THE DAVIDIC COVENANT “FOREVER”

Uncategorized January 12, 2024 Comments: 3

PMW 2024-004 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

The Davidic Covenant states that Israel is God’s people forever (2 Sam. 7:24), and that David’s throne is established forever (vv. 13, 16, 25, 29).

We must understand, though, that the very nature of a covenant implies conditions and responsibilities, whether these are stated or not — despite the Davidic Covenant’s seeming unconditionality. Nothing in the Davidic Covenant declare that Israel’s king is freed from the obligation to obey God’s law. Indeed, it is very clear that: (1) God declares that the Davidic dynasty would continue only if it obeys God (e.g., 1 Kgs. 9:4–9; Psa. 132:11–12) and (2) the Davidic line was, in fact, removed from rule about 450 years after David, when the southern kingdom of Judah was defeated by the Babylonians (2 Kgs. 24:11–15).

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SPEAKING IDOL AND JEWISH TEMPLE

Revelation, Temple January 9, 2024 Leave a comment

PMT 2024-003 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.Priest ministering

Here in Rev the temple speaks as an image of the emperor-god. When the Pharisees rebuke Christ for not stopping those who praise him at the triumphal entry, “He answered and said, ‘I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!’” (Lk 19:40). This probably signifies that the stones of the temple will declare him when not one is left on another in AD 70 (cp. Lk 21:5-6) (See: R. C. H. Lenski, Luke, 966; E. E. Ellis, Luke [NCBC], 226). Prosopopoiia clearly appears as a major feature in the later chapters in Rev where two cities are presented as women, one an evil harlot, the other a righteous bride (Rev 17; 21). Continue reading →

TEMPLE MEASURING AND EZEKIEL

Dispensationalism, Old Testament, Temple January 5, 2024 Leave a comment

PMW 2024-002 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

I appreciate the questions readers send to me. I regret that I am not able to answer them quickly, due to my schedule. However, here is one that is a favorite among dispensationalists. And it is an intriguing one.

Reader’s question:

You argue that John must be measuring an actual, historical temple in Rev 11:1-2. Yet Ezekiel measures a temple, even though it does not exist in history. This suggests that the temple does not need to exist for John to measure it. How do you explain this problem for your view?

My response:

Thanks for your perceptive question. Please consider the following response. Continue reading →

THE TEMPLE IN REVELATION 11

AD 70, Preterism, Revelation, Temple January 2, 2024 Leave a comment

Temple 2PMW 2024-001 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.
Revelation is an important book in eschatological discussions. The most vigorous Revelation debate in ecclesiastical circles today revolves around the dispute between preterism and futurism. Preterism holds that Revelation was largely fulfilled not long after John wrote it. Futurism holds that it deals largely with events yet to come.

Because of this debate, the identity of the temple in Rev 11 arises as a serious matter. In Revelation 11:1, 2 we read:

And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Here we find a Temple standing in a city called “the holy city.” Continue reading →

WHERE DO WE GO AT DEATH?

Last Days, New Creation, Resurrection, Second Coming December 29, 2023 1 Comment

New earth

PMW 2023-100 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

A writer sent a note asking:

“One thing I’m a little confused about is the ultimate end of history. Does man remain on earth when Christ returns? After Christ has put all enemies under his feet and handed over the kingdom to the Father, does heaven and hell “merge” and man remains on earth for a lack of better words while Christ is present physically (assuming also still in some sense everywhere present because he’s God). I’m so confused as I feel like I always hear by and large from Christians is to just go to heaven and it seems many believe the present earth to be destroyed. Or is there something else beyond earth/heaven?”

Ken Gentry responds:

Basically, I believe that when we die now (in history) we go to heaven — as did the disciples, the thief on the cross, and Paul the apostle: Continue reading →

INTERPRETING MESSIANIC PSALMS

Interpretation, Israel, Last Days December 26, 2023 Leave a comment

PMW 2023-099 R. T. France

I am reading R. T. France’s excellent work, Jesus and the Old Testament. He has much that is helpful for the postmillennialist and the (orthodox) preterist. Below I will quote three paragraphs that ought to be an encouragement to my readers. These present to us a helpful hermeneutic approach to many Old Testament passages.

I am sure France did not intend them as postmillennial observations, but they do help us in understanding the postmillennial hope nonetheless. Continue reading →

THE VIRGIN BIRTH

Christ December 19, 2023 Comments: 3

PMW 2023-098 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.Virgin birth

The most crucial aspect of the debate over the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 is the meaning of the Hebrew word alma. It is translated “virgin” in most English versions (ASV, ESV, ISV, NASB, NIV, NKJV), though most of those have a marginal note offering the option “maiden” or “young woman.” A few versions do not have “virgin” as the main translation (NAB, NET, NRSV, RSV).

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. (Isa. 7:14)”
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