Why I Am A Futurist

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by good samaritan

MB I have been thinking about the kingdom conversation we had earlier. The church is the kingdom of God I understand that you believe the development of the church fulfills all the kingdom prophecy. Most futurists look to natural Israel for fullfilment of those prophecy's. I am seeing duality in things. I said on another thread that I don't think the nation of Israel will receive any eternal inheritance on the grounds of being a Jew, but I do believe that it could quiet possibly be a earthly manifestation of what God is doing in regards to prophecy.

Here's my thoughts, since I looked and looked and could not find any grounds for a material kingdom for Israel. Jesus simply said that's not possible when he stated the kingdom doesn't come with observation. In fact, the disciples asked Jesus when He would restore again the kingdom to Israel. For one thing, Jesus never said anything about such a concept. in his teachings. It was a popular belief among Jews in that day, but neither the Lord nor apostles ever taught it. Jesus redirected them to the kingdom of the Holy GHost in them. After that, when they received the Spirit, no one ever spoke of it again.

Jesus said the Holy Ghost would guide them into truths He was unable to teach them during His time on earth, for they couldn't bear them. I think this Spiritual kingdom was one of those elements.

ALso, Jesus taught about the kingdom during the 40 days after His resurrection. If He taught them about the Kingdom, and they had to ask about an earthly Israelite kingdom, He obviously said nothing about that earthly idea.

The idea that God is going to close the door to the gentiles and open it to Jews is wrong(I think).

Amen.

For the door is not closed on the Jew now to receive the Spirit of God. As a nation yes I see where they are under strong delusion, but I have faith that any Jew alive today can become part of that spiritual kingdom the church. I believe as long as this world stands there will be hope for those who believe on Him. I have not found a rapture prior to His second coming, but I am open minded and eager to hear any valid points. I still don't know?

The rapture is AT the second coming, according to 1 C or 15.

Also, the church is Jew and Gentile in one body reconciled to God by the cross. The "gentile church" idea is utter nonsense.

Regarding dual fulfillment, we see dozens of dual fulfillments with one occurrence before the cross and the second after. Never were there two occurrences of both fulfilments after the cross. This is because type and antitype are involved with the type before the cross and the antitype after.

AGain, I simply think the only reason people consider duality is in trying to hang onto futurism. But when you look at the passages themselves why would anyone think there would be a dual fulfillment?

As I stated earlier, if one tribulation is AD70 and the second in the future then the one in AD70 could have nothing occur later that is as great. And the on in the future could not have any in the past that is greater. As soon as Jesus said none greater before or after, the dual idea cannot work.