God has a specific purpose for the Church that is to be distinguished from His plans and purposes for regenerate national Israel.
The distinction between Israel and the Church is the natural result of interpreting the Bible historically and grammatically (i.e. literal, plain interpretation). One must interpret the words of the Bible in their normal or plain meaning. The opposite would be a spiritualizing (allegorizing) of the biblical text.
Part 1
The Meaning of the Word "Church"
Definitions of New Testament Ekklesia
From Midnight Call magazine
"I also say to you that you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build My church;
and the gates of Hades will not overpower it."
- Matthew 16: 18
Although Peter may be identified as the rock who used the keys of the kingdom "in proclaiming the truth about Christ to Jews and Gentiles," Ephesians 2:11 - 3:11 is clear that Christ is indeed the "Founder of His Church."
Part 2
Foundation of the Church
Origin of the Church
From Midnight Call magazine
The beginning of the church was her formation at Pentecost. God's plan of salvation truly began when He provided the skin of an animal to cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21). However, the church is not merely another phase in salvation history.
Part 3
The Beginning of the Church
The Church and Israel
From Midnight Call magazine
"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,
whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free,
and we were all made to drink of one Spirit."
- I Corinthians 12:13
The spiritual kingdom is God's rule over His people at all times in history (John 3:3, Colossians 1:13, Hebrews 1:4-14, 2 Peter 1:11). The ruler is the triune God. The ruled includes the elect of humanity and the angels. The realm is from eternity past to eternity future.
Part 4
The Doctrine of the Kingdom
The Church and the Kingdom
From Midnight Call magazine
The church has a wonderful existence "in Christ," and will have an even more glorious experience "with Christ" for all eternity. Christ Jesus will return for His church as He promised, and it will be for the purpose of having the church with Him forever.
Part 5
The Future of the Church
Hatred and Persecution
Apostasy
Rapture
The Judgment Seat of Christ
From Midnight Call magazine
"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout,
with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God,
and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive and remain
will be caught up together with them in the clouds
to meet the Lord in the air,
and so we shall always be with the Lord.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words."
- I Thessalonians 4: 16 - 18
