1.) 1 Corinthians 6 states that God has purchased our bodies and will redeem them at the "rapture" (as commonly known). He states that our bodies are the members of Christ in verse 15 "Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid."
He then says that we are joined unto the Lord and one body. At least, that is how I take verses 16 and 17 "What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit."
I do not really see how the Corinthians could be "members of Christ" and "one Spirit" and not be in the body of Christ.
2.) Paul told the Corinthians "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread."
Paul stated there why they took the Lord's Supper, because they were one body and because they had all partaken of Christ's death. That reveals that people were being put in one body by Christ's death and the term "partakers" is referring to them partaking of Christ's death by believing the gospel and the Holy Spirit had baptized them into that death.
If you look at verses 18 and 20 you can see how Paul contrasts what "Israel" is doing and what the "Gentiles" are doing as separate from what the "body" is doing.
The Corinthians are "members of Christ" and "joined unto the Lord" and are "one body", WHY? Because they partook of Christ's death (spiritually).
3.)
Ephesians 3:
I was right. Paul tells the Corinthians that as the human body is one body with many members and each member has its own purpose, "so also is Christ". The body of Christ is one body, has many members with different functions, but all of them work together and function as one body. They got into this body by the baptism by the Spirit.
[15] If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
[16] And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
[17] If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
[18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
[19] And if they were all one member, where were the body?
[20] But now are they many members, yet but one body.
[21] And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
[22] Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
[23] And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
[24] For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
[25] That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
[26] And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
[27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
[28] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
[29] Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
[30] Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
[31] But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Like I said, "Paul is telling the Corinthians that they all have different gifts with different functionality, but all the believers are the body of Christ and they all need to function as one body. That all believers have different jobs, but all are members of Christ in the body of Christ."
[2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward:
[3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
[4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
[5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
[6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
[7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
[3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
[4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
[5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
[6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
[7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
There we see that the Gentiles were able to be put in the "same body" as Jews "by the gospel". Therefore believing the gospel puts someone in the body of Christ. Also notice verse 7 where Paul said he was made the minister of this gospel that puts people in the body.
Here is Paul's gospel and what we know about it. If we know when his gospel started then we know when people were put in the body of Christ.
A). This is what the gospel is.
1 Cor. 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
1 Cor. 15:
[1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
[2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
[3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
[4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
[2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
[3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
[4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Rom. 4:
[5] But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
[22] And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. (faith)
[23] Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
[24] But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
[25] Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
[23] Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
[24] But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
[25] Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Eph. 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
B.) It does not include water baptism.
1 Cor. 1:
[17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
[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.
[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.
Eph. 2:
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
C.) Next, the gospel Paul preached was a new revelation, that just by believing on and trusting Christ and His finished work you could be saved (as seen in #1).
Gal. 1:
[11] But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
[12] For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
[12] For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
D.) Finally, if we believe that gospel which is the preaching of the cross, then we are "partakers" of that "one bread" which puts us into the "one body".
Eph. 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Eph. 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
(the preaching of the cross)
1 Corinthians 10:
[16] The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
[17] For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
[17] For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
That gospel was given to Paul in Acts 9 and we first see Paul preaching that gospel in Acts 13. So Paul was the first man in the body of Christ at Acts 9.
The gospel in the book of Romans is what puts us in the body (Eph. 3:6) and that is why Paul said "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:" -Rom. 16:25-26
The book of Romans is the foundational book in establishing the gospel of the grace of God. Paul's gospel was a new revelation given to him (Gal. 1:11-12), it put people in the body of Christ (Eph. 3:6, 1 Cor. 10:17), and he made it manifest by the scriptures of the prophets in Acts 13. Our gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, that is in the OT and Paul was wise to use it to prove that Jesus was the God and King written about in the scriptures and that he did die and rise again (according to the scriptures).
4.) Paul talks about the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12. Now I know that this is the oldest and most classic passage for non 28ers to go to, but it is what it is.
The most basic interpretation of the passage is this: Paul is telling the Corinthians that they all have different gifts with different functionality, but all the believers are the body of Christ and they all need to function as one body. That all believers have different jobs, but all are members of Christ in the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:
[1] Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
[2] Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
[3] Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
[4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
[5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
[6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
[7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
[8] For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
[9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
[10] To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
[11] But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Like I said, Paul is telling the Corinthians that they all have different gifts with different functionality, but all the believers are the body of Christ and they all need to function as one body. That all believers have different jobs, but all are members of Christ in the body of Christ.
[12] For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
[14] For the body is not one member, but many.
1 Corinthians 12:
[1] Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
[2] Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
[3] Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
[4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
[5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
[6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
[7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
[8] For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
[9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
[10] To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
[11] But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Like I said, Paul is telling the Corinthians that they all have different gifts with different functionality, but all the believers are the body of Christ and they all need to function as one body. That all believers have different jobs, but all are members of Christ in the body of Christ.
[12] For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
[14] For the body is not one member, but many.
I was right. Paul tells the Corinthians that as the human body is one body with many members and each member has its own purpose, "so also is Christ". The body of Christ is one body, has many members with different functions, but all of them work together and function as one body. They got into this body by the baptism by the Spirit.
[15] If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
[16] And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
[17] If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
[18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
[19] And if they were all one member, where were the body?
[20] But now are they many members, yet but one body.
[21] And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
[22] Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
[23] And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
[24] For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
[25] That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
[26] And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
[27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
[28] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
[29] Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
[30] Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
[31] But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Like I said, "Paul is telling the Corinthians that they all have different gifts with different functionality, but all the believers are the body of Christ and they all need to function as one body. That all believers have different jobs, but all are members of Christ in the body of Christ."
I know Bro. Kelson has suggested that this is not the body of Christ because Paul mentions some of these members as being on the head when Christ is the Head of the body of Christ. However, I think it is clear that Paul is saying that every member has a different gift and they all need to function as the same body of Christ. Christ is not a literal scull on the neck of a bunch of saved people put together in one body. Paul is simply making illustration comparing the physical body to the body of Christ (v.12:12). Christ being "Head" is a position, title, and rank, not a literal "head".
I also know that the passage does not use the title "church which is His body". However, there is "one body", a body of Christ is a body of Christ. Just because Paul does not always use the term "church" in referring to the body of Christ in the Acts epistles does not negate that they were the body of Christ.
5.) Acts 26:22 is a verse Acts 28 uses to prove that Paul did not preach anything other than the OT. I have to completely disagree about that based on what the scriptures say, (not just my MAD tradition!).
[22] Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
I have seen that on some Acts 28 position dispensational charts, but I have never seen the rest of the sentence included n the charts. Paul elaborates on what he said, it cannot be taken out of context.
[23] That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
That is what Paul preached, that Christ should suffer and that he was the first to rise from the dead. He also taught that Christ brought light to the Jews and Gentiles. That can be found in the OT. Paul was on trial and the Jews wanted to kill him for spreading the truth of Mid-Acts Dispensationalism (maybe not exactly LOL), they thought he was some type of cult for basically preaching the things found in Ephesians 2:1-22. In the situation Paul was in, he would have been unprofitable to say that he was teaching all this new stuff and that it was all mystery.
Also, we do know that Paul taught new things NOT found in the OT. A lot of the teaching in Romans in regard to salvation was a mystery. For example, being justified by the faith of Christ is not in the OT and that is the bulk of the first half of Romans. You cannot find the baptism by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ (crucified, buried, and risen) in the OT, but it is found in Romans 6, Galatians 3, and 1 Corinthians 12. You can't find anyone being crucified WITH Christ in the OT, Paul talks about it in Gal. 3:20. You can't find anyone being members of Christ and joined unto the Lord in the OT, but you can in 1 Cor. 6.
Paul quotes a lot of OT, but that is because a lot of what he says is built on what the OT says. Look at these references and you will see what I mean.
Romans 4:
[23] Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
[24] But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
[25] Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
[24] But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
[25] Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Ephesians 2:
[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
There are a lot of things Paul taught that he could draw from the OT, but it was not ALL Old Testament. He could make manifest some of his teaching using the OT and that was a wise thing to do (wouldn't want to look like Joe Smith having seen an angel that gave him all this new and contrary stuff to what the scriptures say LOL).
Romans 16:
[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
[26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
[26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
Reading that passage we know for a fact that Paul taught more than the OT, "revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began". Paul also knew that he would get more revelations according to 2 Cor. 12:1.
6.) For "coming vs appearing". I do not believe that there is any substantial evidence to say that the appearing and coming Paul talked about are different.
First, the AV has Paul's epistles in order of pre-Acts 28 and post Acts 28. 1 and 2 Thessalonians are in with the latter post Acts epistles.
Second, "appearing" and "coming" are used the same way in Hebrews-Revelation at the second coming of Christ and when He brings all the remnant of Israel together after the tribulation (Matthew 24, 1 Pet. 1:7, James 5:7-8, John 2:28, and 1 John 3:2). There is no reason "coming" and "appearing" can not be the same thing in Paul's epistles. They clearly describe the same event (1 Cor. 15:51-517 and Phil. 3:20-21).
Thirdly, there is nothing about anyone coming back to the earth in 1 Cor. 15 and 1 Thes. 4. Paul says that this "rapture" (as commonly known) is a mystery by the word of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:51, 1 Thes. 4:15) and so it cannot be in the OT. Paul does say that the saying about victory of death will be brought to pass and that the sting of death will be done away with (v.54-55). Paul identifies the "sting of death" as sin and that we will have the victory "through our Lord Jesus Christ" (v.56-57). This is referring to when we are caught up to heaven where there is no more sin.
Fourthly, I do not really see any "feasts" in 1 Corinthians, much less that 1 Cor. 15 is talking about some kind of 'trumpet feast thingy'. I know in chapter 5 that Paul uses the Passover as an illustration. Nowhere does Paul say to actually keep the Passover, for he taught that they were no longer under the law. The Lord's Supper in 1 Corinthian 10-11 is a memorial of the death of Christ, it is never called the "Passover". The Lord's Supper is something Paul "received of the Lord" (11:23).
Here is why we are to do the Lord's Supper.
1 Cor. 10:
[16] The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
[17] For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
[17] For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
It is a memorial of the body of Christ partaking of Christ's death (Eph. 2:13-16).
I also know that 1 Corinthians 12-14 talks about sign gifts for the Jews and unbelieving (1 Cor. 1:22, 14:22). I see nothing about Pentecost.
Below are the references to appearing and coming in Paul's epistles.
1 Corinthians 15:
[51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
[52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
[53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
[54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
[55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
[56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
[57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
[52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
[53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
[54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
[55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
[56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
[57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:
[20] For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
[21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
[21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
2 Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
1Thessalonians 4:
[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
[15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
[15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Timothy 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
7.) Did Paul teach that the Corinthians were the Bride of Christ? No!
2 Corinthians 11:
[1] Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
[2] For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
[3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
[4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Some say Paul is teaching that the Corinthians in Acts were the Bride of Christ. That is incorrect, look at what Paul is saying.
"I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ"
"if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached"
"if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received"
"or another gospel, which ye have not accepted"
Friend, Paul is talking about a spiritual adultery. (read the entire book of Hosea)
Paul already taught that the Corinthians were in the Body of Christ in his last letter. (1 Cor. 6:15, 10:17, 12) 1 Corinthians 6 is the best cross reference to 2 Corinthians 11:2.
1 Corinthians 6:
[15] Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
[16] What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
[17] But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
[18] Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that commiteth fornication sinneth against his own body.
[19] What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
[20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Now look back at our "problem passage".
2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
That "as a chaste virgin" is a figurative symbol of purity.
Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
2 Corinthians 11:4
"if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached"
"Chaste virgin" is figurative.
[1] Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
[2] For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
[3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
[4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Some say Paul is teaching that the Corinthians in Acts were the Bride of Christ. That is incorrect, look at what Paul is saying.
"I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ"
"if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached"
"if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received"
"or another gospel, which ye have not accepted"
Friend, Paul is talking about a spiritual adultery. (read the entire book of Hosea)
Paul already taught that the Corinthians were in the Body of Christ in his last letter. (1 Cor. 6:15, 10:17, 12) 1 Corinthians 6 is the best cross reference to 2 Corinthians 11:2.
1 Corinthians 6:
[15] Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
[16] What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
[17] But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
[18] Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that commiteth fornication sinneth against his own body.
[19] What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
[20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Now look back at our "problem passage".
2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
That "as a chaste virgin" is a figurative symbol of purity.
Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
2 Corinthians 11:4
"if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached"
"Chaste virgin" is figurative.
8.) Did Paul teach that the New Jerusalem was our "mother"? No. (though it is a possibility that we will have access to it)
The simple answer to Galatians 4 is this:
In this ALLEGORY (unwise to try and establish a doctrine based on a figurative passage):
Hagar = the old covenant, the earthly Jerusalem in bondage
Ishmael = those born after the flesh
Sarah = the new covenant, the heavenly Jerusalem which is free
Isaac = those born after the Spirit
“mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, WHICH IS AGAR”
“But Jerusalem, which is above is free, WHICH IS THE MOTHER OF US ALL” (i.e. Sarah)
Paul is not saying that the heavenly Jerusalem is our mother. He is saying that Sarah, who represents the Jerusalem which is above, is our mother. Abraham is “the father of us all” (Rom. 4:16). Abraham is said to be our father in the spiritual sense that we receive righteousness from God by faith as he did. Sarah, Abraham’s wife, is our mother in the spiritual sense that her son, Isaac, represents those that are born after the Spirit. We are not under the new covenant but we are born after the Spirit like those who will be brought under the new covenant.
Here is something I did awhile back that covers Galatians 3-4. (may have to read four chapters of it a day for a year LOL)
" Galatians 3:
[1] O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
[2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
[3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
[4] Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
[5] He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Those verses set the stage for the passage and it reveals what the passage will be about. Contrary to Acts 28 teaching, this passage is not about Gentiles receiving earthly blessings with Abraham. The theme of the passage is clearly "Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
........He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"
That is the theme of the passage, Paul is talking about us in the Body of Christ receiving the Spirit by faith. Justification by faith.
[6] Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
[7] Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Acts 28ers do not like being being "children of Abraham" so they say that Paul must be talking about some type of Jewish prophecy and hope rather than to the Body of Christ. There is a problem with that, we in the Body of Christ are Abraham's seed. There is no problem here that a little bit of King James Bible can't fix. If the Acts 28ers would read the whole passage they would understand "children of Abraham". See the end of the passage. [26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
[27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
[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.
[29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
At verse 26 we see that we are children of God "by faith in Christ Jesus", kind of like how Abraham had faith in God and it was "accounted to him for righteousness".
At verses 27 and 28 we see that Paul could not be talking about Old Testament earthly blessings with Israel because the only way anyone inherits the earthly blessings is by being a Jew or a Gentile proselyte to Judaism, but here, these believers have been "baptized into Christ" and there is no "Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (also see 1 Corinthians 12:13).
Then here is what we are looking for that answers the "children of Abraham" problem, "if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise". Christ was of Abraham's seed, and we are in Christ so we are Abraham's seed.
[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.
The meaning of "In thee shall all nations be blessed" is clearly stated "the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith". The entire chapter is about justification by faith. (see verses 15 and 16 and comments)
[9] So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
There is where the Acts 28ers get hung up, they say "the Body of Christ does not get blessed with Abraham and his earthly blessings so this cannot be written to the Body of Christ". (they say the same thing about verse 29 "heirs according to the promise") My response to this is WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT "EARTHLY BLESSINGS". The Acts 28ers see "blessed with" and jump to a conclusion that they pre-determined would be the outcome of this passage. What does this blessed/bless/blessing with faithful Abraham mean? Keep reading and we will see.
[10] For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
[11] But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
[12] And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
[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:
[14] That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.Here is the answer to verses 9 and 29 (in regards to "they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham"). The answer is that the blessing is not an earthly one, it is a blessing through Christ that we receive the "promise of the Spirit through faith".
[15] Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
[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.
All nations can be blessed in Abraham because Christ was Abraham's seed and all nations can be in Christ where there is neither Jew nor Greek. (see verse 8 and comments)
[17] 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.
[18] For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
[19] Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
[20] Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
[21] Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
[22] But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
[23] But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
[24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
[25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
[26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
[27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
[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.
[29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
There are no further comments needed. This is self explanatory and I think my previous comments covered these.
Moving on to chapter 4.
Galatians 4:
[1] Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
[2] But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
[3] Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
[4] But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
[5] To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
[6] And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
[7] Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
[8] Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
[9] But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
[10] Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
[11] I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
[12] Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
[13] Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
[14] And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
[15] Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
[16] Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
[17] They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
[18] But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
[19] My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
[20] I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
[21] Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
Illustration begins (actually "allegory").
[22] For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
[23] But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
[24] Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
[25] For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
[26] But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
[27] For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
[28] Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
[29] But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
[30] Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
[31] So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.All that should be self explanatory. Paul said all that as illustration to see that we are not under the law but under grace, "brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free", that goes back to verse 21 to say that we are not under the law. "
[1] O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
[2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
[3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
[4] Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
[5] He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Those verses set the stage for the passage and it reveals what the passage will be about. Contrary to Acts 28 teaching, this passage is not about Gentiles receiving earthly blessings with Abraham. The theme of the passage is clearly "Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
........He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"
That is the theme of the passage, Paul is talking about us in the Body of Christ receiving the Spirit by faith. Justification by faith.
[6] Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
[7] Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Acts 28ers do not like being being "children of Abraham" so they say that Paul must be talking about some type of Jewish prophecy and hope rather than to the Body of Christ. There is a problem with that, we in the Body of Christ are Abraham's seed. There is no problem here that a little bit of King James Bible can't fix. If the Acts 28ers would read the whole passage they would understand "children of Abraham". See the end of the passage. [26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
[27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
[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.
[29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
At verse 26 we see that we are children of God "by faith in Christ Jesus", kind of like how Abraham had faith in God and it was "accounted to him for righteousness".
At verses 27 and 28 we see that Paul could not be talking about Old Testament earthly blessings with Israel because the only way anyone inherits the earthly blessings is by being a Jew or a Gentile proselyte to Judaism, but here, these believers have been "baptized into Christ" and there is no "Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (also see 1 Corinthians 12:13).
Then here is what we are looking for that answers the "children of Abraham" problem, "if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise". Christ was of Abraham's seed, and we are in Christ so we are Abraham's seed.
[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.
The meaning of "In thee shall all nations be blessed" is clearly stated "the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith". The entire chapter is about justification by faith. (see verses 15 and 16 and comments)
[9] So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
There is where the Acts 28ers get hung up, they say "the Body of Christ does not get blessed with Abraham and his earthly blessings so this cannot be written to the Body of Christ". (they say the same thing about verse 29 "heirs according to the promise") My response to this is WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT "EARTHLY BLESSINGS". The Acts 28ers see "blessed with" and jump to a conclusion that they pre-determined would be the outcome of this passage. What does this blessed/bless/blessing with faithful Abraham mean? Keep reading and we will see.
[10] For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
[11] But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
[12] And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
[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:
[14] That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.Here is the answer to verses 9 and 29 (in regards to "they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham"). The answer is that the blessing is not an earthly one, it is a blessing through Christ that we receive the "promise of the Spirit through faith".
[15] Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
[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.
All nations can be blessed in Abraham because Christ was Abraham's seed and all nations can be in Christ where there is neither Jew nor Greek. (see verse 8 and comments)
[17] 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.
[18] For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
[19] Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
[20] Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
[21] Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
[22] But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
[23] But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
[24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
[25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
[26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
[27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
[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.
[29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
There are no further comments needed. This is self explanatory and I think my previous comments covered these.
Moving on to chapter 4.
Galatians 4:
[1] Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
[2] But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
[3] Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
[4] But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
[5] To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
[6] And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
[7] Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
[8] Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
[9] But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
[10] Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
[11] I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
[12] Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
[13] Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
[14] And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
[15] Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
[16] Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
[17] They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
[18] But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
[19] My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
[20] I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
[21] Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
Illustration begins (actually "allegory").
[22] For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
[23] But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
[24] Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
[25] For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
[26] But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
[27] For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
[28] Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
[29] But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
[30] Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
[31] So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.All that should be self explanatory. Paul said all that as illustration to see that we are not under the law but under grace, "brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free", that goes back to verse 21 to say that we are not under the law. "
9.) Did Paul say he was a minister of the New Covenant? No!
2 Corinthians 3:
[6] Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
[7] But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
[8] How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
[9] For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
[10] For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
[11] For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
[12] Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
[13] And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
[14] But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
[7] But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
[8] How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
[9] For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
[10] For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
[11] For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
[12] Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
[13] And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
[14] But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
A "testament" is not a "covenant" in the AV. However, modern versions change 2 Cor. 3:6 to say "New Covenant". Jesus spoke to the Jewish apostles about the New Testament in His blood. Paul said he was a minister of the New Testament. I don't believe that a testament and covenant is exactly the same. For example, its possible to have a covenant without death and blood but not so with a testament (Heb. 9:16). I know that the body of Christ is not under the new covenant but we are saved by the blood of the New Testament. The Lord's Supper is a memorial of the NT blood. The NT blood is the basis of the NC, but there are distinctions.
Well that is the bulk of it. The only reason I can think of to not be MAD is that Paul rejected MAD.........
"But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness" -Acts 26:25
LOL! 
(at least I am not Acts 2, right?)
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