The New Covenant is the Ultimate Inclusion
Symbols of the New Covenant.
Last time, we saw how Judaea and Galilee in the Roman Empire were tied to the Parthian Empire, and today we will discuss how the timeline for each of these and the Gentile timeline are all tied into the crimson thread going throughout history.
The prophet Jeremiah talked about a new covenant which God would write in men’s hearts (Jr 31:31). Christ dying on the cross was the genesis of this covenant (Mt 26:28) culminating with the giving of the Holy Spirit to indwell all believers in Christ and what he has done for our atonement (Ac 2:4). This brings all—Jew, Israeli, Gentile—into the same fold (Ga 3:28) with no longer any barrier between us and God (Ep 2:14). The crimson thread that was started back in Genesis has now saved us all—all who accept and believe what he has done for us (Ro 10:9-10).
The Parthian Empire eventually fell to the Persians. Many Parthians escaped over the Caucasus Mountains into Europe and settled in many of the countries there with some even eventually making it to the Americas. These did not keep their ethnicity separate from those living in these countries and are now classified as Gentiles as well. Yet, many in these countries likely still have remnants of their Israeli DNA. That could be important one day in the future.
Rome also eventually fell, but not necessarily conquered by another power, but somewhat of a decay that led to factions becoming or being incorporated into autonomy nations.
The land of Israel went through a lot of transition as well. While there have always been Jews and Israelis in their homeland, their homeland itself has been held or occupied by many different nations. Many Jews left their homeland for other Gentile countries but unlike the Israelis, they kept their ethnicity intact wherever they went. Many Jews returned to their homeland once it was re-established as a sovereign country. Here is a brief timeline:
1. Roman Period: 70 – 324 A.D.
2. Byzantine Period: 324 – 628 A. D.
3. Muslim Period: 628 – 1099 A.D.
4. Crusader Period: 1099 – 1187 A.D.
5. Ayyubid Period: 1187 – 1250 A.D.
(Sunni Muslim dynasty of Kurdish origin)
6. Mamluk Period: 1250 – 1516 A.D.
(under Egyptian control)
7. Ottoman Period: 1516 – 1917 A.D.
8. British Mandate: 1917 – 1948 A.D.
This is when Israel as a country was re-established and has existed until this day. Old Jerusalem was reclaimed by Israel in 1967, but became divided into four quadrants: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian. Yet, as stated earlier, Armenia was one place that a large contingent of Israelis went before captured by the Assyrians. Therefore, the Armenian quarter can be considered, for the most part, ethnically Israeli.
That brings us to our present day. Some say we are in the beginning of the last days. That may be true. This could also be the time of the last great revival where the Church will become more like the early Church in how the Holy Spirit will work through it to bring in a large harvest of souls (see Kingdom Age). The next event after the Church Age will be the Rapture (1Th 4:16-18; 1Co 15:51-54) and shortly thereafter the start of the Tribulation Period where the Antichrist will arise and take control over the earth and punish Jews, Israelis, and Christians. The reason for this is that the restraint of the Holy Spirit will be removed (2Th 2:7) from the earth allowing things to deteriorate morally very quickly. Yet, the Holy Spirit will still be at work to bring many to the Lord (Rv 7: 3:4; 9-10). Persecution will drive both Jews and Israelis back to Israel. Likely many will not even know they are of Israeli descendant due to their ancestors merging themselves into European lifestyle. Yet, the Antichrist will most likely be against anyone of Israeli descent as he will be of any with Jewish descent. This will culminate with the battle of Armageddon (Rv 16:16) when the Antichrist will come against Israel and Jerusalem with his world forces to once and for all do away with Israel so no final prophecy can come true (Zc 14:1-2; Rv 19:19). Yet, this is when Christ returns and sets down on the Mount of Olives just as prophesied (Ac 1:11) and he will destroy the Antichrist and all his forces (Zc 14: 3; Rv 19:20). The wicked will be separated from the righteous (Mt 25:32), the wicked and Antichrist judged, and Christ will set up his reign over the earth for 1000 years (Rv 20:3). Satan will be bound during this time (Rv 20:1-2).
Despite the peace and harmony that will exist over the earth, there will be some who will harbor rebellion in their hearts. Open rebellion will be squelched (Ps 2:9; Rv 2:27, 12:5, 19:15), but there will be those who are against Christ as their King.
Once the 1000 years are over, Satan will be released for a time, and Satan will come against Jerusalem with his forces which he is able to amass from those who harbored rebellion against Christ as their king (Rv 19:7-8). They will all be annihilated (Rv 19:9) and cast into the Lake of Fire along with Satan and his angels (Rv 19:10). Perfect peace without sin or the propensity to sin will then reign for an eternity (Rv 20:3-4; 22:3).
This is the completion of God’s plan for us. It is all for us out of his love for us. Christ gave up a lot to achieve this for us. How will you respond? You will accept this gift of salvation from him? As an act of faith, accept it now. You can understand it later. For now, just accept it, a costly gift, but free of charge for you. Doing so will change your life—and your destiny. It is a decision that will change your eternity.
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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens