No. 361
In our paper No. 102, p. 5, we offered brief comment on R. G. Jolly’s interpretation of the antitype of Keturah’s Six sons, the same being found on p. 77 of the Sept.‑Oct. PT. In that presentation R. G. Jolly follows his custom of using part of Brother Johnson’s interpretation and part of his own, in which his own comments are in part at least a direct perversion of the true interpretation done to conform to his false doctrine (“strange fire”) of Campers Consecrated.
On pages 10 and 11 of the January 1950 Present Truth Brother Johnson repeated an anticipation he had made in November 1949 PT, to the effect that he would publish three more Epiphany Volumes in 1950. Pursuant to that promise, he did give us Vol. 15, but his failing health, and ultimately his death in October, prevented him from producing the other books he had promised. It will be noted in the appended pages of Vol. 15 that the other two books that were planned for 1950 were No. XVI: Genesis – Leviticus Deuteronomy; and No. XVII: Numbers, Vol. II. In this instance – as in many other cases. G. Jolly concluded he knew better than Brother Johnson what should be done (the same as he concluded in 1938), so he made no effort to carry out the program that had been promised. In fact, he did nothing at all about these volumes until 1953, when he produced “The Chart of God’s Plan,” as Vol. XVI; then in 1956 “The Millennium” as Vol. XVII. These two books Brother Johnson had scheduled as Volumes XVIII and XIX respectively.
R. G. Jolly apparently had two reasons for this shift in schedule: First, to inject some impetus and incentive into his “Attestatorial Service”; and secondly, by allowing the Genesis material to “cool,” it could then be palmed off as his own. Having definitely planned‑to publish the Volume on Genesis in 1950, it seems reasonable certain that Brother Johnson had left copious notes; and it is clear enough, too, that R. G. Jolly has since been using those notes for the articles on Genesis that he has been palming off as his own in the Present Truth. If we are correctly informed, he has even asked some of his readers privately how they like the articles on Genesis that were then appearing in the PT. This in itself we would pass by; but, when he injects his own error into Brother Johnson’s analysis – as he has done in his explanation of Medan then we once more have proof positive that he is still a part of Miriam leprous, as explained in our paper No. 102. And we may be sure the penalty for his sins in this and similar instances will be meted out to him in due course by our Lord. “His folly will be made manifest to all.” If any of our readers are inclined to question these statements by us, we suggest they ask R. G. Jolly to show them the notes on Genesis that Brother Johnson had accumulated.
We now present what we believe to be the correct interpretation of antitypical Keturah’s Six sons, and we direct attention first of all to the fact that there will be three distinct classes who will be blessed by the New Covenant. They are (1) the Worthies, who will receive the “better resurrection,” (2) The Jews, and (3) the Gentiles. These three classes each have two divisions ‑ somewhat after the manner of the four elect classes pictured forth in Noah’s Ark by Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth and their wives, the same depicting the leaders and the lesser lights respectively of The Christ, the Ancient Worthies, the Youthful Worthies and the Great Company. Thus we account‑for the six sons of Keturah as follows:
1 – ZIMRAN (Celebrated): The 70 outstanding Ancient and Youthful Worthies the leaders of their Class. While we do not now have Scripture to prove it, we may eventually learn that the 35 chief Ancient Worthies will each have a companion helper in the persons of the 35 chief Youthful Worthies; but this we do not state positively. Howbeit, this would be in keeping with our Lord’s practice in Luke 10 when He sent forth the seventy “two by two....into every city and place”; and with the 35 Interim Star Members of the Age, each of whom had a companion helper.
2 – JORSHAN (Fowler, or bird catchers, overcomers of the fallen angels – in that Satan and his demons had no dominion over them): These will comprise all the lesser lights of the Ancient and Youthful Worthies. Inasmuch as Zimran and Jokshan were the eldest and second eldest of Keturah’s sons, it is logical enough to determine them as the Millennial‑Age firstborns – Just as the Seed of Promise (antitypical Isaac) have been the firstborns of this Gospel Age. Among these Gospel‑Age firstborns would also be included the Great Company, inasmuch as they at one time were a part of the Very Elect; therefore, among the first‑begotten. Thus, those of them who retained this secondary Class standing, having been “begotten,” must self‑evidently come to birth‑first begotten – firstborn – “the church of the firstborn” (Heb. 12:23), including all New Creatures who gain life. All the Worthies will be children of the Christ, raised in the “better resurrection” – the firstfruits of antitypical Keturah. Even in this life, such have been the tentative firstborn of the Millennial Age.
3 – MEDAN (Judgment): The Quasi‑elect Jews. “Judgment” sometimes has the meaning of “true instruction,” as in Prov. 21:3, “To do Justice (righteousness) and judgment (true instruction) is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” This class would be those Jews who earnestly endeavored to teach and defend “true instruction,” as they received it from the Law, the Prophets and the Psalms (Luke 24:44). St. Paul says of such that they had “much advantage...chiefly, because unto them were committed the Oracles of God.” (Rom. 3:2) Those sincere ones among them who were entrusted with the care and preservation of the inspired writings of the Old Testament would have sacrificed their lives in defense of them. Thus, “Judgment” is a most fitting meaning for their typical name, Medan. This would well apply to the chief (or first) of the Quasi‑elect – “to the Jew first.” Note how R. G. Jolly perverts this son of Keturah to “type” his Campers Consecrated, thus distorting it out of all logical setting in this otherwise harmonious picture – because he leaves the Jews without an outstanding group from their own brethren. This forces him further to distort the interpretation of Ishbak. If our readers will keep in mind that type and antitype must correspond in every detail, it will then become much easier to discern the flaws in R. G. Jolly’s flimsy flapdoodle – of which we shall have more to say in due course on some of his other “types.” He certainly states a dominant truth when he declares that few of the Lord’s people are qualified to interpret types – a warning which Brother Johnson repeatedly gave to him, but which he has sadly failed to heed. From R. G. Jolly’s letter published in the November 15, 1910 Watch Tower, we were led to believe he had learned his lesson then; but some crown‑losers learn so very slowly, as they build on “Christ as Sand.” And in the present instance we can but conclude that his infraction here is largely willful with him – knowing as he does, that Brother Johnson did not place the interpretation upon Medan that he now attempts to do. The Lord will reward him accordingly!
4 – MIDIAN (Strife or contention): All Jews not included in the elect, or the quasi‑elect. It is this class of Jews who have been a bone of contention since their first appearance in human history, always a warlike and assertive people – not sufficiently persuaded by the Mosaic Law and faith to adhere to its principles. It was because of this that the Romans – themselves equally determined and assertive – eventually determined in the year 70 AD to subjugated them finally and thoroughly, as they “desolated their house” in fulfillment of our Lord’s sentence upon them, and dispersed them among the nations for the tenure of their “double” of disfavor, during which, in this Gospel Age, they have been a Nomadic and much‑troubled people, as “blindness in part is happened to Israel.” But, “after the fullness of the Gentiles be come in, then shall all Israel be saved” (Rom.11:25,26 – Dia.), from Sheol “and come to an accurate knowledge of the Truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4 – Dia.).
5 – ISHBAK (Free): The quasi‑elect Gentiles. They are “free” in the sense of being free from the Mosaic Law; free also in the fact that most of them are to be found in Protestant countries. “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” And there is little question that the liberty that prevails in Protestant countries has been a dominant factor in their tremendous progress in art, literature and invention.
6 – SHUAH (Depression, or low place): An allusion to all Gentiles not included in the elect or the quasi‑elect (all Gentile nations, including all the heathen – pictured outside the Camp) who have never heard that “only name” or who have given little or no heed to it (that “seed that fell by the road, or on rocky ground” – Matt.13:4,5), and whose characters have suffered greater mental and moral degradation because of it. To use a vernacular expression, most of them are indeed “low‑down” – given “over to a reprobate mind, to do improper things... not only are doing them, but even are approving those who practice them.” (Rom.1:28‑32).
To summarize, the six sons of Keturah may be cataloged as follows:
1 – THE ELECT: The visible rulers of the Kingdom, pictured in Zimran (the 70 most prominent Ancient and Youthful Worthies), and Jokshan – the “old men” (literally, “Ancients”) and “young men” (literally, “Youthfuls”) of Joel 2:29 (See E‑4319‑325) – the remainder of the Worthies. It is these – and only these – who will comprise the Millennial‑Age firstborns.
2 – THE QUASI ELECT: Those “truly repentant and believing, but not consecrated, Jews and Gentiles” (See E‑10‑209), who will assist the Elect in Restitution work; and portrayed by Medan and Ishbak. But none of these will be the Millennial‑Age firstborns.
3 – THE NON‑ELECT: All the remainder of the human family who will gain life under the Mediatorial reign, represented in Midan and Shuah, the “sons” (Jews) and “daughters” (Gentiles) of Joel 2:29.
The foregoing leaves no room at all in this Keturah type for Campers Consecrated; but reveals clearly that it is a non‑existent class – an invention of J. W. Krewson given to R. G. Jolly, who now attempts to inject this myth into the Keturah type. Thus, we submit our interpretation to our readers for its reasonableness and harmony, in contrast to R. G. Jolly’s unreasonableness and disharmony – traits that are always in evidence when he – or any one else – attempts to cast away the Truth he has once learned, and been assured of – and taught – and places error in its stead. It would seem he should have learned well and deeply this lesson from the “drunken” vagaries of That Evil Servant, who, as antitypical Uzziah, “was a leper unto the day of his death.” (2 Chron.26:21) “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” (Prov.29:1)
CARELESS ONES UNFIT FOR THE KINGDOM
Those who get spots upon their robes and leave them there will not be fit for the kingdom of God; for the bride of Christ will be composed of only those who will be “without spot or wrinkles or any such thing.” Jesus is to present this class blameless and unreprovable before the Father. They did not walk perfectly, without a blemish; but they were careful to keep their garments unspotted by going often to the Lord. They let nothing keep them away. This is the spirit of the Bride class. We each wish to be of that class, dear friends. If any of us are not sure Just now as to our standing with the Lord, let us make haste to go to him and see that the record is cleared by our dear Redeemer and Advocate. Let us not wait, but go at once.
The faithful class is pictured to us in Revelation 7:3,4 and 14:1‑5. These are the 144,000 who have the Father’s name in their foreheads. They sing the new song, which none can sing but these 144,000. Oh, we long to be among them! We cannot afford to be anywhere else. The outcome is all in our own hands whether we succeed or fall, after God has given us His Holy Spirit. It will be our own fault if we miss the Kingdom. There will be no blame to attach to our Lord; for He has arranged for our continual cleansing day by day. His grace is provided for us every step of the way; and His loving, protecting providences are continually about us if we are trustful and obedient to the best of our ability.
The other class who allow spots to accumulate upon their robes, is a “great multitude, whose number no man knoweth.” (Rev. 7:9) that is, they are not of an ordained or fixed number as is the bride class. (The Lord did not arrange for them to fail, but did mercifully arrange a place for them after they did fail – JJH) These must go through great tribulation and wash their robes, all spotted and soiled, in the blood of the Lamb. These will then stand before the throne, will serve God day and night in His temple. The bride class will be in The Temple; or, in another figure, they will be seated upon the Messianic Throne with their Lord and Bridegroom. These different figures give different phases of the honored position and work of the Body of Christ in glory. These are spoken of as wearing crowns, the others as merely carrying palm branches, indicating final victory.
How glad we are that our dear Heavenly Father has mercifully provided for those who through lack of sufficient zeal and faithfulness lose the “prize of the High Calling”! We rejoice that even the “foolish virgins” do not lose all, but will through tears and travail of soul yet come wholly back to the Lord. They will finish their course in death. Theirs is an enforced destruction of the flesh. Although they covenanted to sacrifice it willingly yet they failed to do so. They love the Lord and love righteousness, but not sufficiently to be thoroughly loyal and faithful; and so they must be severely scourged, that their spirits may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (the Epiphany period – “great tribulation” – the ‘judgment day’ of the Great Company as a CLASS – something RGJ should be greatly concerned over for his Great Company kinsmen more than anything else, if he were the cleansed Levite he claims to be – JJH)
EARNEST EXHORTATION TO FAITHFULNESS
No one has been called of God to the Great Company Class. “We are all called in the one hope of our calling.” Let us then walk with the Lord in white every day, dear brethren and sisters. Let us keep our robes spotless. It is easier to get spots on them than to get the spots off, and each spot will be more difficult than the previous one. We understand spots to be the result of a measure of carelessness. “It is impossible for me to keep my robe from ever getting spotted,” you say, “but I am very thankful that the Lord has provided a way whereby the spots may be removed when I earnestly apply for the cleansing.”
Each experience of this kind should make us more humble, more careful, more alive to our weaknesses and more watchful to avoid getting spots on our white robes. Otherwise the Lord will chastise us by withholding for a time His peace, lest we think that we may be careless, and then may have the spot removed without any trouble. The Lord wishes us to realize that this is no light matter. Then let us each be very faithful, that we may soon hear the Master’s sweet “Well done!”
The foregoing six paragraphs are Brother Russell’s observations as given in the July 1, 1916 Watch Tower, Reprints 5924, col. 2; and they are certainly as pertinent today as they ever were. “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Phil. 4:7) is only for those who prize it enough to maintain it under all circumstances and in all conditions – those described by Brother Johnson as “The Fully Faithful.” Those who do not do this are usually full of ‘excuses’ why they have not done so; but it is a sage observation that he who is expert at making excuses seldom is expert at anything else.
While we should reprove excuse‑makers, it certainly is not our province to determine when such laxity has reached its limit sufficiently to demote any one from his Class standing. That is exclusively the prerogative of the Lord. But once the Lord has come to such determination, then also “the peace which passeth understanding” will be lost to such – at least, during the time of their deflection, as was the case with King Saul: “The spirit of the Lord departed from Saul.” (1 Sam. 16:14) And it was not long thereafter until Saul gave manifestation of his great loss – after “the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets” (1 Sam. 28:6) – he then went to the extremity of seeking counsel from the Witch of Endor, which resulted in his complete undoing. But with the Fully Faithful the situation is just the reverse – “The spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit.” Such may have imperfections, but they do not permit them to allow “the pearl of great price” to slip from their grasp.
The foregoing applies in principle to all in the end of this Age (the Epiphany period) – the obedient ones who “hold fast the faithful word as they have been taught” (Titus 1:9) – and to the disobedient whom we see receiving “strong delusions.” (2 Thes. 2:11) The difference between the two becomes decidedly clearer as this Epiphany period progresses. “He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.”
Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim
Reprint of No. 104, published February 1, 1964
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The May‑June 1985 Present Truth, pp. 43 and 44, gives the following on KETURAH’S SIX SONS:
“(1) Zinram: the 70 most prominent of the Ancient and Youthful Worthies (the ancients and youthfuls of Joel 2:28), who will be given the most prominent positions in the earthly phase of the Kingdom during the making, sealing, of the New Covenant (Ex. 24:1,9)
“(2) Jokshan:‑ the Worthies in general.
“(3) Medan: the Consecrated Epiphany Campers – those who consecrate to God and are faithful in their consecration during the Epiphany – the very end of the Gospel Age – after the four elect classes have been fully made up in their membership; the four elect classes of Abraham’s seed are pictured as serving in the Court of the Tabernacle as it was set up for Israel in the wilderness, and these consecrators are pictured as being among those in the Camp – hence the name ‘Campers.’
“(4) Midian: those Fleshly Israelites who during the Jewish and Gospel Ages have in faith and practice come into harmony with the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants, and remained faithful, though not consecrating.
“(5) Ishbak: those Gentiles (and some Jews) who throughout the Gospel Age, including our day, while not consecrating, or dedicating, their lives to God, have repented of their sins and accepted Jesus as their Savior and remained faithful to the Ransom and to righteousness.
“(6) Shuah (low place, depression): the non‑elect, unbelieving world of mankind, consisting of unbelieving Gentiles and those Fleshly Israelites who have forsaken the covenant promises; these are the ‘daughters’ of Joel 2:28 and Isa. 60:4, the quasi-elect believers being referred to as ‘ sons ‘ – the stronger ones.”
The above errors by AG is a repeat of the errors he inherited from RGJ as given in Present Truths ‘57,22; ‘58,3; ‘63,29, 77; ‘69,46; ‘72,38 and ‘73, 27. The LHMM cannot produce anything but types to support the false doctrine (“strange fire”) of Consecrated Epiphany Campers. “A type must not be used to teach a doctrine, but to illustrate one that is taught in plain terms.” (Berean Comment, p. 25 of the Topical Index)
We are told in Jude 3 “to contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints,” but in no place in God’s Word are we told to “contend for the faith once delivered unto crown‑lost leaders” as AG is now doing. The devotees of the Jehovah’s Witnesses follow their leaders, who have set aside many basic doctrines of That Servant – the blind leading the blind.
Brother Johnson’s treatise on Joel 2:28, 29 is as follows: The Little Flock and the Great Company – 2:29; converted fleshly Israel and the persevering but unconsecrated believers of the Gospel Age (sons), converted Gentiles of the Millennial Age (daughters – all who are not of Natural or Spiritual Israel are considered Gentiles from God’s standpoint), the Ancient Worthies (old men), and the Youthful Worthies (young men) – 2:28. The Apostle Paul gives us this advice: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” (2 Tim. 3:14) We know we have learned the Truth from the “faith once delivered unto the saints” when we learn them from That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger.
All those who have set aside the Truth taught by That Servant are “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth.” (2 Tim. 3:7) We especially refer to the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Laymen’s Home Missionary Movement who have set aside God’s promise to the natural Jew when they concocted their false doctrines of non‑existent classes.
AG has the audacity to tell us that that Consecrated Epiphany Campers will supersede the Jews in the Kingdom, setting aside God’s Word as well as the teaching of That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger, knowing that these faithful Messengers consistently taught “to the Jew first.” They did this with Scriptures in “plain terms.”
Of course, the “repentant and believing” of the Epiphany Camp in the finished picture will share with the Jews in their great missionary work after they become Jews. The Jews will not have to become Consecrated Epiphany Campers and walk a narrow way to receive God’s promise to natural Jews. It is the earthly promise to the Jews. And none of the Restitutionists have to walk a narrow way. The CEC will have to become Jews in the Kingdom before they can receive the blessings of the New Covenant. The New Covenant is Israelitish and will be made with the natural Jew first. Our Lord says, “Salvation is of the Jews.”
“The Word will first be given by the Worthies from the Christ to the Jews; and it will heal them, as it is written, ‘He sent His Word and healed them.’ – Psa. 107:20” (E‑15, p. 548)
“The Kingdom will, of course, begin to work on the Worthies, and then through them upon the restitutionists who will survive the time of trouble, and that starting with the Jews in Palestine.” (E‑15, p. 550, bottom, and top of p. 551)
“Fleshly Israel, as the secondary earthly seed of Abraham, under the lead of the Ancient and Youthful Worthies, as the primary earthly seed of Abraham, will be privileged to cooperate with the Kingdom in converting the Gentile world – Gen. 22:17; 28:14; Isa. 19:24; Ezek. 16:60, 61; Psa. 107:22.” (E‑17, p. 122, bottom, and top of p. 123)
“Naturally enough, Israel will then in a natural way come first into harmony with the Divine arrangement and be the first to get the blessings.” (Reprint 5810, top) All the above, and much more, will have to be thrown out if we accept the LHMM’s teaching that the CEC are to be first after the Worthies.
In the May‑June 1985 PT, p. 40, AG tells us that Cornelius and his house “had believed in the Lord, who had given evidence of their consecration and good works, even before they knew of the Lord and His glorious Plan.” AG accused Brother Hoefle of teaching that Cornelius was consecrated, and castigated him for so doing. However, Brother Hoefle’s contention was that Cornelius was “repentant and believing.” It seems that AG is now teaching that Cornelius was consecrated. If Cornelius was consecrated, self‑evidently he was “repentant and believing” – otherwise the Lord would not have held his prayers in remembrance.
Then on p. 46, col. 1, AG says, “In E 10, p. 209 a clear distinction is made as follows: ‘The Gospel Age Camp is the condition of the unjustified people of God, (by contrast) the Epiphany Camp in the finished picture is the condition of truly repentant and believing (i.e., justified – inserted by AG) but not consecrated Jews and Gentiles.”’ Will his CEC be unconsecrated in the finished picture of the Epiphany Camp?
“St. Paul was an outspoken, uncompromising teacher. When he knew that he had the truth, he spoke it with confidence, and boldly declared that everything contrary to it is false doctrine. He also taught believers that it was not only their privilege, but their duty to be established in the faith, to know on the evidence of God’s Word, why they believed, and to be able to give to every man that inquires a reason for the hope that was in them.” (Reprint 5045, col. 2, par. 4)
“The Lord purposed to take away all sins – the sins of Israel, the sins of those who were to constitute the Gospel Church, and the sins of the whole world. For this cause Christ was manifested, for this cause He died. This cancellation, of doing away with the sins of the whole world, will progress as each shall recognize the Heavenly gift of forgiveness and obey the Government.
“The orthodox Jews, those who still hold to the teachings of the Law and the Prophets, and have faith in God, will be the first to receive the blessings of the New Age. ‘As concerning the Gospel they are enemies for your (the Church’s) sakes; but as touching the election (the natural election), they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.’ So, then, this condition of affliction in which the Jews have been throughout the Gospel Age, in addition to the overthrow of their nation in the year 70 AD, has really been a favor from God. All the tribulation through which this people have passed during the entire ‘Seven Times’ of chastisement will be finally found to have been to their advantage, preparing them for the blessings of Messiah’s Kingdom. The Church will be the first in the Kingdom, natural Israel with the Ancient Worthies at the head will be the second. Subsequently all nations will come into Divine favor and blessing, becoming members of Israel. All will be blessed through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Question Book, pp. 357,358)
“Each consecrated believer should ask himself, How carefully have I studied that which I clearly recognize as Divine Truth? And how fully capable am I, therefore, of handling the sword of the spirit? Few indeed are those who can say they have fully digested and assimilated all they have received;... that they have a ready answer a ‘thus saith the Lord’ – for every man that asks them a reason for the hope that is in them, concerning any point of doctrine.” (Reprint 3199, col. 1, bottom, and colt 2, top)
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) So long as we “contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints” we need not be ashamed.
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QUESTIONS OF GENERAL INTEREST
“QUESTION: – Would it not appear that the Jews only would be blessed by the New Covenant, since they were alone under the Law Covenant?
“ANSWER: – I answer: The Apostle says that it is “to the Jew first,” and also to the Greek. In other words, he gives us that as a picture that God’s blessings of every kind begin with the Jew. He gave the Jew the first opportunity under the Abrahamic Covenant, when Christ came to His own and His own received Him not. And when it comes to the blessings of the New Covenant the opportunity will come to the Jew first, and he must take his stand, but ultimately to reach all the families of the earth. The Jews may come in and share with the Church, and with the Ancient Worthies in the matter of carrying this glorious message to the other nations, and peoples, and kindreds, and tongues, and to whatever extent they have the right attitude of heart, they will embrace that opportunity; it will be to the Jew first and also to the Gentile. And the Apostle says, you remember, ‘If the casting away of Israel meant the bringing in of a blessing, what will the gathering of Israel again mean but life from the dead?’ – in general to the whole world of mankind.” (QUESTION BOOK, p. 165 ‑ 1908)
QUESTION: – When the door was opened to the Gentiles there was no difference in the standing of the Gentiles and the Jews according to Romans 10:12 and Gal. 3:28. There is much said about “to the Jew first,” but wouldn’t the same condition apply to the Gentiles as with the Jews in the Kingdom – the “restitution of all things”?
ANSWER: – The Gospel was first offered to the Jews when our Lord brought “life and immortality to light.” (2 Tim. 1:10) When the natural Jews accepted Christ as their Savior, and walked in the footsteps of Jesus, they became “Spiritual Israelites.” When the Gentiles, after the door was opened to them, accepted Christ as their Savior and walked in the footsteps of Jesus, they became “Spiritual Israelites.” They then had the same standing of the Jews. The same condition will apply to the Gentiles under the New Covenant, when they become Jews. As That Servant has so often stated, the New Covenant will be Israelitish. However, the faithful “repentant and believing” Gentiles will quickly join the Jews in doing the great missionary work. None of this nullifies God’s promise to the natural Jew – “to the Jew first.”
When the Jews in Jerusalem are attacked by the marauders, the anarchists, in “Jacob’s last trouble,” they will “cry unto the Lord and He will hear their cry and deliver them. (Psa. 107:19, 20) It is elementary that the Jews in Jerusalem will be the first to receive the blessings of the New Covenant. “From Jacob then natural seed of Abraham, first.” (Berean Comment on Rom. 11:26) “Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, to the Jew first, and also of the Gentiles.” (Rom. 2:9 – See Berean Comments on Rom. 2:9, 10) The special ‘tribulation’ that came upon the Jews was when Titus demolished their Temple and they were driven out of Jerusalem. The “Time of Trouble” coming upon the whole world – especially the social order, the ecclesiastical and governmental systems, will not be more severe than what the Jews suffered at the time Titus seized Jerusalem, as well as what the Jews have suffered in Germany and in Russia in our day.
“This Mediator – the Head and Body – is such, as His death (the merit being that of Jesus alone) cancels the sins committed under the first Covenant, i.e., those of the Jews, that these Jews, having had the unchangeable call to the earthly favor (Rom. 11:29), might receive the promise given them – the land of Canaan as an eternal inheritance. “The sprinkling of the people (v. 19) is a copy of the sealing, making, of the New Covenant manward in the earthly phase of the Kingdom of Heaven, and it will take 1,000 years to complete it, i.e., it will take the 1,000 years of the Millennium to give the people – Israel primarily and the Gentiles who join Israel under the New Covenant, a privilege that will then be open to all the non‑elect, dead and living – the right to life and its life‑rights, Jesus and the Church’s legacy to Israel and the Gentiles under the New Covenant.
Note, please, how the Apostle, after speaking of the cleansing of the copies, the types, i.e., the people, the tabernacle and vessels, tells that their antitypes, Millennial Israel and the Gentiles joining them selves to Israel, the Ancient and Youthful Worthies and their teachings, will be cleansed by the better sacrifices (plural) than bulls and goats. Jesus’ personal sacrifice was but one, and the Church’s sacrifice is but one; but together they are two, and their separate sacrifices are here (v.23) designated by the plural term, sacrifices.” (E‑6, p. 686, bottom, p. 687, middle, and top of p. 688)
When the Jews in Jerusalem “cry unto the Lord” (Psa. 107:19), the Consecrated Epiphany Campers will have to go to Jerusalem and become Jews if they are to be among the “first” to get the New Covenant blessings. However, the Apostle Paul, That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger all tell us that the blessings will be to the natural Jew first. The New Covenant will be inaugurated in Jerusalem, which will be the Capital of the New Covenant government.
The Jews were first in the “great salvation” (Heb. 2:3) and they will be first in the “common salvation” (Jude 3) in the Kingdom under the New Covenant. “He is faithful that promised.” (Heb. 10:23)
Written by Brother Hoefle December 14, 1977.