The first coming of Jesus Christ into this world was something which the Old Testament prophets had spoken about for many years. The word Christ by the way means Messiah, so when we speak about Jesus Christ, we are speaking about Jesus the Messiah. Micah the prophet prophesied (Micah 5:2) of the birth of Christ (Messiah) in Bethlehem, Israel hundreds of years before Christ was born as KING there. (Matthew 2:1-6) Isaiah the prophet prophesied (Isaiah 53:1-12) of the death of Jesus Christ seven hundred years before he was killed on the cross for our sins. (Matthew 8:17, Hebrews 9:28, 1 Peter 2:22-24, 3:18, 1 John 3:5) The main point that I would like to make here is that the coming of Jesus Christ was not postponed, BUT it was the very fulfillment of what the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob declared would happen. The people of Israel of all people in the earth should have recognized their Messiah when he arrived on the scene, but the scriptures tell us that most of Israel rejected him when he came to this earth.
He (Jesus) was in the WORLD, and the WORLD was MADE by HIM (Jesus), and the WORLD knew him not. He came unto his OWN (Israel/Jewish people), and his OWN (Israel/Jewish people), received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons (children) of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:10-12)
That is truly an amazing passage of scripture because it tells us that Jesus Christ [the Word of God made flesh (John 1:1-3,14)] created the very world in which he also walked. Not only that but it tells us that he (Jesus Christ) came unto his own (Israel/Jewish people) but they did NOT receive him. When you understand this passage of scripture it will help you see right through the modern day religious and political smokescreens that are put in your path. The modern day false teachers will try to convince you that the Jewish people are somehow still in covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob despite their rejection of Jesus Christ. You cannot reject the one (Jesus Christ/Messiah) whom God sent into this world, and still remain at peace with God. That would apply to any person in this world (Jewish or Gentile which is all mankind). When you read through the gospel accounts you will find Jesus contrasting the faith of the heathen (Gentiles) against the unbelief of his own people (Israel/Jewish). Jesus wanted his own people (Israel/Jewish) to know that they possessed the scriptures which included Moses, the prophets and the psalms, but they lacked the true faith in him which was able to save their souls. (John 5:37-40) The Lord Jesus Christ spoke the parable of the “Good Samaritan” to show his own (Jewish people) that the Gentile Samaritan was the only one with the true faith, which God desired in his people. (Luke 10:30-37) The Lord revealed himself as the Messiah to a Gentile Samaritan woman (at the well) who was married five times before, because she was longing for the true Messiah, and her faith would ultimately save her soul. (John 4:4-26) The Lord healed the servant of a Gentile soldier simply because the man had faith in the true Messiah and Lord, and the Lord honored that faith. The Lord went on to say that he had not found such faith in Israel! (Luke 7:1-10) The Lord even spoke a parable to the religious Jewish Pharisees about their rejection and murder of the prophets which were sent to them, and he even prophesied of his own death (at their hands) in that same parable. (Matthew 21:33-46) The Lord never minced words with the religious leaders in Israel, and never hinted that there was another way to be saved but through him.
These words spake JESUS in the treasury, as he taught in THE TEMPLE: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come. Then said JESUS again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall DIE IN YOUR SINS: whither I GO, ye CANNOT come. Then said the JEWS, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come. And he (Jesus) said unto them, YE are from BENEATH; I am from ABOVE: ye are of THIS WORLD; I am NOT of THIS WORLD. I said therefore unto you, that YE shall DIE IN YOUR SINS: for if YE BELIEVE NOT that I AM he, YE shall DIE IN YOUR SINS. (John 8:20-24)
The truth that the Lord Jesus Christ is eternal, and that he came down from Heaven above, is what separates him from everybody else. Jesus basically told his fellow Jews, that he would be returning to Heaven (after they killed him) and that they would not be able to follow him there. The reason that they could not follow him there, is quite obvious a result of their unbelief and rejection of him. That also would apply to all people in the world (Jewish or Gentile) who reject Jesus Christ as the only way. Jesus made it very clear to his followers that he indeed was the way to Heaven:
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)
The consequences of rejecting Jesus Christ as Lord are obviously eternal. The Bible talks about the spirit of anti-Christ and it is very clear that the people of Israel, would fall into that class should they continue to reject the truth that Jesus Christ is indeed the prophesied Messiah, and obviously our creator and Saviour.
Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. (1 John 2:22)
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:3)
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (2 John 1:7)
Do not be deceived by those “church” leaders and preachers who work hand in hand with any person who would be of an “antichrist spirit” as described in the scripture passages above. If you follow the deceived, then you will find yourself being deceived in the end also. You will find yourself being opposed to the Lord Jesus Christ (without realizing it), and in opposition to the very words which he declared to the Jewish people who rejected him.
I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now YE seek to KILL ME, a man that hath TOLD YOU the TRUTH, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them, If GOD were your Father, ye would LOVE ME: for I proceeded forth and CAME FROM GOD; neither came I of myself, but HE SENT ME. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of YOUR FATHER the DEVIL, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (John 8:38-44)
