New Covenant Theology - Steve Gregg

https://thenarrowpath.com | In this portion of Steve Gregg's lecture on the Davidic Covenant, he critiques the dispensationalist view, which holds three main beliefs about its ultimate fulfillment: first, that Jesus Christ must be politically enthroned in Jerusalem, as David ruled from there, a plan dispensationalists like John Walvoord argue was thwarted by the crucifixion and thus awaits future fulfillment; second, that Jesus offered Israel a political kingdom, which they rejected, leading to its postponement until His second coming, a view supported by figures like John Nelson Darby and C.I. Scofield, who see the church age as a parenthetical period; and third, that Christ will fulfill the Davidic Covenant by reigning literally on David’s throne in Jerusalem during a future millennial kingdom. Gregg challenges these claims, arguing they lack biblical support, noting that the New Testament presents Jesus as already enthroned at God’s right hand, fulfilling the covenant through a spiritual kingdom, not a political one, as evidenced by Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 and Paul’s in Acts 13. He emphasizes that the kingdom is present, spiritual, and inclusive of the faithful remnant, not postponed, and critiques dispensationalism’s novel interpretation as a departure from historic Christian teaching. FULL SERIES - YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Scz5t_D-ung&list=PLtzt3JhaK2U6eSPTq0d07GqFpJDclldyT OR MP3: https://thenarrowpath.com/topical_lectures.php?v01#What_are_We_to_Make_of_Israel Lecture Outline • Dispensationalist View on the Davidic Covenant – Requires a future, literal fulfillment with Christ reigning politically in Jerusalem. – Jesus offered a political kingdom, but Israel’s rejection led to its postponement until His second coming (John Walvoord, C.I. Scofield, Charles Ryrie, Dwight Pentecost). – Church age as a ”parenthesis” not prophesied in the Old Testament; the church is distinct from the kingdom. – The millennium (Revelation 20) as the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant, with Jesus reigning on David’s literal throne. – Sermon on the Mount applies to the future millennial kingdom, not the church (Scofield’s view). • Critique of Dispensationalism – No scriptural evidence for a postponed kingdom; Jesus taught the kingdom was at hand (Mark 1:15). – H.A. Ironside admits the postponed kingdom idea was absent for 16–18 centuries until Darby. – Comparison to Joseph Smith’s claims of rediscovering lost truths, suggesting Darby’s view may not align with apostolic teaching. – Revelation 20 as the sole reference to a millennium, interpreted variably (premillennial, amillennial, postmillennial). • New Testament Fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant – Jesus’ kingdom is spiritual, not political (John 18:36, Luke 17:20–21). – Jesus rejected attempts to make Him a political king (John 6:15). – The remnant of Israel (true believers) entered the spiritual kingdom (John 8:37–44, Luke 12:32). – The kingdom was taken from apostate Israel and given to a nation producing its fruits (Matthew 21:43). – Gentiles also conveyed into Christ’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13). – Early church preached the gospel of the kingdom, not a postponed kingdom (Acts 2, Acts 13). – Peter and Paul affirm Jesus’ resurrection fulfilled the Davidic Covenant (Acts 2:29–36, Acts 13:28–34). – Jesus’ enthronement at God’s right hand as the fulfillment of sitting on David’s throne, not a literal chair in Jerusalem. • Implications for the Gospel – The gospel of the kingdom is the gospel of grace (Acts 20:24–25). – Dispensationalism’s separation of the gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of grace is unbiblical. – The church is the kingdom, with Christ as King, reigning now (Romans 14:17). – The message: Submit to Jesus as King, or face judgment (Matthew 24:14). • Conclusion – The Davidic Covenant is fulfilled in Christ’s spiritual kingdom, not a future political reign. – The church, as the true Israel, is central to God’s plan, not national Israel. – Dispensationalism’s focus on a future Jewish kingdom shifts the focus from Jesus to Israel, contrary to historic Christianity #bible #newtestament #newcovenant #covenanttheology #newcovenanttheology #davidiccovenant #dispensationalism #gospel #jesus #david #bibleanswers #thenarrowpath #stevegregg

https://thenarrowpath.com | In Steve Gregg's lecture on the Davidic Covenant, part of his series "What Are We to Make of Israel," he contrasts the dispensationalist view—popularized in the 19th century by John Nelson Darby, which emphasizes the nation of Israel's key role in end-times prophecy—with the historic church teaching that identifies the true Israel as a spiritual entity comprising both believing Jews and Gentiles in Christ, often labeled "replacement theology" by dispensationalists. Gregg explores the Davidic Covenant from 2 Samuel 7, where God promises David an eternal dynasty, fulfilled initially through Solomon’s building of the temple and later kings, but ultimately through Jesus as the Messiah, who establishes a spiritual house (the church) and reigns eternally. He argues that while Solomon and other Davidic kings were types of Christ, Jesus, as the son of David and son of God, fulfills the covenant’s eternal promise through his resurrection and reign, challenging the dispensationalist focus on a literal national Israel. Additionally, Gregg focuses on the Covenant Theology view, emphasizing a unified covenantal framework where the Abrahamic, Sinaitic, and Davidic Covenants converge in Christ, portraying the church as the continuation and fulfillment of God’s covenantal promises to Israel. FULL SERIES - YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Scz5t_D-ung&list=PLtzt3JhaK2U6eSPTq0d07GqFpJDclldyT OR MP3: https://thenarrowpath.com/topical_lectures.php?v01#What_are_We_to_Make_of_Israel Lecture Outline Dispensationalism Overview – Dominant perspective when discussing Israel, particularly in end-time prophecy. – Originated with John Nelson Darby in the 1830s; not taught by the church prior to the 19th century. – Some dispensationalists claim traces of their views in earlier writings, but the system as a whole began with Darby. – Emphasizes ethnic and national Israel as a key player in end-time prophecy. • Historical Church Perspective – For 18 centuries, the church taught that God called a believing remnant of Israel through Christ. – This remnant, consisting of Jews and Gentiles who believe in the Messiah, constitutes the ”true Israel” or the church. – Dispensationalists label this view ”replacement theology,” claiming it replaces Israel with the church, which they consider heretical. – Historical view: Jews and Gentiles who believe in Christ are the Israel of God (Galatians 6:16). – Paul’s teaching: Those with the faith of Abraham, regardless of ethnicity, are Abraham’s seed (Galatians 3). • Distinction Between Ethnic and National Israel – Ethnic Israel: Descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, regardless of location. – National Israel: The political entity established in 1948, including nonJewish citizens (e.g., Arabs in the Knesset). – Dispensationalists often conflate ethnic and national Israel, assuming both are central to biblical prophecy. • Covenant Theology – Covenants define God’s relationship with His people, similar to a marriage covenant. – Abrahamic Covenant: Promises to Abraham’s seed, fulfilled in Christ (Galatians 3). – Sinaitic Covenant: Conditional covenant at Mount Sinai, requiring faithfulness; Israel’s unfaithfulness led to consequences. – Davidic Covenant: Focus of the lecture, detailed below. • The Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12–16) – God’s promise to David: * After David’s death, God would raise up his seed to establish a kingdom. * This seed would build a house for God’s name. * The throne of this kingdom would be established forever. * God would have a father-son relationship with David’s seed. * Discipline would occur for iniquity, but God’s mercy would remain with David’s house. – Appears unconditional, unlike the Sinaitic Covenant. – Initially applied to Solomon (built the temple), but ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 1). – Solomon and David as types of Christ; Christ as the antitype, building a spiritual house (the church, 1 Peter 2:5, Ephesians 2). • Jewish Expectations of the Messiah – Jews expected a political Messiah to liberate them from Roman oppression, like David freed Israel from the Philistines. – Recognized the Davidic Covenant as messianic, expecting a son of David to reign forever (Matthew 12). – Jesus acknowledged as the son of David (messianic title) but also the Son of God (Romans 1:3–4). #bible #newtestament #newcovenant #covenanttheology #newcovenanttheology #davidiccovenant #dispensationalism #gospel #jesus #david #bibleanswers #thenarrowpath #stevegregg

https://thenarrowpath.com | Steve Gregg emphasizes Paul's teaching that disciples of Christ (Jew and Gentile) are the true circumcision, the true Israelites, who worship in spirit and in truth. We are Abraham's children because we have the faith of Abraham are in Christ, the true Israel. This is an excerpt from a teaching titled "The Abrahamic Covenant Part 2" in Steve's series "What Are We to Make of Israel?" (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MoPMaCND_s&list=PLtzt3JhaK2U6eSPTq0d07GqFpJDclldyT&index=4) Spiritual Significance of Circumcision • Physical circumcision is a type of heart circumcision (Deuteronomy 10:16, Jeremiah 4:4), emphasizing a spiritual state over physical ritual. • The heart, like private parts, is hidden, symbolizing the inner man; circumcision of the heart produces spiritual fruit, not physical offspring. • God’s focus is on eternal spiritual connection, not temporary physical acts, which pass away. New Testament Perspective on Circumcision • Paul, in Romans 2:26–29, argues that Gentiles living righteously are counted as circumcised, while unrighteous Jews, though physically circumcised, are not. • Colossians 2:11 describes Christians as circumcised “not made with hands” through Christ’s work, emphasizing heart circumcision. • In Galatians 5:6, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters; faith working through love defines covenant inclusion. • Philippians 3:3 identifies Christians (Jew and Gentile) as the true circumcision, worshipping in spirit and trusting in Christ, not flesh (Galatians 6:16). Defining Abraham’s Children • Biological descent from Abraham is irrelevant; spiritual likeness to Abraham’s faith defines his children (John 8:37–44, Galatians 3:7–9). • John the Baptist dismisses ancestry claims, stating God can raise children from stones (Matthew 3:9). • God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 18:17–19) requires his descendants to live righteously to inherit blessings. #bible #newcovenant #christian #disciples #replacementtheology #dispensationalism #israel #israelofgod #israelisthechurch #thenarrowpath #stevegregg #bibleteaching #biblestudy #abraham

https://thenarrowpath.com | In this lecture, Steve Gregg explores the concept of the New Covenant as outlined in Jeremiah 31:31-34, emphasizing its relevance to Christians and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He argues that the New Covenant, established through Jesus’ blood, replaces the old Sinaitic covenant and is not a separate covenant for Israel and the church, as some dispensationalists propose. Gregg critiques dispensationalist views that suggest two new covenants or a future covenant for Israel, asserting that the New Testament clearly applies the New Covenant to the church, with Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper and the apostles’ teachings confirming its present reality for all believers, not a future event exclusive to Israel. Gregg further supports his interpretation by referencing New Testament passages, such as Hebrews and 2 Corinthians, which indicate the New Covenant is currently in effect, with God’s law written on believers’ hearts. He challenges the dispensationalist expectation of a literal, future regathering of Israel, suggesting that Old Testament prophecies, like those in Ezekiel 37 and Isaiah 43, find spiritual fulfillment in Christ and the church, encompassing both Jews and Gentiles. By emphasizing the New Testament’s spiritual interpretation of these promises, Gregg concludes that the New Covenant represents a universal inheritance in Christ, extending beyond a physical land to the entire world, with Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham’s seed. Lecture Outline 1. Introduction to the New Covenant • The New Covenant is the last covenant God made with Israel, relevant to all Christians. • Reference to Jeremiah 31:31-34, which describes a new covenant with the house of Israel and Judah, distinct from the Sinaitic covenant. • Key features: God’s law written on hearts, universal knowledge of God, forgiveness of sins. 2. Contrast with the Old Covenant • The New Covenant replaces the Sinaitic covenant, which Israel broke (Hebrews 8:13). • Analogized to marriage: only one covenant at a time, the old covenant is obsolete. 3. Dispensationalist Views on the New Covenant • Two Covenants Theory: Some dispensationalists (e.g., Lewis Perry Schaeffer, John Walvoord, Charles Ryrie) argue for two new covenants, one for the church now and another for Israel in the future. • Future Covenant Only: John Darby posits a single future covenant for Israel, with the church enjoying its benefits spiritually but not formally. • Progressive Dispensationalism: Suggests partial fulfillment in the church now, with complete fulfillment for Israel later. • Critique: No biblical evidence for two covenants or partial fulfillment; these views stem from a need to fit prophecies into an end-times framework. 4. Biblical Evidence for the New Covenants' Present Fulfillment • Jesus established the New Covenant at the Last Supper (Luke 22:20), mirroring Moses' covenant initiation (Exodus 24). • Hebrews 8 and 10 quote Jeremiah 31 extensively, applying it to the present church age. 1 • 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 confirms the New Covenant's effect, with God's law written on believers' hearts. 5. The Faithful Remnant and the New Covenant • The New Covenant was made with the faithful remnant of Israel, represented by the apostles at the Last Supper. • The church, initially Jewish, is the New Covenant Israel, later including Gentiles (Romans 11). 6. Old Testament Prophecies and Spiritual Fulfillment • Jeremiah 3:14-16: God promises to bring a remnant to Zion, with no need for the ark of the old covenant, indicating a spiritual shift. • Ezekiel 37:21-29: Describes a restoration with one king (the Messiah, Jesus) and an everlasting covenant of peace, fulfilled in the church. • Hebrews 13:20 links the everlasting covenant to the present church age. 7. Interpreting Old Testament Prophecies • Historic Christianity uses the New Testament to interpret the Old Testament, seeing spiritual fulfillments in Christ. • Dispensationalists prioritize a literal interpretation of the Old Testament, leading to expectations of future physical fulfillment. • 1 Peter 1:10-12: Old Testament prophets spoke of the church's salvation, not fully understanding their prophecies. 8. Fulfillment of the Abrahamic Promise • Paul (Romans 4:13) interprets Abraham's promise as inheriting the world, not just a strip of land. • Psalm 2:8 and Matthew 5:5 extend the inheritance to the nations and the earth, fulfilled in Christ and believers (Galatians 3:28-29). 9. Gathering of God's People • Isaiah 43:5-6 and John 11:51-52: The gathering of Gods children includes Gentiles, not just Jews, were fulfilled through Jesus' death. • Luke 13:28-29 and Matthew 8:11: Gentiles join Abraham in the kingdom, while some Jews are excluded. #newtestament #newcovenant #dispensationalism #newcovenanttheology #jesus #bible #thenarrowpath #stevegregg #church #israel #bodyofchrist #christian #theology #falseteaching