Was the church already present during Jesus' earthly ministry, or are the Gospels still part of Israel's Old Testament program?
During Jesus’ earthly ministry the church as it is later known had not yet appeared. The Gospel period is an extension of Israel’s Old Testament program, continuing the covenants and promises God made with Israel, rather than the beginning of the church. Confusion arises when these distinct programs are blended together.
Les explains that moving from the Old Testament into the Gospel accounts is not the appearance of something brand-new but an extension of Israel’s Old Testament program. It continues the covenants and promises God had made with Israel, and it is not yet the church as we know it. He says many people get confused here. One illustration compared Scripture to being put in a blender on high and ladled out, while another described putting it in a mixing bowl, stirring it up, and picking out whatever one likes. Either way, the result is a mix mash and confusion.