. . . it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace . . . Hebrews 13:9

Issue 117—May 2005 Inside this issue: The Sabbath—Part One The Sabbath—Part One 1 Lloyd Elias Scalyer Lloyd Elias Scalyer

The Parable of the Two 1 Editor’s Note: In March 2003, we began a series on the Levitical feasts. Thus far, we have Trains—Part Three of looked at eight of the nine prescribed feasts: Passover, The Feast of Unleavened Bread, The Four Feast of Firstfruits, The Feast of Weeks, The Feast of Trumpets, The Day of Atonement, The Feast of Tabernacles, and Shemini Atzeret. This final article examines the Sabbath. As we Mark Webb stated in the note that accompanied the first article, the author’s intention, and ours, is that a Sainthood 3 better understanding of these feasts will increase our appreciation of ’s glorious provision of salvation through his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Additionally, we pray that it will please God to Mike McInnis equip us to use the Old Testament Scriptures to display Messiah to those of natural that To Every Tribe 5 he is pleased to bring into our lives. Ministries Disagreements over the observance effect and we should celebrate it on Sat- David Harrell or the non-observance of the Sabbath urday. Some believe that since the New Do We Telegraph 7 have become an issue in the church and Covenant Scriptures do not repeat a Our Priorities? have caused many schisms, church splits command for its observance, the prac- Clyde F. Autio and name-calling in the body of Messiah, tice of keeping the Sabbath on Saturday for what seems like an eternity. The heart is invalid. They maintain that Sunday New Covenant 13 of this conflict lies in differing under- has become the Christian Sabbath. Still - standings of the nature, function, and du- others say the Sabbath, as we know it in Some Characteristics ration of the Sabbath. the Old Covenant Scriptures, is no Gary D. Long longer in effect and that believers Some hold that the Sabbath is still in Scalyer (Continued on page 2)

The Parable of the Two Trains—Part Three of Four by Mark Webb

In my first article, I sought to covenant administrators). Dispen- ment age bringing its passengers illustrate Covenant Theology and sationalism was depicted as two over to a station where a train called Dispensationalism using the figure separate trains (i.e. Israel and the Jesus awaits on another set of of trains, tracks, and engineers. Church) running one at a time tracks. A call goes out that all pas- Covenant Theology was depicted as through history on two separate sengers are to board this new train. one train (i.e. God’s people) run- tracks (i.e. two distinct covenants), Most refuse to do so and remain in ning through history on one track with Moses the engineer of one their seats. train and Christ the engineer of the (i.e. one covenant of grace) picking The Jesus train leaves the station other. In my last article, I set forth up passengers as it goes. At the ap- and now runs through the New Tes- propriate time, Christ replaces an alternative model: A train called Moses as engineer (i.e. a change of Moses runs through the Old Testa- Webb (Continued on page 15) Page 2 May 2005 Issue 117

Scalyer (Continued from page 1) Charles Hodge, a great theologian Sound of Grace is a ministry of Grace of the last century wrote the follow- Fellowship of Maryland. It is published 10 times a year. The should celebrate on Sunday (the ing: subscription price is $10.00 per year. original day of the Feast of First This is a paper unashamedly committed The second great event, which Fruits), since that is the day the to the truth of God’s sovereign grace and according to the common faith of New Covenant Theology. We invite all Lord rose to be with his Father in the church, which is to precede who love these same truths to pray for us Heaven. Another group looks for the second advent of Christ, is the and help us financially. fulfillment of the Sabbath in the national conversion of the Jews We do not take any paid advertising. Lord Jesus the Messiah, who is …. that there is to be such a na- Lord of the Sabbath. They believe tional conversion may be argued The use of an article by a particular that in Christ, there is a New person is not an endorsement of all that ... from the original call and desti- person believes, but it merely means that Creation, where the day of wor- nation of that people. God called we thought that a particular article was ship is neither spelled out nor ac- Abraham and promised that worthy of printing. centuated. through him, and in his seed, all Sound of Grace Board: John G. the nations of the earth should be In actuality, in the New Crea- Reisinger, Moe Bergeron, Ken Keefer, blessed … A presumptive argu- Jacob Moseley, Bud Morrison, and Lloyd tion, a specific day of worship is ment is drawn from the strange Scalyer. not ordained; worship of our preservation of the Jews through bridegroom and master is to be Editor: John G. Reisinger; so many centuries as a distinct Phone: (717)960-9383; e-mail: continual. It is to occur no matter people. [email protected]. what we are doing, for all our As the rejection of the Jews WebMaster is Maurice Bergeron, waking hours, seven days a week. [email protected] The important point to remember was not total, so neither is it final. is that Y’shua-Jesus is the Mes- First, God did not design to cast General Manager: Jacob Moseley, siah of Israel and the savior of the away His people entirely, but by [email protected] their rejection, in the first place to nations. He and he alone deserves Send all orders and all subscriptions facilitate the progress of the Gos- all worship, all the time. to: Sound of Grace, 5317 Wye Creek pel among the Gentiles, and ulti- Drive, Frederick, MD 21703-6938 – Many worthy saints who have mately to make the conversion of Phone 1-800-376-4146 or 301-473-8781 gone before us looked for the time the Gentiles the means of convert- Fax 240-206-0373 when Israel would recognize ing the Jews … Because if the re- Address all editorial material and Y’shua-Jesus as their true Lord. jection of the Jews has been a questions to: John G. Reisinger, Sound source of blessing, much more of Grace, 1313 Woodward Drive, Carlisle, will their restoration be the means PA 17013. Contributions of good ... The restoration of the Visit the Sound of Grace Web Page at: Jews to the privileges of God’s http://www.soundofgrace.org Orders people is included in the ancient Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are predictions and promises made re- taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW IN- We accept VISA or MasterCard specting them ... The plan of God, TERNATIONAL VERSION® Copyright © therefore, contemplated the call- 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible If you wish to make a tax- Society. Used by Permission. All rights ing of the Gentiles, the temporary deductible contribution to Sound reserved. rejection and final restoration of of Grace, please mail a check to: the Jews ... Scripture quotations marked “NKJV” Sound of Grace, 5317 Wye Creek are taken from the New King James Ver- Drive, Frederick, MD 21703- He shows that the rejection of sion. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nel- the Jews was not intended to re- son, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights 6938. reserved. sult in their being finally cast Please check the mailing label to away, but to secure the more rapid find the expiration of your progress of the Gospel among the Gentiles into the church of God. subscription. Please send payment heathen, in order that their con- This, of course, supposes that God if you want your subscription to version might react upon the regarded the Jews, on account of continue—$10.00 for ten issues. If Jews, and be the means of bring- their relation to Him, with pecu- you are unable to subscribe at this ing all, at last, within the fold of liar favor, and that there is still time, please call or drop a note in the Redeemer … something in their relation to the the mail and we will be glad to The future restoration of the ancient servants of God and His continue sending the Sound of Jews is, in itself, a more probable covenant with them, which causes Grace free of charge. event than the introduction of the them to be regarded with special Scalyer (Continued on page 4)

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chose when he got ready. He could in us or we are yet in our sins. “ask JESUS into his heart” and SAINTHOOD Now we are quite certain that automatically he became “saved”. all of GOD’s children, who have Nothing could ever overturn that Mike McInnis been brought out of darkness and which he had “allowed” GOD to do into the light, and who have been for him. His ticket to heaven was given a revelation of the glorious punched forever. This was proudly redemption of JESUS CHRIST, are To them that are sanctified described as “once saved, always the saints of GOD. The word saint in Christ Jesus, called to be saved”. It was (and is) quite com- literally means holy one or one set saints, with all that in every place mon to see a multitude in this tradi- apart. We have been sanctified by call upon the name of Jesus Christ tion, professing faith, without any CHRIST and set free from the law our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:2 manifestation of love for the things of sin and death. So when the It is quite common to hear reli- of CHRIST in them. They curse scripture mentions saints (62 times gious men and women talk about without remorse, drunkards con- in the NT) it is not a reference to a saints as if this title defines some- tinue their drunkenness, adulterers class of “super” Christians but the one who has reached the pinnacle and fornicators are undeterred in name given to all of those whose of . The Roman Catho- their lust, gossip mongers and back- sin debt is forever cancelled by lic Church has taught for years that stabbers all continue with business CHRIST, who have been called by relatively few exceptionally holy as usual after a brief period of the gospel and indwelt by HIS and devoted men and women have euphoric reform. Sometimes they SPIRIT. ever reached this lofty perch. In are described as “backsliders” and fact, from time to time, they add with a wink and a nod they are as- They have certain characteris- someone to the list of those they sured of a salvation based on their tics: have deemed worthy of the honor “decision for CHRIST.” (See Mark of being called a saint. This occurs 4:16, 17). only after a lengthy process of judg- Such a ing their merit relative to others, concept is upon which, they have bestowed entirely for- this lofty designation. eign to that We may view this process which the with amusement or disdain but in scripture re- reality the concept that there are veals. The different levels of being a Christian LORD JE- (i.e. follower of CHRIST), is quite SUS told accepted among many. There is a Nicodemus widespread notion that it is possible that a man to be a believer without a total com- must be born mitment to CHRIST. Some define again in order it as accepting HIM as SAVIOR but to enter the not as LORD. I have also heard kingdom of this phenomenon described as a heaven. Paul “Carnal Christian”. The implica- said, tion is that a man may possess some “Therefore if basic level of salvation while not any man be in having a heart that delights in the Christ, he is a new creature: old Saints are not perfect but are things of CHRIST. Still others say things are passed away; behold, all being perfected. “Brethren, I that a man can be a believer but can things are become new” (2 Cor count not myself to have appre- “get filled with the HOLY 5:17). The work of regeneration is a hended (i.e. attained perfection): GHOST” and become a “spirit- universal work wrought by the but this one thing I do, forgetting filled Christian” which is different HOLY SPIRIT in all of those those things which are behind, and from just being a plain Christian. whom HE calls to eternal salvation. reaching forth unto those things A man is either born again or he is which are before, I press toward In the religious tradition in not. There is no middle ground. the mark for the prize of the high which I grew up, salvation was pre- Either the SPIRIT has begun a work sented as something a man just McInnis (Continued on page 14)

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Scalyer (Continued from page 2) enth day. Therefore the LORD tions regarding the Sabbath. From blessed the Sabbath day and made Exodus 31:13-17, we learn that interest. As men look upon the it holy. (NIV) anyone who desecrates the Sabbath children of their early friends with The Sabbath commandment is part by working must be put to death. Is- kinder feelings than on the chil- rael, and not the Gentiles, was to dren of strangers, God refers to of the group of commandments we call the Ten Commandments. It observe the Sabbath in their genera- this fact to make us sensible that tions as a lasting covenant. “‘Say to He still retains purposes of pecu- cannot be considered independently of the other nine commandments, the Israelites, “… this will be a sign liar mercy towards His ancient between me [Elohim] and you [the people. nor can it be taken independently of the multitude of other injunctions Israelites] for the generations to As the restoration of the Jews that God gave to Israel. In total, ac- come [forever]”’” (Ex. 31:13, NIV, is not only a most desirable event, cording to Jewish authority, there emphasis added). but one which God has deter- are six-hundred thirteen laws of the mined to accomplish, Christians In Ezekiel 20:12, the re- Torah; some of the laws were for should keep it constantly in view cords God’s words to him, “‘“Also men, others were for women, and even in their labors for the con- I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign version of the Gentiles. still others concerned temple wor- between us, so that they would (Systematic Theology, V3, James ship. As a body, these laws defined know that I the LORD made them Clark & Co. 1906, p. 805 and A Israel and her relationship to Yah- holy.”’” Notice, the Scripture is Commentary on the Epistle to the weh Elohim-the Lord God. clear in these verses; God gave the Romans, Presbyterian Board of Given the multitude of laws and Sabbath to Israel and not to the Na- Publication, 1836, pp. 270-285, injunctions that God gave to Israel, tions. Additionally, it was God who passim. Now published by Banner it was not possible for of Truth Trust.) anyone except Messiah We will examine the Sabbath by to be able to accom- asking and answering three ques- plish all of the Law’s tions. requirements. The pur- pose of giving Israel 1. How and why was the Sab- the commandments bath day established? and laws was to show 2. How was and is the Sabbath them what they needed day celebrated? for their spiritual salva- tion. It is a foregone 3. What are the implications of conclusion that they the Sabbath day under the New could not possibly Covenant? complete them and therefore, they would not be able to would make Israel holy. Anyone become acceptable to Yahweh Elo- who knows and understands the six- 1. How and why was the Sab- him. hundred thirteen laws of Torah real- bath day established? izes that it was impossible for Israel The Sovereign Lord set Israel The premier text on the Sabbath or any other nation, in and of them- apart and gave them the Sabbath so comes from Exodus 20:8-11. selves, to complete them. that in their day of rest they would Remember the Sabbath day by remember him; they were to call to A summary of the requirements keeping it holy. Six days you shall mind the salvation he gave them of the Sabbath is as follows: labor and do all your work, but from oppression in Egypt and his 1. No one is to leave home the seventh day is a Sabbath to gift of the land of milk and honey. (Exodus 16:29b). the LORD your God. On it you The Sabbath was to remind them shall not do any work, neither you that each of them was in a personal 2. No one may work (Exodus nor your son or daughter, nor covenantal relationship with him as 20:10). your manservant or maidservant, their Lord-Creator and Savior, and 3. No one may cook (Exodus nor your animals, nor the alien of their obligation to follow his pre- 35:3). within your gates. For in six days cepts. the LORD made the heavens and 4. Observation of the Sabbath is the earth, the sea, and all that is Throughout the Old Covenant coupled with the honoring of one’s in them, but he rested on the sev- Scriptures, we find other injunc- Scalyer (Continued on page 6)

Issue 117 May 2005 Page 5 To Every Tribe Ministries By David Harrell, Executive Director

“Paul, a servant of Christ sinners who are alienated and per- the process forward. ishing (strong as that incentive is, Jesus, called to be an apostle, set The planted churches will also especially when we contemplate the apart for the gospel of God, which be able to begin preaching the gos- wrath of God…), but rather zeal – he promised beforehand through pel in places where we have not burning zeal – for the glory of Jesus his in the holy Scrip- been, in remote areas we may not tures, concerning his Son, who Christ.” know about, among peoples whom was descended from David ac- In the preface to his book, A Vi- no one knows about at this time, cording to the flesh and was de- 2 clared to be the Son of God in sion for Missions , Tom Wells except those who live in their cul- power according to the Spirit of wrote, “God is worthy of being ture and in their region or in their holiness by his resurrection from known and proclaimed for who He swamp. is, and that fact is an important part the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, Toward that end we are commit- of the missionary motive and mes- through whom we have received ting all our resources, and we invite sage…those who know the most grace and apostleship to bring you to join us in the journey. When about God are the most responsible about the obedience of faith for one looks at the total picture of and best equipped to tell of Him.” the sake of his name among all what we are attempting, it some- the nations, including you who John Piper said it this way in his times seems to be an impossible are called to belong to Jesus book, Let the Nations be Glad! dream, but with God all things are Christ,” (Rom. 1:1-6, ESV). “Worship…is the fuel and goal of possible. In his commentary on Romans1, missions. It’s the goal of missions This month I want to introduce John Stott made the following com- because in missions we simply aim another member of the TETM team. ments about Paul’s statement con- to bring the nations into the white- Many of you may already know cerning his ministry to the Gentiles hot enjoyment of God’s glory. The Rod and Linda Conner. Rod and (or nations – v. 5): “What he (Paul) goal of missions is the gladness of Linda met at Grand Rapids Baptist is affirming is that the gospel is for the peoples in the greatness of God. Bible College and were married in everybody; its scope is universal. ‘The Lord reigns, let the earth re- 1973. Rod served as the youth pas- We too, if we are to be committed joice; let the many coastlands be tor for Randolph St. Baptist Church to world mission, will have to be glad!’ (Ps. 97:1). ‘Let the peoples in Charleston, WV from 1976 until liberated from all pride of race, na- praise you, O God; let all the peo- 1978. In 1978, Rod was called to tion, tribe, caste and class, and ac- ples praise you! Let the nations be Reformed Baptist Church in Lewis- knowledge that God’s gospel is for glad and sing for joy!’ (Ps. 67:3- burg, PA, and served there as the everybody, without exception and 4)”3 pastor for 23 years. Rod and Linda without distinction. This is a major Three different authors saying have four children, Jeff, Christo- theme of Romans…(v. 6) If, there- the same thing in different ways, pher, Timothy, and Kimberly. fore, (referring to Phil. 2:9ff) God that the ultimate reason and motiva- desires every knee to bow to Jesus During the year that David Sit- tion for missions is the glory of and every tongue to confess him, so ton and Steve and Robin Henry God. We who are part of the To should we. We should be ‘jealous’ were to be occupied full time with Every Tribe Ministries team have (as Scripture sometimes puts it) for language school, someone was specific mission goals toward the the honour of his name – troubled needed to go to churches around the end of glorifying God in the gospel when it remains unknown, hurt US and and carry the mes- of Jesus Christ. We want to preach when it is ignored, indignant when sage about TETM’s missionary the gospel and plant churches in it is blasphemed, and all the time goals. Rod believed the Lord was places where none currently exist. anxious and determined that it shall calling him to fulfill that need. The Following the planting of churches be given the honour and glory Lord has graciously provided the we want to train local leaders and which are due it. The highest of all financial support enabling him to install them in the local churches. missionary motives is neither obe- travel throughout the US and Can- When that is accomplished, we will dience to the Great Commission ada, preaching the gospel and tell- be free to move on to the next tribe (important as that is), nor love for or the next town or island and carry TETM (Continued on page 18)

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Scalyer (Continued from page 4) low Elohim’s statutes from their Elohim] has commanded you, so hearts, he would make that you may live and prosper and them holy. Deuteronomy prolong your days in the land that 6:25 says, “… if we are you will possess.” careful to obey all this In chapter six of Deuteronomy, law before the LORD our Moses begins his recitation of the God, as he has com- commands, decrees, and laws that manded us, that will be the Lord told him to teach Israel. our righteousness” (NIV, We read that the Lord promises the emphasis added). Human blessing of a good life in a good beings have no righteous- land if the people will fear him and ness in and of themselves; follow his decrees. Verse 4, “Hear their righteousness can O Israel: the LORD our God, the only come from doing all LORD is one. Love the LORD your of God’s commandments. God with all your heart and all your The giving of the Sabbath soul and all your strength. These was to establish a personal commandments that I give you this commitment between each day are to be upon your hearts. Im- member of the nation of press them on your children. Talk Israel and his/her Sover- about them when you sit at home parents (Leviticus 19:3). eign Lord. If a person did all the and when you walk along the road, law, he/she had righteousness; if a 5. Every Sabbath, set special when you lie down and when you person did not do all the law, he/she bread before the Lord (Leviticus get up. Tie them as symbols on did not have any righteousness. 24:5-8). your hands and bind them on your 6. No one may gather wood The Sabbath, in the times of the foreheads. Write them on the door (Numbers 15:32). Old Covenant, was the hinge pin frames of your houses and on your that would enable the children of Is- gates.” 7. On the Sabbath day, make rael to complete the balance of the God gave Israel his Sabbath so double the animal sacrifices as well Ten Commandments and all of that the individual Israelites would as the meat and drink offerings God’s statutes in God’s own right- stop their daily routine and seek the (Numbers 28:1-10). eousness. The individual would Lord for strength and wisdom to be 8. Visits may be made to men of complete and fulfill the law God (2 Kings 4:23). when he/she threw his/herself upon Yahweh for mercy, be- 9. No one may carry a burden cause only then could he/she (Jeremiah 17:21). keep the totality of the law. By 10. No one may buy or sell keeping the Sabbath day holy (Amos 8:5). and not just refraining from work, people would create an at- The Sabbath was restrictive be- mosphere in their homes that cause Jehovah Elohim-the Lord would fulfill the Sovereign God wanted the children of Israel to Lord’s first three command- be free from the distractions of this ments and give them his strength world when they were to have com- to uphold all the other statutes munion with him. that he had given them. In Leviticus 11:45, God reminds After reviewing the com- the Israelites why they are to follow mandments in the beginning of his commandments. “I am the LORD Deuteronomy 5, the chapter who brought you up out of Egypt, ends with these words from verse able to fulfill his commandments, to be your God; therefore be holy, 32, “So be careful to do what the decrees, and statutes. because I am holy.” LORD your God has commanded 2. How was and is the Sabbath you; do not turn aside to the right or Holiness as defined in the Holy day celebrated? Scriptures can come only from to the left. Walk in all the way that God. As Israel would attempt to fol- the LORD your God [Yahweh your Scalyer (Continued on page 8)

Issue 117 May 2005 Page 7 DO WE TELEGRAPH OUR PRIORITIES? Clyde F. Autio

I charge thee before God, and die to their own desires, so that they and I am guilty of this, is when we the Lord Jesus Christ, and the might be a blessing to others and are mixing at a social function are elect angels, that thou observe thereby glorify His Father. This just we able to maintain eye contact these things without preferring might be an area where it is far eas- with those we are talking to or are one before another, doing nothing ier for us to talk the talk than it is to we constantly scanning the room to by partiality. 1 Timothy 5:21 walk the walk. locate someone else? Do our roving eyes display a sense that I will talk My brethren, have not the faith Several years ago I had the op- with you until someone more im- of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord portunity to attend a family cere- portant comes on the scene? Again, of glory, with respect of persons. mony in a large church. The hour we are elevating ourselves above For if there come unto your as- for the ceremony to commence was some other person and communi- sembly a man with a gold ring, in well publicized by formal an- cating our priority, intentionally or goodly apparel, and there come in nouncements, detailed preparations not. also a poor man in vile raiment; and family discussions. The crowd And ye have respect to him that gathered prior to the starting time When we are leaving church do weareth the gay clothing, and say and proceeded to wait for a portion we take the time to greet those who unto him, Sit thou here in a good of the family that was notoriously are nearest to us, without regard to place; and say to the poor, Stand late. It struck me that the late group their status or needs, or do we thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial was communicating to the audience roughly rush through the aisles and in yourselves, and are become who was most important and came corridors to locate those with whom judges of evil thoughts? James first in their lives. Regardless of we find some collegial kinship? 2:1-4 subsequent conversation a message What if God put the ‘lesser’ person had been sent that what we are do- next to us because they had a need Do I diminish the honor and im- ing will not be postponed, or de- He expected us to fill? Are we be- portance of the person with whom I layed for the convenience of the ing guilty of figuratively putting am conversing—this is, do I sin—if group. Rather, what we are about is them to a lower seat at the Lord’s my eyes are searching out another so much more important than what Table and looking for a better pros- person? you are about that it is our decision pect to put at the head of the ‘table’ How do we let people know how that you will have to wait. Do we of our life? communicate to God and others important they are to us and, more Each of these examples, and what our priorities are by when we importantly, whether we consider there are many more, are cited in show up for meetings, gatherings their needs before we consider our order that we might ponder on how and other personal contacts? own? One of the keynotes of the subtly of our treatment to other Christ’s ministry was that His fol- Another signal of our priorities, people might be a far better ba- lowers must become servants, or rometer of our own attentiveness to being a servant to all. During a re- cent Sunday School class a pastor friend made the observation that when people ask for, or need, help it is now—not later at our personal convenience. We might never have another opportunity to minister to those we have offended or ignored through our own selfish desires. We must remember the foot- prints of the walk will last much longer than the breath of our talk. [

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Scalyer (Continued from page 6) many homes in the past, many and not become absorbed into the homes today revere the Sabbath day Babylonian culture. and keep it holy. The Sabbath day Israel as a nation was just like Eventually*1, the Pharisees not only was for rest and separation any other people. They were of the emerged as a distinct religious and from the world’s activities, but it natural creation and sought the political group that fostered per- also was for the contemplation and things that they could taste, touch sonal responsibility and strict obser- adoration of Yahweh Elohim-the and smell. Within that natural crea- vance of the Sabbath. They main- Lord God. tion, there was always a remnant tained that in addition to the written that strove after the Lord and To understand Israel’s view of law, there was also an Oral Law sought to fulfill his regulations from the Sabbath, we must consider it in given to Moses at Sinai. This law their hearts. They understood the light of the rest of God’s Law. was not written, but was passed Scriptures that say, “The fear of the Within the five books of Moses, we orally by holy men from generation LORD is the beginning of wisdom; have the famous six-hundred thir- to generation. They maintained that the fear of the LORD is the begin- teen laws of the Torah that many all of Israel was to observe this oral ning of knowledge” (Ps. 111:10a, people talk about and few know and law in addition to the written Law Prov. 1:7a, NIV). Those of the rem- understand: some are for men, some in Torah. They worked closely with nant remembered how their Sover- are for women, and some deal with the people, encouraging them to- eign Lord had dealt with the Egyp- religious worship. Within the six- ward holiness. tians and with the nations whose hundred thirteen laws, the Sover- The Pharisees were jealous of land he had given them. They had a eign Lord gave Israel ten command- the power of the Temple priests and healthy fear of what he could do ments. Within those ten, the first sought to undermine their authority and they loved him even more be- three deal specifically with Israel’s whenever they could. They devel- cause of what he had done. relationship to God as their Sover- oped synagogues to promote their eign Lord. By observing the fourth theology among the people on a commandment in the way weekly basis. The average Israelite Elohim wanted them to ob- would only come to Jerusalem to serve it, they would be worship at the Temple three times a given strength and energy year for the Levitical convocations. to draw closer to him per- They felt removed from the priest- sonally. hood. The people felt closer to the This closeness would en- Pharisees, since they attended syna- gender within them a love gogues weekly for the teaching and to do his will. But alas, preaching services held there. even though Israel was set As a result of weekly Synagogue apart as a separate people meetings, the Sabbath day obser- and given laws and pre- vance eventually changed from per- cepts to follow as a nation, sonal individual observance to one they chose not to follow of corporate worship on a weekly Time after time, the Lord Al- God’s ways. Instead, they followed basis. Yahweh Elohim in his writ- mighty chastised Israel as a nation the evil ways of the countries ten word never told the Pharisees or for their Sabbath violations. By vio- around them. anyone else to do this. There is no lating the Sabbath, they were dis- In the time of the Prophet place in Scripture that the Lord God honoring the Lord and his word. Jeremiah, once again, Yahweh in commands corporate worship on a The Sovereign Lord sent them into his grace and mercy gave the peo- specific day or that people must captivity for seventy years so the ple a chance to repent of their evil have corporate worship one or more land would receive the Sabbath and turn from their evil ways. They times a week. The Judeo-Christian rests that were due it. chose to reject the Lord’s pleadings culture worships weekly without That being said, there were also and instead, followed the desires of any written revelation because the periods of great revival when it was their hearts. The Lord God then sent Pharisees started that process and evident that the spirit of Elohim them into captivity in Babylon. the apostles continued it. was stirring the people to be obser- During their captivity, some groups The Pharisees rejected the idea vant to the will and laws of their promoted the Sabbath day so that that God was only in the Temple. Sovereign God. Just as there were the Israelites would remain separate Scalyer (Continued on page 17)

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WHAT IS NEW COVENANT THEOLOGY AND WHAT ARE SOME OF ITS MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS?

Gary D. Long

There is a need for New Cove- stood by this writer. interpretation is “contextual exege- sis.” Contextual biblical exegesis nant Theology (NCT) in proclaim- NCT Described. New Covenant demands grammati- ing the gospel of Christ. Its princi- Theology is a developing system of cal/historical/theological principles ples of interpretation (its hermeneu- theology that provides a more bibli- of interpretation. tic) are as old as the New Testament cal way to interpret the Scriptures. (NT) itself. The way it interprets It is based upon a redemptive his- 2. The imputation of Adam’s Scripture is based upon how Christ tory approach to understanding the first sin to all mankind (Rom. and the writers of the NT under- fulfillment of God’s eternal king- 5:12d, 18a-19a), the elects’ sins to stand and use the Old Testament dom purpose on earth. Its principles Christ (II Cor. 5:21), and Christ’s Scriptures in explaining the coming of interpretation are based upon a righteousness to the elect (Rom. to pass of God’s will on earth biblical theology that stresses the 5:18b-19b) are vital for the Chris- (Matthew 6:10). But as a theologi- theology of the Bible itself. NCT tian faith. Without the doctrine of cal system in America it is a recent challenges the basic theological imputation the whole doctrine of development having different ex- presuppositions of the one Cove- the substitutionary atonement and planations. The time has come for nant of Grace system of Covenant justification by faith alone in Christ those who hold to the need for NCT Theology, including its understand- alone are undermined (Rom. 5:12- to unify and explain what it is. It is ing of the “moral law” of God and 19). in agreement with much that is the nature of the Church. NCT also 3. God’s plan of salvation is taught in the theological system of challenges the two redemptive pur- revealed and administered through Reformed or Covenant Theology poses of Dispensational Theology, the unfolding of biblical covenants (CT), especially with its teaching one for the Church and one for Is- in the flow of redemptive history, on the inspiration and inerrancy of rael. The driving motive of NCT is not through the theologically de- the Bible, the doctrine of God and “back to the Bible.” NCT empha- duced system of CT’s Covenant of creation, the doctrine of man, and sizes the inductive study of the Bi- Works/Covenant of the doctrine of the person and work ble. A major objective of NCT is Grace/Covenant of Redemption of Christ. It agrees with much that that its hermeneutic will help bring schema. is taught in the theological system doctrinal unity in this sin-wrecked of Dispensational Theology (DT), world by breaking down the middle 4. The Law of God is both ab- especially its teaching on the inspi- walls of doctrinal partition that solute and covenantal (Matt. 5:17- ration and inerrancy of the Bible, exist within the theological systems 20). God’s “absolute law” is innate, the doctrine of God and creation, of Covenant Theology and Dispen- written on the heart of man created the person of Christ, and the under- sational Theology. in the image of God. It is God’s standing of Pentecost as the forma- unchanging standard of righteous- NCT Characteristics—some of tion of the Church as the body of ness. God’s “covenantal law,” how- the major characteristics of New Christ. However, there are signifi- ever, is written and changeable ac- Covenant Theology are: cant differences with the theologi- cording to the covenant being ad- cal systems of both CT and DT to 1. The discernment of the Holy ministered. warrant the development of NCT as Spirit is absolutely essential for ac- 5. The love of God and the love a distinct theological system. The curately handling the Word of God of neighbor are the two greatest following provides a brief descrip- (I Cor. 2:13-14; II Tim. 2:15) and commandments (Matt. 22:36-40) tion and listing of some of the ma- that the most important principle of jor characteristics of NCT as under- Long (Continued on page 14)

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McInnis (Continued from page 3) Long (Continued from page 13) from the Gentiles who do not have a written revelation of God’s law (I calling of God in Christ Jesus” upon which the whole Law and the Cor. 9:20-21). (Phil 3:13-14). We have not yet Prophets hang. This means that the 11. The law of Christ is not to arrived at our final destination nor Ten Commandments, the Deca- be equated with the Decalogue. Al- have we totally triumphed over this logue, hang upon these two greatest though the law of Christ, the law of sinful flesh which still plagues us commandments, not the reverse as the NC people of God, is related to and seeks to bring us back under its CT teaches. the Decalogue in that it incorporates dominion. But we are confident 6. The Ten Commandments are nine of the Ten Commandments. that “He which hath begun a good a covenantal outworking of the two The law of Christ is a better law work in you will perform it until the greatest commandments in redemp- than the law of Moses (Matt. 5:21- day of Jesus Christ:” (Phil 1:6). We tive history not the reverse. They 48; Heb. 7:19) in the sense that (1) are not yet what we shall be, but were given through the hand of it is a higher revelation of the right- thank GOD we are not what we Moses to the nation of Israel first at eousness of God (Matt: 5:20); (2) it once were, either. (See 1 Cor.6:9- Mount Sinai (Exod. 20). is based upon a higher standard of 11). love (Matt. 4:44); and, (3) Christ’s 7. The Fourth Commandment, Saints have a language all inauguration of the New Covenant the Sabbath commandment, being their own. “The Spirit also helpeth brings in things that are qualita- the sign of the Mosaic Covenant our infirmities: for we know not tively “newer,” expressed in devel- (Exod. 31:15-17), is not a creation what we should pray for as we oping the theological significance ordinance as taught by CT. ought: but the Spirit itself maketh of such basic concepts as new wine- intercession for us with groanings 8. The Ten Commandments are skins, new teaching, new command- which cannot be uttered” (Rom. not eternal moral law first written in ment, new creation, new man, new 8:26). The children of GOD can be the heart of man at creation and name, new song, new Jerusalem prevented from many things, but forever binding upon all mankind as and all things new (Rev. 21:5). they will always pray. “Because ye CT teaches in its confessions of 12. The OC Sabbath command- are sons, God hath sent forth the faith e.g., the Westminster Confes- ment is typologically fulfilled by Spirit of his Son into your hearts, sion of Faith (1647-1649) and the Christ for the people of God who crying, Abba, Father” (Gal 4:6). A Second London Baptist Confession rest in Him by faith (Heb. 4:9-10). man whose life is not bathed in (1689). In fact, the term “moral prayer does not have the SPIRIT of law” does not occur in the Bible. 13. New Covenant believers are GOD dwelling in him. Although under any given covenan- in-lawed to Christ; they are not un- tal administration, man is morally der the OC law of Moses but under Saints are compelled to be- obligated to obey all of God’s com- the grace of the NC (Rom. 6:14). lieve and follow CHRIST. “Lord, mandments, yet the Bible does not NCT does not equate the law of to whom shall we go? thou hast the separate God’s law into three parts: Christ with the Decalogue as do words of eternal life” (John 6:68). I moral, ceremonial and civil. His- many holding to CT. am sure that each person who is a torically, this threefold separation saint has chosen to follow CHRIST, 14. The indwelling Holy Spirit was not substantially taught until but I am equally certain that each is the norm for Christian living. the time of Thomas Aquinas in the one is unable to choose to follow NCT does not teach that the Ten 13th century and in the 16th century another. “Thy people shall be will- Commandments are the only objec- by Calvin. ing in the day of thy power” tive standard for evaluating the (Ps.110:3). The HOLY SPIRIT 9. The Decalogue is not Christian life. Rather, NCT empha- draws men to CHRIST and causes “transcovenantal” and, therefore, sizes that it is the Spirit who en- them to declare as Peter did, “Thou does not function outside the Old ables the Christian to have a godly art the Christ, the Son of the living Covenant as a unit as much of CT walk (Rom. 8:4; Gal. 5:16-18). teaches. God” (Matt 16:16). Can the true 15. Christ merited righteousness children of GOD embrace another 10. Christ came not to destroy for the elect only and that it is im- savior? Can they bow before an- the OT Scriptures but to fulfill puted to them based upon His total other LORD? HE has bound us to them, which includes the Deca- obedience to the will of the Father HIMSELF with cords of love that logue. The New Covenant law is in His life and death (Matt. 3:15; [ cannot be broken. called the law of Christ which is Rom. 5:19). distinguished from Mosaic law and Long (Continued on page 19)

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Webb (Continued from page 1) is answering in Rom. 9-11. There the keys of hell and death. Seven was the appearance that God’s letters to the churches in Asia now tament age, while the Moses train Word had “taken no effect” (Rom. follow in Rev. 2-3. Each letter be- shortly thereafter derails. This new 9:6). There was the appearance that gins by identifying its Sender, and it model, as opposed to the other two, God had “cast away His people” does that by referencing some fea- emphasizes what I call transition— (Rom. 11:1). But such was emphati- ture of John’s description of Christ i.e. those in Jesus’ day were not told cally not the case! Paul demon- in Rev. 1 (e.g. the One with the to “sit tight” but to “enter” a King- strates that it was always God’s seven stars in His hand, or the One dom. purpose to bring together in one whose eyes are as a flame of fire, Transference body all who believe on His Son, etc.). In Rev. 3:7, at the beginning whether Jew or Gentile. of the letter to the church in Phila- In addition to transition, a sec- The Key to the Keys delphia, the Sender is identified as ond principle is required of any having a key, which identifies Him covenantal model seeking to fit the Many texts could be cited to with the One described in Rev. biblical data: transference. By this support this principle of transfer- 1:18. This time, however, it’s not term, I simply mean what Christ ence. I’ve decided, however, to cen- the keys of hell and death, as we declares at the conclusion of the ter upon one where the principle is would expect, but “the key of parable of the householder in Matt. not readily apparent upon first read- David,” a key “that openeth, and 21:43: “Therefore say I unto you, ing. After digging deeper, however, no man shutteth; and shutteth, and the kingdom of God shall be taken I trust it will become clear that this no man openeth.” Why the differ- from you, and given to a nation text gives striking confirmation to ence? The simplest explanation is bringing forth the fruits of it.” Note the general pattern stated above. that these two texts are actually say- that privileges were to be taken ing the same thing, using different from Israel and transferred to a new words to express it. The reader is nation. What is the identity of this expected to understand that the keys new nation? I suggest that it’s the of a kingdom are a symbolic way of one spoken of in I Peter 2:9, i.e. the representing different aspects of a Church. What I’m calling transfer- king’s sovereign authority. For in- ence is termed by others the re- stance, your key chain most likely placement motif. As the name im- holds a number of keys—to your plies, this viewpoint sees the church car, your home, your office, etc. as a replacement for ethnic Israel in Each of these represents an area of redemptive history. The benefits life where you have the right to en- and blessings, promises and privi- ter, to lock, or to open. In Christ’s leges, once the possession and fu- case, the keys on His key chain rep- ture prospect of the nation of Israel, Consider the account of Peter’s resent His power over the grave, are now given to the Church (See confession in Matt. 16:13-19. In His power over death, as well as Eph. 2:11-13). Before dismissing verse 19, Jesus promises to give this key of David—i.e. His Messi- this notion as incompatible with a Peter something He calls the keys of anic rule upon David’s throne (See God Who never repents or alters the kingdom. This is a “key” pas- Luke 1:32 and Acts 2:29-32). His purpose, stop and consider how sage, if you’ll excuse the pun! I be- Giving the Keys often it is that those who wind up lieve scripture will interpret scrip- with blessing in the New Testament ture, if we’ll but let it. So, let’s take What’s the significance of Jesus have it because it was forfeited by a little excursion through scripture giving Peter these keys? Well, what others (e.g. The Parable of the to try to get a handle on this pas- would it mean for a father to give Householder—Matt 21:33-44; The sage. his teenage daughter the keys to his Parable of the Marriage Feast— What are the Keys? car? It doesn’t mean he gives her Matt. 22:1-10; The grafting of wild the car, only the right to use it. The olive branches into the good olive What do these keys represent? father retains absolute control. Fur- tree—Rom. 11:16-24). This prob- An examination of related passages ther, if she abuses the privilege, lem—that a God Who never dealing with the subject of keys Daddy may well take “the T-Bird changes His purpose has transferred turns up Rev. 1:18. As John beholds away,” as the song goes! May I blessing from Israel to the the risen, glorified Christ, Jesus suggest the same idea here? When a Church—is the very difficulty Paul tells him that He possesses keys— Webb (Continued on page 16)

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Webb (Continued from page 15) and privileges. These blessings, described in verse 4: “For they says our Lord, will be given to oth- bind heavy burdens and grievous to sovereign gives someone the keys to ers who will be faithful. If we think be borne, and lay them on men’s his kingdom, he doesn’t surrender of keys as a figurative way of repre- shoulders, but they themselves will the kingdom, but makes the recipi- senting these privileges, could it not not move them with one of their ent a steward—i.e. someone with be said that the keys of the kingdom fingers.” To bind was to lay upon a authority over a particular area of would be taken from them and person an obligation or duty; to the kingdom. Further, this authority given to others? Based on the scrip- loose was to absolve a person of a is not given unconditionally, for it tural precedent of the transference duty. Thus, the authority Peter is to may be taken away if the steward of keys from Shebna to Eliakim, I exercise, binding and loosing, is no proves unfaithful. think this is exactly what Christ is new power, but one already in exis- saying. The keys to be given to Pe- tence—and scripture even associ- A fascinating passage illustrat- ter were keys already in existence ates it with a key! Note Luke 11:52, ing this principle, and one very im- and in the hands of others! where Jesus declares: “Woe unto portant to our present discussion, is you, lawyers! For ye have taken found in Isa. 22:15-25. Isaiah is Binding and Loosing away the key of knowledge; ye en- directed to a man named Shebna, tered not in yourselves, and them described as a treasurer and the one A further clue, showing that we that were entering in, ye hindered.” “over the house” (of David, by im- are on the right track, is found in So, the keys—involving the knowl- plication). He is the chief steward what Peter was to do with these edge of the manner of entering the of the king, exercising authority keys. He was to bind and to loose. kingdom, and the power of binding over the matters of the king’s This language gives us insight into and loosing—are already in the pos- household. However, he is told that who previously possessed these session of others. Yet these keys are he will be cast out of his office, pre- keys, for this is the language of the to be taken from them and given to sumably because of his unfaithful- Scribes. Originally, a Scribe was Peter—and not to Peter only, but, as ness, and that he will be replaced by one who merely copied the Law of the rest of scripture shows, to the another—Eliakim. Eliakim is to be Moses. In Ezra’s day, however, other Apostles as clothed with Shebna’s vestments their role was well! and authority. Note especially how expanded to Isa. 22:22 describes Eliakim: “And become Using the Keys the key of the house of David will I teachers and lay upon his shoulder; so he shall interpreters of Do we ever see open, and none shall shut; and he the Law. In Peter using these shall shut, and none shall open.” Christ’s day, keys? Consider (Note the similarity of this verse the Sanhedrin Pentecost: Peter is with Rev. 3:7!) To give Eliakim the (the ruling opening the king- “key of the house of David” meant body of Israel dom of heaven to that he would now exercise the au- and the con- men through the thority previously held by Shebna. tinuation of proclamation of the those judges Gospel message. Where are the Keys? appointed He does the same under Moses) to the Gentiles in Will Christ pull the keys prom- was com- Cornelius’ home. ised to Peter out of His pocket? I prised of Priests (mainly of the Sad- What about binding and loosing? think not, for Isa. 22 gives us a clue. ducees) and Scribes (mainly of the This was the constant activity of the Note that the key given to Eliakim Pharisees). These men authorita- Apostles throughout the New Testa- is a key taken from Shebna. It’s not tively applied the Law to Israel. ment. At the council in Jerusalem, a newly manufactured key, but a Lest we question the legitimacy of they loose the Gentile believers key already in existence, which is their office, note that Jesus Himself from the ritual of circumcision and being transferred from the one man recognizes their authority in Matt. bind them with certain food regula- to the other. Isn’t this precisely 23:2, saying, “The scribes and the tions and with abstaining from for- what Jesus is describing in the Par- Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.” As nication (see Acts 15:19-20). In the able of the Householder? Because such, they were to be obeyed, but epistles, the Apostles lay down the of their unfaithfulness, those who not imitated, for they were hypo- rules that are to regulate the faith have custodial care of the nation of crites. The exercise of their office is Israel are about to lose their rights Webb (Continued on page 17)

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Webb (Continued from page 16) They convey through the New Tes- Scalyer (Continued from page 8) tament scriptures the key of knowl- and conduct of believers and of edge whereby men may enter the They believed that God was every- Christ’s church. By what right do kingdom. where and therefore believed that they do this? By the Christ-given their Synagogue worship would be But they are not the cornerstone authority granted to them as His as equally pleasing to God as the of the Church! In no way do they Apostles! They viewed their com- Temple worship.* rival or supplant Christ. Neither can mandments to the Church as noth- their authority be passed down to ing less than the commandments of others, as the fiction of Rome sug- Christ (See I Cor. 14:37 for an ex- gests. Yet, we must recognize that ample). Christ gave them the keys. The faith Conclusion once delivered to the saints was, in fact, delivered to the saints through What does all this mean, and the agency of Christ’s Apostles. how does it impact the covenantal What we know about Jesus and question? Suppose you are a Jew Gospel truth, we learn, humanly living in the Old Testament age. speaking, through the Apostles. After the destruction of the How would you know your duty Further, the covenantal privileges Temple, the people were forced to before God? Study the law? Well, once belonging to Israel have now look to the teachings of the Phari- the law had to be interpreted and been transferred to the Church. The sees as a guide for their daily life as applied, and that was the domain of great promises of God are fulfilled well as for instruction on how they men like the Scribes. Their job was in Him, and therefore, to all who could enter into the eternal king- to determine specifically how are “in” Him (see II Cor. 1:20). As dom. Their formula for attaining God’s law applied to you individu- such, it’s not surprising to see eternal life in Heaven came to be ally in your unique circumstances. promises first enunciated to Israel called Rabbinic Judaism. Both the But now, in this New Testament now quoted and reapplied by the Ultra Orthodox and Orthodox com- age, where do we go to learn our Apostles to the Church (see I Peter munities practice a Pharisaic form duty to God? To Rabbis and 2:9-10 and II Cor. 6:16-18 for ex- of Rabbinic Judaism. In the Ortho- Scribes? No, we turn to the teaching amples). dox and Ultra Orthodox communi- of the Apostles, i.e. the New Testa- ties, the Sabbath is rigorously ob- So we see again both continuity ment scripture. Now please do not served and becomes part of their and discontinuity: continuity, in that misunderstand! This is not to say system of works that will give them our duty before God is still based that the Old Testament has no au- entrance into the eternal kingdom. on the moral principles of God’s thority, or that God’s law has no Other branches of Judaism practice law; but discontinuity, in that abiding validity—and it’s certainly their own versions of Rabbinic Ju- Christ’s Apostles are now interpret- not saying that we are free from daism, which vary from the conser- ing and applying these principles in duty or law to God. Rather, it’s sim- vative to the ultra-liberal. ply to acknowledge that the keys a new age, to a new people, in a Many Jewish people today treat have been transferred to the Apos- new situation. Now I recognize this the Sabbath with honor and rever- tles. The authority to interpret observation alone will not settle the ence. They look forward to the God’s Law and to apply it to His various issues arising out of the coming of the Sabbath so that they people has been passed! The Apos- covenantal question in our day. can take their rest in the Lord. tles are foundational to the However, it should give us a hint as Within these groups, the Sabbath is Church—see Eph. 2:20. As a foun- to where we ought to start in seek- held in higher regard than any other dation determines the scope and ing the answers. We should look to holiday. It is a family day when extent of the building built upon it, see how the Apostles handled and parents and children do things to- so the teaching of the Apostles pre- applied the law. Their teaching, gether at home or in the Synagogue. scribes the scope and extent of embodied in the New Testament scriptures, should be given a pri- Christ’s Church. Their teaching In the Orthodox and Ultra Or- macy in discovering our duty before determines what’s in and out, so far thodox systems of Rabbinic Juda- God, for, after all, to them were as the Church is concerned. They ism, there is a special list of activi- given the keys. [ bind us with our duty, both as to our ties that are prohibited on the Sab- faith (what we are to believe) and to bath, because it is a time when eve- our practice (what we are to do). Scalyer (Continued on page 19)

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TETM (Continued from page 5) [email protected]. If you are your local church that it would be- unable to go to Mexico but would come one with the church through- ing the TETM story. Rod’s travels like to help with medical supplies, out the ages and see that it exists for have taken him to Ontario, Canada; such as prenatal vitamins, or other the glory of God, and that one way several southern states including forms of support you should also to most effectively show forth His North and South Carolina, Georgia, contact Robin. She will be in lan- glory is to become active in mis- Tennessee and Louisiana. His most guage school until mid April, so it sions. recent trips have been to Ohio, Illi- may take her a while to respond to Pray whether you should learn nois and Michigan. your emails. If you do not have more and become active in mis- email capability, please write her at There are many ways that you sions. Retired people are a great the address at the end of this article. can become a partner in the TETM source of missionary work. We mission. We have the short-term We will also be returning with a have more time; most of us are mission trips this coming summer team to Papua New Guinea in Feb- “empty nesters.” What a way to in the area around the Port of ruary 2006. The Chambri church is finish our race, reaching out to a Mezquital in Mexico. The Port of thriving. It has been turned over to dying world in the name of Jesus Mezquital is about 80 miles directly the local leaders, and now it is time Christ. south of Matamoros, Mexico or to push on to the next tribe or vil- You may contact us at the fol- Brownsville, Texas (the two cities lage with the gospel. lowing: are on opposite sides of the Rio We have a long-term goal of Grande River). We will be working To Every Tribe Ministries, P.O. becoming a sending agency for mis- in four locations around the Port of Box 1572, Los Fresnos, TX 78566 sionaries. We want to expand be- Mezquital area. Those who go will yond Mexico and Papua New David Sitton: be sleeping in tents. There are no Guinea. We see so many areas of [email protected]; Steve shower facilities. We will carry our need, so many opportunities. Henry: [email protected]; own water. There are no medical Rod Conner: rcon- The greatest help you can give facilities as we know them here, but [email protected]; David Harrell: us is to pray for us. Pray that the we will have doctors or nurses and [email protected] basic medical supplies. The area is Lord will open hearts and minds of directly adjacent to the Gulf of the people where we go. Pray for 1 John Stott, Romans, God’s Good Mexico, so humidity will probably the missionaries that they will be News for the World, (Downers Grove, Ill. be high, along with the temperature. kept in His power and in His grace. Intervarsity Press, 1994) pp. 51-53. Pray that their hearts will be filled 2 Tom Wells, A Vision for Missions, If you yearn for adventure in the with zeal for the glory of Christ, (Carlisle, PA., The Banner of Truth Trust, service of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that they will truly go out in 1985) pg. 10. this may be for you. We will be 3 John Piper, Let the Nations be Glad! His Name. Pray for those whom nd taking 60 people on each of two (Grand Rapids, Mich., Baker Academic, 2 you know are contemplating be- trips. Please register early because ed., 2003) pg. 17. coming missionaries, that the Lord we will get to the 60 limit early. would direct their hearts. Pray for Register at www.toeverytribe.com. There will be two medical mis- sions to the state of Oaxaca, on the Pacific coast of Mexico (almost to Central America) in August. La Barra de la Cruz and the surround- ing area as well as the Coicoyan tribe are the focal point of these trips. La Barra is a hard 24-hour drive south of Matamoros. If you have medical training or especially desire to work in a situation that may involve an element of personal danger (these are resistant tribes and people) please contact Robin Henry at her email address:

Issue 117 May 2005 Page 19

Long (Continued from page 14) blessing in the heavenly places in Scalyer (Continued from page 17) Christ (Eph. 1:3), yet he stills awaits the consummation of these ryone should focus on Elohim and 16. The Church, which is the blessings at Christ’s return. The not on the pressures of the world body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. End has come! The End has not around them. Generally, the follow- 1:18), was first formed in history come! The whole theology of the ing regulations are in force now: no when the Spirit was poured out at NT is qualified by this tension: be- buying, selling or doing any other Pentecost not in past history under tween the “already” or “now” and work, no cooking or purchasing of the OC. Most holding to CT see the the “not yet” (I John 3:2). food or any other supplies, no car- Church existing in the OT before rying of burdens for any apprecia- Pentecost. NCT does not. Contrary 19. The “recapitulation” princi- ble distance and only walking for a to DT, NCT sees only one redemp- ple is essential to understand the limited specified distance (usually tive purpose for the people of God, NT prophetic Scriptures (Matt. to a Synagogue service). Because which is the Church, the good olive 24:4-14 and 24:15-31; Rev. cooking is prohibited on the Sab- tree (Rom. 11), the body of Christ 11:15—12). bath, there is a festive meal before (Eph. 2:13-22; 3:1-12). 20. The “blessed hope” will the Sabbath begins on Friday. This 17. The ordinance of water bap- occur when Christ returns (Titus is the time when the father will tism is the pledge of membership in 2:13) to earth bodily and visibly bless his wife as well as their chil- the New Covenant for believers (Acts 1:11) at the Second Advent to dren. During the day on Saturday, alone and the sign of the New Cove- resurrect, judge and consign the everyone eats food that was cooked nant is not baptism, rather the sign saved to heaven and the lost to a before sundown on Friday. is the cup, which memorializes the Christless eternity (John 5:28-29). On Saturday, after sundown, a New Covenant in Christ’s blood (I ______special meal is prepared again. It is Cor. 11:25). a joyful time when anyone who ob- 18. The “now-not yet” principle serves the Sabbath feels a direct Gary D. Long is the Faculty of interpretation is essential to un- connection with all other people President of Providence Theologi- derstand the teaching of the NT. who are also celebrating this convo- The Christian experiences the com- cal Institute located in Belton, cation. The meal on Friday night mencement of “every spiritual Texas. welcomes in the Sabbath, while the meal on Saturday night bids it goodbye for another week.

In addition to Jewish people, A gracious influence varied groups of Christians cele- brate the Sabbath and worship on Saturdays. Generally speaking, (J. C. Philpot, "Jesus, the Great High Priest") while they worship on Saturday,

they do not follow the restrictions The love of Jesus has a gracious influence on the life, of either biblical or Rabbinic Juda- conduct, and conversation of a true believer. The tree ism. is known by its fruit; and those branches alone which bring forth fruit unto God, are in manifest union with To be continued. the only true Vine. ______

Love to Jesus is the constraining principle of all holy 1. The information within the as- obedience. "If you love Me, keep my commandments," terisks comes from Encyclopedia was His dying injunction to His disciples. As, then, His Judaica, vol. 13, Keter Publishing bleeding love is experimentally known, there will be . . . House, Jerusalem Ltd., pages 363- a conformity to His image, 364. P.O.Box 7145, Jerusalem, Is- an obedience to His will, rael. a walking in His footsteps.

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Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judg- ments and how inscrutable his ways! "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?" "Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Rom 11:33-36 ESV)

PTI: A NEW THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL Located in Belton, Texas (Central Texas)

DISTINCTIVES New Covenant Theology—Doctrines of Grace—Baptist Ecclesiology Full Time Resident Instruction Planned for Academic Year 2006-2007: In-Depth, Christ-Centered, 3-Year Program of Instruction in all the Study Disciplines including the Biblical Languages One and Two Year Certificate Studies Faculty Available to Conduct a Pastors’ Seminar on New Covenant Theology at Regional Sites. (Contact the PTI Faculty President for available dates). See the News and Events Section of PTI’s Website for a Brief Description of New Covenant Theol- ogy and Its Major Characteristics. PTI is a long-term faith ministry that will need prayer commitment and financial support of doc- trinally like-minded churches and individuals. One of the greatest needs in this sin-wrecked world is for pastors, teachers and missionaries to proclaim Christ in life and doctrine while handling the word of truth accurately (2 Tim. 2:15). Gary D. Long Th.D., Faculty President P.O. Box 704 [email protected] Belton, TX 76513 David Harrell 512/771-1099 M.Div., School Administrator www.ptitx.org [email protected]