Death Penalty For Homosexuals?

[RND]

RND,

The only way that your texts would speak of "becoming an Israelite" for "salvation" requires one to accept the tenuous connections you present, which neither I, nor any objective reader, would see any compelling reason to do.

Indeed that's a tragedy. How the type that is pictured in Exodus 12 is missed in the fulfillment of the anti-type of Christ is definitely a mystery.

Feel free to make whatever connections you wish in your own beliefs, but don't be surprised if those less inclined to trust in E.G.White's inspiration do not follow you.

What would make you assume that I learned all of this from EGW?

[TK]

RND wrote:

One becomes an Israelite (not a Jew) by doing two things, acceptance of the lamb and circumcision. What was once symbolic in this, the actual feast of the Passover lamb and physical circumcision of the male foreskin, has now been replaced in a spiritual sense. Acceptance of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and spiritual circumcision which is to say circumcision of the heart.

In both instances one was not allowed to approach the sanctuary (type/anti-type) unless they were an Israelite.

It's not a matter of becoming a physical Jew or Israelite but rather becoming an adopted member of the family of God just as Abraham did, by faith. The picture painted in Exodus 12 is that of a nation, a mixed multitude at that, leaving the bonds of sin represented by Egypt for the freedom of protection by the grace of God. The realization of justification is clearly played out in Exodus 12.

I believe that a person can become a follower of Jesus Christ (i.e. be "saved") w/o any knowledge of Exodus 12 or the type/anti-types you mention. Of course, a person who is a true follower of Christ HAS accepted the lamb and IS spiritually circumcised, as a practical matter, regardless of whether they see their position as you indicate in the above quote. Why, then, make such a dramatic statement that a person must become an Israelite in order to be saved? They do not; they have to believe in Jesus Christ. In your eyes this may make them an Israelite, but for heaven sake dont tell them they have to become an Israelite in order to be saved.

TK

[RND]

I believe that a person can become a follower of Jesus Christ (i.e. be "saved") w/o any knowledge of Exodus 12 or the type/anti-types you mention.

Through the work of the Holy Spirit, and the gentle knocking of Christ I would certainly agree. I had -zero- knowledge of Exodus 12 when I was baptized.

Of course, a person who is a true follower of Christ HAS accepted the lamb and IS spiritually circumcised, as a practical matter, regardless of whether they see their position as you indicate in the above quote.

No doubt.

Why, then, make such a dramatic statement that a person must become an Israelite in order to be saved?

Because that's what the Bible says.

Num 3:38 - But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, [even] before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, [shall be] Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

Ezekiel 44:9 - Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that [is] among the children of Israel.

They do not; they have to believe in Jesus Christ.

Who was the ultimate "type" of the nation of Israel.

In your eyes this may make them an Israelite, but for heaven sake dont tell them they have to become an Israelite in order to be saved.

Why would you suggest that I do such a thing with "newbie" Christians? I'm involved in prison ministries where I deal with men that have nothing but time, and the Bible and a whole assortment of different denominational teaching as their disposal. I was making the assumption that I was in the midst of well-weaned Christians that could understand the difference.

You know, if anyone would like to discuss the symbolism of the sanctuary I did start a thread on it. The Symbolism of the Sanctuary.

[TK]

Sorry for the misunderstanding; but your statement that perked Steve G's interest (and mine), namely "What a shame; salvation was only promised to the gentiles by accepting the offer of becoming an Israelite." makes it sound as if you were talking about newbie christians.

TK