

315. { V.18 } Scripture: "For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but GOD gave it to Abraham by promise. . .

316. { V. 19 }: Therefore then serves the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

317. { V. 20 }: Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but GOD is one.

318. { V. 21 }: Is the law then against the promises of GOD? GOD forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, 'Verily [ surely' then ] righteousness should have been by the law.

319. { V. 22 }: But the Scripture has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of JESUS CHRIST might be given to them that believe, { Galatians Ch. 3:18-22 }."

320. The above { Vs. 18-22 } paraphrased in commentary form . . .

{ 18 } Scripture: "For if the inheritance is [ of the promise that depends on observing ] the Law, [ as many false teachers would like you to believe ] it no longer [ depends ] on the promise; however, GOD gave it to Abraham [ as a free gift solely ] by virtue of His promise. . .

{ 19 }: Therefore, then what was the . . . purpose of the Law? It was added later on because of - i.e., after the promise, to disclose and expose to men their guilt because of their transgressions, and to make men more conscious of the sinfulness of sin; and it was intended to be in effect till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it [ the Law ] was arranged and ordained and appointed through the instrumentality of and by angels in the hand of a mediator. In other words, the Law was given by hand in the person of a go-between . . . an intermediary person "Moses" between JEHOVAH GOD and man . . .

{ 20 }: Now a go-between, intermediary or mediator is not a mediator of one person but includes more than one party, there can be no mediator with just one person, but GOD is only one GOD. JEHOVAH was the sole party in giving the promise to Abraham. But the Law was a contract between two, GOD and Israel; its validity was dependent on both parties. . . .

{ 21 }: Is the Law then contrary and opposed against the promises of GOD? GOD forbid, of course not: for if there had been a Law given which could confirm and have given spiritual life, surely then righteousness and right standing with GOD should certainly have been by the Law. . . .

{ 22 }: But the Scripture has concluded and pictures all mankind as being under sin - shut up and imprisoned by sin, so, that the promise by faith of the inheritance and blessings promised through faith in JESUS CHRIST might be given to them that believe { Galatians 3:18-22 }."

321. Commentary . . . We see in { V. 19 } above that the Law was added, Paul was not stating that the Law was added to the Abrahamic Covenant, he had already said in { V. 15 } that after the confirmation of the Covenant no one could add anything to it. This was temporary, it was to be superseded by that Covenant which came into being by the blood of JESUS CHRIST. We have taught in the past, that many denominations teach covenant theology. Some of these groups teach the lie, that since Israel turned away from the LORD and had Him killed on the Cross, that the Abrahamic covenant for Israel was annulled and was transferred to the BODY OF CHRIST, This, then, means that we of the BODY OF CHRIST now have become spiritual Israel.

323. Commentary . . . Dr. Chafer, believes that the prophesied Covenant of { Jeremiah Ch. 31 } applies only to the nation of Israel, and that another new Covenant, a Heavenly Covenant for the BODY OF CHRIST, was made in the blood of CHRIST. He states:

325. Commentary . . . In between { Acts Ch. 13 - & - Acts Ch. 28 } is a position for the beginning of the present Dispensation of the Mystery program. My personal belief is that the blessings of Israel's New Covenant began to be ministered to the nation of Israel on the day of Pentecost in { Acts Ch. 2 }, and because of Israel's rejection of CHRIST and His ministry, the nation was set aside temporarily while the LORD begin His unprophesied BODY OF CHRIST Dispensation of the Mystery program. This took place beginning in the middle of the book of Acts period in { Acts Ch. 13 } and onward. This is the reason for the Median view, and this is the view of this writer.

326. Any one who believes that the LORD meant what He says can see that Israel's new Covenant is related to a greater, though parallel, exodus than that from Egypt. That it is specifically connected with the future gathering of Israel back to their land, and that the BODY OF CHRIST in this Mystery Dispensation of { Ephesians Ch. 3 } finds no place in Israel's new Covenant whatsoever. The opening words of this next chapter teaches this same lesson. . . .

327. Scripture: "I am the LORD your GOD [ JEHOVAH ], which have brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage," { Exodus Ch. 20:2 }." [ Then follows the Covenant, "which they broke." . . .

328. Scripture: ". . . They have forsaken the Covenant of the LORD GOD of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, { Deuteronomy 29:25 }." See also { Jeremiah 11:7-8; - Hebrews Ch. 8.; - & - Isaiah 11:11,16 }.

329. In { Matthew Ch. 26 } the LORD JESUS looked forward to "that day," to His FATHER's Kingdom; . . . "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven, { Matthew 6:10 }." [ This verse is speaking of MESSIAH's future Millennial reign. }

330. { V. 29 } Scripture: "And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as My FATHER has appointed unto Me;

331. { V. 30 }: That you may eat and drink at My table in 'My [ earthly Millennial' ] kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel, { Luke 22:29-30 }."

332. Commentary . . . Where in all of this is any room or place for, the BODY OF CHRIST of this Mystery Dispensation? When we pass the transitional boundary of { Acts Ch. 28 }, we read in Ephesians 'NOT' of the kingdom of the heavens, nor of the kingdom of the FATHER, but of: ". . . the kingdom of CHRIST and of GOD, { Ephesians 5:5 }." . . . In { Colossians 1:13-14 } we read . . .

The Usage 0f The Word "Covenant." . . .

335. Commentary . . . The Apostle Paul was the one Apostle who was called out of due season as the 'Apostle of the Gentiles.' We find in Paul's 13 letters the following passages where the word Covenant is spoken of . . . "{ Romans 1:31; - 9:2; -11:27; - Galatians 2:12; - 3:15,17, - 4:25; - Ephesians 2:12; - Hebrews 8:6, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10, 13; - 9:1, 4, 4; - 10:16, 29; - & - 13:20 }." The word Covenant is never used in those epistles that were written after { Acts Ch. 28 }, without reference to the nation Israel. { 2- Corinthians } was written before { Acts 28 }, 'Hebrews [ author unknown' ] as its title shows, has a message for the born - again Jewish people.

336. The one reference in { Ephesians 2:12 } refers back to "the past" when these Ephesian Christians were aliens and strangers, or at most but guests, with regard to the "Covenants of the promise." There is a promise and a purpose given before the age-time { Titus 1:1-3 }, but not a Covenant, old or new. All the Covenants actually mentioned are as a usual thing exclusively connected with Israel. The New Covenant for Israel is to be GOD's gracious provision for the very people who failed under their old Covenant. Naturally, a "Promise, a New Testament or Will," can be construed as a Covenant, in the same matter. And, we members of the BODY OF CHRIST have had many promises promised to us throughout the New Testament! { 1- Thessalonians 4:16-18 }."

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