Joel’s Prophecy

“But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh . . . .’” Acts 2:16-18.

Why could God not allow this prophecy to be fulfilled before the day of Pentecost? Because the flesh had not been sacrificed before that time. In the old covenant, the sacrifice had to be killed and laid on the altar before God answered with fire. This sacrifice was now fulfilled in Jesus. The slaughter in Edom was complete. Esau, the flesh, was sacrificed. The entire seed of David was represented in this sacrifice; it included both Jews and Gentiles. Jesus reconciled them both in one body to God by the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Eph. 2:14-18.

All flesh was represented in Jesus’ sacrifice; therefore, God could pour out His Spirit on all flesh. He showed his acceptance of the sacrifice by answering with fire on the day of Pentecost. There is no partiality—Jews and Gentiles, bond and free, all have access to the Father by one Spirit. According to the flesh, the Jews had an advantage; they had the law, the prophets, and the circumcision. Yet it became apparent that not even they could keep the law in the power of the flesh. This was dealt with in Jesus’ sacrifice when He became a curse for us that we might receive the promised Holy Spirit. Gal. 3:13-14. Now for the Jews, Gentiles, and bondsmen alike, there is only one way to gain access to God. All must enter through the one Spirit.

We meet people today also who believe they have some advantage according to the flesh. They believe that their theological studies or their worldly wisdom gives them some special access to God—some special ability to understand the kingdom of God. But they have clearly demonstrated the opposite through the years. Which of the prophets have they not killed? Just think of Hans Nielsen Hauge.5 And which revival have they not resisted? There are also people who are very bold in the assembly just because they have a bit of money, a professional standing, or are gifted. But you need to realize that none of these things will give you any access to the Father.

“Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh . . . . If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Cor. 5:16-17.

Stop boasting about what you are according to the flesh, about your family and their high position in society. They are altogether accursed according to the flesh; and if any of them want to become wise, they must first become fools. 1 Cor. 3:18-21. It is through this Spirit and this Spirit alone that all of us have access to the Father, and with Him there is no respect of persons.