Second, Dispensationalism has blinded the eyes of the believers to their destiny as portrayed in the Old Testament. Actually, the Scriptures are one whole and should not be divided into an old testament and a new testament. In place of the marvelous vision of the Glory of God filling the earth, we have the pale picture of "mansions" in the spirit realm where we shall do we know not what forever.

Third, the doctrine of the pre-tribulation "rapture" of the believers in Christ, a part of the dispensational model, has brought great confusion to the central message of the Gospel—the resurrection of the saints. The ascension is being preached instead of the resurrection. Under this concept, the Apostle Paul would have said, "If by any means I might attain unto the ascension of the dead" (Philippians 3:11).

Although many believers of today may not realize that God's Christ will rule the earth only from Jerusalem or that it is through the Jews and their Christ that the Kingdom of God will come, Satan understands these facts very well.

We Gentiles have been sandwiched in, having a place in Israel through Christ. But the purposes of God always have been and always shall be centered upon the physical land and people of Israel. In the days in which we are living the elect Jews and the elect Gentiles are finding each other. This is a sure sign that the return of the Lord is at hand.

Some Christian leaders of our day are teaching "replacement theology." They would replace the physical land and people of Israel with the Church in the future plans of God. Replacement theology is contrary to the teaching of the Apostle Paul.

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: (Romans 11:25,26)

A child could read the Hebrew Prophets and see they are referring to one Kingdom of God that will fill the earth with glory, and then he or she could turn to the New Testament and notice that John the Baptist, the Lord Jesus, and the Apostle Paul preached the coming of the same Kingdom announced by the Prophets.

And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. (Acts 28:23)

The Book of Isaiah proclaims the Servant of the Lord. The Servant of the Lord is Christ who will bring redemption to Israel and to the nations of saved peoples of the earth. The Servant of the Lord illustrates the oneness of the Divine salvation. The Servant of the Lord, a Person described by the Hebrew Prophets, is Israel. The Servant also is Christ—Head and Body.

Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. (Isaiah 42:1)

A little later we see that the Servant is Israel.

Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: (Isaiah 44:1)

To be continued.