Lord Jesus’ Resurrection Was the First of Many

 

Lord Jesus’ Resurrection Was the First of Many

 

As we approach the annual Christian observance of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus, we also take time to recognize what He accomplished for our salvation through His crucifixion, death and burial. (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4; Romans 10: 9-13)  Those three days and nights were key to our restoration to Him and our Father in Heaven, but for the sake of brevity they must be addressed in another post to this blog. Instead, I’d like to address “His Resurrection” in the context of the “other resurrections” that are noted in the Bible Scripture.  Further, hopefully we can remove some misconceptions about what “resurrection” means to Christians. [This single post might turn into a “series” of posts. 😊]

First it is important to note the distinction between the two definitions of the word “Resurrection” as given in our reference Strong’s Expanded Concordance Greek Dictionary. (See # 386).  Both definitions refer to an individual’s being raised from the dead to live again.  Further, the term “First” alerts the reader that the Bible Scripture describes more than one resurrection.  In fact, using the “Strong’s” definition there are several occurrences of that miraculous event.  However, many of them are unknown or not considered by most Christians beyond the exceptional resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

Secondly, it will be important to differentiate between how those who have followed the LORD / Lord Jesus are to be affected by what the Scripture says about resurrection, compared to how others have been or will be affected by it.  The Bible recorded the words of the Lord Jesus Himself, who said: “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his (Son of God) voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” (John 5: 28-29)  (Emphasis added)

But let’s address the first issue first. From earlier discussions we learned that death is what happens when an individual’s soul and spirit are separated from the person’s physical body. Therefore, using the Strong’s Dictionary’s most basic definition, the word “resurrection” means reconnecting the soul and spirit to that same body.  The Bible records several instances of this event having taken place, including the following:

·       2 Kings 4: 18-32   Prophet Elisha raised the son of the Shunammite woman;

·       John 11: 1-44        Lord Jesus raised His friend Lazarus;

·       Acts 9: 36-41         Apostle Peter raised the woman Tabitha / Dorcas; and

·       Acts 20: 7-12         Apostle Paul raised the boy Eutychus.

What is key to understanding these occurrences is that each of those persons raised from the dead would eventually  / later experience a physical death a second time.

Now let’s shift to the second interpretation of the word “resurrection”.  Here the soul and spirit are also separated from the person’s physical body, but…they are not returned to that same mortal / corruptible / aging body made of flesh and blood, which required blood to sustain life. (Leviticus 17: 1-11)   In a likeness to the Lord’s resurrected body, it will be composed of “flesh and bone”, without the blood, as discussed in a previous post to this blog. (Romans 6: 3-5; 1 Corinthians 15: 35-50; Philippians 3: 20-21)   Most people are familiar with the Lord’s “new” physical body because it relates to what we’ve learned from our Bible. (John Chapter 20; et al. ) However, what many Christians and others have not understood is that virtually all of mankind will experience a such physical resurrection after death. (John 5: 25-29; Luke 14: 12-14)  (Those not being resurrected will also receive a new body as was discussed in a separate blog post on the subject of “The Rapture”.)  But there will be differences between two major groups…and the timing of the “Many Resurrections that were implied in the title of this post.

 

Background

 Because this second interpretation of the meaning of the word “resurrection” is more complex than the first, to aid understanding I’d like to give a scriptural framework taught by one of my teachers (Les Feldick Ministries).

 The following agricultural context relates to the “end of the growing season”, which can be compared to the end of the life of an individual person and/or the existence mankind in this current World Age.  

The comparison to the meaning of the word “resurrection” is related to instructions given by the LORD to Moses for the Nation of Israel when they came into the Promised Land. They were to acknowledge His Divine Role in providing for them through their annual “end of the growing season” /  harvest of their barley grain crop. Consider that in comparison to how the Lord Jesus has provided for man / mankind over these many years / centuries of our existence. (Leviticus 23: 9-12, 22).

⁹ And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

¹⁰ Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf (bundle) of the firstfruits (earliest ripening stems of grain) of your harvest unto the priest:  (Bold Emphasis parenthetical explanations added)

¹¹ And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it.  ¹² And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the Lord…. (Bold Emphasis added)   [Does the sacrifice of the “He Lamb without blemish” bring someone to mind?]

²² And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning (grain dropped or overlooked) of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them (remainders) unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the Lord your God. (Bold Emphasis and parenthetical added).

If you review those Scriptural verses, you will note that the “harvest” is accomplished in four phases.  They include, in order:

1.      The “sheaf” or bundle of the “firstfruits”;

2.      The “main harvest” of the crop / field;

3.      The “corners” and the “gleanings”; and

4.      The “remainder” for the “poor” and “strangers”.

Now I’d like you to consider those four phases of “harvest“ in the context of what the Bible says about man’s resurrection.

Note this description of events at the end of the Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus, from Matthew 27: 50-53:    ^“50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

⁵¹ And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;  ⁵² And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept (had physically died) arose,   ⁵³ And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”  (Bold emphasis added)

The sequence of these events is key to our understanding of resurrection and the agricultural / harvest example cited above. Later the Scripture provides this additional information found in 1 Corinthians 15: 20:   ^“20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (Emphasis added)  [Our Lord Jesus was the first man to be “truly resurrected” from the dead, never again to experience “death”.  Since the example used above relates to a “sheaf / bundle” of grain, as we continue reading we note the others who were resurrected following the Lord’s resurrection to form the rest of that sheaf.] Now, before continuing with the next verses of that passage of Scripture, I’d like to consider the possible makeup of those others who comprised that group of “firstfruits”.

Note from the Scripture above, each of the “firstfruits” were persons who were being joined with the Lord Jesus as He would soon be ascending back to our Father in Heaven. To have earned that special honor / status they would have had to have been “righteous” in His eyes. Their righteousness would have been expressed by believing / having faith in what the LORD / LORD God had told them, and / or how their conscience had led them to follow “good” rather than “evil”.

To get a nice summary of some of those who met those criteria, I recommend  that you read the Scripture in what is frequently called: “The Faith Chapter: Hebrews Chapter Eleven”. Some familiar names include Abel, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Rahab, among others.  Others who were likely included in the “sheaf of firstfruits’ were Adam and Eve, as they were saved by the LORD God (Genesis 3; 20-21, 4: 25).  Consider also:

·       Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon (Daniel 4: 1-37, note especially Verse 37);

·       Cyrus, the King of Persia (Ezra 1: 1-8; 2 Chronicles 36: 22-23; Isaiah 45: 1-3);

·       Ruth, the Moabitess (Ruth 1: 1-17);

·       Lazarus, the poor man in Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16: 19-31);

·       The 2^nd Thief Crucified Next to Jesus (Luke 23: 32-43); and

·       Others?

At this point I’d like to return to the discussion of the resurrection of man beyond the first group of the “firstfruits”.  Next will be the “main harvest”. However, because of the length of this discussion, we’ll resume in continuation in Part 2, under this same title.

Dr. W. A. (Bill) Robinson

https://christianityandbiblestudy.blogspot.com

The Rapture of the Church – What Christians Think

 

The Rapture of the Church – What Christians Think

One of the major differences of opinion among Christians relates to the concept of the “Rapture of the Church”.  Some Christians are not aware of the concept.  Others think differently as to either the meaning of the term “Rapture”, or whether it truly applies to Christians today. In this post (and possibly the next), I’d like to add my perspective to the many others who have looked into this concept and hopefully provide some additional  clarity.

As we continue Bible study we always have to remember the advice of the Bible translator Myles Coverdale who wrote in 1535, about the importance of “context”. He wrote: “It will greatly help you to understand scripture if you note - not only what is spoken and written, but of whom and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goes before and what follows.

As we review the terms associated with our title subject, it is important to note not only the context, but also the specific meanings / definitions of the words used. In this instance those key words are “rapture” and “church”.   There are two specific Bible passages that provide the basis for this concept, but neither actually includes the word “rapture”.  Those passages are found in 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18, and 1 Corinthians 15: 48-54. 

As we review these Bible verses, first of all note that this concept of “rapture” refers to the resurrection of the soul / spirit into  new physical bodies (flesh and bone) after the life in these physical bodies (flesh and blood) has ended. But this concept does not apply to everyone who calls themselves “Christians”, nor those outside of Christianity.

In the first passage, (Thessalonians Chapter Four), the Apostle Paul was writing to his converts to Christianity who apparently had been misinformed about whether they would again see their fellow believers who had already died / “fallen asleep”.   The Apostle said: “¹³ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (Emphasis added)   [Note that last sentence!  It clarifies that this concept of the “rapture” applies only to those who like they themselves have believed the Gospel of Grace (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4).]

Then the Apostle Paul continued by saying:  “¹⁵ For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  ¹⁶ For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  ¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  ¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (Note that for emphasis, the Scripture repeats the condition that the “rapture” will apply specifically to those Christian believers who “are alive and remain”. They are the ones who will experience the “rapture”.

Another somewhat controversial point in the Scripture that warrants attention is the part of the passage that reads:  “meet the Lord Jesus in the air, to forever be with Him.” This sets the “rapture” apart from other Bible references that note the Lord Jesus’ Second Coming, when He will return to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem to establish His Kingdom. (Acts 1: 1-12; https://www.openbible.info/topics/the_second_coming_of_jesus ) That occurrence will take place later, and be to fulfill the Gospel of the Kingdom as He promised to the Nation of Israel. (Exodus 19: 1-6)

With that introduction and explanation, I return to the word “Rapture”. Because it does not appear in the Scripture we are unable to search for it in our Strong’s Expanded Concordance Dictionaries. However, the definition / meaning of the word is based on the concept of “meeting the Lord in the air”, as we receive our new physical bodies, without having experienced the physical death of our current bodies. 

Next we review the second passage of the Scripture (1 Corinthians Chapter 15, which is often called “The Resurrection Chapter).  In this passage the Apostle Paul was writing to his recent converts to Christianity. He had been explaining the concept of man’s “resurrection” from the dead to receive his new eternal physical body. He noted the resurrection of our Lord Jesus as the first instance of a person to receive a new body (of flesh and bone, without blood).

As he was closing his message, Paul provided the following additional insight, saying: ^“49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.  ⁵⁰ Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.”  [Next, the Apostle tells his new Christian converts a “mystery” / secret that had been revealed to him by the Ascended Lord Jesus.]

^“51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  ⁵² In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  [In this reference to the “Rapture”, Paul again clarifies that not all Christian believers will “fall asleep’ / die physically. For some, their existing physical bodies will “be changed” into their new eternal bodies “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye”.

⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  ⁵⁴ So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”  

Dr. W. A. (Bill) Robinson

https://christianityandbiblestudy.blogspot.com

Why Believing Christians Have Two Spirits

Why Believing Christians Have Two Spirits

 

In the process of Bible study, some Christians have come to understand why some have received “two spirits” from God.  If that sounds confusing, we let the Scripture and our study tools explain.

We first encounter the word “Spirit” in Genesis 1: 2, which says: “…And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the deep.” {Note the capitalized letter “S”.) This reference is to the member of the Godhead that we know as the “Holy Spirit”, as differentiated from God the Father and God the Son.  Our Strong’s Expanded Concordance Hebrew Dictionary #7307 defines the word “spirit” / “ruwach” as “wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible exhalation; figuratively life…” (BOLD emphasis added.)

We next encounter the word “spirit” in Genesis 41: 8, which says: “…And it came to pass in the morning that his (Pharaoh’s) spirit was troubled;” (Note the letter “s” is not capitalized.) This reference is to the spirit of a mortal human being. The Strong’s Dictionary definition (#7307) is the same as noted above. Note there were options for the reader to determine which key word in the definition (wind vs breath vs life) is most appropriate for the use presented.  Once again we rely on the guidance of the Bible translator, Myles Coverdale, who advised us to consider the CONTEXT in which words are used. He said: “It will greatly help you to understand scripture if you note not only what is spoken and written, but of whom and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goes before and what follows. (https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Myles_Coverdale )

The first usage of “Spirit” in Genesis Chapter One that says: “moved upon the face of the deep” draws us to the first definition of “wind”.  However, the second usage of “spirit”  in Genesis Chapter 41, seemingly could apply to Pharaoh’s breath / breathing and / or his overall life “being troubled.” . Either way it is a human trait / characteristic. 

Remember from our previous studies that the LORD God created man in the image of God (Genesis 1: 26-27), and that God is a Spirit (John 4: 24). (Upper-case “S”)  Further, and most relevant to this discussion is that the Scripture says: “ And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Genesis 2: 7)(Emphasis added.)  In this manner the Bible explained how each of us gained our “spirit” (lower-case “s”) through the first man Adam.  

Now what about the “second spirit” found in some Christians as noted in the title of this post?

First I want to remind you of the Scripture that tells of what happened to our Lord Jesus immediately after He was baptized by John the Baptist.  The Bible says: “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:   ¹⁷ And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3: 16-17) (See also: Mark 1: 10; Luke 3: 22;  and John 1: 52-53)  Remember that although He was the Son of God, He had taken a human body to not only be able to better relate to us by experiencing life as a man; and be tempted by the Enemy as we have been (Matthew 4: 1-11; ; 2 Corinthians 5: 21; Hebrews 4: 15); but primarily to take upon His body all our sins to bring about our Salvation. In His human form our Lord Jesus was showing His followers and us today that there was a connection between His being recognized most favorably by both the voice of the Father in Heaven and the appearance of the Holy Spirit of God, descending like a dove and lighting on Him.

Also remember that near the end of His Earthly Ministry, our Lord Jesus told His Disciples that He would be leaving to return to His Father. But knowing they would feel remorse from losing Him, He promised to send a “Comforter”, specifically the Holy Spirit who would teach them and guide them, and “abide in them forever.” (John 14: 15-29; 15; 26; 16: 1-20).  The Lord’s words came to reality when the disciples received the Holy Spirt on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2: 1-41)

As we recall Bible history, this was likely the first instance in which those who believed in God received the Holy Spirit to “abide in them forever”. We remember that the Holy Spirit came upon several Bible notables in the Old Testament including the prophets who could prophesy / speak for God; and  kings such as Saul and David. (1 Samuel 10: 1-9; Psalm 51: 10-11)  However, as another of my teachers pointed out (Jimmy Swagart Ministries), evidence is lacking that the “second Spirit” remained with them “forever”.

But in the New Testament, we recall the Lord Jesus’ meeting with the Pharisee leader Nicodemus, during which the conversation turned to the requirement for “a man’s being born again” to be able “to enter into the Kingdom of God”. That described receiving remission for sins and eternal life. (John 3: 1-21)  Note the Lord’s words: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. “ (Emphasis added) Having been born of a woman (through water / amniotic fluid) as noted above, the person has received the initial “spirit” at birth. However, It would be the intervention of the “Holy Spirit” (the Second Spirit) that would be the key to eternal life. (Verse 3: 16) 

Most relevant to Christians today is the CONTEXT in which these statements were made. Remember the Lord was speaking only to members of the Nation of Israel as related to the Gospel of the Kingdom. (Matthew 10: 1-7)  Further, He had not paid our sin debt through His crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection. Now we are Christian believers under the Gospel of Grace…if we truly believe. (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4; Romans 10: 9-13)

What characterizes us as “Christian believers” today is that we have received the “Second Spirit” / the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12: 13; Romans 8: 1-27; Ephesians 1: 1-14; https://www.gotquestions.org/receive-Holy-Spirit.html )

Dr. W. A. (Bill) Robinson

https://christianityandbiblestudy.blogspot.com 

Misunderstandings About the Great Commission

 

Misunderstandings About the Great Commission

 

During one of my Bible study sessions I was drawn to the subject of “The Great Commission”.  (Thanks again to Les Feldick Ministries.) That term of “Great Commission” does not appear in the Bible, but was later used to describe the instructions given by our Lord Jesus to His Disciples just prior to His completion of His Earthly Ministry. The precise language varies between the accounts of the four Gospels,  but perhaps the most clear is found in Matthew 28: 19-20, which says: “⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  ²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Bold highlight added)  (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Commission ; and https://www.gotquestions.org/great-commission.html

Although the Lord’s language seems relatively clear, I believe many Christians and others have mistakenly interpreted what it actually says. I also believe that the errors are based in their failure to follow two of the basic principles of Bible study. The first principle is one we learned from  Myles Coverdale, who produced the first complete English translation of the Bible in 1535. He said, “It shall greatly help ye understand the Scriptures if thou mark not only what is spoken or written, but of whom and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what extent, with what circumstances, considering what goeth before and what followeth after.” (Bold Highlight added)

As with the other instructions given by the Lord Jesus to His Disciples during His Earthly Ministry, He was speaking only to members of the Nation of Israel, not Gentiles. (Remember Matthew 10: 1-8)

That leads to another principle of Bible study which many people violate. Remember to pay close attention to the words of the Apostle Paul to his young protégé` Timothy: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2: 15) (Underline added)  A primary way to “rightly divide” the scripture is to follow Miles Coverdale’s advice in separating those things written to Israel (under the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants related to the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Law of Moses), from those things written to all believers (especially Gentiles related to the Gospel of Grace.)   We are to separate what our Lord Jesus did and said during His Earthly Ministry as captured in the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and Acts Chapter One, from what He did and said following His death, burial, resurrection and Ascension…but remember, we learn from all we can about Him. (Romans 15: 4).

Having given that background, I offer the following additional perspective related to my use of the term “Misunderstandings” in my title to this post.

The origin of the Lord’s use of the members of the Nation of Israel to support Him dated back thousands of years when He as the LORD Jehovah initiated the Mosaic Covenant. He would be Israel’s King in His coming Kingdom, and the people of Israel would be His “kingdom of priests” to reach out to the rest of the world (Gentiles). (Exodus 19: 1-8) 

Then, many years later during the Lord’s Earthly Ministry, another factor arose. The Twelve Disciples who had been so loyal to Jesus showed their “humanity” through their leader Peter. Note the issue he raised with the Lord: “   ²⁷ Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

²⁸ And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Bold highlight added)   ²⁹ And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. (Matthew 19: 27-29)

As my teacher pointed out, this prospect of serving on the Lord’s “leadership team” when His Kingdom would be established had to have influenced the Disciples’ behavior from that time on. For example, note that  following the Ascension of the Lord Jesus, there was urgency in selecting a replacement for Judas, to fill the complement of “12 Disciples” to sit on Israel’s thrones in the coming Kingdom. (Acts 1: 11-26)  Note that they had just heard the final words from the Lord before His Ascension back to Heaven.  The Scripture says: “⁶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?  ⁷ And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power   ⁸ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”  (Acts 1: 6-8) (Underline added)

The Disciples likely assumed that His return would be relatively soon. That assumption was probably only strengthened when ten days afterwards they and other followers of Jesus received the Holy Spirit during Pentecost. (Acts Chapter Two)  [However today we know differently. That timeline was delayed until after the Lord’s Second Coming. (Zechariah 8: 20-23)]]

As we continue reading in the Book of Acts, the Scripture provides further evidence of the Disciples’ line of thinking.  Several years later, the Bible records the following: “And Saul was consenting unto his (Stephen’s) death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8: 1). (Highlight added)  Note that virtually all of the Lord’s followers had been “scattered” from Jerusalem.  But not the Disciples who were awaiting the Lord’s return to establish His Kingdom there.

The Twelve Disciples were unaware that the Lord Jesus would not return to establish His Kingdom on the Earth for the next 2,000+ years.  Because of His rejection by the Nation of Israel,  He moved into this “Church Age” to bring salvation to the Gentiles without Israel playing a priestly role, through the Gospel of Grace and the Apostle Paul.  (Acts 9: 1-16); 1 Corinthians 15: 1-4; Romans 10: 9-13)  

Remember that despite the Disciples’ being unaware of the Lord’s Plan, because He is both Eternal and Omniscient, He was well aware of their future. They would be with Him after their lives in their current physical bodies were over. He also knew that they would be comforted after having seen His newly resurrected body, knowing that the same was in their future.

Another factor for consideration is the answer to the question: How many members of the Nation of Israel were to comprise the “Great Commission”?  Remember the initial charge to Israel under the Mosaic Covenant. (See the Exodus 19 reference above)  It was to be the entire “Nation” of priests, not some lesser group, who would be led by the LORD as their King.  (Zechariah 8: 20-23) That is a primary reason why Peter and the other Disciples made their pleas to others in Israel to repent of having been complicit in the Lord’s death. They wanted the entire Nation to repent. (Acts Chapters Two through Five).

Some might argue that the Lord’s followers who had been “scattered” from Jerusalem were “the Great Commission”.  However, the Scripture shows that many years after leaving Jerusalem, the message they delivered was specific to the Gospel of the Kingdom (not the Gospel of Grace), and only to other Jews. (Acts 8: 4, 11: 19) .

As Christians and Gentiles being outside of the Nation of Israel, we were not to assume the role of “The Great Commission”.  Rather, our responsibility to God and our Savior Jesus is to continue serving as “Ambassadors for Christ”. (2 Corinthians 5: 14-21)  We are to continue living lives that bring credit to our faith in Him. We are to continue sharing with others who Jesus is, and how He has affected our lives. The rest is to be accomplished by the Holy Spirit. (https://www.gotquestions.org/conviction-of-sin.html )

Dr. W. A. (Bill) Robinson

https://christianityandbiblestudy.blogspot.com