Understanding the Second Coming: Signs and Spiritual Israel

 

Summary

In our exploration of the biblical doctrine of the last things, we have reached the profound and often debated topic of the second coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our focus today is on the timing of His return, a subject that is both complex and controversial. My primary aim is not to present a definitive viewpoint but to encourage an open-minded approach, free from dogmatism. It is crucial to recognize that throughout history, devout and scholarly individuals have arrived at diverse conclusions regarding this matter.

The discussion begins with the understanding that the Bible indicates certain signs that must precede Christ's return. These include the global proclamation of the Gospel and the fullness of Israel. The latter involves a significant event concerning the conversion of Israel, which we are currently examining. In Romans 11:26, Paul states, "And so all Israel shall be saved," a phrase that has sparked various interpretations. Some believe it refers to the complete Christian Church, comprising both Jews and Gentiles. Others interpret it as a future mass conversion of the Jewish nation, while a third view sees it as the total number of elect Jews throughout history.

As we delve into these interpretations, it is essential to consider the broader context of Romans chapters 9 to 11. Paul addresses the apparent contradiction between God's promises and the current state of Israel. He emphasizes that not all who are descended from Israel are true Israel. The promises of God have always been directed towards a spiritual remnant within the nation, those who are Jews inwardly, not merely by physical descent.

Furthermore, the New Testament provides insight into Old Testament prophecies, often applying them to the Christian Church rather than a literal nation of Israel. This spiritual interpretation aligns with the teachings of the apostles, who saw the fulfillment of these prophecies in the establishment and growth of the Church.

Ultimately, the key takeaway is that God's promises are sure, and His purposes will be fulfilled. The fullness of both Jews and Gentiles will be realized, not through nationalistic or physical distinctions, but through faith in Jesus Christ. This understanding calls us to avoid the pitfalls of materialistic interpretations and to embrace the spiritual reality of God's redemptive plan.

Key Takeaways:

1. Avoid Dogmatism: In discussing the second coming of Christ, it is vital to approach the subject with humility and openness, recognizing the diversity of interpretations among devout scholars throughout history. Dogmatism in this area is unjustifiable, as the complexity of the topic requires a willingness to consider multiple perspectives. [01:14]

2. Signs of Christ's Return: The Bible indicates that certain events must occur before Christ's return, such as the global proclamation of the Gospel and the fullness of Israel. Understanding these signs helps us to remain vigilant and prepared, while also trusting in God's perfect timing. [06:03]

3. Spiritual Israel: The concept of "all Israel shall be saved" in Romans 11:26 is best understood in the context of a spiritual Israel, comprising all who have faith in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles. This interpretation emphasizes the continuity of God's promises to a spiritual remnant rather than a physical nation. [32:08]

4. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The New Testament often applies Old Testament prophecies to the Christian Church, highlighting a spiritual fulfillment rather than a literal one. This approach encourages us to see the Church as the realization of God's promises, transcending national and ethnic boundaries. [20:25]

5. Unity in Christ: The ultimate fulfillment of God's plan involves the unity of all believers, regardless of their ethnic or national background. In Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; all are one in Him, and salvation is available to all through faith. [25:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to the Doctrine of Last Things
- [00:26] - The Second Coming of Christ
- [00:58] - Avoiding Dogmatism
- [02:46] - The Complexity of Prophetic Interpretation
- [05:26] - Signs Preceding Christ's Return
- [06:38] - The Fullness of Israel
- [07:26] - Interpretations of "All Israel Shall Be Saved"
- [10:06] - The Meaning of Israel in Romans
- [13:33] - Old Testament Prophecies and the Church
- [18:06] - New Testament Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [20:25] - Spiritual Interpretation of Prophecies
- [25:27] - Unity in Christ
- [32:08] - The Spiritual Remnant
- [39:00] - Conclusion: God's Sure Promises

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 11:26 - "And so all Israel shall be saved."
2. Matthew 21:43 - "Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit."
3. Galatians 3:7-9 - "Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham."

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the different interpretations of the phrase "all Israel shall be saved" as discussed in the sermon? [07:43]

2. According to the sermon, what are the signs that must occur before the second coming of Christ? [06:03]

3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in the New Testament? [20:25]

4. What is the significance of the term "spiritual Israel" as used in the sermon? [32:08]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon suggest we should approach the topic of the second coming of Christ, and why is dogmatism discouraged? [01:14]

2. In what way does the sermon interpret the concept of "the fullness of Israel," and how does it relate to the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ? [06:38]

3. How does the sermon explain the application of Old Testament prophecies to the Christian Church, and what implications does this have for understanding biblical promises? [20:25]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of faith in defining the true Israel, and how does this impact the understanding of God's promises? [36:46]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own approach to the topic of the second coming of Christ. How can you cultivate an attitude of humility and openness to diverse interpretations? [01:14]

2. Consider the signs mentioned in the sermon that precede Christ's return. How can you remain vigilant and prepared in your daily life while trusting in God's timing? [06:03]

3. The sermon emphasizes the unity of all believers in Christ. How can you actively promote unity within your church community, transcending ethnic or national distinctions? [25:27]

4. How does the concept of "spiritual Israel" challenge your understanding of God's promises? In what ways can you focus more on spiritual realities rather than materialistic interpretations? [32:08]

5. Reflect on the sermon’s discussion of Old Testament prophecies. How can you apply a spiritual interpretation to your reading of the Bible, and what impact might this have on your faith journey? [20:25]

6. The sermon highlights the importance of faith in being part of Abraham's seed. How can you strengthen your faith and encourage others to do the same in your community? [36:46]

7. Consider the idea of a spiritual remnant. How can you identify and support the spiritual remnant within your own church or community? [32:08]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Humility in Eschatology
In discussing the second coming of Christ, it is vital to approach the subject with humility and openness, recognizing the diversity of interpretations among devout scholars throughout history. The complexity of eschatological topics requires a willingness to consider multiple perspectives. Avoiding dogmatism allows for a richer understanding and a more profound faith journey. By acknowledging that our understanding is limited, we open ourselves to the wisdom and insights of others, fostering a spirit of unity and growth within the body of Christ. [01:14]

Romans 11:33-34 (ESV): "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 'For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?'"

Reflection: In what areas of your faith journey have you been dogmatic? How can you practice humility and openness in these areas today?


Day 2: Recognize the Signs of His Coming
The Bible indicates that certain events must occur before Christ's return, such as the global proclamation of the Gospel and the fullness of Israel. Understanding these signs helps believers remain vigilant and prepared, while also trusting in God's perfect timing. The anticipation of these events should not lead to fear or speculation but rather to a deeper commitment to living out the Gospel in daily life. By focusing on the mission of spreading the Gospel, believers align themselves with God's redemptive plan for the world. [06:03]

Matthew 24:14 (ESV): "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the global proclamation of the Gospel in your community or through your personal actions today?


Day 3: Understand Spiritual Israel
The concept of "all Israel shall be saved" in Romans 11:26 is best understood in the context of a spiritual Israel, comprising all who have faith in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles. This interpretation emphasizes the continuity of God's promises to a spiritual remnant rather than a physical nation. It calls believers to see themselves as part of a larger spiritual family, united by faith in Christ rather than ethnic or national identity. This understanding challenges believers to embrace their identity in Christ and to live out the implications of being part of God's spiritual Israel. [32:08]

Galatians 3:28-29 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."

Reflection: How does your identity in Christ influence your interactions with others who are different from you in background or culture?


Day 4: See the Church as Fulfillment of Prophecy
The New Testament often applies Old Testament prophecies to the Christian Church, highlighting a spiritual fulfillment rather than a literal one. This approach encourages believers to see the Church as the realization of God's promises, transcending national and ethnic boundaries. By understanding the Church as the fulfillment of prophecy, believers are called to participate actively in the life and mission of the Church, recognizing its role in God's redemptive plan. This perspective fosters a sense of purpose and belonging within the community of faith. [20:25]

1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in the life and mission of your local church, seeing it as part of God's fulfillment of prophecy?


Day 5: Unity in Christ Transcends All
The ultimate fulfillment of God's plan involves the unity of all believers, regardless of their ethnic or national background. In Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; all are one in Him, and salvation is available to all through faith. This unity calls believers to live out the reality of being one body in Christ, fostering love, acceptance, and collaboration among diverse members of the faith community. By embracing this unity, believers reflect the heart of God's redemptive plan and demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel. [25:27]

Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to promote unity and reconciliation within your faith community, reflecting the oneness we have in Christ?

Quotes

"Dogmatism is never less justifiable than it is with regard to this subject if I succeed in doing that I shall indeed be more than satisfied. Nothing to me is more tragic than the way in which people have their cut and dried theories about this matter, which they regard as absolutely and inevitably right and by which they judge all others with no doubts at all." [00:01:20]

"The task of anybody doing what I'm doing here tonight you see is pictured by that. I trust that that does bring it right home to us that you rarely cannot deal with this subject glibly. It's just an account of factual historical account of what these great fathers and teachers in the church have taught and have said coming right away down the century." [00:04:15]

"The scripture teaches that there are certain signs that's got to happen first: the testimony, the witness, the preaching of the Christian Gospel and its message to All Nations precedes this great event. Then we came to the second which is the so-called fullness of Israel before our Lord returned." [00:06:05]

"Peter in 1 Peter 2:9 confirms that by applying to the Christian Church composed of Jews and Gentiles the words that God had used with respect to the nation of Israel just before the giving of the law. Very well, but now I said that we must concentrate in particular upon the teaching of this Great and Mighty and Noble 11th chapter of Paul's epistle to the Romans." [00:06:38]

"The first is that all Israel means the completed full Christian Church, the Israel of God consisting of Jews and Gentiles who are saved and are members of the Christian church. That's the first view that all Israel means the church completed consisting of Jews and Gentiles." [00:07:56]

"Paul says to the objector, you're in difficulties my friend because you think the term Israel means the physical literal nation of men and women, all of whom are Jews, but it doesn't. Israel as used in the scriptures, says Paul, it doesn't mean every single Jew in a literal physical sense." [00:32:08]

"The promises of God have never applied to the literal Nation as a whole. They've always had reference to the remnant, to the spiritual Jews, those who were Jews in heart and not merely by circumcision, whose circumcision wasn't outward but inward, of the heart and of the spirit." [00:32:48]

"God's promises were never to the whole nation, but they were to this peculiar people he has chosen in the nation, The Remnant, the spiritual Israel, which is the true Israel, and the promises of God have always been kept to them." [00:33:10]

"All whom God has called among the Gentiles, all whom God has called amongst the Jews, they are all going to be saved, the total Israel that God had in his mind from the beginning. They're all going to be brought in, some in very few perhaps in certain Generations, but they'll come." [00:34:53]

"Abraham's seed is not National physical Israel. Abraham's seed is all the children of Faith, all who exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and who belong to him and who are Redeemed by him. Surely we are violating scripture, are we not, when we try to reintroduce and to perpetuate a distinction is between Jews and gentiles?" [00:38:01]

"Paul says you are abramy and as according to the promise if you be Christ therefore I suggest to you the conclusion of this interpretation of this term all Israel shall be saved is that it means the total of all all believing Jews in all ages and Generation all whom God has foreseen and forn shall infallibly and certainly be saved." [00:38:36]

"At the end you will have the fullness of the Gentiles and the fullness of the Jews. There are some and I am among them who believe that Paul does teach in this chapter that before the end there will be large number numers of conversions amongst the Jews not in a national sense but a large number of Jews will believe." [00:39:15]

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Transcript
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