Interpreting the Scriptures
Jack N. Sparks
I am continuing with my review of this Orthodox Study Bible, which is an excellent academic tool. This is not a page by page review.
A Chosen Generation: A Holy Nation
Sparks explains that the Scriptures are centred on Jesus Christ and his Church. (836). Via progressive revelation, in my theology, the New Testament introduces the God-man, Jesus Christ that was the prophesied Messiah in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament.
From
Tuesday, June 18, 2019: The Orthodox Study Bible: The Psalms, types of Psalms and prophecy
Cited
Psalms as a prayer book for Israel and the Christian Church
The Orthodox text opines that as with Israel, the Psalms in the Christian Church became a book of prayer and praise (635). Key within is the prophetic predictions regarding the coming Messiah in the Psalms, which from a New Testament perspective are verified within its books. The Psalms are viewed as predicting the events of Christ's life (635).
Brief examples:
Psalms 22:16-17 NASB: New American Standard Bible
16 For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me
New Testament versions rendered do not mention the dogs, but all of the Old Testament revelation is reasoned as scripture within Christianity and the rest of that section parallels the Gospel texts versions and the overall New Testament story in regards to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The Orthodox Bible states: 'Verse 16 describes the piercing of Christ's hands and feet.' (651). Some critics within Judaism and elsewhere will disagree that this (16-17) is a prophecy concerning Jesus Christ. I disagree with their analysis, but for academic balance, do support examining the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible in its original context. In other words, one should not read too much New Testament into the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. (This was taught to me at a Canadian Baptist Seminary, by the way)
In regards to verse 18 which states in the Orthodox Study Bible: They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots. (652)....the notation states: Verse 18, quoted in the Gospels (Matthew 27;35; John 19: 24), is the prophecy of the casting of lots for Christ's garments. The clarity of this verse continues to this day to baffle both Jews (Those within Judaism, my add) who have rejected Him as Messiah, and modern unbelieving biblical scholars (Critics of prophecy and biblical Christianity, my add). (651).
A Chosen Generation: A Holy Nation...Continued
Sparks continues that the Church is not about 'nations, governments or societies.' (836). Old Israel was a 'type' of the New Israel, the Church. (836). I will add that the subject of Israel and the Church is one of much theological debate. Sparks opines the scripture was not discussing the United States of America, present-day Israel, or any other nation, past, present or future. (836). In other words, the Hebrew Bible discusses Israel and in the New Testament, through progressive revelation, this culminates in Jesus Christ and his Church.
Through Christ there is a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation...1 Peter 2: 9-10. (836). The Christian Church is made up of all 'peoples, nations and tongues'. (836). Sparks reasons this is the only 'Christian nation', the 'people of God'. For clarity, I will add that the culminated Kingdom of God is not of this world (John 18: 36); it is not of this present world system within the fall (Genesis 1-3). Instead it is of a future culminated realm within the new creation (2 Peter, Revelation 20-22).
The Kingdom of God is in a sense in the believer, as these people are in Jesus Christ (Luke 17: 20-21).
Sparks explains that neither the United States of America nor 'Holy Russia' (please keep in mind that this is an Orthodox study bible) is accurately the culminated, Christian nation. The holy nation and priesthood of believers are the Church. (836).
Practical theology
Certainly, there is no theological room for racism or any kind of ethnic prejudice within biblical, Christian faith and philosophy. The theology of a holy nation and the priesthood of believers embraces the Kingdom of God, that contains various ethnic peoples as citizens. All citizens are equally covered by the atoning and resurrection work of Jesus Christ for their sins as transformed resurrected citizens (1 Corinthians 15).
