Correspondence: Matt. 6:14-15, 18:34-35; Gospels, Israel/the Church Brides?

Narrator: Chris Genthree
 •  4 min. read  •  grade level: 7
The Christian has eternal forgiveness besides, which was not known before the death of Christ (Heb. 10:1414For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14); 1 John 2:1212I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. (1 John 2:12)). We are always forgiven, but we would be unhappy if we did not exercise a forgiving spirit to others (Eph. 4:3232And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)). We forgive because we have been forgiven.
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.
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. 6:2-82And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the Lord: 3And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. 4And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. 5And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant. 6Wherefore say unto 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: 7And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8And 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 you for an heritage: I am the Lord. (Exodus 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.
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. 21:99And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. (Revelation 21:9) to 22:5 she reigns above, over Israel and the nations on earth. The Church is seen in Rev. 21:22And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 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.