1 John 3:16


"By this we perceive the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."

Sunday 1 August 2010

Jeremiah’s Return

When Jeremiah spoke of the return of Israel from Babylon after 70 years he used the same language. He spoke of “all nations”. We see from the context that he is speaking of one thing only: the return from Babylon and all the nations of the relevant world at that time, which has been fulfilled. Jeremiah did not speak of a second return to the land.

For thus says the Lord, That after 70 years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place… And I will be found of you, says the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity and I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places whither I have driven you, says the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive. (Jer 29:10, 14).

The prophesied return spoken of by Jeremiah, Ezekiel and others meant that they would be returned to their land, which would have its fulfilment in Christ and the New Covenant when the Messiah would come. The prophets showed that Christ was ultimately that land and that they would dwell in this land (Christ) eternally through the New Covenant.

There is no other return spoken of by the prophets or by the New Testament, but the restoration to God through the New Covenant in Christ. This is Israel’s restoration spoken of by all the prophets. The prophets and the New Testament do not say that Israel shall be restored as a nation a second time before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

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