Ques. Please explain Matt. 6:14, 15; and 18:34, 35. W. I. C.
Ans. Matt. 6:14, 15, is governmental forgiveness which we all need day by day to keep us in communion with the Lord.
The Christian has eternal forgiveness besides, which was not known before the death of Christ (Heb. 10:14; 1 John 2:12). We are always forgiven, but we would be unhappy if we did not exercise a forgiving spirit to others (Eph. 4:32). We forgive because we have been forgiven.
Matt. 18:34, 35, is the same principle, but here it is applied to Israel, who hated the Gentiles (see 1 Thess. 2:14-16), and are cast off for their behavior meantime, till all is paid. See Isa. 40:1, 2, for their restoration.
Cues. How are the different Gospels to be understood? M. C.
Ans. "The Gospel of the Kingdom" is what was preached by John and Jesus and their disciples, and is the announcement to Jews and Gentiles that the King of Israel is about to set up His Kingdom. But Jesus was rejected and crucified, and is gone to the Father's right hand, seated on the Father's throne, from henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool.
During this period, since His rejection, "The Gospel of the grace of God" is preached to every creature, and all who believe are the Church, His body and His bride. It is also called the glorious gospel, or properly the gospel of the glory of Christ, because He is glorified, and those who believe it are called to share His heavenly glory.
When this period is ended, and the saints from Adam down are all raised and the living ones changed, and all caught up to be with the Lord, "The gospel of the Kingdom" will be again sent out to both Jews and Gentiles.
In Rev. 14:6, 7, we find "The Everlasting Gospel" calling on all that dwell upon the earth to fear and worship God who made all things, the Creator God. This gospel of creation has been going forth ever since man was on the earth. Psa. 19:1-6, is creation's testimony. When the hour of God's judgment is at hand, this special testimony is sent to call the heathen from their idolatry to worship the Creator.
Ques. Are Israel and the Church both brides of Christ? M. S. L.
Ans. In Vol. 11 of "The Young Christian'' (1921), page 334, you will find an answer to your question. I will add a few comparisons and contrasts between Israel and the Church; both are kept distinct in Scripture.
Israel is called to inherit Canaan (Ex. 6:2-8). The Church's call and inheritance is heavenly (Eph. 1; 1 Peter 1). Jehovah the great I Am is His name to Israel. He is made known to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and we are children of the Father, members of the body of Christ, and the Holy Spirit dwells in us. The Lord Jesus is the King of Israel and the nations-they are His subjects. He is our Savior, Lord and Head and Bridegroom; we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. We shall reign with Him.
The earthly people were chosen from the foundation of the world (Dent. 32:8; Matt. 25:14).
The heavenly saints, the Church, were chosen before the foundation of the world (2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 1:2; Rom. 8:29).
Israel is now divorced, and scattered out of their land.
The Church is now being gathered, while Christ is on the Father's throne. The marriage of the Lamb takes place in heaven, before Israel is restored on earth (Rev. 19). In Rev. 21:9 to 22:5 she reigns above, over Israel and the nations on earth. The Church is seen in Rev. 21:2 in heavenly glory: (that is eternity), and Israel and the nations are called "men." There is no distinction seen between them then The Church is composed of saved Jews and Gentiles, and is caught up to her home in heaven.
Israel, now scattered, are to be regathered into Canaan.
Jerusalem is the bride, or Queen of Psa. 45; and Song of Solomon.
The Church began after Christ died, and the Holy Spirit came down.
Israel's restoration will be a time of joy on earth as many prophecies tell us.
The Church is never mentioned in the Old Testament. It was hid in God and never revealed till Paul the apostle was used to unfold it. (Rom. 16:25, 26; Eph. 3:4-9.)