However, a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus told them this figure of speech, but they did not understand what the things which He was saying to them meant. (vv. 5-6)

The Jews put all their hope in the law because of the old covenant. But most of them did not understand that the law was given to them to seek Christ who would free them from the old covenant. Paul mentioned that it is the law that makes one sinful because it reveals one’s sins.

I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin came to life, and I died; and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me;for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me, and through it, killed me. So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. (Romans 7:9-12)

Under the law, no one is free from punishment. Even if one is not born under the law of God, he/she is condemned because they are Adam’s descendants. In Adam’s case, God’s command concerning the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was the law. And Adam and Eve received death according to the command. They lost fellowship with God. Therefore, all people sin against God. They have no shame when they sin. They deny the existence of God. That is what we see inside and outside churches around the world. Every descendant of Adam and Eve is to be destroyed. However, the Son came and freed His elect by being one like them and with them. As I mentioned before, this is the very purpose of all creation – the kingdom of God. He paid for our sins and moved us from the land of the dead to the land of the living by making us the children of God. This right is given to us through faith. Since no one deserves grace, we conclude that faith is the gift of God.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; (Ephesians 2:8)

During his public ministry, Jesus used the parables when explaining the kingdom of God.

And the disciples came up and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” And Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. (Matthew 13:10-13)

There are Christians who think we are not born totally corrupt and therefore, can seek God on their own initiative. They think anyone can enter the kingdom of God by doing good deeds. If they were true, Jesus would not have used the parables. Understanding the parables does not require an intellectual brain or training. Hearing and recognizing my Owner’s voice does not require an intellectual brain or training. There are people in each church who are God’s children. They are often despised and considered uneducated and poor. But they simply believe what the Bible teaches them. However, many Christians praise people with wealth, fame, intellectuality, beauty, etc. Many ministers and theologians are praised because they look good and sound clever.

The Jews did not understand Christ. The Son of God became the Son of Man to redeem His elect. He became the Son of Man to fulfill the law. But ministers and theologians insist that Jesus came to keep the law perfectly. Keeping and fulfilling the law is different. Keeping the law is for the slaves. Fulfilling it is the Lord’s work.

I see why God wants to correct the theology concerning the imputation of righteousness. Our righteousness is not tied to the law. But the Active Obedience of Christ teaches us that our righteousness is tied to the law. Many Christians misinterpret the OT. The turmoil we see and hear in the world is from misunderstanding of Christ and what He did. All pagans including the Jews, the Muslims, Dispensationalists, etc. have the wrong understanding of Christ. The old covenant exists for Christ, not Christ for the old covenant. That is why I have been emphasizing the importance of knowing the Trinity.

The end is coming near. And the message is clear. Do not get persuaded by lies. Hold onto the truth.

Nevertheless what you have, hold firmly until I come. (Revelation 2:25)