THE RIGHTFUL HEIR And The Error Of Zionism: Volume 1

By James F. Mancari

In this present age, the media is dominated by numerous evangelists who interpret bible prophecy through newspaper headlines. Their main theme or topic is typically twofold:
1) The nation of Israel’s biblical right to settle in the land they now occupy
2) What we are seeing in the Middle East is in fact the fulfillment of biblical prophecy

But is this really the case? Or is there another explanation? To answer these and other questions, we must rely on the truth as revealed in scripture alone (I Corinthians 2:12-16, Daniel 2:20-23) and not subjective comparisons drawn between newspaper headlines, and Old Testament prophecy. Hence, the purpose of this treatise is to examine through the lens of scripture, some of those alternative views.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Nov 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798385003099

James F. Mancari

The author is a bible believing Christian who has been reading and studying the scriptures for over 40 years and is classified as a Reformed Presbyterian in doctrine. He holds the B.S. Degree in Organizational Management from Wilmington University and the Associate Degree in Electronics/Electrical Engineering from Delaware Technical & Community College. He is a member of the American Society for Quality (ASQ) for over 20 years and holds certifications as a: CQA, CQE, CRE, CPGP, CSQP, Retired. He has traveled all over the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and China performing Quality Audits during His 25+ years as a quality professional. He is currently retired and resides in Smyrna, Delaware with His wife Ling and their four children: Hannah, Elisabeth, Rachel, and Stephen. Lastly, he has spent time on and off over the years ministering to the inmates at the state prison in Smyrna, Delaware.

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THE

RIGHTFUL

HEIR

And The

ERROR

OF

ZIONISM

VOLUME 1

JAMES F. MANCARI

Copyright © 2023 James F. Mancari.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version.

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0307-5 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0308-2 (hc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-0309-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023914185

WestBow Press rev. date: 01/30/2024

"And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away."

I Kings 19:14

"Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which

have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth

which hath not kissed him."

I Kings 19:18

This book is dedicated to the seven thousand left in Israel who have not yet Bowed their knees to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him

CONTENTS

Prologue

Chapter 1 The Word of God

Chapter 2 The Hidden Wisdom of God

Chapter 3 Unconditional Election

Chapter 4 The New and Old Testaments

Chapter 5 The Abrahamic Covenant

Chapter 6 II Thessalonians 2:1-12

Chapter 7 The Temple of God

Chapter 8 The Rightful Heir

Chapter 9 The Parable of the Fig Tree

Chapter 10 That Spirit of Antichrist

Chapter 11 The Error of Zionism

Chapter 12 Can These Bones Live?

Epilogue

PROLOGUE

This author recognizes the 66 books found in the King James Version (KJV) of the bible to be the most accurate and reliable English translation of the word of God. Moreover, many historians site the KJV as being the most influential book in all of human history. Lastly, it is the number one selling version of the bible, and is quoted exclusively throughout this treatise.

https://whytoread.com/most-influential-books/

Note, the NIV is a paraphrase, and not a direct word for word translation. Hence, for this reason, it cannot and should not be compared with the KJV for accuracy or reliability.

The word paraphrase means: a rewording of something written or spoken by someone else.

https://www.google.com/search?q=paraphrase+definition&rlz=1C1CHBH_

enUS740US740&oq=paraphrase+&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j0l5.16081j0j7&

sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

This book focuses on the covenant of promise, established by God through Abraham and his seed after him, who is Christ. Hence, declaring Jesus as being The Rightful Heir of Abraham (Galatians 3:16-18 below).

GALATIANS 3:16-18

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. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

PSALM 25:14

The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

In their quest for wealth and power, many false teachers of today, distort the clear teaching of this doctrine by wrongfully ascribing to the nation of Israel, an inheritance that does not belong to them. Israel (of the flesh) is a nation who has forgotten their God (Hosea 8:14, Psalm 9:16-17, Revelation 2:8-9 below); therefore, the apostle Paul instructs Timothy (and so the Church) to exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine; for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine but shall be turned to fables (II Timothy 4:1-4 below). Hence, deception is seen at every turn today and is part of the falling away or apostasy predicted by the apostle Paul in (II Thessalonians 2:3 below).

HOSEA 8:14

For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.

PSALM 9:16-17

The LORD is known by the judgment which he executes: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

REVELATION 2:8-9

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

II TIMOTHY 4:1-4

I charge you therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

The word fables found above in II Timothy 4:1-4, is translated from the Greek word muthos meaning:

(1) a fiction, a fable

(2) an invention, a falsehood

II THESSALONIANS 2:3-4

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

In this present age, the media is dominated by numerous evangelists who interpret bible prophecy through newspaper headlines. Their main theme or topic is typically twofold:

1.The nation of Israel’s biblical right to settle in the land they now occupy

2.What we are seeing in the middle east is in fact the fulfillment of biblical prophecy

But is this really the case? Or is there another explanation? To answer these and other questions, we must rely on the truth as revealed in scripture alone (I Corinthians 2:12-16 and Daniel 2:20-23 below) and not subjective comparisons drawn between newspaper headlines, and Old Testament prophecy. Hence, the purpose of this book is to examine through the lens of scripture, some of those alternative views.

I CORINTHIANS 2:12-16

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

DANIEL 2:20-23

Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.

It should be noted that this author does not endorse or encourage: violence, hatred, or ill will towards any individual or groups of individuals, regardless of their religious affiliation. The goal of this author is to document in writing; his interpretation of scripture based on the King James Version (KJV) of the bible; as it pertains to the subject matter discussed herein. Moreover, this book does not formally represent the opinions and beliefs of any religious or political group; all similarities to any such group is strictly coincidental, except where specifically stated.

Lastly, every Christian has a moral responsibility and duty, according to the ability given them by God, to speak the truth in love; even if it is not popular or politically correct. This principle is plainly stated in (Matthew 5:13-16; II Timothy 2:10-13; Matthew 10:26-33; Ezekiel 33:1-9; and Ephesians 4:1-16 below)

MATTHEW 5:13-16

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

II TIMOTHY 2:10-13

Therefore, I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

The word elect found above in II Timothy 2:10 is translated from the Greek word eklektos which means:

(1) picked out, chosen

(2) chosen by God,

(3) to obtain salvation through Christ

(4) Christians are called chosen or elect of God

MATTHEW 10:26-33

Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

THE WATCHMAN’S DUTY

EZEKIEL 33:1-9

Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.

EZEKIEL 33:1-9

But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand. So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

MARK 13:32-37

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

The word watch located in Mark 13:37 above is translated from the Greek word gregoreuo which means:

(1) to watch

(2) metaph. give strict attention to, be cautious, active

(3)to take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly over take one

EPHESIANS 4:1-10

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ, Wherefore he saith When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

EPHESIANS 4:11-16

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

—

But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come,

ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things

I said not unto you at the beginning,

because I was with you.

John 16:4

And now I have told you before it come

to pass, that, when it is come

to pass, ye might believe.

John 14:29

But take ye heed: behold, I have

Foretold you all things.

Mark 13:23

CHAPTER 1

The Word of God

And when they had prayed, the place was

shaken where they were assembled

together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake

the word of God with boldness.

Acts 4:31

Based on what is stated above, it is fitting to begin by identifying some of the inherent characteristics of the Word of God. These elements are critical to the correct interpretation of scripture, and will be seen throughout this treatise. Moreover, all doctrine must be built squarely upon scripture for it to be considered sound. Hence, it behooves one to seriously consider and recognize the authority of the word of God and what it declares concerning itself.

Note, all of the characteristics mentioned here apply directly to Jesus Christ who is identified as The Word of God. Thus, it is also efficacious, in that it possesses the ability to produce the desired effect in whom it is sent.

THE WORD OF GOD IS GOD

MATTHEW 11:28-30

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

JOHN 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

REVELATION 19:11-13

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

JOHN 1:14-18

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

I JOHN 1:1

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

THE WORD OF GOD STANDS FOREVER

ISAIAH 40:6-8

The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

HEBREWS 13:8

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

THE WORD OF GOD IS BOTH SPIRIT AND LIFE

JOHN 6:63

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

The word quickeneth used in John 6:63 above is translated from the Greek word zoopoieo which means:

(1) to produce alive, begat or bear living young;

(2) to cause to live, make alive, give life;

(2.a) by spiritual power to arouse and invigorate;

(2.b) to restore to life;

(2.c) to give increase of life, thus of physical life;

(2.d) of the spirit, quickening as respects the spirit, endued with new and greater powers of life;

(3)metaphorically, of seeds quickened into life, i.e. germinating, springing up, growing

MAN SHALL LIVE BY EVERY WORD OF GOD

MATHEW 4:3&4

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

FAITH AND HEARING COME BY THE WORD OF GOD

ROMANS 10:17

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

THOSE WHO HEAR GOD’S WORD ARE OF GOD

JOHN 8:47

He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

The words heareth and hear located above in John 8:47 are translated from the Greek word akouo which means:

(1) to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf

(2) to hear

(2.b) to attend to, consider what is or has been said

(2.c) to understand, perceive the sense of what is said

THE WORDS OF GOD ARE PURE WORDS

PSALM 12:6

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

THE WORD OF GOD IS CLEANSING WATER

EPHESIANS 5:25-27

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

THE WORD OF GOD IS SANCTIFYING TRUTH

JOHN 17:17

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

THE WORD OF GOD IS LIKE A FIRE AND HAMMER

JEREMIAH 23:29

Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

THE WORD OF GOD IS QUICK AND POWERFUL

HEBREWS 4:12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The word quick found above in Hebrews 4:12 is translated from the Greek zao which means:

(1)to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead)

(2) to enjoy real life

(2.a) to have true life and worthy of the name

(2.b) active, blessed, endless in the kingdom of God

(2 c) as adj. active, powerful, efficacious

The word powerful found above in Hebrews 4:12 is translated from the Greek energes which means:

(1) active

THE WORD OF GOD IS A LAMP AND LIGHT

PSALM 119:105

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

THE WORD OF GOD IS A SOLID FOUNDATION

MATTHEW 7:24-27

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

The word sayings stated above in Mathew 7:24-27 is translated from the Greek word logos meaning:

(1) of speech;

(2)a word, uttered by a living voice, embodies a conception or idea;

(3) what someone has said;

(4) a word;

(5) the sayings of God

THE WORD OF GOD PRODUCES SALVATION

Salvation is something that is not subject to change or repentance. James calls it: "a perfect gift; descending from above from God the Father; who through the power of His own will; begot us; through Jesus Christ His Son; with the word of truth (James 1:16-18; Malachi 3:6; Romans 11:29; I Corinthians 1:18; and II Timothy 3:14-17below).

JAMES 1:16-18

Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

The word perfect found above in James 1:16-18 is translated from the Greek word "teleios" which means:

(1) brought to its end, finished

(2) wanting nothing necessary to completeness

(3) perfect

(4) that which is perfect

The word gift found above in James 1:16-18 is translated from the Greek word dosis which means:

(1) a giving

(2) a gift

The word variableness found above in James 1:16-18 is translated from the Greek word parallage which means:

(1) variation, change

MALACHI 3:6

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

ROMANS 11:29

For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

I CORINTHIANS 1:18

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

II TIMOTHY 3:14-17

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

John the Baptist confirms and validates Jesus’s authority, doctrine, and personal claims (John 3:30-36 below).

JOHN 3:30-36

He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

God the Father also confirms and validates Jesus’s authority, doctrine, and personal claims three times in (Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7, and Luke 9:35 below).

MATTHEW 17:5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

MARK 9:7

And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

LUKE 9:35

And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

According to the previous scriptures stated above; we perceive that hearing and believing in God, are synonymous with being of God.

1.HEARING

2.FAITH

3.BEING OF GOD

On the surface, this may seem insignificant; however, it is actually quite profound, because all three elements are mutually dependent, and as such, they must be executed concurrently in order for any one of them to be efficacious. This is accomplished through the quickening characteristic of God’s word which is spirit and life (John 6:63 above). Additionally, along with these three elements, there is a sincere desire and hunger to study the word of God (I Peter 2:2-3 below). Hence, in this way the ability to discern between error and sound doctrine is achieved. Moreover, discernment is how the sheep (God’s people) distinguish between the Shepherd’s voice and the voice of strangers (II Timothy 2:15, and John 10:1-5 below).

I PETER 2:2&3

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

II TIMOTHY 2:15

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

JOHN 10:1-5

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

PARABLE OF THE SOWER

In the parable of the sower (Mathew 13:1-9 below) Jesus declares the most important passage in all of scripture concerning the word of God.

MATTHEW 13:1-9

The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Later, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, why He was speaking to the people in parables? (Matthew 13:10-17 below). Jesus responds by saying that it is given to them (the disciples) to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to others it is not, in seeing they see not, and in hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

MATTHEW 13:10-17

And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore, speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

The word mystery found above in Matthew 13:10-17 is translated from the Greek word musterion which means:

(1) hidden thing, secret, mystery;

(1.a) generally mysteries, religious secrets, confided only to the initiated and not to ordinary mortals;

The word parables found above in Matthew 13:10-17 is translated from the Greek word parabole which means:

(1)a placing of one thing by the side of another, juxtaposition, as of ships in battle;

(2)a comparing, comparison of one thing with another, likeness, similitude;

(3)an example by which a doctrine or precept is illustrated;

Note, it should be emphasized here that when expounding upon this parable in (Matthew 13:10-17 above), Jesus is actually fulfilling the prophecy recorded in (Isaiah 6:8-13 below).

ISAIAH 6:8-13

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the LORD have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.

Moreover, Jesus adds elsewhere in (Mark 4:13 below) that understanding this parable is key to understanding all parables found in scripture, including those of Old Testament prophecy.

MARK 4:13

And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?

Jesus proceeds to interpret the parable of the sower for the disciples in (Matthew 13:18-23 below).

MATTHEW 13:18-23

Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

As previously stated in (Matthew 13:10-17 above) and in (Luke 8:10 below) the mystery of the kingdom of God is obtained through the understanding of God’s word, particularly through the interpretation of parables. Moreover, Jesus makes it very clear that the understanding of God’s word is something that comes from God only, and this knowledge is not universally given to all men.

LUKE 8:10

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

The apostle Paul also confirms this principle in (I Corinthians 2:9 below).

I CORINTHIANS 2:9

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

It should be emphasized here, that we love God because He first loved us, and not the other way around, and that God does not love all men equally (I John 4:19, Romans 9:13, Isaiah 43:4, Proverbs 21:18, and Romans 9:14-16 below).

I JOHN 4:19

We love him, because he first loved us.

ROMANS 9:13-16

As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

ISAIAH 43:4

Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore, will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

PROVERBS 21:18

The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

ROMANS 9:14-16

What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Note, more will be said concerning this subject in the chapter Unconditional Election.

The parable of the sower, previously stated above in (Matthew