Compare and Contrast (part 4)

The next set of comparison verses do not require a global positioning system to determine the seating position of Jesus Christ. One verse declares His future seating on David's throne which would be on this earth, the other declares Jesus Christ is seated in heavenly places. The difference is not only the location, but also to whom they are speaking to. Israel looks forward to Christ seated on David 's throne in Jerusalem, the church the body of Christ has Christ now seated in heavenly places as the head of the church. Things that are different are different. The earth is not heaven and heaven is not earth.

• Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

COMPARE TO:

• Ephesians 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

How could these two verses possibly be saying the same thing? If Christ is seated on David's throne now, let's pack up the minivan and drive to Israel because I cannot wait to see Jesus. But for that to be true, you would also have to believe the earth is "heavenly places" or we are living in the Kingdom now, right? All I can say is that if we are in the Kingdom now, it is a pretty messed up Kingdom and we need to find a new King. Okay, I was being sarcastic. The right way of taking these verses into perspective is to "rightly divide the word of truth". Israel's hope is not our hope and neither is our hope theirs. Jesus will indeed return to the earth and set up His kingdom and sit on David's throne. The apostle Peter gives the breakdown to the audience of his message in a few chapters later saying.....

• Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Pretty clear that the message of Acts 2 refers to the same audience of Acts 5 wouldn't you say? Israel. Our Apostle Paul on the other hand tells us where our affections are to be placed as stated in Colossians 3 saying....

• Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

I'll say it again, things that are different are different and not the same and should be respected as such and not wrested to fit your belief system. Let the word of God say what it says to whom it says, when it says, and the Bible will make perfect sense. The same God who inspired the scriptures which are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction is righteousness gave to the Apostle Paul information that was never given to the Apostle Peter, but was kept secret since the world began. Paul's message is for us living today in this present dispensation of the grace of God. Peter's message is for the covenant kingdom people of the nation Israel concerning their future kingdom on this earth. How can you combine them and maintain scriptural integrity? answer: You cannot! Right division according the Mid Acts Pauline Dispensationalism is right, all other contenders fail miserably.

• 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.