Question: What is the difference in looking at Israel as the vine, and the fig tree—the one degenerate, and the other cursed? M. M.
Answer: There are three important trees in the New Testament. The vine, the fig, and the olive.
If the vine does not bear fruit, it is good for nothing, (Isa. 5; Ezek. 15). Jesus on earth was the true vine, and when Israel is restored, it will be through Him. (See Psalm 80). Then they will bear fruit.
The olive tree of promise and testimony began with Abraham, as one called out to walk with God; then, the children of Israel were the natural branches. (Rom. 11). Then some of them were broken off, and the Gentiles were grafted in; because of unbelief the Gentiles will be broken off, and the natural branches will be grafted in again, and so all Israel, that is, Israel as a whole nation, not as individuals, will be restored.
All these point to the fall and restoration oil Israel, which last will take place after this present period is ended, by the Lord coming for His heavenly people.
Answer: When a sinner has found out that he is lost, ruined and guilty, and sees that Christ died for him, then he is not only born again, (that is, a new life in his soul), but he is also a child of God, and the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in him, and gives him the conscious knowledge that he is a child of God. This is what it means: The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, so I do not doubt it at all. Faith does not look for feelings, but just rests on the Word of God. (See also Gal. 4:66And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6)).
Question: Is there any scripture to say that Christ did not become a man? B. P.
Answer: Christ Jesus is the eternal Son of God. Both Old and New Testaments affirm conclusively that from His birth into this world, He was God and Man in one person here on earth. He is now God and Man in glory, and will ever be God and Man. “In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Colossians 2. “Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” (Heb. 7:2626For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; (Hebrews 7:26)).