A Litmus Test

  • Has the church failed to tell you that you are a sinner?
  • Has the church failed to deal with you as a lost individual?
  • Has the church failed to offer you salvation in Jesus Christ alone?
  • Has your church failed to proclaim the horrible consequences of sin, the certainty of hell, and the fact that Jesus alone can save?

The 24 Elders

Represent completed group – 1 Chr 24

Cannot be:

  • Tribulation Believers – Rev 7:13-14
  • Angels – Rev 7:11
  • Nation of Israel – Rev 7 & 12

Distinguishing Characteristics:

  • Thrones  – Rev 3:21; 4:4
  • White Raiment – Rev 3:5; 4:4
  • Crowns of gold – Rev 2:10; 3:11; 4:4
  • Song of Redeemed – Rev 5:9-10
  • Called “Elders,” “Kings & Priests” – Rev 5:8,10

Paul, the apostle (though not 1 of the 12), typed as the Church

The 12 apostles represent the 12 tribes

Paul, a Jew with Gentile citizenship, was one man who represented the one body in Christ (the Church)

Jesus kept the message of Grace, delivered by Paul, separate from the message of the kingdom (offering Christ to the Jews) which was delivered by the 12 apostles

The kingdom message had been (temporarily)  replaced by the mystery of the Church

The kingdom message will resume when the Body is complete

 

Christ, the Church, and Israel Typed in Ruth

The Book of Ruth:

Naomi – Israel

Ruth – The Church

Boaz – Jesus Christ

unnamed servant (v.v. 2:5-6) – the Holy Spirit

Nearer Kinsman – the Law

 

Boaz and Naomi never meet

Naomi learns of Boaz through Ruth

Ruth learns of Boaz’s ways through Naomi

An unnamed servant introduces Ruth to Boaz

Boaz had to wait for Ruth to make the 1st move

Naomi had to be exiled from her land to bring Ruth to Boaz

Boaz, not Ruth, confronts the Nearer Kinsman

Ruth does not replace Naomi

The Law had to step aside opening the way for the redemption.

What the Law couldn’t do Grace could.

Ruth is read at Pentecost