WHO IS ABRAHAM'S SEED? IS THAT ENOUGH FOR SALVATION?

Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

So, who is Abraham's seed? Now,we know according to Gal 3:16 that ultimately Christ is the seed of Abraham. let's read it...

Gal 3:16 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.

From this verse we understand that Christ is the seed of Abraham, but it's not that simple; because Christ just didn't appear out of thin air. He came through a specific seed line. also, when we read verse 29 it says, "if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed." This is what we want to focus on; who are these people that Paul is talking about in verse 29? today in our churches we hear, "that anybody that believes in Christ is Abraham's seed." That is not what Paul was saying, we'll prove that as we go through the scriptures. let's start in the book of Acts Chapter 3 verse 12

Act 3:12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

So, here we see that Peter is talking to Israelites,  

Act 3:13 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.

We see that the words "the God of OUR fathers..." is not talking about everyone in the world; "OUR fathers" is talking about a specific bloodline of men. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Jacob's children became known as "The Children of Israel"; Peter himself was an Israelite. So,when we see the words, "The God of OUR fathers..." we know that this is talking about Israelites. This is very important for us to understand, because when we understand that, its helps and clears up the confusion when we read other verses. Before we get to Gal 3:29, let's start at Galatians chapter 1 and work our way up to chapter 3. 

Gal 1:3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,

Gal 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

Now, here in verse 4 Paul said that Christ gave himself for OUR sins; normally most of us will read right past that, but in this lesson we're going to go through these verses in detail. it says. "Who gave himself for our sins," automatically from this verse we see that he's not talking about everybody,because "OUR sins" is specific. this refers to a specific group of people here. for example, if there are 17 people in a house, but only 4 of those people live there, those 4 people can truly say, "This is OUR house." Meaning the house does not belong to the other 13 people; it's not their house. The house only belongs to the 4 people who said, "This is Our house."

So, when Paul said "Christ gave himself for OUR sins", he's talking about a specific group of people that Christ gave himself for. The Bible makes it very clear about who that group is...who's sins did Christ die for according to the Holy Bible?

Act 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Act 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.

We see here , that forgiveness of sins was for the Israelites. In Galatians when Paul says "He gave himself for OUR sins" we know now that this is talking about the Israelites. So, why would Paul write this to the Galatians if they were not Israelites? That would be nonsense. we'll revisit that later in this lesson. Let's go to verses 15 & 16 and clear up some of the confusion.

Gal 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,

Gal 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

Now, in verse 16 Paul says, "I might preach Christ among the heathen." so, most of us will read that and say, "see,Paul was sent to teach the other nations." No, I really need you to see and understand the importance of the specifics of this verse that being used; Paul said he was sent to teach Christ AMONG (not to.) but AMONG the heathen. This clue is very important, because here we see prophecy being fulfilled. Why was Paul sent to teach Christ among the heathen? This is The Most High (TMH) all the way back talking to Israel during the time of Moses...

Lev 26:33 And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

Deu 4:27 And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.

Jer 9:16 I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them.

So, Israel was scattered all across the earth AMONG the heathens because of their (our) sins. TMH promised that He was not going to leave them (us) scattered forever. Let's see what TMH told Ezekiel concerning Israel: 

Eze 36:19 And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them.

Eze 36:21 But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.

We see here that TMH scattered Israel among the heathen because of their sin.

Eze 36:24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

TMH promised that one day He will gather Israel from all countries from among the heathen (sorting & Separation). 

Mat 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

Mat 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

Mat 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Jer 50:17 Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away: first the king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.

Mat 25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Mat 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Now, Where will this process start? What are the beginning steps to TMH gathering ISRAEL from among the heathen? Step one was the death and resurrection of Christ for the sins of Israel. Christ had to die for all their (our) sins. This was Paul's first premise in verse 4. He said, "Who gave himself for our sins." and we just proved he was talking about Israel. Step two was for Israel to hear the word so they (we) can return back to TMH God. This is why Paul was sent to preach Christ among the Heathen, because the Israelites that were scattered among them had to hear the Gospel in order the be awakened and return back to TMH God of Israel. Paul was chosen to be the main Catalyst in regathering the lost and scattered Children of Israel. He understood that he was fulfilling prophecy. He knew that these "Galatians" were lost and scattered Israelites who lived in Galatia AMONG the Heathen; these were Israelites. Let's move on...

Gal 2:1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

Gal 2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

Here we see Paul is explaining how he went to Jerusalem and told the Apostles exactly what he was teaching among the gentiles, let's go to (verse 7)...

Gal 2:7 But contrariwise, when they (The Apostles) saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

The Apostles understood that Paul was chosen to teach the uncircumcision and Peter was chosen to teach the circumcision;so, Peter had his mission "the circumcision" and Paul had his mission "the uncircumcision" 

Gal 2:8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

So, Paul said "the same way TMH was working in Peter to reach the circumcision, TMH is also working in me to reach the gentiles." meaning the uncircumcision. Now  the "circumcision & uncircumcision" have to be established...who are they?

Rom 3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?

Now, we know that the people called "the circumcision" are the Jews. 

Rom 3:2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

The Oracles of TMH is talking about "the Law", so (verse 2) is letting us know that the Law was committed to "the circumcision" or we can say the Jews. But there's a problem, who are the Jews in (verse 1) that the laws were committed to? Because it doesn't say, "what advantage then have the Israelites?" It says, "what advantage then have the jew?" What we have to understand this one thing...

This is a mistake that many of us make, originally the only tribe called the Jews was the tribe of Judah, the word jew is short for the word Judah. However, when King Solomon sinned the nation of Israel was split into two parts or we can say nations...

Over time, The house of Judah was made up of three tribes: Judah-Benjamin-Levi and all three tribes took on the name "Jews", that's why Paul who was from the tribe of Benjamin could say he was a "Jew".... 

Rom 11:1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

We see that Paul is from the tribe of Benjamin, but see what he says in Acts 22:3...

Act 22:3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

See, Paul could say that because he belong to the family of the house of Judah. So, when we read (Romans 3:1) what advantage then hath the Jew? We understand now that this is talking about the house of Judah. Judah, Benjamin and Levi; Because they were the ones who held fast to the law. 

Hos 11:12 Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.

See, the house of Judah continued to keep the law, they didn't keep it perfectly, but they held on to it. That's why it says Judah Ruled with TMH. The House of Israel a.k.a. Northern Kingdom/Ephraim  they went off into Idolatry and became "uncircumcised". 

Rom 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

The law keepers are "the circumcision" and the law breakers are "the uncircumcision" the house of Israel/Ephraim they were law breakers they turned to strait idolatry turning their backs on TMH. let's see what TMH said to Ezekiel concerning the House of Israel/Ephraim...

Eze 14:5 That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols. 

TMH said the House of Israel had become estranged or separated from him, because of their idol worship. The House of Israel was no longer considered TMH's people, which made them "Heathen", "Strangers", Aliens", "Gentiles"...We see how TMH divorced the House of Ephraim/Israel and commanded the House of Judah to have no dealings with the House Israel...

Hos 1:9 Then said God, Call his name Loammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God.

Hos 4:16 For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place.

Hos 4:17 Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.

This is Peter speaking to Cornelius…

Act 10:28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

The Samaritan woman at the well speaking to Christ…

Jhn 4:9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

Jhn 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Jhn 4:12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?

The Samaritan woman and Cornelius were members of the lost sheep of the House of Israel/Ephraim. Most of the House of Israel were breakers of the law which made them "uncircumcised". now we understand that the "uncircumcision" is a reference Primarily to the "house of Israel". let's go back to Galatians 2 and pick it up at verse 9...

Gal 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Paul is making the same distinction he made in (verse 7 & 8), Peter was going to preach the gospel to the circumcision "the house of Judah" and Paul was going to preach the gospel to the uncircumcision "The House of Israel", but because he used the word "heathen" in (verse 9), people get confused & automatically assume he's talking about the other nations. No, Paul understood prophecy, there's a reason he used the word "heathen" when referring to the house of Israel. let's get Ezekiel 20:31...

Eze 20:31 For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.

Eze 20:32 And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.

The house of Israel said they would be as the "heathen" and serve idols made of wood and stone. they became heathen because they separated themselves from TMH. This is why Paul said he was going to preach the gospel to the heathen. He wasn't talking about the other nations, he was talking about the house of Israel, "the uncircumcision". I need to make this point, just to be clear; any Israelite whether they be from the House of Judah or the House of Israel that lives in sin is "uncircumcised" but, the designated group in the Bible called the "uncircumcision" is usually reserved for the House of Israel.The bible will be much clearer when we understand that the whole purpose of Christ' death, resurrection, and return was for the whole nation of Israel, both houses "the House of Judah" and "the House of Israel" them alone. Christ will return to connect the two Houses back together making them ONE nation. Let's see the prophecy...Ezekiel 37:16

Eze 37:16 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions (House of Judah): then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions (House of Israel):

Eze 37:17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.

Eze 37:21 And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:

This is talking about all of Israel, that's why it says "I will take the Children of Israel" meaning all of them (us) from among the heathen. Remember earlier, we discussed our nation was split into two separate nations after King Solomon died; watch this (verse 22)

Eze 37:22 And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all:

This is the purpose of Christ' death, resurrection and return; all for the nation of Israel united under One King that is Christ. Redeeming us from our sins and reconciling us back together as one nation unto TMH God. Paul explains this to the lost Israelites in Ephesus. Let's go to (Ephesians 2:11-19)

Eph 2:11  Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision (House of Judah) in the flesh made by hands;

Eph 2:12 That at that time ye (House of Israel) were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye (House of Israel) who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Eph 2:14 For he is our (Both Houses Judah & Israel) peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us (House of Judah & Israel);

Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity (Hatred), even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Eph 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Eph 2:17 And came and preached peace to you (House of Israel) which were afar off, and to them that were nigh (House of Judah).

Eph 2:18 For through him (Christ) we (House of Judah & House of Israel) both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye (House of Israel) are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

The Prophet Hosea prophesied the reconciliation of the two Houses of the Nation of Israel coming back together under Christ in the last days...

Hos 1:10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.

Hos 1:11 Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head (Christ), and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel.

Ezekiel prophesied the reconciliation of the two Houses coming together as one Family also...

Eze 37:21 And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:

Eze 37:22 And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king (Christ) shall be king to them all (House of Judah & House of Israel): and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all:

Eze 37:23 Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they (The Israelites) be my people, and I will be their (The Israelites) God.

Let's go to (Gal 3:13) where Paul explains the importance of Christ's death and his love for the children of Israel...

Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Who is the "us"? Who was under the curse of the law? let's see (Daniel 9:11)

Dan 9:11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse (Deut 28:15-68) is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we (Israel) have sinned against him.

It was Israel that was under the curse of the law, not the other nations. let's go back (Gal 3:13)

Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us (The Israelites) from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Gal 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles (Lost Israelites of the House of Israel) through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Okay, it says "That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles" now let's think for a second; Israel was in sin, So Christ came to earth to redeem Israel from the curse of the law, so that the blessing of Abraham could come upon the other nations? Does that really make sense? No, but what would make sense is this: Christ came to redeem the entire nation of Israel from under the curse of the law so that the blessing of Abraham would not only come upon the House of Judah, but also upon the House of Israel who were breakers of the law called the "uncircumcised", that makes more sense. These gentiles in (verse 14) are Israelites who fell away from TMH God. This prophecy is still coming to past even as you read and study this lesson on your digital device. everyday, more and more of us are waking up all around the world, to our Heritage, our identity and the true understanding of the Bible and TMH's laws, statutes and commandments. Our generation is a perfect example of this verse. Even though we were born Israelites, there was a time when we were gentiles. We didn't know our heritage and biblical identity, that's why (1 Cor 12:2) says this...

1Co 12:2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

Let me explain, we were gentiles in the past because we were in idolatry. some of us was into Christianity serving a False Christ, some of us was caught up in Islam, some of us was into the Black Power movement, some of us was into Egyptology, and everything else that's out there. but now, we know who we are. we follow TMH through Christ. that's the blessing of Abraham coming upon the gentiles, we know now that the promises of the bible belong to us. that's why the rest of Galatians 3:14 says, "that we (the Israelites) might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." What faith? faith in Christ. 

Gal 3:23 But before faith (Christ) came, we (The Israelites) were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. (Dan 9:11)

Dan 9:11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we (Israel) have sinned against him.

Paul is still talking to Israel...

Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our (Israel) schoolmaster to bring us (Israelites) unto Christ, that we (Israel) might be justified by faith.

I have to do the inserts because people often act like Paul was changing the subject in between verses. No, he's talking to the same people the whole time, the Israelites. That's why he keeps using words like our, us, and we. see, this is what i'm trying to get you to see, we can't just fly through the verses we we read them, we have to slow down and pay close attention to the words being used. (verse 25) He's still speaking to Israel...

Gal 3:25 But after that faith (Christ) is come, we (Israel) are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Mind you; Paul is still talking to the same people...

Gal 3:26 For ye (Israel) are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

See how important it is to establish who the audience is? because if someone just isolated (verse 26) by itself and reads it, " For ye are AAAALLLL the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." Yeah, that way it seems like he's talking about everybody in the world. But, when you read through the various precepts and break them down, you'll see that the "All" is talking about "All of Israel". so, let's move on (verse 27) Paul is still talking to the children of Israel, it says...

Gal 3:27 For as many of you (Israel) as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Now, it's time for (verse 28) one of the most misunderstood verses in the Bible, here we go...

Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Okay, so the beginning of the verse says, "There is neither Jew nor Greek" now the word Greek in this verse, have a lot of people confused; we went through Galatians chapters 1, 2 and now we're at the end of Galatians chapter 3 and the whole time Paul has been comparing the "house of Judah" to the "house of Israel"; The "circumcision" versus the "uncircumcision". But now, all of a sudden--out of nowhere, Paul is just gonna throw the actual Greeks into the mix? that would be totally out of context and it would have no connection to anything he said before this verse. Paul is talking about ISRAELITES; yes, he called them Greeks, why did he call them Greeks? In order to understand certain things in the Bible, you have to know the history of what was happening at that time. now, when we go to the last verse of the book of Malachi, at the very end of the old testament, at that point in history, Israel was in captivity under the Persians and the Medes. when we flip one page over, now we're at the start of the new testament in the book of Matthew and Israel is in captivity under the Romans. In one page, Israel went from being in captivity under the Persians and the Medes to being in captivity under the Romans. 

But wait, here is something that most of us don't know, when Israel came out of the Persian-Medes captivity, they went into captivity under the Greeks--before they went into captivity under the Romans; that didn't happen in one page. The history of the Greek captivity of the Israelites is found in the "Apocrypha". Now, don't let any body tell you that the "apocrypha" is a false book; because the "Apocrypha" was part of the Bible until the 1800s. if you look at a king James 1611 edition Bible, you will see all the books of the "apocrypha" in it. So, if you are an Israelite, and you don't own an "Apocrypha" you need to get one. It will definitely clear up a lot of the confusion that you may have about the gentiles, Heathens, strangers, aliens, and the other nations as it pertains to Israel. For example (Galatians 3:28) it says, "There is neither Jew nor Greek" and it says, "for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." Okay, let's see what Paul was really talking about; this is the "Apocrypha"

We're going to look at a couple of verses, just to get some understanding of why Paul said what he said. Now remember, at the end of Malachi, the Israelites were in captivity under the Persians and the Medes. this is (1 Maccabees 1:1) in the "Apocrypha" it says:

 1 Macc 1:1 And it happened, after that Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came out of the land of Chettiim, had smitten Darius king of the Persians and Medes, that he reigned in his stead, the first over Greece,

So, this is talking about Alexander, a.k.a. "Alexander the Great" He and the Greek army defeated the Persians and the Medes; making Alexander the first king over Greece. Let's go down to (verse 4)

1 Macc 1:4 And he gathered a mighty strong host and ruled over countries, and nations, and kings, who became tributaries unto him.

When Alexander came into power with the Greeks, the other nations became tributaries (taxpayers) unto him, including the Israelites. The prophet Daniel saw this whole event in a prophetic vision; in the vision TMH showed it to Daniel using a goat and a ram. Here it is; (Daniel 8:20)

Dan 8:20 The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.

That's the Persian-Medes Empire; watch this... (verse 21)

Dan 8:21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia (The Greek Empire): and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king (Alexander the Great).

Now you can read the whole chapter 8 on your own time, I just wanted you to see that it all lines up. let's go back to the "Apocrypha" and pick it up at (1 Maccabees 1:7)

1 Macc 1:7 So Alexander reigned twelves years, and then died.

So, Alexander died, but then another Greek ruler rose up, look at this...(verse 10)

1 macc 1:10 And there came out of them a wicked root Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king, who had been an hostage at Rome, and he reigned in the hundred and thirty and seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.

Now watch this... (verse 11)

1 Macc 1: 11 In those days went there out of Israel wicked men, who persuaded many, saying, Let us go and make a covenant with the heathen that are round about us: for since we departed from them we have had much sorrow.

So, during the Greek captivity, we had wicked Israelites who persuaded other Israelites to make a covenant with the Greeks. (verse 12)

1 Macc 1: 12 So this device pleased them well.

1 Macc 1: 13 Then certain of the people were so forward herein, that they went to the king, who gave them licence to do after the ordinances of the heathen:

So, these wicked Israelites were so deep into the Greek lifestyle, that they went to the king and he gave them permission to live by the laws of the Greeks. These wicked Israelites became "Hellenized" let's look up the word "Hellenize" to see what the king did to these wicked Israelites...

These wicked Israelites became Greeks in character, meaning what? look at #2, these Israelites were "hellenized" the adopted the Greek lifestyle,they thought like the Greeks and they took on the customs of the Greeks. (verse 14)

1 Macc 1: 14 Whereupon they built a place of exercise (Gym) at Jerusalem according to the customs of the heathen:

So, we had hellenized Israelites at Jerusalem practicing the customs of the Greeks, but there's more... (verse 15)

1 Macc 1:15 And made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy covenant, and joined themselves to the heathen, and were sold to do mischief.

Like we learned earlier in this lesson, any Israelite who turns away from the law, He becomes "uncircumcised". It says, "and joined themselves to the heathen" meaning they totally adopted the Greek lifestyle. now, let's go to (verse 41)

1 Macc 1:41 Moreover king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one people,

Antiochus didn't just do this in Jerusalem where the Jews were, He sent out a decree to his his whole kingdom. This whole area was his kingdom. There were scattered Israelites all throughout this land. He sent out a decree to all the people in his kingdom saying that they had to be ONE people; meaning, there was no more...you're this...i'm that...he's this...she's that. No, everybody had to be the same people, (verse 42)

1 Macc 1:42 And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen agreed according to the commandment of the king.

1 Macc 1:43 Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath.

So, many of these wicked Israelites agreed with Antiochus, that they should all just be one people (The Human Race). so what was happening? we had Jews walking around saying that they weren't Jews anymore, they were calling themselves Greeks. Not only them, the other Israelite tribes scattered about in Antiochus' kingdom was doing the same thing. I hope ya'll have the spiritual eyes to see this clearly; the Israelites were calling themselves Greeks. Now At the time, there were some righteous Israelites that didn't agree with Antiochus' decree, let's see what happened to them: (2 Macc 6:6)

2 Macc 6: 6 Neither was it lawful for a man to keep sabbath days or ancient fasts, or to profess himself at all to be a Jew.

Back then, they couldn't even say they were a jew; thy had to call themselves  Greeks. now,what would happen if they were caught calling themselves Jews? (verse 9)

2 Macc 6: 9 And whoso would not conform themselves to the manners of the Gentiles should be put to death. Then might a man have seen the present misery.

If you called yourself a Jew back then, you were put to death! So, the Israelites were calling themselves Greeks and they were living as Greeks. Now Israel was in captivity under the Greeks for more than 100 years. We had Israelite children being  born, growing up and calling themselves Greek. Then those children married, had kids and they grew up calling themselves Greeks and cycle just continued.

When the Greek captivity was finally over, and the Romans came into power, those hellenized Israelites were still calling themselves Greeks. this is historical information that can be easily verified in multiple books and on the internet. Even Wikipedia have a section about it. It's under inter-testamental period, which means the time between the old and new testament. 

Even though the Romans conquered the Greeks, Greek culture was still being practiced. Hence, we get "Greco-Roman" culture; this was during the time of Paul. We had Israelites calling themselves and living as Greeks. now it should be crystal clear to those who have the spiritual eyes to see this revelation. that's why Paul said in (Galatians 3:28):

Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Why would Paul say this? because he understood back then these people who were calling themselves Greeks were actually Israelites. There was no difference between them and the Israelites who called themselves Jews. They were all one in Christ. Because Christ came to die for all Israel, all the tribes. So, Galatians 3:28 is talking about faith in Christ for the Israelites. In other words, there is no separate faith if you're an Israelite calling yourself a Jew, and a different faith if you're an Israelite calling yourself a Greek. There's no separate faith if you're a bond Israelite, and a different faith if you're a free Israelite. There's no separate faith if you're a male Israelite, and a different faith if you're a female Israelite. There's only one faith for Israel and that faith is in Christ. That's what the verse is talking about, all of Israel is one in Christ. Finally, we made it back to (Galatians 3:29), so let's read it now and get the proper understanding. 

Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Many people grab this one verse out of the whole chapter and make a doctrine out of it; "ANYBODY that believes in Christ is Abraham's seed." Nah, the first point is this: Before we got to this verse, we went verse by verse, showing that Paul was speaking to Israelites the whole time, he kept saying OUR, US, and WE. All referring to Israel, so when we get to (verse 29) and Paul says, "And if ye..." who's the ye? It's ISRAEL the same people he's been talking to the whole time. So what is Paul saying? "And if ye (Israel) be Christ's," meaning if you're an Israelite who has faith in Christ, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. This is talking about Israelites. See, this was the problem, you had Israelites who denied Christ because they were depending on the fact that they were of the seed of Abraham; but Paul was explaining to them that wasn't enough for TMH god. You must have faith in Christ. John the Baptist explained the same thing to the Pharisees, look at this, this is john speaking (Matt 3:9)

Mat 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.    0050/47:54

The Pharisees boasted about being the seed of Abraham, they thought they were the saved elect. John warned them, "think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father..." john let them know that being the actual seed of Abraham is not enough. Listen, if you were born an Israelite, thank The Most High, but that's not enough, you must have the faith in Christ. 

Rom 9:7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Many nations can trace their lineage back to Abraham, but let's see how the Bible differentiates... we see here that one of Isaac's children will be the seed to carry on the holy line, Isaac only had two sons; Jacob and Esau. Which one of these kids was the chosen seed? 

Rom 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

Now let's get some understanding, Jacob and Esau came from Isaac's flesh, obviously the chosen child is going to be flesh, but the point he made is that the flesh wasn't enough. So, what separates Jacob and Esau? This verse says, "but the children of the promise are counted for the seed." it's the promise that separates Jacob and Esau, Jacob was part of the promised seed line. We know that because he was the father of the children of Israel and the bible makes it very clear that all the promises in the bible belongs to Israel. Let's go to (verse 3)

Rom 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

Rom 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

According to (Romans 9:4) all the promises pertain or Belong to the Israelites. so, let's not act like you don't have to be an Israelite. The Bible plainly states that all the promises belong to the Israelites; and it's not talking about some "spiritual" Israelites either, because Paul said my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh. Listen, we have to deal with harsh reality of this bible, we can't be the kind of folks that only believe what we like or what makes us feel good, we have to accept these scriptures in its entirety. Abraham had two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, Ishmael didn't get the blessing, Isaac did. Isaac had two sons, Esau and Jacob, Esau didn't get the blessing, Jacob did. So, this shows us there is a chosen seed line that TMH has established. When Isaac was born to Abraham, TMH said Isaac was Abraham's only son; even though Ishmael was born first. When Jacob and Esau was born to Isaac, TMH said he loved Jacob, but he hated Esau. So, let's not play games; there is a chosen seed line: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and then the children of Israel. 

Christ, The ultimate seed, he came through the tribe of Judah. (Hebrews 7:14) 

Heb 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

Christ came out of the tribe of Judah, I want to show you something else: let's go to the promise the Most High gave to Abraham, 

Gen 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

Gen 12:2 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:

Gen 12:3 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.

The popular interpretation of this verse is that through Abraham's seed all the nations in the world will be blessed with salvation, that's what people say. but, that's not what this verse is saying. look at this, the bottom of the verse says, "in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." What is this talking about? This is talking about the Israelites. When it says, "in thee..." it's talking about the seed that was in Abraham; meaning Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve tribes of Israel. all twelves tribes were in Abraham at that time. I know that may sound 'way out there' to some, but it's true. let the bible prove it, (Hebrews 7:9)

Heb 7:9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.

Heb 7:10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.

So, this is telling us that when Abraham met Melchizedek he had the seed of Levi in him at that time. so, when we read (Gen 12:3) the words "in thee" shall all the families of the earth be blessed, its the different families of Israel that would be blessed. i know some of ya'll might be saying, "yeah, but it says all the families of the earth...that's not talking about Israelites." but it is; watch this, Paul and Peter quoted the same verse. let's go to Paul's quote first.

Gal 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Now, just because you read the word "heathen" don't get simple, earlier in this lesson we established that they were the lost Israelites living the customs and practices of the other nations and why Paul used that word. 

Gal 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen (lost Israelites) through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Now notice, Paul is quoting Genesis 12 but he didn't use the word "families". He said, "In thee shall all nations be blessed." see, Paul understood what Genesis 12 was saying, but why did he say that all NATIONS would be blessed? We read it earlier, (Deut 4:27)...

Deu 4:27 And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.

What happened to Israel when they were scattered into all the Nations? well, they built houses, they had families, and they lived their lives in those nations. 

Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Act 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

So, here we see Jews in Jerusalem during Pentecost that came from every nation around the world. that's why TMH said "in thee shall all the nations be blessed." it's not talking about the actual other nations "the real heathen" it's talking about Israelites who took on the names of the other nations. for example, someone from another country may see you as and call you an American, but truth be told you're a Hebrew Israelite living in America with an American citizenship. right now we will find Israelites living in ALL nations. that's what that verse is talking about. Mind you, Peter quoted (Genesis 12) also, let's get it... let's see what he said about that verse:

Act 3:13 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.

Act 3:25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

Here we have Peter telling these Israelites, "You're the children, you're the seed of Abraham that the Most High spoke about in Genesis." let's put all three verses together so you can see that it's saying the same thing.

Gen 12:3 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.

Act 3:25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

Gal 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen (lost Israelites) through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

See that? It's the same quote, Peter understood that these Israelites were the seed of Abraham and that they were families or the kindreds of the earth talked about in (Genesis 12). Now we read Acts 3:25, but somebody might read (verse 26) and get confused. So, let's read that verse before I end this lesson... 

Act 3:26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Somebody might read this verse and say, "See, Peter taught the Israelites first and then he went to the other nations." Even after all the scriptures we went through in this lesson, some of Israel will try to find a way to include everybody. Just like those wicked Israelites did in the Greek Captivity, they said, "let's just all be one people." it's amazing, but anyway, why does (verse 26) say, "Unto you first"? Does that mean to Israelites first and then the other nations? Nah, remember, Peter is saying this to the Jews in Jerusalem. Christ told the Disciples to start teaching in Jerusalem first. let me show you...

Luk 24:46 And said unto them (this is Christ speaking), Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

Luk 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

"Among all nations" why? remember, Israelites were scattered in all nations, but where did the teaching have to start first? it says, "beginning at Jerusalem." See, because the House of Judah was in Jerusalem; the Jews. Remember (Romans 3)

Rom 3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?

Rom 3:2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

The law, the word, of the Most High that's the order. The Jews in Jerusalem got the word first, when Christ Rose. That's why in (Acts 3:26 & Zechariah 12:7)

Act 3:26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Zec 12:7 The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah.

Peter was in Jerusalem, so the teachings started there, but eventually it went out of Jerusalem into all nations where the Lost Israelites were scattered. They were scattered into all nations under heaven. so, when we look at (Gal 3:29), 

Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

According to Peter that's talking about the Israelites. If anybody knew what this verse was saying it would be Peter He walked with Christ and was taught by Christ, so He would know. So, Abraham's seed is not talking about the other nations that believe in Christ, it's talking about Israelites that believe in Christ, that's what Peter said and he was there with Christ, so I'm going to follow him. That's it, I hope somebody got some understanding and with that I say...