August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
the eternal purpose of God !! the destiny of the messianic community •!
destiny: inevitably occurring future event(s)
•!
messianic comes from Hebrew word for Christ
•!
covenant basis of relationship with God (as we shall see)
•!
messianic covenant community: ekklsia (gk), “called out ones,” church,
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
God’s eternal purpose !! looking at biblical panorama / “big picture” !! to reveal, highlight one of Scripture’s most rewarding, fascinating, foundational insights : God’s eternal purpose !! “the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord…” —! Ephesians 3.10-11
!! biblical covenants !! historical narratives of scripture held together by underlying covenants !! without comprehending covenant, God’s inentions, actions can seem mysterious, changeable !! key to understanding nature of God’s intent, purpose for, through creation
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
biblical panorama — “big picture” !! beginning, God created heaven and earth !! (premise) biblical, salvation history reveals God’s purpose, plan !! creation… !! death (Gn 2-3) !! flood (Gn 6-9) !! Babel tower, rebellion, ethnic scattering (Gn 11) !! promise to Abraham (land, nations, kings, blessing-Gn 12ff) !! exodus (Ex 12) !! formation of nation, Israel (Ex 19) !! enter promised Land (Judges) !! God rules through judges, prophets, priests, kings !! establishing kingdom !! exile from Land (Judges, Samuel, Chronicles)
superficial pattern : sinful rebellion, judgement, deliverance: !! Adam
fall, curse, skins, expulsion (exile)
!! Cain
murder, mark
!! Noah
flood, ark
!! Nations
tower, languages
!! Abraham
blessing
!! Israel
rebellion, exile, return
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
biblical panorama — “big picture” profound pattern : series of blessings, curses, covenants… !! creation blessing ! be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it !! creation curse ! ground cursed on your account, you will work hard to eat from it as long as you live; you will eat bread by the sweat of your forehead !! Noah ! I am herewith establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you; never again will I curse the ground; nor will I ever destroy all living things; Gn. 6,9 !! Abraham ! I will make you a great nation, I will bless you and I will make your name great and you are to be a blessing and I will bless those who bless you and I will curse those who curse you and by you Abraham all the families of the earth will be blessed; Genesis 12.1-3 !! Isaac, Jacob ! (renewal, reminder of promises to Abraham) !! Exodus (pesach / passover) first covenantal deliverance: ! I will execute judgement against all the gods of Egypt … the blood will serve you as a sign marking the house where you are: when I see the blood, I will pass over you … the death blow will not strike you—Ex 12.12-14—in response to covenant, Ex. 2.24 !! Israel ! Now if you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant, then you will be my own treasure from among all the people, for all the earth is mine; and you will be a!kingdom of priests and a nation set apart— Exodus 19.4-6 !! David ! I will establish one of your descendants to succeed you, one of your flesh and blood; and I will set up his rulership; he will build a house for my name and I will establish his royal throne forever; I will be a father for him and he will be a son for me; thus your house and your kingdom will be made secure forever before you; your throne will be set up forever—2 Samuel 7.16
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
what is covenant? (Hebrew) !! berîyth
(ber-eeth‘) !! “compact, covenant, alliance, bargain” !! “binding arrangement” !! “cut” – kãrath
(kaw-rath')
!! over 250 occurrences in old testament !! secular: treaty, alliance, constitution, agreement, pledge, oath —! Genesis 21.22-32; 26.26-33; 31.43-54 !! theological: binding arrangement. solemn commitment
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
ancient near-eastern covenants !! mutual, negotiated !! weaker parties could approach stronger
!! “suzerain-vassal” !! victorious “suzerain” determines, initiates !! determines purpose of covenant !! promises rewards, punishments; swears oath !! conquered “vassal” invited to consent !! return allegiance, service, tax !! particularly echoed in Sinai covenant with Israel … when God said, “you will be my people, I will be your God”
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
nature of covenant !! covenant !! binding arrangement, obligation, or !! solemn commitment… !! formalising relationship between two parties !! confirmed by sworn oaths !! typically sealed with sacrificial meal
!! blessings, curses associated with covenant, promising… !! protection, rewards for covenant observance !! consequences of covenant violation
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
nature of divine covenant !! God designs, initiates binding obligation !! without human negotiation !! swears oath (by himself)
!! reveals his obligation to Patriarchs !! sets forth his purpose for covenant, his intention for covenant community !! sets out promises, blessings, curses !! invites response of covenant allegiance, loyalty
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
language of divine covenant !! my covenant… !! make covenant —! Genesis 9.12; 17.2; Exodus 34.10 ff.
!! establish covenant… —! Genesis 9.9,11; 17.7-21; Leviticus 26.9
!! keep covenant… —! Genesis 17.9,10; Exodus 19.5; Deut. 7.12
!! broken covenant… —! Genesis 17.14; Lev. 26.44; Deut. 31.16
!! everlasting covenant… —! Genesis 9.16; 17.7,13,19; Jeremiah 32.40
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
certainty of divine covenant !! “for when God made his promise to Abraham, he swore an oath to do what he had promised and since there was no one greater than himself for him to swear by, he swore by himself… !! (now people swear oaths by someone greater than themselves and confirmation by an oath puts an end to all dispute) !! therefore !! when God wanted to demonstrate still more convincingly !! the unchangeable character of his intentions to those who were to receive what he had promised, he added an oath to the promise.” —! Hebrews 6.13-18
!! God wanted to demonstrate… the unchangeable character of his intentions
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
purpose of divine covenant !!
what is purpose of God’s covenants? note three elements:
!! revelation of divine intentions, plan !! “I will establish my covenant with you” !! “I will give you this land”
!! preparation of covenant community !! “you will be my people, I will be your God” !! “you will be a great nation” !! “you will be a priestly kingdom”
!! restoration of creation purpose !! reversal of curse, promotion of blessing !! “blessed to be a blessing to all… the earth” !! “a new heaven and a new earth”
as we examine each covenant in more detail, we shall see how each element or aspect of divine covenant works out within each of the Patriarchal covenants
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
covenant with Abraham !! I will make you a great nation, !! I will bless you and !! I will make your name great and
!! you are to be a blessing and !! I will bless those who bless you and !! I will curse those who curse you and
!! by you Abraham all the families of the earth will be blessed —! Genesis 12.1-3
full significance of covenant becomes clear within new testament for now simply note what God promised to Abraham, as part of unfolding revelation of his unchanging purpose…
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
purpose of covenant with Abraham !! reveals, expresses God’s commitment to bless all the families of the earth through ‘a great nation’ !! God is committed to restoring his creation, marred by human rebellion, !! using a covenant community to bring human beings back into right relationship with him
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
biblical panorama — “big picture” !! covenant with Abraham forms framework for God’s eternal purpose !! “I will make you a great nation, I will bless you and I will make your name great and you are to be a blessing and I will bless those who bless you and I will curse those who curse you and by you Abraham all the families of the earth will be blessed.”
!! providing an overarching covenant-based promise of !! a great nation, !! blessed to be a blessing, to every family on earth
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
Israel – a chosen people !! Adonai your God has chosen you out of all the people on the face of the earth… Adonai didn’t set his heart on you or choose you because you numbered more that any other people… you were the fewest of peoples. !! Rather, it was because Adonai loved you and because he wanted to keep the oath which he had sworn to your ancestors… !! From this you can know that Adonai your God is indeed God, the faithful God who keeps his covenant and extends grace to those who love him and observe his commandments… —! Deuteronomy 7.7-9
!! thus, !! God’s covenant community is chosen by grace because of God’s covenant faithfulness (his faithfulness to covenant with Patriarchs) !! God’s covenant faithfulness is witnessed by his extending (manifesting) grace towards those who keep covenant !! thus, covenant, grace are inseperably bound together
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
Israel – a nation set apart !! if you will pay careful attention to what I say and !! keep my covenant, then !! you will be my own treasure from among all the peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you will be... !! a!kingdom of priests and !! a nation set apart —! Exodus 19.4-6 —! also Exodus 6:2-6; Leviticus 26.9 Deuteronomy 8.18; Ezekiel 16.60-62
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
Israel and covenant !! “keep my covenant” !! refers to, provides continuity with Abrahamic covenant !! invites nation of Israel into covenant
!! establishes God’s kingship over Israel !! a nation redeemed from an oppressor !! God’s possession, his subjects (vassals)
!! forms a covenant community !! a royal priesthood to mediate his presence !! a nation set apart to serve his purpose !! amidst nations of earth note three elements of divine purpose (as previous) : •!
revelation of intentions
•!
covenant community
•!
wider restoration, all nations
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
“keeping covenant” !! what is meant by “keeping covenant”? !! faithful allegiance of God’s people !! preserving solemn relationship, commitment !! submission, obedience to covenant terms !! “blessed to be a blessing…” !! useful to God’s purposes
!! faithlessness of God’s people !! cursed, rejected; possibly eternally !! frustrates God’s plans !! ultimately, does not alter God’s sworn obligation… !! his unchanging purpose remains intact
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
Israel—a light to the nations clear from establishment of Israel as a nation, God’s plan included for them to be “a light to other nations” – to show his glory through them… !! I have taught you decrees and laws …observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, ‘surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people’ —! Deuteronomy 4:5-6 !! if you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands that I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth —! Deuteronomy 28:1
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
Israel – a light to the nations !! I will make you a light to the nations… that my salvation can spread to ends of the earth —! Isaiah 42:6, 49:6 !! foreigners… join themselves to the Lord to serve him, to love the name of the Lord and to be his workers… hold fast to his covenant… for my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples —! Isaiah 56.6-7 !! all nations will serve him… the whole earth filled with his glory —! Psalm 72
clear from message of prophet Isaiah (~800 BC) and Psalms that “all nations” (ethnos/gentiles) were (always) within purview (horizon) of God’s redemptive plan emergence of covenant purpose : encompassing Israel’s blessing, but not as end in itself, only as a means to an end : namely, that all nations (gentiles, ethnos) might worship the God of Abraham, the God of Israel…
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
purpose of covenant with Israel !! reveals, expresses God’s commitment to use a chosen people—a covenant community—in order to reveal his love and glory to the whole world !! God chooses an unimportant tribe of people to demonstrate through them his goodness, kindness and loving faithfulness towards a world of people that has rebelled against his creation purposes
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
biblical panorama — “big picture” covenant with Abraham forms framework for God’s eternal purpose, providing overarching covenant-based promise of !! a great nation, blessed to be a blessing, to every family on earth
at Sinai, covenant established with chosen people, Israel: !! keep my covenant, then you will be my own treasure from among all the peoples, for all the earth is mine and you will be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation
Israel chosen to be a light to other (gentile) nations; exactly how this will take place is not completely clear, however, indications, hints are given: !! I will also make you a light to the nations, so that my salvation can spread to the ends of the earth !! a house of prayer for all nations… —! Isaiah 42, 49, 56
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
covenant with David !! “I will establish one of your descendants to succeed you, one of your flesh and blood; and I will set up his rulership; !! he will build a house for my name and I will establish his royal throne forever; !! I will be a father for him and he will be a son for me; !! thus your house and your kingdom will be made secure forever before you; your throne will be set up forever.” —! 2 Samuel 7.16
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
effect of covenant with David !! “kingdom” engrafted into covenant purposes —! Daniel 9.25; 2 Samuel 23.5; Isaiah 55.3 “kingdom” concept appears in terms of kingdom of Israel, however, it provides a hint of the greater concept of the “kingdom of God,” to be revealed more fully in the Messiah(’s arrival… life… work… teaching… death, resurrection, assension…)
!! “one of your descendants” !! identified as “anointed one,” “messiah” !! Jewish people looks for God’s national restoration through a messianic deliverer (Anointed Prince, King) !! hope continues nearly one thousand years, even during Babylonian domination and exile
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
purpose of covenant with David !! reveals, expresses God’s commitment to establish his kingdom reign on earth through one of David’s descendants, relating to God as a Son to a Father !! God promises an Anointed King-to-come—a Messiah —who will restore the covenant community of Israel and establish the Reign of God eternally
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
biblical panorama — “big picture” !! previous ‘big picture’ … !! God’s covenant purpose effected by promise to King David: !! planted hope of Anointed Deliverer a Messiah, which grew differently within Israel’s prophetic and popular understanding: !! popularly as King or (political) Leader who would revive Israel in a Davidic-type victory over pagan enemies… !! prophetically as refining, Covenant-Restorer who would preserve a faithful remnant, whilst sifting the wicked…
!! prophetic hope became encompassed within hope of a new covenant to be cut with house of Israel: !! I will cut a new covenant with the house of Israel, I will put my torah within them and write it upon their hearts; they will be my people and I will be their God… all will know me, from the least to the greatest, because I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more —! Jeremiah 31
(whilst popular hope became encompassed within militant ‘rebel’ movements, such as Macabeeans, Zealouts etc.)
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
idolatry and exile !! following David’s death, Solomon rules; at first wisely, then committing idolatry, leading to: !! fragmentation into houses of Israel, of Judah; !! exile (first of Israel, then of Juday) from promised Land, when they fail to turn away from idolatry, rebellion
!! exile symbolises God’s ongoing judgement, constant, painful reminder of Israel’s sins… !!
“by the rivers of Babylon we sat down and wept, as we remembered Zion” —! Psalm 137
as long as Israel exiled from Promised Land, (they know) covenant promises remain unfulfilled… as long as Israel is in exile, they know their sins remain unforgiven… !! return from exile represents grace, sign of God’s forgiveness of Israel’s sin return to the Land, return from exile, comes to equate with forgiveness of Israel’s national sin (i.e. of idolatry which led to tribal division… exile)
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
Israel’s return, renewal !! popular interpretation of hope !! a glorious messianic, Davidic king
… leading to !! deliverance from Gentile enemies !! restoration: “head not the tail”
!! prophetic interpretation of hope !! an inglorious, despised, sacrificial, messianic, intercessory prophet… —! Isaiah 53 !! a Covenant-Restorer, sifting faithful remnant from wicked —! Malachi
… leading to !! renewed, faithful covenant community, shepherded by ‘David’ —! Ezekiel 36-7 !! a community intimate in knowledge of Torah, Adonai —! Jeremiah 31
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
new covenant prophecied !! I will cut a new covenant with the house of Israel !! I will put my torah within them and write it upon their hearts; !! they will be my people and I will be their God… !! all will know me, from the least to the greatest, because !! I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more —! Jeremiah!31.31
not yet clear that coming Messiah… and prophesied new covenant… will be related, coinciding prophetic events…
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
new covenant !! made “with the house of Israel” !! within framework of Abraham covenant !! Jesus “sent to lost sheep of house of Israel” —! Genesis 17.7; Matthew 15.24
!! provides new intimacy with God !! barrier of sins removed !! torah within them… written upon hearts !! “know me – from least to greatest” !! “be my people” !! Adonai will “be their God” !!
… fulfilling ancient covenant hope of God
but… how will new covenant be realised? inaugurated? put into action? … who will be “the Prophet,” like Moses to mediate this new covenant? •!
Deuteronomy 18.15
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
Jesus intercession for Israel how will this new covenant be mediated? (realised, inaugurated, enacted) firstly : through intercessory, messianic prophet of Israel, Yeshua (Jesus) !! as Jewish prophet (“Son of Man”) !! calls people to repentance !! challenges traditions, Israel’s leadership
!! as Anointed Messiah (King, “Son of David,” “Son of God”) !! revises Torah !! anointed by the Spirit !! takes Israel’s sins upon himself
!! as High Priest (“order of Melchizedek”) !! presents himself as a sacrificial offering !! guarantees “a better covenant” !! intercedes forever by power of indestructible life —! Hebrews 7.15-16, 25
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
Pentecost how was this new covenant to be brought into reality? secondly : through giving, receiving of Holy Spirit to, by covenant community… !! traditional Jewish commemoration of giving of torah to Israel !!
(conveying new truths, realities through emphasing connection with old truths, realities) —! Exodus 34.22, Deut. 16.9-10
!! realised, fulfilled by outpouring, indwelling of Spirit !! torah “written upon hearts” —! Romans 8.1-7 !! (“torah as upheld by the Messiah” —! Mat 5.17-20; 1 Cor. 9.21; Galatians 6.2) !! new intimacy with God —! Romans 8.26-27
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
biblical panorama — “big picture” previous ‘big picture’ … !! a covenant-hope, promise fulfilled by Messiah, Jesus, mediating, guaranteeing a “better covenant” with house of Israel; !! further fulfilled by Pentecost, as Holy Spirit poured upon embryonic messianic community; !! a community, revealed to Paul as “mystery” of…Messiah’s own body !! receiving Spirit marked onset of Jesus commission to his disciples: !! go and make disciples of every nation teaching them to obey all Messiah’s teaching
…opening door to primary n/t controversy : issue of gentile incorporation into messianic covenant community…
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
“all nations”… gentiles? !! “make disciples of all nations (ethnos)” !! new covenant with “house of Israel”… !! Jews amongst all nations? !! “ethnos” = gentiles !! confirmation of hints from Jesus, Tanakh —! Matthew 8.8-12; Luke 14.15-24 —! Acts 10-15; Romans 9.24-25, 10.19
!! gentile incorporation into covenant community !! social questions… !! theological questions…
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
social incorporation of gentiles !! how to overcome Jewish tradition, misunderstanding, stigma, resistance, prejudice against gentiles !! “for a man who is a Jew to have a close association with someone who belongs to another people, or to come and visit him, is something that just isn’t done” —! Acts 10:28-29
!! achieved through new, apostolic revelation of acceptability of all peoples !! “but God has shown me not to call any person common or unclean… I now understand that God does not play favourites, but that whoever fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him, no matter what people he belongs to.” —! Acts 10:34-35
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
theological incorporation of gentiles !! theological questions !! roots : patriarchs, covenants, history? —! Romans 9.4-5 !! require Jewish conversion, circumcision? —! Romans 11.16-24, 9.4; Galatians 6.15
!! Sh’aul, Paul !! trained as Pharisee (“Parush”) !! takes on task of theological explanation !! defends messianic covenant, community
next : Paul grappling with Gentile incorporation into Israel’s covenant community … beginning with Ephesians 2.11-19… … before examining Galatians 3.8-29
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
gentiles : foreigners to the covenants !! remember your former state: !! you Gentiles by birth… at that time had no Messiah; !! you were estranged from the national life of Israel; !! you were foreigners to the covenants embodying God’s promise; !! you were in this world without hope and without God —! Ephesians 2.11-12
Paul confirms what we have discovered from covenant history: •!
covenants embody God’s promise…
•!
estrangement from “national life of Israel” implies being outside of God’s covenant faithfulness…
•!
a place without hope (of a God-appointed deliver, a Messiah) … •!
for Jews hope was of national restoration; prophets corrected this with hope of restoration of covenant-community faithfulness…
•!
for pagan, gentiles they had no specific hope of reconciliation with Creator God;
•!
withal, anthropological studies have profoundly revealed ancient cultures which encompassed a hope of book-carrying emissaries who would bring news of how God had made reconciliation possible…
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
gentiles : once far off, now brought near !! but now, you who were once far off have been brought near through the shedding of Messiah’s blood;
through Messiah’s death, Gentiles, formerly without hope, outside of covenant faithfulness of God, now brought near to God… brought into covenant relationship, alongside Jews, with whom there had been enmity for thousands of years, yet without conversion to Jewish culture…how? !! he himself is our shalom—he has made us both one and has broken down the m’chitzah which divided us, by destroying in his own body the enmity occasioned by the Torah, with it’s commands…in the form of ordinances
m’chitzah—‘divider’ separating people into two groups, e.g., partition separating men from women in Orthodox Jewish synagogues; ~1.5m high stone partition, separating inner Temple courts—where only Jews could enter—from Court of Gentiles (see Acts 21.28) breaking down m’chitzah is a metaphor (picture) of removal of barrier to gentile inclusion within covenant / community, providing new freedom to approach God, binding Jew and Gentile together equally within new covenant !! he did this…to create in union with himself from the two groups a single new humanity and thus make shalom —! Ephesians 2.13-15
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
gentiles : members of God’s family !! when he came he announced as Good News shalom to you far off and shalom to those nearby, news that through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father
shalom : peace, tranquillity, safety, well-being, welfare, health, contentment, success, comfort, wholeness, integrity note reference to “access in one Spirit to the Father,” which may hint at dividing wall (m’chitzah) also referring to removal of veil separating Holiest Place, access beyond which is now open to both Jews, Gentiles (no longer only High Priest)—Mt. 27.51 !! so then you are no longer foreigners and strangers; on the contrary, you are fellow-citizens with God’s people and members of God’s family…
Paul emphasises Gentiles new position : since both have access by same Spirit, to same Father-God, Gentiles no longer foreigners and strangers (excluded from covenants), also fellow-citizens—equal in status—moreover, members of God’s family… !! you have been built on the foundation of the emissaries (apostles, missionaries) and the prophets, with the cornerstone being Jesus the Messiah himself —! Ephesians 2.17-19
… a family built on common foundations, chiefly the Rock of Jesus himself!
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
former state of gentiles !! …in this world without hope !! without God !! no Messiah
!! … estranged !! from the national life of Israel !! foreigners to the covenants
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
new state of gentiles !! … through being united with Messiah, gentiles become !! fellow citizens of God’s family !! joined to house, commonwealth of Israel !! grafted into vine of Israel !! incorporated into covenant community
!! … resulting in !! messianic new covenant community !! a single new humanity of Jews, Gentiles !! mystical body of messiah
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
gentiles share faith of Abraham !! the Tanakh, foreseeing that God would consider the Gentiles righteous when they live by trusting and being faithful, !! told the Good News to Abraham in advance, by saying, !! “in connection with you, all nations (“Goyim”, gentiles) will be blessed”… —! Galatians 3.8
Paul confirms conclusions from biblical history: •!
God considering Gentiles as righteous (i.e. faithful members of covenant community) was foreseen by Scriptures
•!
… when Good News, told in advance to Abraham
•!
… when God said, “in connection with you, all ethnos will be blessed”
thus, Paul is explaining that the “Good News”… •!
(presently) announcing the kingdom, reign of God arriving within, through life, death, resurrection of Messiah—was within God’s heartmind, when covenant made with Abraham…
•!
announced to Abraham as God’s response to rebellion, “death of creation” (Genesis 1-11); brought to fulfilment within, through Messiah…
… confirms that God’s eternal purpose — creation’s glorious renewal through the Messiah (for whom, through whom…) — was within God’s heart from beginning of covenant history…
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
gentiles receive blessing of Abraham !! Jesus did this so that in union with him the Gentiles might receive the blessing announced to Abraham, !! so that through trusting and being faithful we might receive what was promised, namely, the Spirit… !! in union with the Messiah, you are all children of God through this trusting faithfulness; !! if you belong to the Messiah, you are seed of Abraham and heirs according to the promise —! Galatians 3:9,14,26-29
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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August 09
‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
gentiles united spiritually to Messiah !! becoming spiritual “seed of Abraham” !! “heirs according to promise”
!! through trusting, being faithful !! “receiving blessing of Abraham”
which blessing? •!
“I have blessed you… those who bless you, I will bless, those who curse you I will curse;
•!
you are to be a blessing to all families of earth” —! Genesis 12.1-3
!! sharing in covenant purpose : blessed to be a blessing to all nations
mission mobilisation through leadership education—academy.eternalpurpose.org.uk
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the Spirit !! Jesus did this so that in union with him the Gentiles might receive the blessing announced to Abraham, !! so that through trusting and being faithful we might receive what was promised, namely, the Spirit…
in mentioning “the Spirit,” Paul makes an inherent link with both gentiles being united with Messiah and the Abrahamic blessing; is Paul simply listing both benefits, or making a more profound link? the latter, since Genesis 1-11 describes humankind’s descent from glorious garden to cursed creation, evidenced by violent, chaotic wickedness… to which the blessing of Abraham is God’s covenant response thus, whereas sin brought curse of death, Spirit !! imparts life, deliverance from death —! Romans 8.10-11
whereas Sinai covenant was glorious, but brought condemnation of sin, new covenant !! transforms us from glory to glory —! 2 Corinthians 3.18
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purpose of new covenant !! reveals, expresses God’s commitment to create a faithful covenant community, receiving shalom, through receiving forgiveness of sin and Holy Spirit !! God pours out his Holy Spirit to create an anointed, messianic covenant community, !! “a single new humanity”—a mystical body of Messiah—comprising Jew and Gentile together, !! reaching out to all nations with Good News of God’s reign through his Messiah
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God’s eternal purpose !! God’s eternal purpose accomplished in the Messiah Jesus… —! Ephesians 3.11 !! in bringing many sons to glory, !! (it was fitting that God, the Creator and Preserver of everything !! should bring the Captain of their salvation !! to the goal through suffering) —! Hebrews 2.9-10
thus, eternal purpose may be described as bringing many sons (people) to glory… if God is “bringing us to glory,” what does this mean within new covenant?
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new covenant glory new testament speaks of glory in several related ways: !! Son radiance of Sh’kinah !! Hebrew: divine presence, manifest glory of God with men !! “very expression of God’s essence” —! Hebrews 1.1-3
!! transformed into his image from glory to glory —! 2 Corinthians 3.17-4.6
!! those who suffer with him… glorified with him —! Romans 8.17; 2 Timothy 2.10-12
“glory” : can mean “brilliant, radiant beauty, splendour” or “state of high honour” – these though are insufficient for New Testament usage, where relates to God’s incarnate presence – thus ‘glory’ perhaps relates to honour as reward for humble intercession (e.g. see Isaiah 53.10-12) … thus, in his covenant faithfulness, through Messiah, God “stoops down” to make us great—to share his glory with us—he does not abandon us, but remains committed to our deliverance from curse, sin, mortality, injustice, poverty… those who suffer with him, are transformed into his likeness : highly honoured (blessed), yet willing to lay aside honour, wealth, acclaim in order to reach out to others… a glory the weight of which is practically invisible in this life, but of immeasurable worth in age to come… —! Romans 8.18
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resurrection heralds glorious new creation Messiah’s resurrection heralds fulfilment of future covenant hopes, future glory, for members of covenant community, for all of creation, for God as all-in-all, filling, renewing creation with his intimate, imminanent Sh’kinah presence… Messiah’s resurrection thus announces, prefigures as “first fruits” these hopes: !! future glory of messianic community —! Romans 8.18
when all things are finally revealed, covenant faithfulness of messianic community will be declared by Judge of all the earth (unless we preclude ourselves by faithlessness) !! creation released from bondage to mortal corruption, decay (death) —! Romans 8.19-23; 1 Corinthians 15.35-57 !! a “home of righteousness” —! 2 Peter 3.13; Revelation 21.27 !! …in which God will dwell gloriously with his people, in fulfilment of covenant promises —! Revelation 21-22
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“big picture” (continued) !! … as earliest Jewish disciples grappled with Jesus’ commission to make disciples of all nations (ethnos) !! … led to incorporation of gentiles into (new, messianic) covenant community !! … onset of globally-impacting work of reconciliation
!! … that will ultimately culminate in physical return of Messiah, !! … heralding end of this age, beginning complete renewal of creation
!! … representing fulfilment of God’s eternal purpose: !! … to bring many people to glory in a new heaven and earth, a “home of righteousness”
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“big picture” (continued) !! … as earliest Jewish disciples grappled with Jesus’ commission to make disciples of all nations (ethnos) !! … led to incorporation of gentiles into (new, messianic) covenant community !! … onset of globally-impacting work of reconciliation
!! … that will ultimately culminate in physical return of Messiah, !! … heralding end of this age, beginning complete renewal of creation
!! … representing fulfilment of God’s eternal purpose: !! … to bring many people to glory in a new heaven and earth, a “home of righteousness”
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eternal purpose of God : summary !! God, acting throughout history (naturally, supernaturally) !! through a covenant community, !! blessing his people to be a blessing !! with one unchanging eternal purpose !! to bring many people… !! from every nation, tribe, people, language !! to participate in the kingdom of God !! and a glorious new creation!
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God’s prophetic express train
one final thought: imagine… !! this locomotive (“train”) represents eternal purpose of God…
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eternal purpose like a locomotive… !! powerful !! power provided by train — not passengers !! train’s purpose fulfilled by passengers !! (partnership : Messiah and messianic community)
!! pre-planned route !! crises may threaten, change route !! journey may be complicated, difficult…
!! destination confirmed !! passengers entrusting themselves to train guaranteed to arrive at glorious destination!
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being at the station isn’t enough! to arrive at your destination (your destiny!) !! you must get on board train! what does this mean in practice, when considering God’s eternal purpose? !! submitting to leadership of the King !! joining messianic covenant community, uniting with its corporate calling, purpose, destiny !! taking personal responsibility for involvement with God’s eternal purpose !! positioned for empowerment, victory over forces of evil… !! God confirms his covenant in the people with whom he is working out his eternal purpose
will look more in depth at these realities in the remaining seminars… thank you for your attention!
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next seminar
!! the harvests of the earth !! the vocation of the messianic covenant community
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the eternal purpose academy of mission
!! a series of presentations published by eternalpurpose.org.uk downloadable under licence, free-of-charge !! part one : the high call of God to the messianic community !! part two : pressing toward the high call of God 7 modules !! 1 : destiny of the messianic community !! 2 : vocation of the messianic community !! 3 : design of the messianic community !! 4 : dynamic of the messianic community !! 5 : running the race marked out for us !! 6 : leading God’s people into their inheritance !! 7 : overcoming in the arena of spiritual conflict
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‘eternal purpose’ academy of mission
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