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God: "I looked for someone to take a stand for me, and stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30)

Again, the glory of one attribute is more seen in one work than in another: in some things there is more of His goodness, in other things more of His wisdom is seen, and in others more of His power. But in the work of redemption all His perfections and excellencies shine forth in their greatest glory.
Thomas Boston

In whom is the New Covenant fulfilled? [Several suggestions] have been given (one's decision on this question will be determined by the interpretation of Luke 22:20 (Mt. 26:28; Mark 14:24); 1 Cor. 11:25; 2 Cor. 3:6; Hebrews 8:6-13; 9:15; 10:15; 10:19ff.). 1. The New Covenant was given exclusively for ethnic Israel and will therefore be fulfilled only in her at the end of the age when Israel as a nation is saved. The Church has no part in the blessings of this covenant. 2. There are two New Covenants, one for ethnic Israel and one for the Church. 3. There is only one New Covenant, for Israel, in which the Church shares spiritually. I.e., those blessings in the covenant which pertain to salvation are equally enjoyed by the Church, but those that pertain to earthly prominence in the land belong solely to Israel. 4. There is only one New Covenant. The Church, being the historical continuation of the believing remnant within Israel, is the recipient of its blessings. Thus, both believing Jews and believing Gentiles, the latter of whom have been graciously included in the covenants of promise (Eph. 2:12), together and equally enjoy the fulfillment of all aspects of the New Covenant. According to this view, there is a biblical expectation of a mass salvation among the Jewish people who will then be incorporated into the Church, the body of Christ. 5. There is only one New Covenant, of which the Church, which has replaced Israel in the purposes of God, is the recipient. This is commonly referred to as Replacement Theology. According to this view, there is no biblical expectation of a mass salvation among the Jewish people. 6. here are two covenants, one for the Jewish people and one for those (whether Jew or Gentile) who embrace Jesus as Messiah. The latter comprise the Church. The former are Jews who need not believe that Jesus is the Messiah but who relate savingly to God via Judaism.
Sam Storms

    • Women

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    Women

    WOMEN

    POST VATICAN II “The traditional liturgical forms of the Church prohibit women (young girls, married, religious) from serving* the priest at the altar, even in women’s chapels, houses, convents, schools and institutions. In accordance with the rules governing this matter, women may (a) Proclaim the scripture readings, with the exception of the Gospel, (b) Offer the intentions for the Prayer of the Faithful, (c) Lead the congregation’s singing, play the organ or other approved instruments, (d) Give explanatory comments to help people understand the services and (e) Fulfill other services, as ushers and collecting offerings” (LITURGIAE INSTAURATIONED, 9/5/70).

    *This refers to acting as an acolyte (altar girl), not to serving communion to the people.

    In spite of these prohibitions, many progressive priests have allowed women to function as not officially allowed.

    From APOSTOLIC LETTER MULIERIS DIGNITATEM, John Paul II, This letter, `On the Dignity and Vocation of Women’ defines motherhood and virginity as the major vocations of women.

    SECULAR JOURNALS From ORLANDO SENTINEL, 4/3/90. “A panel of U.S. Catholic bishops, in the final draft of a pastoral letter on women distributed Monday, said that men unable to deal with women as equals should not be considered fit for the priesthood. But the committee’s proposed declaration reiterated the church ban on female priests.

    “The admission of women in all ministries not requiring ordination was also endorsed by the committee of six bishops.

    “Excluding women as lectors or altar servers seems `to contradict our mandate that women be more visibly involved in the life of our church,’ the committee said.

    “The panel urged that the Vatican soon study whether women deacons may be ordained and expressed hope that women will not leave Catholicism because of the church’s consistent practice of an all-male priesthood.

    “The 99-page document praises `Christian feminists,’ women who are faithful to church teachings yet promote the staus of women as equal with men.”

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