Old Testament Church

[BanjoPicker]

Is Israel The Wife Of God In Old Testament Times?

The Bible definitely states that Israel was the wife of God; that she is now the estranged or divorced wife of God; and that she will again become His wife in the future. Israel in the Old Testament is called the "wife" of God (Isa. 54:1-6; Jer. 3:1-25; Hosea 1:1-11; 2:1-23; Mal. 2:14-16).
In what sense could Israel be called the "wife" of God? It must be by covenant relationship only, not physical. If by covenant relationship, then she became the covenant wife of God when He made covenants with her through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David. Only those who entered into the covenant of relationship with God could be considered as married or united to Him by covenant. Thus Abraham, the father and source of the chosen family, was as much united to God as any one of his descendants later on. The different covenants made between God and the chosen race were entered into voluntarily and were binding on both parties from the time of the consummation of the contract which united them in such relationship. Therefore, Israel can be called the covenant wife of God. In Jeremiah, Hosea, and other books, Israel is pictured as divorced from God because she broke the terms of the covenant and because she refused to continue in covenant relationship to God. She will remain as such until her final conversion and reconciliation to God. Then Israel will be considered the wife of God just as she was in the Old Testament times, because of the new covenant God will make with her at that time (Jer. 31:31-40; Ezek. 36:16-38; 37:15-28; Hosea 2:14-23; Rom. 11:25-32; Heb. 8:6-13; 10:16-18). Thus, one can concluded that Israel in the past was the wife of God, that at present she is divorced, and will in the future become the covenant wife of God again.

 

[BanjoPicker]

As to Israel the wife of God, the Father, only and in covenant relationship to Him only, such teaching is out of harmony with the whole Word of God for these reasons:
Any person or group of persons entering into relationship with God in any sense, whether by covenant or by actual re-creation, does so equally with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, for Israel's God was "one [united] God" Deut. 6:4. This God is declared as existing in three separate and distinct persons, as seen in 1 Jn. 5:7, 8. Therefore, Israel being the covenant people of the triune God is related to each person in the "one God through the terms of the same covenant.
It cannot be that God the Father has a wife with which the Son has nothing to do, or is not related to. The same is true also of the Spirit. It is likewise impossible for the Son to have a wife that is not related to the Father or of the Spirit by the same covenant and redemptive work. Such teaching would make the Father, Son, and Spirit independent of each other in connection with the various groups of redeemed people. Such is never the teaching of the Bible.
Both Testaments speak of the Son as being the direct personal and visible king of Israel, and therefore, must be related to the Jews as much as the Father or the Spirit Isa. 9:6, 7; Mic. 5:1, 2; Lk. 1:32-35. Would the Father permit the Son to take His own wife and rule over her forever if the Son had no covenant relationship to Israel?

 

[BanjoPicker]

The whole family of God in Heaven and in Earth is one family (Eph. 3:14, 15). It includes all spiritual and material, glorified, and natural heavenly and earthly free moral agents who are in harmony with God. God is the Father of all, the Son is the Savior of all, and the Spirit is the Helper of all (Eph. 4:4-6). If God the Father is the Father of all, then is He not the Father of the New Testament saints as well as of the Old Testament saints? If the Son is the Savior of all, then is He not the Savior of the Old Testament saints as well as the New Testament saints? If the Spirit is the creator and Helper of all, then has He not been the agent of God in the regeneration of all Old Testament saints as well as the New Testament saints? The relationship of the Father, Son, and Spirit is the same with each redeemed person and certainly must be the same with each redeemed company of saints. It is unscriptural to teach then that the Father has a bride--the Old Testament saints, the Son has a bride--the New Testament saints, and the Holy Spirit has no bride. It is just as erroneous to teach that the Son will not marry the New Testament church but will marry Israel, as some teach. Then Israel is merely one part of the great universal family of God and is related to each person of the Triune God equally according to His respective relationships.

 

[BanjoPicker]

The blessings and Glory of the Old Testament Church

There is a universal mistaken idea among Christians that the Old Testament saints did not have the New Testament spiritual experiences promised the present church. Theories are advanced that only a few special prophets were filled with the Spirit; that even these were temporary anointings; and that Old Testament saints were not born again, sanctified, made holy, or had the many blessings of grace that we can have today. Every one of these is erroneous, as proved by the facts in both Testaments:

Old Testament Saints Experienced Many Spiritual And Physical Blessings Such as:

The Lord as their Savior and salvation Ex. 15:2; 1 Sam. 2:1; Ps. 9:14; 18:46: 51:1-14; 91:16; Lk. 1:67-79; 7:47-50; 19:9; Rom. 4:1-8; Heb. 11).

Forgiveness of "sin" Ex. 32:32; Lev. 4:26; 1 Ki. 25:27, 36; 2 Chron. 7:14; Ps. 32:5; Jer. 36:3) and "sins" Ps. 25:18; 103:3; Mt. 9:1-9; Lk. 7:48-50; 18:9-14; Rom. 4:1-8.

Cleaning from "sin" Ps. 51:2; Job 35:3; 1 Jn. 1:9; and "sins" Isa. 1:16-18; Ezek. 36:25; 37:23; Ps. 19:12; 1 Jn. 1:9; Rev. 1:5.

Covering (propitiation) for "sin" Ps. 32:1; 85:2; and "sins" Rom. 4:7; 1 Jn. 2:1, 2; 4:10; Rom. 3:24, 25.

Purging from "sin" Num. 19:9, 17; Isa. 6:7; and "sins" Ps. 79:9; Heb. 1:3; 10:2; 2 Pet. 1:9.

 

[BanjoPicker]

The taking away of sin Isa. 6:7; 27:9; Jn. 1:29, and sins Ps. 103:12.

Atonement for sin Isa. 53:10, 12, and sins Heb. 9:15, 22; Mt. 26:28; 1 Cor. 15:3; Gal. 1:4; Heb. 9:28; 1 Pet. 2:24.

Washing from sin Ps. 51:2, and sins Isa. 1:16-18; Jer. 4:14.

Repentance and confession of sin Lev. 5:5; 26:40; Num. 5:7; Ps. 32:5; Dan. 9:20, and sins Lev. 16:21; Neh. 1:6; 9:2, 3; Prov. 28:13; Ezek. 14:6; 18:30.

Turning away from sin 1 Ki. 8:35; 2 Chron. 6:26; 7:14, and sins 2 Ki 17:13; Ezek. 18:21.

Redemption from sin, iniquity, and bondage to Satan Gen. 48:16; Ex. 15:13; 2 Sam. 7:23; 1 Chron. 17:21; Ps. 31:5; 34:22; 49:15; 71:23; 72:13, 14; 103:4; 107:2; Isa. 29:22; Hosea 7:13.

 

[BanjoPicker]

Sanctification
Ex. 29:43; 31:13; Lev. 20:8; 21:8, 15, 23; 22:9, 16; Ezek. 20:12.
Every one of these passages states that God, Himself sanctified the people. This could be only to moral sanctification and holiness, for God does not sanctify anything or anyone ceremonially. All ceremonial sanctification is done by man.

 

[BanjoPicker]

Justification Isa. 45:25; Rom. 3:25; 4:1-8; Gal. 3:6-14.
Healing of the body Gen. 20:17; Ex. 15:26; Ps. 91; 103:3; 107:20.
Preservation and health Ps. 91:1-12; 105:37; 107:20; Heb. 11.
Names written in Heaven Ex. 32:32, 33; Ps. 69:28; Lk. 10:20.
conversion Ps. 19:7; 51:13; Isa. 6:10; 60:5.
Grace Gen. 6:8; 19:19; Ex. 33:12-17; Ps. 84:11.
Imputation of righteousness Gen. 15:6; Ps. 15:6; 32:1, 2; Rom. 4:1-25; Jas. 2:23.
Deliverances Ps. 18:19; 34:4; 51:14; 55:18; 56:13; 107:20.
Reconciliation Lev. 8:15; Isa. 53:12.
Substitution Gen. 22:8, 13; Isa. 53.
Ransom Job 33:24; Hosea 13:14, compare 1 Tim. 2:6.
Heirship Rom. 4:13, 14; 8:14-18; Gal. 3:8-14.
Prayer Gen. 20:7; Ps. 72:20; Prov. 15:8, 29.
Restitution Ex. 22:1-12; Lk. 3:8.
Consecration and dedication Ex. 28:3, 41; 29:33-35; 1 Ki. 7:51; 8:63.
Spiritual revelation Acts 3:21; Heb. 1:1, 2; 2 Pet. 1:21.
Resurrection Dan. 12:2; 1 Ki. 17:17-24; 2 Ki. 4:18-37.
Glorification Rom. 8:14-18; Heb. 11:40.
The new birth Deut. 32:18; Ps. 82:6; Gal. 4:28-30; Isa. 63:16; 64:8.

 

[BanjoPicker]

Old Testament Saints Had the Fruit of the Spirit:

Love Ex. 2:6; Deut. 6:5; Lev. 19:18; Ps. 18:1; 91:14.

Joy 1 Chron. 12:40; Ezra 3:12, 13; 6:16-22; Neh. 8:10; Ps. 16:11.

Peace Ps. 4:8; 29:11; 34:14; 37:11; Prov. 3:2; Isa. 26:3.

Longsuffering Ps. 63:1; 84:2; 119:40, 131, 174.

Gentleness 2 Sam. 18:5; 22:36.

Goodness 2 Chron. 32:32; 35:26; Ps. 23:6; 107:9.

Faith Heb. 11:1-40; Rom. 4:1-25; Hab. 2:4.

Meekness Num. 12:3; Ps. 22:26; 25:9; Zep. 2:3.

Temperance or self-control. the word "temperance" is not found in the Old Testament, but who could manifest more self-control, love, longsuffering, gentleness, and goodness than David, when he had his enemy in his hand and let him go twice? Saul made twenty-one attempts upon the life of David; and after he was dead David said "Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives" 2 Sam. 1:23. Thus we see that Old Testament saints had the fruit of the Spirit, and if so, they must have also had the Holy Spirit in their lives, as well as cleansing from all sin.

 

[BanjoPicker]

Old Testament Saints Had the Gifts of the Spirit:

Interpretation of dreams and visions Dan. 1:17; Gen. 37:5-11; 40:1-41, 44.

Faith Heb. 11:1-40; Rom. 4:1-25.

Wisdom and knowledge 1 Kings 3:12; 4:29-34; 2 Sam. 14:20.

Healings Gen. 20:7, 17; Ex. 15:26; Ps. 105:37; 107:20.

Miracles Ex. 4:12; 17:6; Num. 16:30; 1 Kings 17; 2 Kings 8.

Prophecy Acts 3:21; Lk. 1:70; 2 Pet. 1:21; Heb. 1:1, 2.

Discernment 2 Kings 5:25-27; 6:12; 2 Sam. 14:20.
The only gifts what were not manifest in the Old Testament days were the gifts tongues and the gifts of interpretation of tongues, and these3 were reserved to be given to men in this age. Isa. 28:9-11; 1 Cor. 12-14; Mk. 16:17-20.

 

[BanjoPicker]

Other Spiritual Experiences of Old Testament Saints:

They Had different measures of the Spirit Num. 11:17-29; 2 Kings 2:9; Lk. 1:15-17; Mt. 10:1-7, 20; Mk. 6:7-13.

They were "filled" with the Holy Spirit, but not baptized in the Spirit Ex. 28:3; 31:3; 35:31, 35; Deut. 34:9; Mic. 3:8; Lk. 1:15-17, 41, 67.

They Had the Holy Spirit "in" them Gen. 41:38; Num. 11:17-29; 27:18; Ezek. 2:2; 3:24; Dan. 4:8, 9, 18; 5:11-14; 6:3; Mt. 10:20; 1 Pet. 1:11.

They had the Holy Spirit "upon" them Num. 11:17-29; Judges 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 14:6, 19; 15:14; 1 Sam. 10:6, 10; 11:6; 16:13; 19:20-23; 2 Kings 2:9.

They had the Holy Spirit speak through them Lk. :70; Acts 3:18-21.

They were "holy" men Lev. 11:22, 45; 19:2; 20:7, 26; Rom. 11:16; Eph. 3:5; Acts 3:21; 2 Pet. 1:21; 3:2-5.

 

[BanjoPicker]

The Disciples Had Salvation Before the Cross Which Included

Full deliverance from sin Lk. 1:69-77; 3:6; 19:9, 10.

Remission of sins Lk. 1:77; 7:41-50; 11:4; 17:3, 4; Mt. 6:12-15; 8:1-9; 18:21-35.

Conversion Mt. 18:3; Mk. 4:12; Lk. 22:32.

Healing Mt. 10:1-7; Mk. 6:7-13; Lk. 10:1-18.

Names written in Heaven Lk. 10:20.

Prayer Mt. 6:5-15; 7:7-11; 18:19; Lk. 11:1-24; 18:1-14.

Glory from God Jn. 17:22.

Full consecration Mt. 4:20; 19:27-30.

Eternal life Jn. 3:16, 36; 10:27-29; 17:2, 3.

The new birth Jn. 3:1-5; 15:3; 1 Jn. 5:1-5, 18.

Spiritual Revelation Mt. 16:16, 17; Jn. 6:67-69.

Being "in Christ" Jn. 15:1-17. Compare 2 Cor. 5:1.

A great "measure" of the Spirit and power Mt. 10:1-7, 16-20.

Sanctification. Jesus said of the disciples: "Ye are clean" Jn. 13:10, 11; "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you" Jn. 15:3; "I have manifested thy name unto men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me, and they have kept thy word. . . I have kept them in thy name. . . . they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" Jn. 17:6, 8, 12, 14, 16.

The Greek word for "clean" in Jn. 15:3 is "katharos" and means clean, clear, and pure. In every place where it is used, it refers to prefect cleansing and purity. It is translated "clean" in the following passages: "Cleanse first that which is within . . . that the outside may be clean also" Mt. 23:26, "clean lined" Mt. 27:59; Rev. 19:8, 14; "All things are clean unto you" Lk. 11:41; "Ye are clean" Jn. 13:10, 11; 15:3; and "I am clean: Acts 18:6. In Rev. 19:8 and 14, it is used of the righteousness of the saints of Heaven, and surely no one will argue that in their case it refers to ceremonial instead of moral cleanliness. The same word is translated "clear" in reference to the purity of the New Jerusalem Rev. 21:18.

 

[BanjoPicker]

It is also translated "pure" in the following passages: Blessed are the pure in heart" Mt. 5:8; 1 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Pet. 1:22, "I am pure from the blood of all men" Acts 20:26, "All things indeed are pure" Rom. 14:20; Titus 1:15, "pure conscience" 1 Tim. 3:9; 2 Tim. 1:3; "pure water" Heb. 10:22; Rev. 22:1, "pure religion" James 1:27, "pure and white linen" Rev. 15:6, and "pure gold" Rev. 21:18, 21.

Those who argue that the baptism in the Spirit is sanctification and the only heart-purity and the taking out of the old man used in Matt. 5:8; 1 Tim. 1:5; 3:9; 2 Tim. 1:3; 2:22; 1 Pet. 1:22 of the above passages to prove their doctrine. If these verses prove that "purity" and "sanctification" are the baptism in the Spirit, then the testimony of Jesus proves that the disciples were sanctified, had the Spirit-baptism, and had the old man taken out before Pentecost, and therefore, they did not need these experiences at Pentecost.

On the other hand if they were "pure" or "clean" in heart without and before such a baptism, then this fact proves that the baptism in the Spirit is not sanctification. Shall we make Christ guilty of false testimony in Jn. 13:10, 11; 15:3? Or, shall we reject the theory of men who deny His testimony?

What could be more clear than that the disciples were sanctified? Could a person be "clean," belong to God, keep God's word, be kept by Christ, be "in Christ," not be of the world "even as" Christ was not of the world, and still unsanctified and be morally unclean?

 

[BanjoPicker]

The Disciples Were Spirit "filled" and Endued With a Measure of Power Before the Cross.
Nothing is more, clear in Scripture than the fact that the disciples were given power by Jesus, and that they excised this power before the cross and before Pentecost. They had to be saved from all sin, and sanctified before they could receive this power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus "gave them power against unclean spirit, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. . . . These twelve [Judas included] Jesus sent forth, and commanded them saying. . . as ye go preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils, freely ye have received, freely give . . . . Behold I seen you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. . . . when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father [the Holy Spirit] which speaketh in you Mt. 10:1-8, 16-20.

 

[Spotlite]

According to scripture they were told to go do all these things but tarry in Jerusalem until they received power from on high. On Pentecost they received it. They received the spirit, the promise of the Holy Ghost that could not come and fill them until Jesus went away.

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John gave their accounts of the life of Jesus.

That’s scripture.

 

[BanjoPicker]

If the disciples had the Spirit "in them before the cross, then the statement of Jesus, "He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you" Jn. 14:17, must refer to the Spirit's coming into their lives in all fullness at Pentecost. It could not teach that the Spirit was not "in" them in a measure, as was true of all Old Testament saints and as is also true of every believer born of the Spirit since Pentecost. The Spirit was "in" them in a measure at the time Jesus made this statement.
The Bible abundantly reveals facts to teach that the Old Testament saints, including the disciples before the cross, were saved, morally sanctified, and justified as much as any one since the cross can be. It is not logical to hold that they were not sanctified and thus make Jesus and the above Scriptures untruthful, just to try to prove some erroneous teaching on sanctification. It is not worth the price one has to pay. One would have to wilfully blind and openly rebellious against many plain facts of both Testaments to hold to such an idea, and no honest person will do this when he sees the truth.

 

[Spotlite]

I do believe the old test saints were saved but they were saved by faith??

It’s not to prove any teaching. “But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”

What actions “power” did the Disciples do prior to the criss (healing, raising dead, cleansing the lepers?)

I’m not hung up on labels such as sanctification verses salvation. Outside of man made opinions……is there a biblical difference?

 

[gordon 2]

I do believe the old test saints were saved but they were saved by faith??

It’s not to prove any teaching. “But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”

What actions “power” did the Disciples do prior to the criss (healing, raising dead, cleansing the lepers?)

I’m not hung up on labels such as sanctification verses salvation. Outside of man made opinions……is there a biblical difference?

I find it interesting that the prophets, Isaiah onwards, were quite convinced why things went to H--l in a handbasket for human beings, especially Israel and its neighbors, and how they could know the cause of it all if they knew not another will which was God's. Simply when they were in the Spirit they had the Holy Spirit given. And for us because we claim the Holy Spirit given---we play games with who God is, his nature and what his will might be. Oh how we are smarted that some might be better at scripture oracles and some of a lesser elect are just not capable. The totalitarian's bible vs the apostle's bible... I just don't know which is best anymore.

In other words I don't think the prophets would have cheered when Christians were martyred. Yet Christians it is true regards the Holy Spirit in many, many cases, they live with less authority and assurance in Christ today than the Ancient prophets ever had assurance in the Spirit via the Father.

If it were not so why would we hunt the scriptures for a Holy Spirit, yet we have the promise of it in Christ? Why would we add and remove from the Christian faith our definitions of God due scripture as if in our body and souls being Christians it is not the Holy Spirit we received and live with? Why are we so insecure of a salvation many claim to us is secured? Why would we need to medicate with the iodines of scripture while the prophets and the apostles knew that scripture was not the Holy Spirit nor did it cause to be born of the spirit otherwise Israel would not have hunted down prophet or Christian. Why do we continue to make idols for ourselves and claim salvation...might be older than dirt? Why is the God of the Hebrews for us never enough and why do we need, like it was in our biology, to test Yahve? Why is plain salvation never enough? Why is a heart of flesh still repulsive to us after all these yrs?

If we carry our ways into heaven, if it were possible, if we ever get there, I'm betting a beer that a good half there will complain that they miss all the drama of when man was really man. It just might be possible that there would be another rebellion with factions and interpretations of this and that being at odds, needing a double check of scripture to prove who really had it right to be in the book of life. Thank goodness for a purgatory! in the scheme of salvation.

What is our allegiance towards God? Is it to an authoritarian strong man (men) or is it to some other? Some other like all the constitution of His Kingdom that is alive and acting and Him? A constitution alive in our hearts and not out there, apart from us, where no one really lives.

 

[BanjoPicker]

Basis of the Old Testament Blessings

Men in the Old Testament days had the gospel of salvation preached to them Gal. 3:8-14; Heb. 4:2. It was the same as the gospel preached in the New Testament. One can see from the facts stated above that they had all the blessings or salvation from sin, had the gifts and fruit of the Spirit, and had many "measures" of the Spirit.
God gave the Old Testament saints these blessings on the basis of their faith in the coming Redeemer, just as New Testament saints are blessed by faith in the Redeemer that has come. Even New Testament are to "walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham" Rom. 4:12; Gal. 3:8-14.
If Christ had not died, neither the Old Testament saints not the New Testament ones would have been redeemed. God did a credit business before the cross, that is, He blessed men by giving them the benefits of the coming redemption, and they enjoyed those benefits just as much before the debt was paid as men now enjoy them since the debt has been paid. Men through all ages have enjoyed the benefits of things bought on credit just as much just as much as they have enjoyed them when bought for cash. Things bought on credit must be paid for according to the promise given, or it is a dishonest transaction. So it is with redemption. God had promised to pay the debt man owed, so on the basis of His own word and faithfulness to pay the debt, He blessed men before it was paid. Now, since the debt has been paid, God deals strictly on a cash basis of an accomplishing work of redemption in Christ.

 

[Spotlite]

I find it interesting that the prophets, Isaiah onwards, were quite convinced why things went to H--l in a handbasket for human beings, especially Israel and its neighbors, and how they could know the cause of it all if they knew not another will which was God's. Simply when they were in the Spirit they had the Holy Spirit given. And for us because we claim the Holy Spirit given---we play games with who God is, his nature and what his will might be. Oh how we are smarted that some might be better at scripture oracles and some of a lesser elect are just not capable. The totalitarian's bible vs the apostle's bible... I just don't know which is best anymore.

In other words I don't think the prophets would have cheered when Christians were martyred. Yet Christians it is true regards the Holy Spirit in many, many cases, they live with less authority and assurance in Christ today than the Ancient prophets ever had assurance in the Spirit via the Father.

If it were not so why would we hunt the scriptures for a Holy Spirit, yet we have the promise of it in Christ? Why would we add and remove from the Christian faith our definitions of God due scripture as if in our body and souls being Christians it is not the Holy Spirit we received and live with? Why are we so insecure of a salvation many claim to us is secured? Why would we need to medicate with the iodines of scripture while the prophets and the apostles knew that scripture was not the Holy Spirit nor did it cause to be born of the spirit otherwise Israel would not have hunted down prophet or Christian. Why do we continue to make idols for ourselves and claim salvation...might be older than dirt? Why is the God of the Hebrews for us never enough and why do we need, like it was in our biology, to test Yahve? Why is plain salvation never enough? Why is a heart of flesh still repulsive to us after all these yrs?

If we carry our ways into heaven, if it were possible, if we ever get there, I'm betting a beer that a good half there will complain that they miss all the drama of when man was really man. It just might be possible that there would be another rebellion with factions and interpretations of this and that being at odds, needing a double check of scripture to prove who really had it right to be in the book of life. Thank goodness for a purgatory! in the scheme of salvation.

What is our allegiance towards God? Is it to an authoritarian strong man (men) or is it to some other? Some other like all the constitution of His Kingdom that is alive and acting and Him? A constitution alive in our hearts and not out there, apart from us, where no one really lives.

One thing is for sure..........we have created a tangled web!!!

Which is best??? All I know without pointing to tons of links that think like I do is when scripture says "But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified" and "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you."

I have to think the HG / HS has not been given before the cross. But I am no expert. just what I believe.

 

[BanjoPicker]

Paul definitely stated that “God hath set forth [Christ] to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past [the Old Testament sins], through the forbearance of God” and “for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgression that were under the first testament, they [the Old Testament saints] which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance” Rom. 3:24, 25; Heb. 9:15. Faith in the wrong kind of atonement for sin or the time of true faith is excised in the right atonement is not the thing that makes the blood efficacious. It is the faith in the blood of Jesus, whether before or after the cross, that is efficacious. The blood of bulls and goats before the cross could not take away the sins any more than it can today, but faith in the thing for which they were offered as types did take away sins Eph. 1:7; Heb. 9:11-15, 21, 22, 26; 10:10-18; 1 Jn. 1:7-9; Rev. 1:5. It is God who is the blesser of all men, and He can bless men at one time as well as another, if they meet the gospel requirements.