What is the Kingdom of God, according to the Bible, the Word of God?

[Chuck Naill]

What the Dispensationalist must have to acknowledge is what Jesus said. It cannot be explained that what he said was referring to some future time because Jesus didn't add a later dispensation.

Eschatology can become a distraction and even a substitute for seeking the Kingdom of God. Jesus said the Kingdom of God is now. He said all authority had been given to him in the heavens and on the Earth. He said based on Peter’s statement and subsequent followers seeing him as the Messiah, the Son of God his ecclesia would be established. He said the “gates of Hell” shall not overcome these called out ones. He said if Satan is cast out by the finger of God, it is a sign the Kingdom of God has come. He said he came to destroy the works of the Devil (Kingdom Come). He said that the works he did will be done by those who believe in, put their confidence in, cling to, and rely on him, and even greater works they will do. He said that letting our light shine will bring glory to our father in the heavens. And lastly, Jesus said this message of the Kingdom would be preached throughout all the Earth and then the end would come.

The message of Jesus and his apostles was never a physical kingdom in Israel. Even the OT patriarch Abraham never lived, other than a pilgrim of sojourner in Cannan. Hebrews tells us Abraham's focus was on a city whose foundations and architecture is God, not human hands. Paul uses similar imagery of circumcision not made by hands, but God.

When we sit down to study the scriptures, we understand metaphor and imagery is being used rather than a literal. Jesus called Peter a "rock". He called his followers "sheep". Satan is bound with a chain by an angel. How long or strong would a chain need to be?

[Lees]

continued from post #(40)

We have seen that the Kingdom of God represented upon earth involves a chosen land, and a chosen people, and a chosen government with laws. See again, post #(40). Those laws are the Mosaic Law, also known as the Mosaic Covenant. A very 'political nation' upon the earth representing the Kingdom of God. Israel.

All that God is doing in preparing His Kingdom on earth, is based upon the Abrahamic Covenant. And it has been shown already, in Scripture, that that is an unconditional Covenant. If any doubt, go back and read through my posts where I proved it. It is 'everlasting'. It is 'forever'. God did not base the Abrahamic Covenants fulfillment on Abraham. It is based solely on God. He will perform every aspect of it. In other words, it is unconditional.

The Mosaic Covenant, the Law of Moses, is, however, a different story. It is conditional. It is very conditional. (Ex. 19:5) "Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:" This law of Moses is not a way to obtain eternal life. That has already been established in (Gen. 15:6). By faith one is counted righteous. The law of Moses is given to Israel to enforce their daily walk with God to insure that that God continues to dispense His will on earth through the nation Israel. As long as Israel continues in obedience to God, "And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. (Ex. 19:6)

And so Moses did just that. (Ex. 19:7) "And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him." And what did the people say? (Ex. 19:8) "And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD." (Ex. 19:8)

God said, 'if ye do'. The people said, 'we will do'. The terms of the Covenant have been agreed upon making it binding. Conditional on obedience.

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[Chuck Naill]

The book by Sam Storms, Kingdom Come, arrived. He holds to an Amillennial view where the present age is considered the "Millennial Kingdom" and both believing Jews and non-Jews jointly represent "true" Israel. He discusses several of the passages that have been discussed here. He holds to the same viewpoint as the Dispensational theorists that the scriptures are the word of God, just with a different interpretation.

Interestingly, it was the 1800's when Dispensational thought came into being. This was the same era when "titheing" began to be taught.

I do not think as reasonable argument can be made that at some future date, Israel, in mass, will suddenly become Christians. I do not think as case can be made that the State of Israel is God's chosen people. I do not think there is a separate gospel for the Jewish people from a Biblical reading.

Jesus has been ignored. Whatever he said is diminished by a Dispensational theory.

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continued from post #(42)

The Mosaic Law would govern all aspects of life for the Israelite in their relationship to God. The people of Israel had agreed to it, and God continued to give Moses rules concerning the sacrifices, the priesthood, the various offerings, and laws governing the land. They are found in total from Ex. 19) to (Lev. 27). And the people would continue to agree to be obedient. (Ex. 24:3) "And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do." Moses then offered sacrifices upon an altar and sprinkled the blood upon the altar. (EX. 24:5-6) And read further the Law that the LORD had given him. And the people again, agreed to it, to be obedient. (Ex. 24:7) "And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient" And this time Moses took the blood from the sacrifices just offered, and sprinkled it on the people and said, "Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words."

The blood was necessary because without shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins. And God knew the people would not be able to keep the Law. Only the blood would maintain their relationship to God, that would make atonement for their soul. (Lev. 17:11) (Heb. 9:22) And in (Deut. 5:28-29), concerning when the people of Israel agreed to be obedient to God and keep the Law, Moses said this: "And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken. O that there were such and heart in them...." Thus the need for the blood.

Israel would have a history of breaking the Law and rebelling against the LORD, and the LORD would bring judgements upon them. But when God brought judgements upon them for breaking the Mosaic Laws and Covenant, this did not affect God's promise to them under the Abrahamic Covenant. Remember the covenant with Abraham was unconditional. The covenant with Moses was conditional. None of Israel's failures under the Mosaic Covenant would remove God's faithfulness to them under the Abrahamic Covenant. (Gal. 3:16-17) "...And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect."

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I noted in my previous post that Paul stated that the Mosaic Law cannot disannul the Abrahamic Covenant. (Gal. 3:16-17) And Paul would have known this through the Old Testament Scriptures. It is woven through out the Old Testament. At the end of the giving of the Law in (Lev. 25-26), we are given the 'laws of the land'. That land being the land promised to Abraham. (Lev. 25:1-2) "And the LORD spake unto Moses in mount Sinai, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give you...."

Throughout (Lev. 26) blessings and judgements are laid out for obedience, (Lev. 26:3-12), and disobedience, (Lev. 26:14-39) to the Law while in the land. The judgements follow one after the other, and only follow if the preceding judgement did not cause the Israelites to repent. And in the final judgement, if Israel has refused to repent, God will kick her out of the land and disperse her among here enemies. (Lev. 26:27-28) "And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me; Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury...." (Lev. 26:32-33) "And I will bring the land into desolation...And I will scatter you among the heathen...." (Lev. 26:39) "And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies lands and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them."

These are serious judgements to Israel for breaking the Law of Moses when they come into the land. But, as has been said, these judgements do not remove the promises of God under the Abrahamic Covenant. For we are then told: (Lev. 26:40-42) "If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me...Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember...." (Lev. 26:43-44 "...even because they despised my judgements, and because their soul abhorred my statutes. And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly and to break my covenant with them: for for I am the LORD their God."

(Lev. 26:45) "But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt, in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the LORD."

The Abrahamic Covenant is God's promise to that land and people. The Mosaic Covenant governs the conduct God requires of His people in that land. Disobedience results in judgement but not the removal of the Abrahamic Covenant.

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continued from post #(45)

All this work God is doing with Israel is to establish His Kingdom on earth. A Kingdom of people over whom He rules and who moves in accordance with Him. Such a Kingdom demands the very presence of the One ruling. And in the Kingdom of God, God is the Ruler. But, there is a problem. Sin. And the people of Israel are great sinners and rebellious before the LORD. And sin, in the presence of God, is judged. Which means God's presence in His Kingdom would result in constant judgement against His people. Moses had asked God for His presence with them. (Ex. 34:9) "And he said, if now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance."

We have mentioned the animal sacrifices of blood, which are a partial answer to this problem. The other answer is the structure known as the Tabernacle. For it is from there God would make His presence known and would dwell in Israel. The Tabernacle with it's temple services, sacrifices, and coverings, literally shielded the people from the immediate presence of God to protect them. Thus we see the construction of the Tabernacle in (Ex. 36-40).

(Ex. 40:33) "And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work. And once finished, God came down into the Tabernacle. (Ex. 40:34-35) "Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode there on, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. This is the Kingdom of God upon earth.

God ruling among His people, and His nation upon earth. The Kingdom of God. Where God goes, His people go. Where God stops, His people stop. (Ex. 40:36-38) "And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys."

All very spiritual and physical.

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continued from post #(46)

The Kingdom of God has been established on earth. God ruling among and over His chosen people Israel. God is the Ruler. God is the King. Yet, God's kingdom on earth will be implemented by man. Israel at this stage doesn't have a 'king'. But they have an individual ruler whom God has chosen to lead them. Moses.

And when God decides to move or stop or do anything concerning His people, He addresses Moses. (Num. 1:10 "And the LORD spake unto Moses..." (Num. 2:1) "And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron...." (Num. 3:5) "And the LORD spake unto Moses...." (Num. 3:11) "And the LORD spake unto Moses...." (Num. 3:14) "And the LORD spake unto Moses...." (Num. 3:40) "And the LORD said unto Moses...." (Num. 4:1) "And the LORD spake unto Moses...." (Num. 5:1) "And the LORD spake unto Moses...." (Num. 6:1) "And the LORD spake unto Moses...." (Num. 6:22) "And the LORD spake unto Moses...." (Num. 8:1) "And the LORD spake unto Moses...." (Num. 8:5) "And the LORD spake unto Moses...." (Num. 8:23) "And the LORD spake unto Moses...." (Num. 9:1) "And the LORD spake unto Moses...." (Num. 9:9) "And the LORD spake unto Moses...." (Num. 10:1) "And the LORD spake unto Moses...."

The LORD God dictated things concerning His Kingdom on earth, when His people moved and stopped. But He did it through a man, Moses. And, Moses responded. ((Num. 10:33-36) "And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days journey, to search out a resting place for them. And the cloud of the LORD was upon them by day, when they went out of the camp. And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered, and let them that hate thee flee before thee. And when it rested, he said,Return, O LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel.

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continued from post #(47)

God had promised to Abraham a land, a seed, and a blessing. (Gen. 12:1-3) From Abraham's seed comes the people and nation of Israel. God has given them, at Sinai, His government, His laws which shall rule over His people in the land. (Ex. 19-Lev. 27) And God is leading His people, His Kingdom, to the land promised, Canaan. God makes His presence known in the Tabernacle where in is the Ark in the Holy of Holies where God is. And that Tabernacle provided for the ministries of acceptance of the people of God by God, through sacrifice, and substitution, and imputation. And it provided as a covering to protect the people of Israel from direct contact with God. Only the High Priest could ever go into the Holy of Holies, and that only once a year. (Lev. 16:1-3) (Heb. 9:6-7)

I cannot pass up this opportunity to point out the parallel between the Tabernacle and Jesus Christ. (John 1:1) "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:14) "And theWord was made flesh, and dwelt among us....." That word 'dwelt' means 'to pitch a tent, to tabernacle'. So, just as the Tabernacle provided a covering of safety for the people of Israel, as God was present there, so the flesh of Jesus Christ provided a safety for Israel as He, God the Son, God the Word, tabernacled among them. In other words, Jesus Christ was the God/Man.

God's people, Israel, God's Kingdom on earth, are now moving from Sinai toward the promised land. And the people naturally fall into various doubts, and sins against God. They complained. (Num. 11:1-3) And God judged them. They whined about no food, and God gave them Manna from heaven. (Num. 11:4-9) And Moses complained about the people complaining. (Num. 11:10-15) And the LORD judged them. (Num. 11:16-23) (Num. 11:31-35) Later, Aaron, Moses brother, and Miriam, Moses sister, rebelled against the authority of Moses over them. They thought that Moses took too much authority to himself. (Num. 12:1-2) Which resulted in a judgement from God upon them, for they did not rebel against Moses, they rebelled against God who had appointed Moses. (Num. 12:3-10) But Moses interceded for Miriam and God in mercy removed his judgement. (Num. 12:11-16)

Through all of this, God leads His people to a place, Kadesh-Barnea, which, though it's exact location is unknown today, is close enough to the promised land to send spies out to reconniter the land. (Num. 13:1-3)

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So 12 spies are sent out to search out the land of Canaan, one from each tribe of Israel. (Num. 13:4-17) This is the land God promised to Abraham. It is the land God will give to His people Israel. It is the land God will center His Kingdom on earth from. And the spies searched out the land for 40 days. (Num. 13:25) And they brought back with them much of the fruit of the land. (Num. 12;23-24)

When the spies got back from their mission, they showed Moses and Aaron and all of Israel, the fruit of the land. And they said it is a good land, 'flowing with milk and honey'. (Num. 26-27) But, that is not all they said. They said there is a problem. There are giants in the land. (Num. 13:28-29) (Num. 13: 32-33) And they said Israel cannot take it. (Num. 13:31) One of the spies, Caleb of the tribe of Judah, tried to persuade Israel that they could take it, but to no avail. (Num. 13:30)

This was an 'evil report' that most of the spies brought back to Israel. (Num. 13:32) And it affected the people of Israel, terribly. (Num. 14:1-4) Only two of the spies, Caleb from the tribe of Judah, and Joshua from the tribe of Ephraim, tried to convince the people that the Lord was with them and they could take the land. (Num. 14:6-9) But it didn't matter now. The evil report had done it's work. The people clamored for a new captain other than Moses to lead them and to take them back to Egypt. (Num. 14:4) They blamed God for bringing them to this land to be killed by their enemies. (Num. 14:3) And they decided they would kill Caleb and Joshua who opposed them. (Num. 14:10)

This is a very important point in Israel's history. God's Kingdom on earth is at risk here. He has miraculously brought His people to the land He promised to Abraham. They have seen how God brought them through the Red sea. They have seen His miracles in His judgements upon Egypt. They saw His judgements and miracles against Aaron and Miriam who opposed Moses. They saw how the Lord miraculously provided food for them in their journey to the land. And they are there now at the door ready to enter the land. And they refuse. Some have brought an evil report.

Note here that this 'evil report' contains some truths in it. It contains some 'facts' in it. The land is good. There are many and great men in the land and giants in the land. Their cities are great fortresses. No denying that. The evil comes when the spies say, because of these facts, we cannot take this land. The enemy is too great. They are saying God cannot take this land. They are saying God has lied to us and just brought us here to die. They refused to believe God. After all God has brought them through, they refuse to enter. Unbelief. And their evil report, which was the real lie, infected that whole nation of Israel, of God's people. Save a very few.

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This Israel that refused to go into the land is a 'saved' Israel. They exercised saving faith in Egypt when they put the blood on the door posts of their homes at the first Passover. And they were water baptized in the sea. (1 Cor. 10:2) But as a saved Israel, they fell into unbelief. Unbelief that affected their walk of salvation on this earth. And this unbelief would have serious consequences, but loss of eternal life is not one of them. God would pardon their sin due to Moses intercession. (Num. 14:17-20) But with many, they would lose their physical life and experience a loss in their experience of salvation in this life.

The 10 spies who brought back the 'evil report' were killed by a plague that God sent. (Num. 14:36-38) The rest of Israel was condemned to wander and die in the wilderness for 40 years. All that were 20 years old and older, would die in the wilderness. (Num. 14:26-35) The unbelief the spies started with their evil report created unbelief in the people of Israel, and resulted in the destruction of a whole generation. The judgement was set. God would not change His mind. He would wait 40 years till a new generation arose, and would take them into the promised land. (Num. 14:31)

After Moses told these things to Israel, the next day they had a change of heart. They repented of their refusal to enter the land. They repented of their unbelief. (Num. 14:39-40) They admitted their sin of unbelief and told Moses they would now go up and enter into the land. But God would not allow them to repent. Moses said, don't do it as God is not with you. (Num. 14:41-43) But just as these were disobedient to the LORD in refusing to enter, they are now disobedient in trying to force themselves into the land when God passed judgement against them. So they go up anyway into the land and are smitten by the enemies of God. (Num. 14:44-45)

The presence of God in the Ark and Tabernacle did not go up with these people. It remained back in the camp with Moses. (Num. 14:44) Repentance is not based upon man. It is a gift granted from God. Just because one says 'he repents', there is no guarantee that it will be granted. If it is offered, yes it will be granted. But to these, no repentance would be offered for this unbelief. Only judgement.

Again, this doesn't mean a loss of eternal life. That was already assured at the Passover in Egypt. But it means a loss of the experience of salvation in this life. A loss of experiencing God's Kingdom nation upon the earth. Instead of walking in victory led by the Lord in the land, they will wander in the wilderness dying daily until the 40 years are up. Until a whole generation of unbelief is dead. Wandering with dying as the sole goal for their existence.

And note here, God is still with them in the wilderness. He has not cast them off forever. God's plans for His Kingdom on earth have not changed. But this generation of Israelites will not be the ones to experience it. But God remains with them in the wilderness, just as Moses, and the two faithful spies remains with them, along with the Tabernacle and the Ark.

What things the 'evil report' set in motion.

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One can see here the importance of the people, Israel, and the importance of the land, Palestine or Canaan, in establishing the Kingdom of God upon the earth. Though they have been disobedient, God will use this people to govern his will, His Kingdom upon the earth. Though God is with them in the wilderness, they cannot function correctly until they are in the land. The land promise is just as important as the seed promises in the Abrahamic Covenant. And if you read through the book of (Numbers) you will see the continual complaining, and rebellion from Israel against God, even in their state of judgement. But the LORD will be true to His promises.

Not much is recorded concerning Israel during those 40 years. But there are a few things. Further laws are given concerning the land and priesthood. (Num. 15,18) The rebellion of Korah against the priesthood also, and God's judgement against it. (Num. 16) The ordinance of the Red heifer is given. (Num. 19) The death of Miriam and Aaron in the final 40th year. (Num. 20) (Num. 33:38) Israel complains over their food and water situation. God provides, bringing judgement again from God, but Moses sinned against God in smiting the Rock instead of speaking to it. Resulting in God refusing to let him take the people into the land. (Num. 20:10-13) But the 40 years is almost up. A new generation is emerging. And even though they are not yet in the land, Israel is fighting the enemies of the LORD, and gaining victories over them. (Num. 21) And as a a result, the word spread throughout the various nations of this people, Israel, who are a threat to them.

This brings us to one of the most strangest individuals in the Scripture. Baalam the prophet. (Num. 22-25)

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Important to remember that Balaam was not a prophet of Israel. God had just established Israel as a nation with his laws having brought them out of Egypt. Balaam was a prophet before he encountered the people of Israel, and unknown to Israel. The main question in most people's minds, is, was Balaam a prophet of God? Or was he a false prophet?

The question becomes more difficult due to Balaam's actions in the end, where he advised the King of Moab, how he can come against the Israelites. Balaam gave counsel to introduce the women of the Midianites and Moab to cause them to sin against God. (Num. 31:15-16) "And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive? Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD." This became known as the 'doctrine of Balaam'. (Rev. 2:14) "But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication." As a result of Balaam's actions, he was killed by Israel with the enemies of the LORD. (Num. 31:8) "And they slew the kings of Midian....Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword."

But, was Balaam a false prophet? His sinful counsel at the end, which we just looked at, was not a prophecy. It was sinful counsel. Balak was the king of Moab. He was worried about the number of the Israelites and all that he had heard of them. (Num. 22:3-4) So he sent for Balaam to come and curse this people for him that he can destroy Israel. For Balaam already had a reputation of being a true prophet. (Num. 22:5-6) And Balak was willing to reward Balaam for his cursing Israel. (Num. 22:7) When the messengers told Balaam this, he said he must ask the LORD about it. Which is not a bad thing, as he probably didn't know anything about Abraham and Israel at this time. So he sought the Word of the LORD concerning this. Not the word of some false god, but the Word of the LORD. (Num. 22:8)

And God came to him. Important to note here that God was not surprised to hear from Balaam. And Balaam was not surprised to hear from God. Balaam explained his situation, that these wanted him to go with them and curse this people who have come out of Egypt. (Num. 22:9-11) And God said 'no', don't go with them as these people are blessed. And Balaam relayed this to the messengers that the LORD will not let him go with them. (Num. 22;12-13) Up to this point, all is as it should be with a prophet of God.

Note again, what God said to Balaam. (Num 22:12) "...thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed." These are the same people that have rebelled against God, complained against God, sought to go back to Egypt, who have suffered many judgements from God, etc. etc. And they now have been wandering in the desert for 40 years dying off for their unbelief. Yet God says, 'they are blessed'. How can He say that? Because all is based upon His covenant with Abraham, which is based solely on Him for it's fulfillment.

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So, the messengers from Moab returned to Balak, the king of Moab, empty handed, without Balaam. (Num. 22:14) But Balak was adamant and sent them back with more promise of reward, if Balaam would just curse this people, Israel. (Num. 22:15-17) And once again, Balaam said he could not disobey God. (Num. 22:18) Again, all is well for the prophet of God, up to this point.

But then Balaam said, "Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more." (Num. 22:19) A weakness in the prophet surfaces. He is tempted with the offer of reward. There is nothing new that the messengers are asking Balaam to do, that they asked him already the first time they came. They want him to come and curse this people Israel. Balaam already had the answer from God...NO! (Num. 22:12) He did not need to go ask God again...but he did. Why? He is hoping God lets him go so that he may partake of the reward. Balaam, I believe, is a true prophet from God, but one who has fallen to the temptation of worldly possessions. He is an hireling prophet. He is a prophet seeking a profit for his gift.

And what does God say to Balaam this second time? He tells him to go ahead. But you will not say anything but what I say to you. (Num. 22:20) Why does God say this? Why doesn't He tell Balaam 'no' again. Because Balaam already knows God's will in this matter and is still asking, only in hopes of the reward. A sinful desire has surfaced in the heart of the prophet. And God is going to let it continue to reveal it's entirety. Which will eventually cost Balaam his life. (Num. 31:8) Balaam could have said, should have said at this time, 'no, there is no need for me to go if I cannot curse this people'. And he already knows God has said no. And now God says you won't say anything except what I give you to say. In other words, God tells Balaam to do what 'you' want, but you will not change 'My' will concerning this matter. And Balaam saddles his ass, his donkey, and goes. (Num. 22:21) He has succumbed to the temptation of reward.

And God is angry because Balaam went. (Num. 22:22) Why is God angry when God told him to go ahead? Because as was just said, God's will was for Balaam not to go. Balaam wanted to go, wanted his will, wanted the reward. Thus Balaam was a disobedient prophet when he went with the messengers. At this point, what is in Balaam's heart is his will. Not God's will.

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We come to a place in the Scripture that is mocked by atheist's and supposed liberal christians also. The record where Balaam's ass, that he was riding, talked back at him. It is found in (Num. 22:22-33) Why this miracle should be anymore surprising than any other miracle in the Bible, is beyond me. God changed man's languages at Babel. (Gen. 11:1-9) And in doing so gave man the ability to understand the new language to which he was given, causing man to unite with those of the language he understood. And in the coming of the Holy Spirit in (Acts 2:4-11), believing Jews were given the ability to speak in other tongues whereby those Jews who came from all other countries were able to understand them in their own language. All very miraculous. Balaam's donkey talking is no more a greater miracle then these.

That doesn't mean anyone has to believe it. Which is fine, that is up to every individual. But if one does not believe in the miraculous record given in the Bible, then one does not believe in the God of the Bible. For the Bible is about God and His work in man's redemption. And God throughout the Bible intervenes miraculously on His peoples behalf. If any writing purports to be about God, one should expect the miraculous.

At this stage with Balaam, God has become his 'adversary'. (Num. 22:22) Balaam knows he shouldn't go, but goes anyway. Balaam's ass saw the angel of the LORD hindering the way and tried to turn aside. The donkey had more sense than Balaam. Both recognized they shouldn't go forward, Balaam had the Word of God, the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, but only the donkey tried to stop. (Num. 22:23-30) The LORD then opened Balaam's eyes to see the angel. And the angel told Balaam that his way was perverse. (Num. 22:31-32)

Then Balaam made an attempt to 'appear' repentant. (Num. 22:34) "And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again." What a lie. Balaam knew he was not supposed to go. He knew his way was contrary to the will of God. Yet he wanted to go anyway for the reward. The greatest lies are the ones we tell ourselves...and believe. Balaam's heart has not changed. He is just fearful of the angel with that sword in his hand.

God cares not for false repentance. And it never deceives Him. It only deceives the one trying to make it. So what does the angel say to Balaam? (Num. 22:35) Go ahead and go. But again, you will only speak what the LORD gives you to speak. In other words, nothing has changed. You cannot curse this people because they are blessed. So, why are you going? The reward has so captivated Balaam that he cannot put 2 and 2 together and come up with 4. The reward is based upon Balaam cursing the Israelites. But God said He won't because He said so. No reward will be forth coming from Balak. But, go ahead Balaam. Attempt to do what you want.

An interesting point is the comparison of (Num. 22:20) with (Num. 22:35). (Num. 22:20) "And God came to Balaam at night, and said unto him, if the men come to call thee, rise up and go with them: but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do." (Num. 22:35) "And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balaak." From this it is clear that the 'angel of the LORD' is none other than God appearing in human form. This is called a 'theophany'.

And Balaam goes on his merry and perverse way.

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continued from post #(54)

Balaam meets up with Balak who take him to a mountain area where Moab's god Baal is worshiped, and from where they can view these people Israel below at a distance. (Num. 22:36-41) Alters were built and animal sacrifices made. (Num. 22:40) (Num. 23:1-2) But Balaam continues to tell Balak he can say nothing but what the LORD gives him to say. (Num. 22:38) (Num. 23:3)

And God did indeed meet with Balaam, Num. 23:4-5) and told him to go to Balak and speak this word. "And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram out of the mountains of the east saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel. How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, who the LORD hath not defied? For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations...Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!"

Of course Balak was furious at this. Instead of cursing Israel Balaam pronounces blessing upon Israel. (Num. 23:11-12) And he did this in the place where Moab's god, Baal, was worshipped. (Num. 22:41) Note the spiritual motivation behind Balak's purpose. And no matter how many times Balaam tells Balak he can only say what God has given him to say, it doesn't matter. Balak ignores it and hopes that Balaam will curse Israel. And Balaam should not be surprised at Balak's refusal to believe him, for Balaam has done the same thing in ignoring God and meeting with Balak to curse Israel and receive the reward.

Note the special nature of the people of Israel. They will dwell alone and not be reckoned among the nations. (Num. 23:9) They will be a nation, but not a nation like other nations. They are God's nation upon the earth. They are the nation that God will implement His will through on the earth. The Kingdom of God.

Balaam spoke this by the Spirit of God. (Num. 23:5) And at the end of his prophecy he says, "let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!" It is an interesting statement when we read of Balaam's end. (Num. 31:8) "...Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword."

So, Balak is angry but not finished and neither is Balaam at this point. How frustrating it is to be fighting against God.

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continued from post #(55)

Balak takes Balaam to another place from where to view the Israelites. Only it only shows part of Israel. Perhaps Balak was concerned that Balaam was intimidated by the sheer number of Israelites, and so blessed them. He doesn't understand the power of God in such matters. (Num. 23:13-14) Again, alters are built and sacrifices made. (Num. 23:15-16) And Balak asks Balaam, what has the LORD said? (Num. 23:17)

And Balaam responded. (Num. 23:19-20) "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.

This promise from God is as true today as it was back then. There is no reversing it. God promised to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Israel. Some will say, that is no good anymore because Israel has sinned and rejected her God. Well, again, the Israel Balaam is viewing has been rebelling and sinning against God since she left Egypt. And yet hear what he says about them. (Num. 23:21) "He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel; the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them."

There was plenty of iniquity and perverseness in Israel, but the LORD says He doesn't see it. How can that be? Because He has taken care of it. All the LORD does with His people is based upon the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, be it future or be it past. This doesn't mean the believer gets away with sinning, for he will come under judgement from God at times here, based on the severity of his sin. But it does mean his sins will not affect or change God's mind concerning what He promised. Israel will be God's Kingdom on earth, for God does not see their iniquity, as it will have been removed by the blood of Christ. The believer today in the Church who has believed on Jesus Christ, (John 3:15), has been promised eternal life. That is a promise from God. And the believers sins, though they be many, shall not cause God to break His promise.

This has been a tactic and accusation from Satan since his beginning. Why? Because he and his angels will be judged and cast into the Lake of Fire for their sin. (Matt. 25:41) (Rev. 20:10) And since he caused the fall of the human race to sin, he loves to go before God and accuse believers constantly. (Rev. 12:10) Satan brings sin into the world and then accuses the people of God for sinning. But, the believer has an Advocate in Heaven at the right hand of God, the God/Man Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3:22) Satan comes before God and says, 'this believer, such and such, down there, is a terrible sinner'. How can You let him/her into Heaven? Just like Balak wanted Balaam to curse Israel, so Satan comes and accuses all the brethren, the believers, with the same. Jesus says immediately that this one Satan accuses is one of Ours. One of My brethren. Under My blood. And the Father will always say, " I see no iniquity in him/her".

Satan can honestly accuse the brethren. But God can also honestly say, 'I see no iniquity in them'.

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continued from post #(56)

Balaam, still in his second prophecy concerning Israel, said, "the shout of a king is among them". (Num. 23:21) Though in outward appearance at that time, they looked as though they had no king. Yet they acted and moved as though they did. Because God is their King. Moses certainly was the leader at that time, but had not been declared King. God's kingdom on earth, Israel, is still being formed at this time. And the Man who will be King is yet future. We already saw that the future King would be from the tribe of Judah. For, from that tribe will the Royal authority exist. (Gen. 49:10) "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be."

And in the book of (Ezekiel), when God severely judges Israel in turning them over to the Babylonians, He says, (Ezekiel 21:25-27) "And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end, Thus saith the LORD God; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same....I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is ; and I will give it him." So the ruling authority will always be from the tribe of Judah, and after the Babylonian captivity, there will be no more God appointed King in Israel till God's Man comes, Who will be Jesus Christ. Which is why Jesus had to be from the tribe of Judah.

Balaam goes on to say, "Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!" (Num. 23:23) And 'enchantment' and 'divination' is what Balak was using in trying to curse Israel. He resorted to the high places of his god, Baal, from where to curse Israel. (Num. 22:41) But the God of Israel, Who created Israel, says, 'that ain't going to happen'. God sets the boundaries of what is blessed and cursed. And He has blessed Israel. And no curse shall prevail against her.

The world, under Satan's rulership, never learns this truth, or lesson. Consider Israel today. Israel got back to that land 1948, though still in unbelief. But that didn't matter. God needed Israel in the land as that is what was promised under the Abrahamic Covenant. Though England, America, Germany, all played a role in Israel getting back to that land, it was God behind it. Just like it is Satan who is behind all the Arabs and Iranians, Iraq, Syria, etc. wanting Israel out of the land. Satan knows Israel is blessed and Israel in the land is necessary for the Kingdom of God being set up on earth. This is the root of all anti-Semitism against the Jewish people. It is the root of the war over there in Israel today.

For, Israel back in the land, as a nation, a people, what remains is for them to turn back to their God. Back to anticipating the coming of Messiah, their King, the One whose right it is. The One they rejected long ago, Jesus Christ.

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continued from post #(57)

So once again Balaam had blessed Israel instead of cursing her. Frustrated, Balak would try one more time. He took Balaam to the top of mount Peor, and there Balaam did as before with altars and sacrifices. (Num. 23:27-30) But one thing changed. Balaam quit seeking 'enchantments' as he did before. (Num. 24:1) What does this mean? Whatever they involved, the enchantments were no doubt for the purpose of trying to get God to curse Israel, though He always told Balaam He would not. Balaam was now convinced it was futile to try and curse Israel because God only had blessing them in mind.

The Spirit of God came upon Balaam and once again he blessed Israel. (Num. 24:2) He ended with the same blessing and curse God gave to Abraham. (Gen. 12:3) (Num. 24:9) "...Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee." Which of course puts Balak in the area of being cursed instead of Israel. Balaam then told Balak he would tell him what will happen in the future between Israel and Moab. (Num. 24:14) And in this prophecy, (Num. 24:15-25), Balaam speaks to the Kingdom of God ruled by God's Man on earth. The future Messianic Kingdom.

(Num. 24:16-17) "He hath said which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty,... I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth." The 'Star' speaks to the Messiah to come. The One Whose right it is to rule. The Scepter speaks to that right to rule. Compare (Matt. 2:1-2) "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."

The prophecy in (Num. 24:15-25) speaks to Messiah conquering His enemies. (Num. 24:17) "...shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth." (Num. 24:18) "And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies...." (Num. 24:19) "Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city." (Num. 24:20) "And when he looked on Amalek...his latter end shall be that he perish for ever." (Num. 24:22) "...the Kenite shall be wasted...." (Num. 24:24) "...and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he shall perish for ever." (Num. 24:23) "...Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!

Quite a description of the coming King and Kingdom of God on earth. Reminds me of (Ps. 2:1-12) "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion....Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."

When that Kingdom comes, this is the picture of it. Messiah destroying His enemies, the enemies of God. 'Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matt. 6:10)

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continued from post #(58)

Good to be back. For some reason, the last couple of days, I was not allowed on to the forum. And there is much yet to know and understand about the Kingdom of God on earth. So much prophecy to look at. Just like (Gen. 3:15) was the first prophecy of the Bible, and (Gen. 3:15) concerns the Kingdom of God on earth, among other things. And just like we have seen with Balaam, the hierling prophet of God, and his prophecies, the Kingdom of God on earth involves the nation Israel and the promised land from which it will rule, and the King Who will be the sole Ruler.

At this point, Israel is completing it's 40 years of wilderness wanderings where the generation that refused to go in was judged by God and doomed to die in the wilderness. But, God has been, and is still, with her. Even in the judgement. And God now speaks to the people of Israel through Moses who are going into the land. (Num. 33:50-53) "And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying....When ye are passed over Jordan into the land of Canaan; Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places: And ye shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land, and dwell therein: for I have given you the land to possess it.

This is Israel's title deed to the land of Canaan, the promised land. God is giving it to her. The Moabites complained about it as we saw with Balak. As did the Midianites who were later defeated by Israel, and Balaam the prophet was killed. (Num. 31:7-8) But it doesn't matter to God who complains. All the earth is His. And He gives it and takes it away from people as He sees fit. And those who dwelt in that land were God rejecting people and idolaters when God promised it to Abraham. (Gen. 15:16) "But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

So since from the time the promise was given to Abraham, to the time when Israel is about to enter the land, at least some 400 years later, those dwelling in the land have continued in their God rejecting ways. And it took these some 400 years for their iniquity to be full. As (Gen. 15:16) promised. What does this mean? It means several things. God is in no hurry. God is very patient and longsuffering towards mankind in his sinful rebelliousness. During those 4 generations those idolaters in Canaan could have turned to the true God. They could have repented of their evil ways. But they didn't. And we can know what they were thinking at this time. (Ecc. 8:11) "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." The Canaanite in the land could say we have been doing this for 4 generations and God hasn't done nothing yet. But God sees it all, and remembers it all, and saves it all, till the time of judgement comes. Till their iniquity is full. And God can and will then deliver a full cup of justice. (Rom. 2:5) "But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God;"

So, God is with His people Israel. But they must be in the land He has promised them in order to carry out the Kingdom of God on earth. God removes the Canaanite because of his wicked ways in the land. And here Israel is warned by God, that if they refuse to obey God in the land, then He can just as easily remove them also from the land. (Num. 33:55-56) Something they should have no problem believing since they have watched a whole generation of Israelites die in the wilderness for their unbelief in what God said.

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continued from post #(59)

The book of (Deuteronomy) is Moses last testimony to the people of Israel. It is a survey of their history with God up to this point, just prior to their entering the promised land. And though it repeats much of Israel's history, many new things are revealed in it that were not stated before, as well as future prophecy revealed. Remember, as has already been shown, Moses will not be going into the promised land with them, because of his sin in not believing God and smiting the Rock instead of speaking to it. And one common theme seems to exist throughout the book of (Deuteronomy). And that is, "When you come into the land, don't forget the LORD your God." (Deut. 8:10-11) "When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgements, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:"

Israel must always protect itself from falling into the belief that they 'deserve' the blessings associated with dwelling in the land, from thinking that they have earned the right to dwell in this land because of their own goodness and power. (Deut. 8:18-20) "But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God."

(Deut. 9:5-6) "Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiff necked people."

So many warnings God gives to His people Israel, because they are a stiff necked people. But they are still His people. And every believer in every age, be it before Israel, or Israel, or the Church, should have or should heed these warnings. For they can be applied to all believers though specifically here given to Israel. Don't forget the LORD your God because it is not your goodness that results in the blessings you enjoy.

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