But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
John 19:13-19
When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Acts 2:22-23
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Acts 3:13-15
The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
Acts 5:29-30
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
Acts 7:51-52
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
1Thessalonians 2:14-15
For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
What do the Judaizers of Galatians & Acts 15, Dispensationalism, and the Hebrew Roots movement all have in common?Heretical error: portraying that the grace of God in Christ isn’t enough to make you a full member in the new covenant community of believing Israel. It holds that Israelites after the flesh are special and distinct, and entitled to something more than the mere Gentile believer–having special promises outside of Christ. Thus, if a Gentile wants these promises too, he has to become a proselyte to physical Israel, in addition to trusting Jesus by faith.
We know that under the old covenant the physical nation of Israel was distinct from all the nations, and that they alone were the covenant people of God. As Paul would say, Gentiles were “aliens from the commonwealth of Israel” and “strangers to the covenants of promise” (Eph. 2:12). Despite the old covenant being restricted to ethnic Israel, Gentiles were welcome to become a full member of the covenant community of Israel. How? By renouncing their old life and heritage, and committing oneself to God under the law of Moses. We call such people “proselytes.”
Three things were required for the admission of a proselyte: circumcision, baptism, and the offering of sacrifice. Women proselytes were only subject to the ladder two requirements. After his baptism the proselyte was considered to be a new man, “a little child newly born,” as “one that is born in the land” (Exo. 12:48). He was assigned a tribe (Ezek. 47:22-23) and a new name was given to him. Either he was named “Abraham the son of Abraham,” or the Scriptures were opened randomly, and the first name that was read was given to him. He had to put behind him all his past. Even his marriage ties and those of kinship no longer held good. A Gentile “proselyte of the covenant”, or ger ha-berith, was considered as being in every respect a “perfect Israelite”; and A FULL MEMBER OF ISRAEL, having an “inheritance with [them] among the tribes of Israel.”
The work of Christ changed all that. In Acts 10 onward, Gentiles were being saved and added in among believing Israel, but without becoming full proselytes first. It was scandalous! Keep in mind that Messianic Jews didn’t consider themselves to be a different religion called “Christianity”. Believing Israelites, like Paul, Peter, and the proselyte named Nicolas (Acts 2:10; 6:5;13:43; 24:14, 17), simply considered themselves to be true Israelites who had believed and received the promises made to their fathers(Acts 13:13-43; 3:12-26).
How could they tell saved Gentiles were being added among believing Israel? They were being filled with the same Holy Spirit as believing Israelites, but without the proselyte requirements of the law. This is what the 1st church council in Acts 15 is all about. The believing Pharisees wanted these saved Gentiles to go through the full proselyte process before they would accept them as full members of Israel, claiming they couldn’t really be saved without doing so(Acts 15:1-5).
The apostles saw the salvation and conversion of Gentiles differently (Acts 15:6-35). Despite NOT being circumcised or following the law of Moses, they recognized that the Holy Spirit of God MADE these Gentiles FULL COVENANT MEMBERS in the SAME covenant community of believing ISRAEL in CHRIST, on the basis of FAITH alone, and NOT the law of Moses. James even quotes Amos 9:11-12, saying that these saved Gentiles being added in among believing Israel was God building again the house of David that had fallen–referring to the once united kingdom of Israel, now being unified and rebuilt under King Jesus.
This leads us back to Galatians 6 and Paul’s reference to saved Jews AND Gentiles as the “Israel of God.” In Galatians, some Jews were trying to make saved Gentiles feel inferior, compelling them to be circumcised and to keep the law of Moses before accepting them as FULL and EQUAL members in the covenant community of Israel (1:6-10; 2:1-5:18). Paul rebukes this SHARPLY, arguing that circumcision or uncircumcision means NOTHING in the new covenant community of Israel, only a “NEW CREATION” in Christ matters(6:15-16).
His argument all the way through is that in the Messiah, believing Israelites are no better and no more privileged than believing Gentiles, and that trying to be an Israelite through the law means you have fallen from grace and have gone back to bondage–being a debtor to the whole law! What had previously distinguished Israel, i.e. the law, was permanently set aside now that Jesus has come (3:23-25). WHAT MATTERS NOW to be part of the true Israel is FAITH in the Messiah(3:26-29)!
Some argue that the “Israel of God” statement is Paul’s way of distinguishing saved Jews from saved Gentiles. Why would Paul argue forcefully all throughout the letter how there’s NO difference between Jew or Gentiles in Christ, only to distinguish believing Israelites at the end, setting them apart as special and different from the Gentiles? That would have destroyed Paul’s own argument and justified the Judaizers! It’s ludicrous to even think such a thing, and the context makes it clear that in this “Israel” ethnic distinctions are NO LONGER RESOLVED on the basis of the law, but rather by being JOINED WITH THE MESSIAH through FAITH alone.
Gentiles, who were once alienated from the commonwealth of Israel through the law, have been forged together with believers from ethnic Israel into one “new”humanity through faith in Christ (Eph. 2:11-15). The “law of commandments contained in ordinances” was “abolished” in Christ’s flesh, breaking down the “middle wall of partition between us.” As such, believing Gentiles are “no more strangers and foreigners, but FELLOW CITIZENS“ and “FELLOW HEIRS” with ethnic Israelites, now of “THE SAME BODY, and PARTAKERS of HIS PROMISE in Christ BY THE GOSPEL,” rather than by the law rather than by the law (Eph. 2:19: 3:6).
Dispensationalism is no different than the Judaizers of the past, attempting to divide the new covenant community (i.e. the body of Christ–the true Israel) by making some people more special or privileged than others–and on the basis of ETHNICITY & LAW DISTINCTIONS no less! It promotes that physical Israel–natural born or proselytes, will inherit special promises outside of Christ. This dispensational doctrine feeds things like the Hebrews Roots movement, with Gentiles thinking they need to proselytize through LAW KEEPING in order to be part of Israel, as if what they have in Christ isn’t enough! This was the poison that Paul took such issue with, a heresy that has caused confusion and robbed people of the knowledge of who they are in Christ. All of the covenants and promises find their “YES” in Jesus–the true Israel, NOT in ethnic Israel outside of Christ. That’s “another gospel.”
Dispensationalism has just dressed up this Judaizing doctrine in new clothes, veiling it under the guise of a new eschatology. There is no future for physical Israel OR the nations outside of the body of Christ–the ONLY HUMANITY who will survive the destruction of the old creation and inhabit the new creation.“If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE (creation).” Thus, ethnic Israelites and ethnic non-Israelites will enjoy the new creation if and only if they have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and become part of His Body–the church, the “Israel of God.”
“These who saw Christ’s day before it came, had great differences as to what they knew,… But they were all washed in the same blood, all redeemed with the same ransom price, and made members of the same body! Israel in the covenant of grace is not natural Israel, but all believers in all ages!“ ~ C.H. Spurgeon
“Jesus Christ Immutable,” quoted from the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Vol. 15 – page 8.
C.H. Spurgeon – “The Breaker and the Flock” – Sermon # 1954 – March 20, 1887 – Text: Micah 2:12-13
“I regard this passage as setting forth a vision of spiritual things in which Micah dimly saw the gathering together, and the heavenward march of the true Israel, namely, the elect of God, whom He has given to His Son Jesus, and whom the Lord Jesus has undertaken to save. “He is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart” (Rom 2:29). As Paul, by the Spirit of God, interprets the whole story of the covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, it is clear that we, brethren, the children of the promise, are the true seed, even those who are born by divine power and as believers are the spiritual family of believing Abraham. If we have the faith of Abraham, we are the children of Abraham, and with us is the covenant made, for the seed of Abraham is not reckoned according to descent by the flesh, otherwise would the covenant blessing have fallen to Ishmael and not to Isaac, to Esau and not to Jacob. The covenant is to a spiritual seed, born according to divine promise through divine power. The line in which the Lord has determined that the covenant blessing should run was ordered by divine sovereignty, “that the purpose of God according to election might stand.” The Lord purposed that they which are born after the Spirit should be the true heirs, and not those that are born after the flesh. We therefore believe, that to us, even to us who rejoice in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh, appertain the promises and the covenant. It shall come to pass that all the elect of God shall yet be gathered together from the places where they have wandered in their sin, and for them a clear way shall be opened up to the land of their inheritance”
“…The more exact the agreement of the promise to the case, the greater the comfort which it will yield. In this school the believer will learn the value of plenary, ay, of verbal inspiration; for in his own instance he may have to dwell upon so slight a matter as the number of a noun, as Paul did when quoting the promise made to Abraham he remarks, ‘Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ’ (Gal. 3:16).”
According to Promise—The Lord’s Method of Dealing with His Chosen People, CH Spurgeon; The Gospel Hour Inc., Oliver B. Green, Director; Greenville, SC; pp 105-106
Spurgeon’s understanding of “seed” & “children of promise”
The following is also directly quoted from Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s book, “According to Promise” – or “The Lord’s Method of Dealing with His Chosen People”:
The Two Seeds
“For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.” – Galatians 4:22-23
“Do not forget that our Lord himself said, ‘Ye must be born again’. If you have not been born again from above, all your church-going, or your chapel-going, stands for nothing. Your prayers and your tears, your Bible-readings, and all that have come from yourself only, can only lead to yourself. Water will naturally rise as high as its source, but no higher: that which begins with human nature will rise to human nature; but to the divine nature it cannot reach. Was your new birth natural or supernatural? Was it of the will of man or of God? Much will depend upon your answer to that question.”
“Between the child of God and the mere professor there is a distinction as to origin of the most serious sort. Isaac was born according to promise. Ishmael was not of promise, but of the course of nature…”
“Gentle reader, here let me inquire as to your salvation. Are you saved by what you have done? Is your religion the product of your own natural strength? Do you feel equal to all that salvation may require? Do you conclude yourself to be in a safe and happy condition because of your natural excellence and moral ability? Then you are after the manner of Ishmael, and to you the inheritance will not come; for it is not an inheritance according to the flesh, but according to promise.”
“If, on the other hand, you say, — “My hope lies only in the promise of God. He has set forth that promise in the person of his Son Jesus to every sinner that believeth in him; and I do believe in him, therefore I trust and believe that the Lord will fulfill his promise and bless me. I look for heavenly blessedness, not as the result of my own efforts, but as the gift of God’s free favor. My hope is fixed alone upon the free and gratuitous love of God to guilty men, by the which he has given his Son Jesus Christ to put away sin, and to bring in everlasting righteousness for those who deserve it not,” –then this is another sort of language from that of the Ishmaelites, who say ‘We have Abraham to our father.’…”
According to Promise—The Lord’s Method of Dealing with His Chosen People, CH Spurgeon; The Gospel Hour Inc., Oliver B. Green, Director; Greenville, SC; pp 5-9
Although we are not in complete agreement with everything presented in this video, we appreciate the Scriptural arguments used to prove this valid point— WHO is the REAL Israel!
Baptist Author, David Cloud, has taken the time to “refute” the theology found in “Who is Israel?“… in so doing, he revealed what he (and many others like him) really considers to be the “Key” of Bible prophecy. Sadly, his “key” is not found in Scripture, but rather it is an “extra-Biblical”, modern-day event… (we explain, below)
In short, Dispensational-Zionists (both “hyper” & “not-so-hyper”, alike) view “1948” as the regathering of “Israel”, back to “their promised land”. They interpret Ezekiel 37 as referring to the “miraculous events of 1948”, and the restoration of a physical, unrepentant, unsaved (Jews) “state of Israel”, and that these unrepentant Jews are presently the “proof” that “prophecy has been fulfilled”. It never even crosses their minds that this chapter is actually referring to the coming “Resurrection”, and “regeneration” of dead, unsaved people—formerly lost in this world of sin, and now saved, born again, and on their way to heaven! The cross-references from Ezekiel 37 with the New Testament, are endless— revealing CLEARLY that this Old Testament prophecy is NOT in reference to a dead, Christ-rejecting, Jewish nation, but rather to a spiritual nation, a “born again” people, having taken the Son (which means they have life!) and are now, adopted into God’s family!
Excerpt from Cloud’s E-book – pages 75-76 – (What about Anderson?) online pdf
Author David Cloud likens “Israel’s return” in 1948 to being “as great a miracle as the resurrection from the dead”!!! (See: David Cloud’s Ebook, July 2017, pages 75-76 – commenting on Ezekiel 37)
Do you see the seriousness of this mis-interpretation?? Instead of glorifying the “power of the resurrection”, through Jesus Christ— Cloud is exalting an unsaved, Christ-rejecting, modern-day nation, and their strong-handed colonization of Palestine. The truth is, Cloud and other Zionists have their own “replacement theology”— one that replaces the Lord Jesus Christ with a physical nation— taking the proper focus off of a spiritual nation (born again by faith in Christ)— and focusing instead, upon an anti-Christ people and their colonization of a cursed land. To make the “regathering of the Jews” into “their land” as great a miracle as the resurrection from the dead, is eye-opening to say the least! … Does Cloud think that “Zionism” is equal to the miracle of Christ’s resurrection??? Is he suggesting that we celebrate May 14, 1948 on equal par with our recognition of the Resurrection-Easter Sunday??? Is he trying to convince us that the allocation of real estate to Jews in 1948, is equal to the Christians’ future resurrection???
What nonsense is this???
Zionism (thru Dispensationalism & the Scofiled Bible notes) has gained significant ground into many “IFB” Pulpits & Churches in the last 40 years. Compare Mr. Cloud’s attitude towards the events of 1948, with the iconic fundamentalist, John R. Rice (who was a current preacher of the gospel, and in the prime of his life, in 1948)— John R. Rice did NOT adore the modern state of Israel, but rather rebuked them as murderers, thieves, rebels, and infidels!
Note the difference between the words & warning of the late, fundamentalist, John R. Rice and that of the “bleeding heart” – Zionist, David Cloud—
“Some think that the little nation over there now, established after the War of 1948, is the promised restoration of Israel. It is not. Zionism and Christianity are two entirely different things. ZIONISM IS JEWISH PATRIOTISM WITHOUT ANY REFERENCE TO THE BIBLE… A bunch of infidel Jews turning down the Gospel, and going on in their infidelity and sin is NOT the restoration promised in the Bible.” (page 13)
“In 1948 when Palestine was under the mandate of the British, a group of Jews started the rebellion. A war began to seize part of the country. A new Israel, a part of Palestine, was started. The Jews took away from the Arabs their homes and lands by murder and whatever else was necessary. In war and rebellion they took part of the land now called Israel. These Jews say that God has given that country to Israel, and many Christians back them up… But this is NOT the Bible restoration of Israel… The promises cannot be fulfilled to any Jew while he remains an unconverted rebel against God.” (pages 20-21)
{John R. Rice – “God’s Covenants and Christ’s Coming” – Sword of the Lord – 1979}
Mr. Cloud also gushes over the “resurrection of Israel” in the events of 1948, as if a prophecy from God was fulfilled—
“I believe that one of the most important events in American history was Harry Truman’s recognition of Israel on May 14, 1948. America’s friendship toward Israel has not been perfectly consistent by any means, but the fact remains that America has been Israel’s greatest friend in modern history, and that is significant. God told Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:2-3). On this authority there can be no doubt that one of the chief reasons for God’s blessing on America has been her blessing of Israel.” ~ David Cloud, July 2, 2019 (Way of Life News Notes – first published April 1, 2009)
The word, “thee”, is singular! — In Genesis 12, the King James Bible does NOT tell us to bless Abraham’s “descendants”—if we want to be blessed— rather, it says to bless Abraham (singular) & his singular Seed = Christ (see Galatians 3:16)… David Cloud is NOT promoting the Word of God, here— instead, he is promoting Scofield’s Notes (an ungodly Zionism)!
In contrast, see what God’s Word has warned us about concerning “blessing” those who are against Christ (antichrist)— 2John 7-11… those who “bless” (bid them God speed) are “partaker of their evil deeds”!
And, in case you don’t know American history very well— the LAST 75 years have NOT been America’s finest!!!
BEWARE of the modern (extra-biblical, Zionist) Baptists!
When considering the history of “independent Baptists”, no one is more “iconic” than John R. Rice. He was the founding editor of the Sword of the Lord, an author, songwriter, soul-winner, and a pioneer during the independent Baptist church movement. It was during his prime of life that the “land grab” of 1948 took place— His words on the modern state of Israel are much different than the compromised stance we are hearing from the moderate, “evangelicals” of today.
Excerpts taken from – “God’s Covenants and Christ’s Coming”– Sword of the Lord Publishers – 1979 {PLEASE NOTE: we are not in full agreement with John R. Rice’s position on Israel & Eschatology, but his comments on Zionist Israel, from way back in 1979, are most interesting & enlightening!}
“Some think that the little nation over there now, established after the War of 1948, is the promised restoration of Israel. It is not. Zionism and Christianity are two entirely different things. ZIONISM IS JEWISH PATRIOTISM WITHOUT ANY REFERENCE TO THE BIBLE… A bunch of infidel Jews turning down the Gospel, and going on in their infidelity and sin is NOT the restoration promised in the Bible.” (page 13)
Evangelist John R. Rice – Founder of the Sword of the Lord
“…Israel is now scattered and is under the disfavor of God. Today you will hear much about the little nation of Israel. But the Israelites there, as elsewhere, are infidels. They do not love the Lord. They do not accept the Lord Jesus. They go their own way. And there is no promise of God to unconverted Jews going on in their sins. These Jews took their guns and demanded other people’s property and got their [the Palestinians’] land. I hope it can be settled so that Jews will have another homeland. But don’t think God is for all the murder and stealing and taking of other people’s property by which the Jews got that land. While I have no sympathy with Arafat and the many murders by the Palestinian guerrilla forces, yet I do have sympathy that the Arabs lost their land and had to flee for their lives. That has to be dealt with if we are to have peace in the Middle East, of course.” (page 16)
“The present nation Israel and Palestine have no place in Bible prophecy. It is not the fulfillment of the Scriptures about the restoration of Israel. I will read in Deuteronomy 30, and other Scriptures which show very clearly that the restoration promised has not yet come to pass, that the Jews were cast out of Palestine because they were unregenerate and did not accept the Messiah. This restoration of Israel is a wonderful truth for Christians.”
[Rice then reads Deuteronomy 30:1-6]
“In 1948 when Palestine was under the mandate of the
British, a group of Jews started the rebellion. A war began to seize part of
the country. A new Israel, a part of Palestine, was started. The Jews took away
from the Arabs their homes and lands by murder and whatever else was necessary.
In war and rebellion they took part of the land now called Israel. These Jews
say that God has given that country to Israel, and many Christians back them up…
But this is not the Bible restoration of Israel… The promises cannot be
fulfilled to any Jew while he remains an unconverted rebel against God.” (page
20-21)
“We come to the New Testament. I hear you now ask, ‘But, Brother Rice, don’t you think the nation Israel now is the budding of the fig tree promised in the Bible?’ No.” (page 23)
John R. Rice – “God’s Covenants and Christ’s Coming” – Sword of the LordPublishers – 1979
John R. Rice – Sword of the Lord Publishers – 1979
Book Overview Over in Palestine a few million Jews have formed a little nation trying to take back by force the land once occupied by God’s chosen people. Some are communists, some are atheists, a few are Orthodox Jews but Christ-rejecting. All of these people have the sympathy of good people everywhere. And some think they are fulfilling the Scriptures about the restoration of Israel. But that is a mistake. This is not the restoration of Israel promised in the Bible. Zionism is not Christianity. There is a great gulf of difference between an unconverted, Christ-rejecting Jew and the Jew who turns to God and has forgiveness with his Messiah. No, Israel has not been restored. There is no fulfillment of prophecy yet about Israel. Israel needs to repent. Israel is scattered all over the world, in the terrible disfavor of an angry God because they have rejected God and His Christ, and they are still in the rejection and still in the sin for which God scattered them in A.D. 70 and following. And they are still rejected and scattered for their continued sin and rebellion against God. We would do well to study prayerfully the dealings of God and His promises and warnings about Israel. https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/ho-israel-repent/19250773/#isbn=0873983807
There is nothing wrong with being an “independent” Bible-believing Baptist!
Most all of them (English speaking) would be “King James only” in their choice of Scripture (believing that the KJV was correctly translated from the correct family of Scripture texts, and is without error). With the fundamental doctrine of Bible inspiration & preservation clearly understood, most independent Bible believers (and readers), are “KJV only”, and most would be “Baptist” (or, at least, “Baptistic”) in their faith & practice.
However, in my own mind, there is quite a difference between an “independent” Baptist, and an “Independent-Fundamental-Baptist” (IFB). Today, being an “IFB” is to identify with an established “denomination” of sorts. From my observation, the official IFB is a loose denomination of like-minded “Baptists” who fellowship exclusively together, within their own “camps”, and who rarely display that they actually do think for themselves, as “independents”. The above described IFBs tend to have their own short list of approved colleges/fellowships— run by some of the larger, more popular, churches/leaders within their particular fellowship.
These IFB camps can vary, depending on their preferences in certain pet doctrines—and what they choose to emphasize. There are several examples of this– the “Hyles camp”, the “Ruckman camp”, the “Sword of the Lord camp”, the “Bob Jones camp”, the “BIMI camp”, the “BBF camp”, the “Sexton camp”, the “Chappell camp”, the “Trieber camp”, the “Cloud camp”, the “Gipp camp”, and now, more recently, the “Anderson camp”. Although none of these “Independent Baptists” see themselves as a denomination, they really have become one. (A much more loosely controlled group, than the typical religious denomination— but a “denomination”, none the less.) Case in point, if one of the leaders of these camps were to “take a position” for/against a certain issue– virtually all of the other pastors (underlings) will follow them in lock step. After all, who wants to oppose the popular opinion? And, if they were to break ranks from the leader, who would they “fellowship” with? Who would invite them to preach at their churches/conferences/colleges? Or, where would they send their kids to college? Who would print their sermons in their IFB newspapers/magazines/online forums? …No, to question the majority opinion within the camp, is not expedient. One must NOT question “why” they believe—or do what they do—they just need to keep following!
Despite the above cynical description of IFBs– as an “independent” Baptist, myself, I still have some appreciation for most of the above listed “camps”. Not for these “camps” themselves, but for the various strengths that each one has— Yet, I am NOT affiliated with any of these “camps”. Once in awhile, I may attend one of their church’s “conferences”, or even visit their schools— And, I have (in some cases) come away from their conference/meeting with an appreciation for their ministry, however, I have yet to acquire a strong desire to “join their camp”… Being “independent” is healthy— Being locked into a certain “movement” is not!
Some examples of the various strengths within the above listed camps:
strong on the King James Bible/Text issue (trusting in both the inspiration & preservation of Scripture—view this link for more explanation)
strong on “standards” (usually in reference to modest apparel, and male & female distinctions— a crucial doctrine in this godless, immodest, “unisex” world!)
strong on music separation (although, in some IFB cases, their particular music standard would seem to be more important to them than the KJV Scripture/Text issue!)
strong on “Biblical separation” (staying separated from the other unbiblical, so-called, “christians” ; unfortunately the typical meaning has become = a hairsplitting separation from other “IFB camps” with whom they may disagree with — or, adhere to something a little different than— “their” camp!)
strong on Evangelism & Missions (typically, these camps all emphasize the need for “soul-winning”– some better than others)
strong desire for being literally accurate (example: emphasizing the need to explain the gospel as “repent of one’s sin” for salvation— vs. “repent of one’s sinS” — as if anyone could ever possibly “repent of ALL one’s sins” before being born again!) — “Turn from unbelief for salvation” = Yes! …. “Turn from all sinning in order to obtain one’s salvation” = Impossible! (I like this concise “repentance” explanation)
strong emphasis on loving the brethren— vs. bashing/hating/vilifying/smearing/destroying/slandering the other “not-so-IFB-as-us” brethren within these gospel-preaching churches (sadly only a rare few of the above mentioned camps, exemplify this gracious spirit!)
Yet, after having been taught for years (by IFBs) that the KJV Bible is our final authority— what I have discovered, in actuality, is that a Dispensational-Zionism is really the final authority for much of their modern Eschatology. Their flawed systematic eschatology trumps the Scriptures, and most of them are unaware of it (because they’re encouraged to never question). Dispensational-Zionism encourages ‘racism’ and teaches its followers to be a “respecter of persons”… {As an illustration of this, listen to the nonsense in this YOUTUBE video clip}
“…Rag-headed, Rug-ridin’, Camel-jockey, Genie in a bottle… The ‘Man of God’ doesn’t hate Arabs, he’s just anti-them.” ~ Pastor Tony Hutson (from a January 2020 video clip, now deleted from Twitter)
Thankfully, there’s a growing number of “independent” Baptists who ARE questioning the “Pre-Trib Rapture” doctrine and the Zionism behind it. Sadly, the Established IFBs cannot afford to have this movement grow. Their own established schools and book publishers could suffer heavy financial losses, if they were to admit that their adopted system of eschatology is “less-than-biblical”. They’re not even open to an Eschatology debate, as they know it will cost them. And, although these Established IFBs denounce the “liberal, neo-evangelical, unseparated, non-KJV” crowd— the truth is, the systematic eschatology held by these two groups (IFB vs. neo-evangelical) is almost identical!
Yet, in spite of this— I can still appreciate the IFB’s general adherence to the Scriptures. After having grown up in the “independent, Bible-believing, Baptist” circles for years, I still love the general, over-all belief system of the independent Baptist people… WHY? Because, generally speaking, the KJVBIBLE is their common denominator— and, as long we “Bible-believers” will keep the main thing, the main thing (following the Word & the leading of the Holy Spirit)— we won’t get too far off track, no matter what our individual flaws & differences!
Should Christians celebrate the Old Testament Passover, or the modern “Seder”? Are we to go backwards to Old Testament animal sacrifices, or are we to look to the Lamb’s sacrifice (Jesus Christ on the Cross), and forward to His coming again? What about the book of Hebrews? Does it allow for Christians to return to an OT passover??
Click on the link below to understand WHY “Easter” is correct in Acts 12:4, and using “Passover” in a post-resurrection context is incorrect! (Once again, the modern translators got it wrong!)
“And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” ~ Acts 12:4
“Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.” ~ 1Corinthians 5:7
“Christ our passover” = Easter!
{Click on the image above to enlarge in a new window, and to download}
There is no doubt that “Πάσχα” means Easter in modern Greek. The charge, however, is that “Πάσχα” did not mean Easter until centuries after the composition of Acts 12:4. This is not true. In the Gospel of John there is already a distinction being made between the Christian Πάσχα and the Jewish Πάσχα. One of the words for Passover in modern Greek is “Πάσχα των ιουδαίων” (Passover of the Jews). We see this same phrase already in the time of John the Apostle:
John 2:13: “And theJews’ passoverwas at hand….” (και εγγυς ην το πασχα των ιουδαιων)
John 11:55: “And theJews’ passoverwas nigh at hand….” (ην δε εγγυς το πασχα των ιουδαιων)
The fact that John writes, “Jews’ Pascha (πασχα των ιουδαιων)” indicates that there was a need to qualify the word “Pascha” for the immediate audience of John’s Gospel. Such a phrase would be redundant unless there were already a distinction between a “Jew’s” Pascha and “another” Pascha. Apparently within the first century, Christians had already appropriated the word “Pascha” to refer to the Christian celebration of the resurrection.
“Whether “Πάσχα” should be Passover or Easter at Acts 12:4 must be determined by discerning who is using the word in this instance. If the word is used by a Jew, then the word would mean Passover. If the word is used by Herod, then the word would mean Passover, or perhaps a pagan festival (although the possibility of “Πάσχα” referring to a pagan festival has no basis in history or etymology). Contrary to what many believe, it is neither the Jews nor Herod who is using the word “Πάσχα” at Acts 12:4. It is actually Luke, the Christian narrator of Acts, who is using the word “Πάσχα” to describe the timeline of events for his Christian readers in the latter first century, many of whom were Gentile Christians. At the time of Luke’s writing, “Πάσχα” at Acts 12:4 was no longer the “Passover”, but “Easter“. When Luke speaks in Acts 12:4 as narrator, he is using words according to the mutual Christian perspective of himself and his readers. This is evident because he uses the word “church” (εκκλησία) at Acts 12:1 to refer to Christians. This is a dignifying Christian word to refer to the congregation of those who are called out by God. Neither Herod nor the Jews would have referred to these rebels as “the called-out ones”. However, when coming from a Christian narrator for a Christian audience, the word “εκκλησία” carries a Christian meaning. The same goes for the word “πασχα”. It may well be that Herod and the Jews had no concern or knowledge about Easter. Although Herod and the Jews were waiting for the ‘Jewish Passover‘, Luke uses “πασχα” according to its Christian meaning of “Easter” to explain the timeline of events to his Christian readers. That is why “πασχα” is ‘Easter’ in Acts 12:4.”
Jesus clearly transitioned the Old Testament “passover” supper into the “communion” supper of the New Testament!
“And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: 16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. 17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: 18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:15-20)
“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s deathtill he come.” (1Corinthians 11:26)
There are those who claim that “Easter” is a pagan holiday and is also known as “Ishtar”. That is complete nonsense!
Easter and Ishtar have nothing in common. However, the problem that we have, today, is that people are intertwining eggs and other objects into Easter, which those things should not be observed, for they are a practice of pagan rituals.
Trying to keep the Old Testament “Passover” is just absurd, for one cannot keep it without a tabernacle/temple, without an earthly priest, and without being in Jerusalem. (cp. Deuteronomy 16:1-2; 2Chronicles 6:6; Exodus 23:17; Deuteronomy 16:16; Exodus 34:22-23; 2Chronicles 35:11; Ezra 6:19-20)
Today, those who claim they are “keeping Passover” are liars. They teach others to violate God’s laws concerning His feasts by HOW they are to be kept. These people who claim they are keeping the feast of God will speak against those who don’t— also accusing them of teaching others to brake the commandments— however they are doing that very thing.
Matthew 5:19 ~ “Whosoever therefore shall —>break one<— of these least commandments, —>and shall teach men so,<— he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
Again, NO-ONE, today, can keep the feast Scripturally — being outside of Jerusalem, without an earthly, Aaronic Priest. And, you CAN’T kill your lamb IN YOUR GATE (home place – Deuteronomy 16:5-6)… And, it has to be PURE, without blemish (Exodus 12:5). So, buying your leg of lamb at the store is not even close to being Biblical.
Jesus establishes what is called “the Lord’s supper” also known as “communion”, or “the Lord’s table”, which is to REMEMBER the Lord’s death, till He comes again. This is in REPLACEMENT of the Passover, for the True Lamb was slain, and wonderfully He arose from the grave! And, this resurrection is known, today, as Easter.
TAKE NOTE!!
Was Willian Tyndale, Myles Coverdale, the Bishops Bible, the Matthews Bible, The Great Bible, Geneva Bible and the King James Bible supporting the “pagan feast” idea?
Why is it that William Tyndale used Easter 23 times, The Great Bible 15 times, Coverdale Bible 24 times, Matthews Bible 10 times, Bishops Bible 2 times, the old, Anglo Saxon Gospel of Matthew 3 times, Geneva Bible 1 time, and the King James Bible 1 time?
“Easter” in the Old Anglo Saxon (old English) dictionary is for the word Passover.
The Oxford English Dictionary lists many early English literary sources that employed the word Easter to refer to the Resurrection.
Easter is derived from the word East, which when adding the suffix “er” it becomes action. The sun rises in the East and Jesus is called “the Sun of righteousness” in Malachi 4:2 — which, as indicated in Matthew 24:27— He is coming back, out of the East. The wise men came from the East to Jerusalem, then to Bethlehem where the star was. Revelation 2:28 states “And I will give him the morning star”. And Revelation 22:16 says, “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify into you these things in the churches. I am the root and offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” While 2Peter 1:19 says, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”
I reject the idea that Easter is derived from Ishtar, but rather, that it is a word from old, used to describe the Resurrection of Christ— WHO IS our Passover. (1Corinthians 5:7)
ALSO, the word “Passover” was not used until William Tyndale translated the Old Testament— he is the first user of the word. Tyndale used “Easter lamb” for the Greek word “pascha” (Passover). Pascha means a sacrifice of an animal.
PRAISE GOD, THE TRUE LAMB HAS BEEN SLAIN AND I DON’T HAVE TO “REENACT” IT, BUT INSTEAD, I REMEMBER CHRIST HAS ALREADY FULFILLED IT!
Luke 22:17-20 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: –—>this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
1 Corinthians 11:23-25 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: ——>——>this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
The absurdity of the belief that the Greek word Pascha is also a
pagan feast. Show me ONE verse where this Greek word “Pascha” is ever
used outside of its definition.
Notice in Acts 12:3 the parentheses, “And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. —>(Then were the days of unleavened bread.)<—.”
Does that not define to the reader what the Greek word “Pascha”
(Easter) in verse 4 is referencing? It says, “Then were the days of
unleavened bread”.
The days of the unleavened bread is part of and also included as the Passover feast or for here in the text “Easter”,
Luke, who penned Acts 12:1-4 by the Holy Spirit uses the same language
in his Gospel of Luke, and it is in Luke 22:1, where he refers to the
Passover with the feast of unleavened bread, —>”Now the feast of
unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover”.
Ezekiel does the same as well in Ez 45:21 In the first month, in the
fourteenth day of the month, —>ye shall have the passover, a feast of
seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten.
I have personally
searched old English dictionaries, not the modern dictionary, which
includes the false bases of Easter is Ishtar.
Old English
dictionary of the word “Easter” stated as read, “1. of the Christian
festival, Easter, the feast of Easter; 2. of the Jewish festival, the
Passover, the paschal lamb; 3. of the season of the year, spring;
The purpose of those who distort the word Easter and ascribe to it
being pagan is due to their desire to keep a feast which they cannot
biblically. So to justify and appease the conscience they have to
discriminate the word Easter.
Some may have good intentions,
however, false information is still false no matter if it’s Sam Gipp,
Landmark Baptist, or false teachers (Hebrew rooters).
2 Peter 1:19-21 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
~ Issac & Davina Kohen
Included in the original 1611 King James Bible, there is an Easter schedule– “To find Easter for ever”… Proving that the KJV 1611 translators did NOT think of Easter as a “pagan” holiday!
