Date

5-20-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Bible Exposition (PhD)

Chair

Ben Brammer

Keywords

Theocentric, Interpretation, People of God, Eschaton

Disciplines

Religion | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

This dissertation applies a theocentric definition of the people of God to the interpretation of three pericopes within the book of Revelation: Revelation 7, 12, and 20:1–6 to yield a clearer interpretation than present ethnocentric methods. The identification of the people of God is central to the understanding of many pericopes within Scripture. The reason for the choice of these pericopes is that they present ideal views into the theocentric definition of the people of God.

Theocentricity defines a God-centered relationship. All people have a relationship to God, but only some have a relationship with him. Everyone has a relationship to God as Creator, but not all relate to him as Father. The same situations apply to those called the people of God. In the case of Israel, they all knew him as the God who redeemed them from Egypt, but only those like Moses knew him personally. The key was Abraham-like faith that enabled a personal relationship. This avenue was available to Israelite and Gentile under the Mosaic Law. It was this Israel that was the people of God.

Israel’s spiritual leaders during exile developed the Oral Law, which bypassed the Mosaic Law to protect their ethnic identity. Jesus condemned this addition to the Law and told them that God would replace them with others who would bear the fruit of the kingdom. God did this when he established the Church at Pentecost through the Apostles, who, like the Israelites in God's people, believed and followed him. The Church, like Israel, included believers from both Israel and the Gentiles. It became the second and final part of God's people. God did not abandon Israel or any other ethnicity of humanity. The eschaton will bring the final revival.

Revelation 7 depicts the eschatological Church. Its leaders are 144,000 Israelites who continue to bring the Gospel to all humanity, resulting in a continuous stream that becomes a multitude. Revelation 12 presents believing Israel and its struggle to fulfill its mission and its victory through the power of God, resulting in the birth of the Messiah and then the Church. Revelation 20:1–6 demonstrates God’s judgment on Satan after the Day of the Lord, the culmination of the first resurrection, and the rule of the people of God in the Millennium.

This study proposes a fresh look at those who receive and those who share in God’s promises. God keeps his covenants to his people. Concerning Israel, the promises are earthly, and they share them with their brethren, the Church. Concerning the Church and Israel, the promises are heavenly and eternal.

Download

Share

COinS