patrick jane

I am humbled by the power of God.

Interesting.

Israel’s Future Salvation By Justin Johnson Today Israel is not enjoying their covenanted political status over the Gentiles and has fallen from their spiritual status before God. This has led some to think that they will not be reestablished in their former position. During Paul’s ministry the Romans knew that Israel was promised a kingdom where they would reign over the Gentiles. Christ had come, but Israel’s salvation had not. They began to doubt whether the promises to Israel would have any real effect. This is far from the truth! Paul dispels this idea in chapters 9, 10, and 11 of Romans beginning with, “Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect.” – Romans 9:6 Perhaps they reasoned as Covenant theologians today that God had replaced Israel with the Gentile church and that the ‘eternal’ covenants made with Israel were indeed only temporary. Also like Covenant theologians today these Romans needed a better understanding of the mystery information given to Paul. Some Romans may have thought that God had cast away Israel, his people, forever. – Romans 11:1 Contrarily Paul teaches that their blindness is only temporary and will only last “until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.” – Romans 11:25 Just as natural branches will be graffed back into their own tree so “all Israel shall be saved: as it is written.” – Romans 11:26 Though Gentile salvation in this dispensation is a glorious manifestation of the grace of God, the fullness of times will be greater still.

Nobody cares about your lying link.

The Gospel Missing in John By Justin Johnson The purpose verse for the book of John is John 20:31. John did not write his book as an historical narrative of every word or deed of Jesus. He confesses that there are many things that Jesus did that he did not write (John 20:31). He left them out because John is not an historical narrative, it is written to prove that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. This was John’s gospel. John’s gospel was the gospel of the name of Jesus. This was also the gospel preached in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The gospel missing in John is the gospel given to the Church today for eternal life. The Gospel of Jesus’ Name Before entering the promised kingdom it was important for covenant Israel to correctly identify their Messiah and follow him. The good news to Israel in Matthew-John was that the Messiah had come and was identified by the greatest of the prophets as Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus had been sent from God to minister to God’s chosen people: Israel (John 1:11). Whosoever believed in the authority (name) of Jesus, as sent from God to be King of Israel, and followed him into the kingdom would find life (John 5:24). Whosoever denied the name (authority) of Jesus as the Messiah would not find life, even if they claimed to be a part of covenant Israel. The Messiah king of Israel would be given power to grant life and take it away (John 5:21). What’s His Name? This gospel of the kingdom and the name of Jesus can be found also in the three narratives of the Lord’s ministry. At the turning point in Jesus’ earthly ministry, he asks a question evaluating how successful their preaching of the gospel of his name had been. Their ministry would have been a success if the overwhelming response of Israel was, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Instead, only his few disciples believed this. The Rejected Messiah Eventually Israel rejected their Messiah, and crucified him instead of welcoming him as King. A dead king, a dead Messiah, was no Messiah at all. Yet, the authority of Jesus was not yet finished. As he was indeed the Son of God, and death had no power over him, he resurrected and commissioned the apostles to continue preaching the kingdom and the king, the gospel of his name. The Messiah of Israel left and ascended to heaven, and would return in the future to judge and make war in establishing his kingdom (Acts 3:21). But the apostles continued to preach the gospel of the name. Jesus was truly the Messiah of Israel, and his resurrection proved it. The Missing Gospel Jesus is the Christ, and he is the Son of God. He is the promised Messiah to Israel, and yet he has not yet returned to setup his kingdom as Peter preached at Pentecost. Instead, the kingdom ministry of the twelve apostles was interrupted by an unknown return of the Lord to give to Paul a dispensation of the gospel (1 Cor 9:17). The Lord returned to his chief persecutor to further reveal another gospel for salvation sent to all men. The gospel of his name has been superseded by the gospel of the grace of God. This greater gospel includes the good news of the Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection for salvation, which Paul calls the preaching of the cross (1 Cor 1:18). How could the cross be good news? The answer is in the revelation of the mystery of Jesus Christ (1 Cor 2:7-8, Rom 16:25). The mystery of Christ is that he is not only the Messiah to Israel, but is the Saviour to all, Jew and Gentile, without Israel’s kingdom, Israel’s law, and without Israel’s faith (Rom 11:32). While Israel would be saved by Jesus name as the promised kingdom Messiah, the world can now receive the gift of eternal life by what Jesus did on our behalf on the cross. Through his death on the cross sins could be forgiven, death could be destroyed, and eternal life freely given to Gentiles who were never given a promise from God (Eph 3:6). Conclusion The gospel of his name found in John 20:31 was the theme of the Lord’s earthly ministry to Israel in the book of John. Not one verse in John mentions the mystery gospel of the glory of the cross (Gal 6:14). There is a difference between the gospel of his name, and the gospel of his finished work on the cross. John’s gospel of his name does not include the good news of his death, burial, and resurrection as found in the mystery of Christ later given to Paul. For this more glorious gospel we must continue reading in our Bible to Paul’s ministry (starting with his epistle to the Romans), where the Lord returned to reveal the manifold wisdom of God (Eph 3:9-10). While John 20:31 will always be a true testimony of who Jesus is, it will always be missing the gospel that saves today which concerns what Jesus did for us. Related Posts: - John’s Gospel: Proof Jesus was God - What About John 3:16 - The First to Preach the Gospel - A Gospel Without the Cross - Handling Gospel Transition - The Gospel According to Paul

A Look at History With and Without Israel http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/a-look-at-history-with-and-without-israel By Justin Johnson History is dated around the incarnation of Christ. There is history before Christ (B.C), and the present time with Christ (A.D.). There is another way to look at history: when God worked through Israel. Most of Bible history concerns that one nation God ordained with a promise to Israel’s forefathers: “I will make of thee a great nation” and “in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed” (Gen 12:3; Gen 22:18). This Hebrew nation was to be God’s channel of blessing to the nations of the world. Israel was not to be reckoned among the nations (Num 23:9). Any nation that was not Israel was known as Gentile. God has not dealt with any nation as he did with Israel (Num 23:9; Psa 147:20). When God works through Israel, there must also be Gentiles: nations that would receive blessing (or curse) through God’s working with Israel. A Look at History From Adam to Abraham God did not work through any single nation. There was no promise, no Israel; no Jew, no Gentile. With the giving of promises to Abraham, their covenants, and law, there was the Israel of God; a separation of Jew and Gentile. We see in history a period with Christ, and a period without Christ. We can also see a period with Israel (Jew and Gentile) and a period without Israel (neither Jew nor Gentile). When seen together we can start to see God’s purpose in history. In the beginning there was a period without Jew or Gentile and without Christ. This resulted in man’s failure. In time past there was a second period with Israel (Jew and Gentile) but without Christ. This resulted in Israel’s failure. Since Christ, there is a period with Israel (Jew and Gentile) and with Christ. This will result in the salvation of Israel and the blessing of the nations. Fourthly, there is a period without Israel (no Jew nor Gentile) and with Christ. This results in the salvation of a creature not mentioned in Israel’s history called the church, the Body of Christ (Rom 11:32; Gal 3:28; Col 3:11; Eph 2:15). God Working in History With Israel God is operating with nations, and intervening on earth according to his covenants with Israel. Without Israel God is not operating with nations, and does not intervene on earth according to his covenants with Israel. Without Christ man fails at attaining any sort of righteousness before God (Rom 3:23). With Christ God succeeds at providing salvation by his grace through faith. Few Christians are ignorant that we are now living in the time of history with Christ, but few understand that we are living in a period without Israel, spiritual or otherwise (2 Cor 5:17; Gal 3:28; Gal 6:15). – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – For a lesson describing this change in the Bible see our chart lesson here. Related posts: -Without Israel, Without Covenants, Without the Law -Did Gentiles In the Old Testament Get Salvation? -Not Every Gentile is in the Church -What Is God’s Prophetic Purpose For Israel? -Does Romans 2:28-29 Teach A Spiritual Israel? -The Kingdom of Priests -No More Strangers and Foreigners

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No More Strangers and Foreigners By Justin Johnson Ephesians 2:12 says Gentiles were “aliens” and “strangers” from Israel and the covenants of promise. Seven verses later Gentiles are “no more strangers and foreigners”. Something happened in those seven verses that granted uncircumcised Gentiles benefits they did not have before. What happened? What are the benefits? The answers are in the context. If we ignore the verses between Eph 2:12 and Eph 2:19, we could easily jump to the wrong conclusion that the church is Israel now and the true recipients of Israel’s covenants of promise. In Time Past Between Eph 2:12 and Eph 2:19 there is a dispensational change. That is to say Paul explains a change in God’s revelation concerning how he relates to us and we to him. In Ephesians 2:12 Paul is explaining the way God related to the world in “time past” as seen in the previous verse. In time past God purposed to work through Israel to bless the nations. Israel was the channel of blessing from God to the world. No one had closer access to God than did a Jew. Jews were separated from Gentiles by their God given covenants, circumcision, and laws. In time past, Gentiles had no access to God or his blessings except through Israel and their covenants. Gentiles had no hope without Israel, the created nation of priests. But now, it is different. A Dispensational Change In a single verse Paul leaps a dispensational boundary from how God operated in time past, to describing how God operates now. Now, Gentiles have the privilege of being “in Christ Jesus” by the blood of Christ offered to all, both those that were far off in time past, and those that were nigh in time past (Eph 2:17). No longer do Gentiles need to go to Israel or be partakers of their covenants of promise to receive hope and blessings from God. Eph 2:13 describes their privilege of gaining access to God and his blessings by means of the blood of Christ. Instead of requiring Israel to offer sacrifices to make peace with God, Gentiles could now glory that Christ Jesus is our peace (Eph 2:14). The same Christ according to the mystery has broken down what separated the Jew and Gentile in time past, and which, at that time, gave Israel special access to God and salvation. Now, all have free access to God through Jesus Christ by the preaching of the cross. A New Creature Paul continues to explain the change in Eph 2:15-16. Whereas in time past there were two peoples (Jew and Gentiles), there is now only one man. Moreover, the one man is a new man, being neither Jew nor Gentile. Both Jew and Gentile are reconciled to God equally in one body by the cross (Eph 2:16). In time past, the house of God was the house of Israel. But now, the house of God is a body of believers in Christ. Gentiles do not need to go through Israel to be reconciled. They now have access in the “one body” of Christ. Gentiles do not need to partake in Israel’s covenants of promise to have peace with God. They can now be saved freely by the cross (Eph 2:8-9). Access Through Christ Eph 2:18 explains the benefit and privilege that is now accessible to Gentiles. In time past it would’ve been a privilege to be part of Israel, and heir to Israel’s covenants, because it would grant exclusive access to God and his blessings. But now, access to the Father is offered freely to all men through Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. Men no longer need to be citizens of Israel to have access to God. We need to be members of the one body of Christ, the new creature. Neither do men need to be heirs of Israel’s covenants to receive blessings from God. We need to be part of God’s promise in Christ to offer salvation freely to all men by his grace (Eph 3:6). No More Strangers In time past Gentiles were aliens from Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise given to Israel, making them far off from the only channel of access to God and his blessings. But now, a new channel of direct access to God is revealed for both Jew and Gentile which is through the Lord Jesus Christ according to the gospel of the grace of God. There is no more separation between Jew and Gentile. We are fellowcitizens with all saints (who are no longer called circumcision nor uncircumcision, but saints). Instead of becoming part of the house of Israel and Judah according to the old and new covenants, we are partakers of the household of God, which is the church (1 Tim 3:15). Instead of strangers we are all familiar to God, and instead of being foreign we can now receive the benefits of God’s grace as rightful heirs in Christ (Rom 5:2, Rom 8:17). If any be in Christ, he is no more strangers and foreigners. -Are We Under Any Covenants? -Did Gentiles In the Old Testament Get Salvation? -A Look at History With and Without Israel -Without Israel, Without Covenants, Without the Law -Differences Between the Old Covenant, New Covenant, and the Fellowship of the Mystery -Should We Bless Israel -Not Every Gentile is in the Church

A Strange Teaching on the New Testament By Justin Johnson It was brought to my attention this week that the brethren at the Berean Bible Society have once again1 posted their firm convictions about the Body of Christ being under the New Covenant. Would not this vague ‘umbrella’ doctrine lower our heavenly position in Christ to that of an earthly covenant, and diminish the simplicity that is in Christ by blending Prophecy and Mystery? John Nelson Darby thought it would when he wrote his Synposis of the Bible over one hundred years ago: The mystery of Christ teaches that the position of the new creature, the Body of Christ, does not depend upon a promised covenant, but upon the very gospel of the grace of God first delivered to the apostle Paul to us (Col 1:20-28). And as others have said before, the gospel is not a covenant. Both of these dispensational forefathers knew that the gospel given to Paul that creates the Body of Christ was not the teaching of the New Covenant which was made with Israel. Since unashamed workmen separate prophecy from mystery we must separate the Body of Christ from Israel’s New Covenant. What is the New Covenant The New Covenant was part of God’s prophesied purpose to make a peculiar people on the earth to bless all nations (Gentiles) (Exo 19:5-6). The New Covenant would accomplish for Israel what the Old could not, that is, provide Israel the ability to serve God in righteousness on the earth. It provided for the forgiveness of Israel’s sins and the spiritual ability to walk in God’s statutes (Jer 31:31-34; Eze 36:27). In short, it would provide salvation to Israel, and through them to the world. The New Covenant would allow Israel to fulfill its God given destiny to have dominion over all the earth as God’s peculiar people (Deut 14:2, 26:18). The fulfillment of the New Covenant is still future when Israel receives its kingdom (Acts 3:19-21; Heb 8:13; 1 Pet 1:13). How, then, can the Body of Christ be under it who were not recipients of its promises, and who are not on earth at the time of its fulfillment? None of these promises were given to Gentiles, and what a strange thing it would be to place the Body of Christ, which possesses a calling higher than anything prophesied to Israel, under an earthly covenant (Eph 2:6, 3:18). Partaking of Spiritual Things It is true that the Gentiles in Romans 15:27 were partakers of the spiritual things of the remnant of Israel. Yet, nothing in Paul’s epistles necessitates Gentiles be under any of Israel’s covenants of promise to receive these spiritual blessings. More likely the spiritual things referred to in Romans 15:27 are the ones mentioned in Romans 11:11. At one time, salvation was “of the Jews” (John 4:22), but now, Paul says, it is come to the Gentiles. What a reversal! How could salvation come to Gentiles without any covenants and without Israel’s salvation (New Covenant)? Only through the mystery of Christ, where Gentiles no longer go through Israel (or its covenants) to receive blessing, but access God freely through Christ by His grace. While it is true that the New Covenant promised salvation to Israel, it was not salvation through Paul’s mystery gospel. The salvation of Israel was tied up in covenants, promises, laws, and prophecy. Paul’s gospel of salvation was not a covenant. Gentiles did not need a covenant to receive by grace the few blessings listed in Jeremiah 31 or any of the numerous spiritual blessings bestowed uniquely upon the Body of Christ not promised to Israel. Not one Israelite in time past ever experienced all the spiritual blessings of the mystery of Christ since they were hid in God (Eph 3:8-10). The Blood of the New Testament Indeed, Paul emphasizes that every member of the Body of Christ is a partaker of the blood of Christ in a special communion, but not partakers of the New Covenant: Just as the gospel is not a covenant, the communion of the blood of Christ is not a covenant. That same blood of Christ shed for the New Testament is what is now preached by Paul as the means of redemption for all men without a covenant: The blood of Christ is what reconciled all things to God, not just the covenanted earthly things, but also heaven, which is the topic of the mystery of Christ: The ‘Umbrella’ of Christ Why would we need to be under the New Covenant umbrella when we have access to God directly through Christ by his grace and not through a promised covenant (Rom 5:2, Eph 2:18)? Indeed we share in common with Israel the need for the blood of Christ for salvation. Israel needs the blood for their promised New Covenant salvation, while the Body of Christ receives the benefits of his blood freely by grace apart from any covenant (1 Cor 2:7-12). We are “made nigh” not by a covenant, but by the blood of Christ (Eph 2:13). As a result a new man is created that possesses “all spiritual blessings”, will inhabit heavenly places, and ministers the manifold wisdom of God (Eph 3:10-12). In light of the the numerous spiritual blessings given freely to the Body of Christ, it would seem there is not enough room under a New Covenant umbrella to hold all of the unsearchable riches of Christ. Rather than the umbrella being the New Covenant, the umbrella that contains us all is Christ, at once, both the head of the Body of Christ, and the mediator of a better testament for Israel. The preeminent Christ is the connection between the two programs of God, not a mere covenant given to Israel. The earthly purpose will be fulfilled by Christ through his promised covenant, and the heavenly purpose is accomplished by Christ in a mystery on the cross. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1 Their article “What We Believe” has been sent out eight times in the past eight years in their Two Minutes With the Bible email. My response was first published in 2012. -Are We Under Any Covenants? -Without Israel, Without Covenants, Without the Law -The New Covenant Can Rob You -30 Reasons We do not Operate Under the New Testament -No More Strangers and Foreigners -Differences Between the Old Covenant, New Covenant, and the Fellowship of the Mystery -10 Reasons 2 Chronicles 7:14 is not About You

By Faith and Through Faith By Justin Johnson Inevitably, discussing this verse involves a gauntlet of word games and definitions. Why is it by for the circumcision and through for the uncircumcision? Everyone knows there is a difference, but what exactly is it? Let’s give it a go. Under the law dispensation, righteousness came through obedience to Israel’s covenants. Yet, even Israel, who was instructed by God from the law, could not keep the law. Both Jew and Gentile were under sin. The law could not justify: Not even Israel could be justified by the law. It was through the requirements of the covenant that Jesus died as a propitiation for the “remission of sins that are past”, those sins committed under the law dispensation (Rom 3:25). All Men Justified By Faith Justification always requires faith. For the circumcision, justification was by faith. The covenant promised kingdoms and required works. Faith would obey God. Through obedience to the covenants Israel’s faith was made perfect. They were justified by faith and works through their covenants with God. Through Faith The law was an integral part of God’s prophetic purpose with Israel (Rom 3:1-2). The law required obedience. However, the circumcision was truly justified by faith when they failed to obey. Faith would offer a sacrifice through the covenant. The uncircumcision had been rejected by God already. They were strangers of the covenants (Eph 2:10). There was no pretense that they would be justified through a covenant. The sinners of the Gentiles could only hope to be justified through faith in the gospel of the grace of God. The uncircumcision was justified by faith, but being strangers of the covenants it was also through faith in the finished work of Christ (Rom 5:1, Eph 2:8). Faith Without the Law The law, which was the knowledge of sin, taught Israel that they needed faith in God (Rom 3:19-20). It was not until Paul that righteousness without the law was manifested and faith stood alone for justification. Today, it has been revealed that all are under sin. Justification comes by faith in God’s instructions, but also through faith alone in Christ’s finished work. No more works are needed, no covenant is needed, justification is offered today by faith and through faith without works. Israel’s faith did not void the law. Our faith is without the law. Related posts: -Abraham, Father of Us All -Does Romans 2:28-29 Teach A Spiritual Israel? -When Can Works Justify -Did Paul Preach A Different Gospel? -Your Circumcision is Not of the Heart -The Most Common Response to Grace -Is Faith Without Works Dead?

Is Faith Without Works Dead? The Bible defines faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). It is undeniable that faith without substance is no faith at all, but merely a false hope. However, those who do not rightly divide the Scripture often are plagued with a misunderstanding of the separate faiths that have been offered throughout dispensations. It is a misconception to think that the substance of faith remains the same for every person and group in the Bible. The Just Shall Live by Faith Scripture records that the just in every age shall live by faith, and yet the substance or content of that faith changes as it is revealed. It is an unchangeable principle of God that the righteous, in any age, must live by faith, and operate according to the obedience of that faith (Acts 6:7, Romans 1:5). However, we must recognize the dispensational changes in the substance of that faith as it is revealed from God. Noah had faith in a flood and salvation by an ark. Moses had faith in God who would deliver them from Egypt, and salvation from enemy bondage. The Hope of Israel It is clearly stated in the opening verse of James, that he writes to the ‘twelve tribes’ and ‘my brethren’, who were Israelites, scattered by the persecution of unbelieving Israel. Writing to the twelve tribes, James writes concerning the faith and hope of Israel during the Pentecostal period. It is during this time that the gospel of the kingdom was preached by Peter who proclaimed the ‘last days’ before Christ’s return (Acts 2:16-17,3:19-21). Instead of having a hope based upon the preaching of the cross, Israel’s hope was in the salvation offered by the coming Holy One and promised kingdom (Luke 1:68-75). It was this information that Peter presented for acceptance by faith. Along with believing Jesus to be the Holy One, Peter called upon Israel to repent and perform the works necessary to exhibit their repentance according to what Jesus had taught. A Faith That Produces Works In order to enter the kingdom, Jesus taught that Israel must be righteous. In fact, they must be perfect ‘even as your Father in heaven is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48). If a believer was to have faith in the coming kingdom with Jesus as its Messiah, then they would of necessity be obliged to perform the works of the law as obedience to that faith. The substance of the faith was entering the coming kingdom with Jesus as Messiah. The obedience to that faith would naturally be performing works required to enter the kingdom, and be admitted into Jesus’ kingdom. When faith was obeyed by these Jewish believers, they would exhibit the works required by their faith. The substance of their faith was obedience to the law, even the new covenant, as Jesus, the Holy One, both taught and exemplified (Matthew 5:20, 8:4, 23:2-3). A Dead Faith If the substance of your faith was the coming kingdom, which required a righteous performance of works for admission, then you could evaluate a person’s faith by their obedience to perform works. The faith of these Jewish believers at Pentecost demanded the obedience of works. Otherwise, the substance of their faith was not alive – it was dead! Only someone who did not have faith of a coming kingdom, or did not want to enter the coming kingdom would deny necessary works. James reasons that a man reaches justification, which is the proof of salvation, through the necessary works. Another Hope, Another Faith The just will live by faith. Until the revelation of the mystery, the substance of faith always included God’s involvement with the nation Israel, its promised kingdom, and its associated covenants. It was not until Paul that salvation was offered by grace through faith alone apart from any special nation, kingdom requirements, or covenant stipulations (Romans 4:5, Eph 2:8-9, Romans 11:6, Eph 2:12). Paul offered a hope not based upon a promised earthly kingdom of peace and righteous rule, but a hope of salvation found within the preaching of the cross (Eph 2:7, Romans 5:2-4). The saving faith we are taught includes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ who was delivered for our offences and raised again for our free justification (Romans 4:25). We are given free justification by grace apart from any meritorious work of our own (Romans 3:24). Contained in this further revelation which was not revealed to Peter, James, or John prior to Paul was that our faith is not in a covenantal law, which required performance, but in the death of Jesus Christ for our sins. The Obedience of Faith The substance of our faith is the atoning work of Christ on the cross in our place (Galatians 2:16, Romans 3:21-26). Unique to this dispensation of emphatic grace, the obedience to this faith requires no works at all! Instead of evaluating our faith based upon performance, our faith is evaluated based on Christ’s performance in our place, which was sufficient for every man! Praise God! It was when we were weak, and given up by God as enemies, Christ died for us: Dead Faith in the Dispensation of Grace Citing James 2:14-26, teachers seek to justify a performance-based evaluation of ‘true’ faith today in the dispensation of grace. Yet, unknowingly, they rob people of the benefits the righteousness of God which only comes freely by faith in Christ (Romans 3:22-24,5:2). In order for a faith to be dead in this dispensation, the substance of their faith must be inactive. That is, if our faith is in Jesus Christ’s work on the cross, then a dead faith would be like preaching a dead Jesus who could not perform that which he promised (Romans 4:19-21). Contrariwise, any person who has faith in the cross of Christ has the full assurance of salvation because God is able to perform that which we could not – a proper atonement of our sins. Our faith can only be annulled or dead if the work of Christ was annulled or insufficient. Impossible! Do not be robbed of the glorious grace of God by a lack of rightly dividing the Scriptures. It is the precious truth of the efficacious atoning blood of Jesus that is the focus and climax of the gospel! Whereas James taught a faith that required works in order to be ‘perfect’, we are given a perfect position by our faith in Christ alone! Amen and Amen. (2 Cor 5:21, Phil 3:12) Related posts: -By Faith and Through Faith -When Can Works Justify -Works Never Saved Anyone -Did Paul Preach A Different Gospel? -Blind Faith Is Worthless -“Repent and Do Works” -Abraham, Father of Us All

Pursuing Marriage in Christ By Justin Johnson God intended marriage to be good. Too many marriages end up in tragedy. When seeking marriage, how do you make sure your relationship starts on the right foot? When trying to win someone’s heart, it is natural to exert maximum effort to put your best foot forward. This ends up being the wrong foot. To become the object of another’s affections, you conform to what they desire, which may be different than what you truly are. If they saw how you really were, you fear, they might become disinterested and the hope of love destroyed. This is why one of the most common problems in marriage relationships is expecting your spouse to be something they are not. When hearts have been won and marriage occurs, both put less effort on their best foot and the other shoe drops. To keep the shoe from dropping some marriages trudge along attempting to maintain maximum effort to be someone they are not. This rarely ends well. Therefore, the usual marriage advice is to find someone who loves you for who you really are. This way there are no false expectations and less effort is required. This can be called putting your worst foot forward. Leading with your worst foot is not good either. The problem with this advice is that the Bible tells us that we are all sinners, and no one wants a sinner for a spouse. This is true no matter how much they claim to love you just as you are. God already knows the worst about us. God has already commended his love toward us. God loves his Son, and wants us to be conformed to His image. Moreover, God provides the grace and power for this to occur through faith. Sinners can become saints in Christ by grace through faith. The good news for marriage is that it was never intended to be only for perfect people (or perfect matches). There is no such thing. Neither is it merely where two sinners maintain close proximity without harming each other. Marriage is for two people to learn to love how God loves. Loving first, sacrificially, completely, by grace, in Christ, and in the face of a sinner. You don’t have to be someone you are not for marriage to work. Nor are you resigned to be the sinner that you were. You must only be who you are in Christ. This is why the only condition given to Christians on whom they marry is “in the Lord” (1 Cor 7:39). This way there are no false expectations: sin will be present; but there is also hope: you know the love of Christ. You are the hands and feet of Christ. Put that foot forward, and marriage success will be only as distant as you in Christ. -Grace and Marriage -Loving God to Death -How to Preach the Love of God in Christ -Showing Grace Toward Others -Give More Than Love -Jesus Loves Me -The Grace Reason to Do Good

Abel’s Blood, Christ’s Blood By Justin Johnson Abel was a prophet killed by his religious brother. Abel’s brother, Cain, was a religious man who thought man should be accepted by birthright, works, and good intentions. God calls the works of self-righteous men evil (1 John 3:12). Self-righteousness cannot stand God’s righteousness. Cain ignored God’s appeals and killed Abel. Abel’s blood spoke from the ground (Gen 4:10, Heb 11:4). Abel’s blood cried for justice and retribution, judgment and vengeance, and cried “how long?” It was nearly 1600 years before God executed judgment upon that wicked world in a flood. Abel’s blood was a testimony to the wickedness of Cain and all those who followed his way. Blood on Their Hands The way of Cain persisted in evil religious men. It was identified in the Pharisees and scribes who killed the Lord as Cain killed Abel (Luke 11:50-51). The Lord said the blood of Abel would be required of those wicked men since they chose the way of Cain. Abel’s blood was again testifying of the wickedness of these religious men. But for those who had ears to hear the blood of Christ spoke of better things according to Israel’s covenants (Matt 26:28; Heb 12:24). Namely, his blood spoke of a better covenant and the sending of the Holy Ghost according to the covenant (Heb 9:17-18; Heb 10:15-16). For all this, Israel still followed the way of Cain and resisted the Holy Ghost and resorted to murdering Stephen rather than repent of their ungodliness. The blood of prophets since Abel has cried out against injustice and for judgment, “how long?” How could a righteous God withhold judgment against such ungodliness any longer? How could God show mercy to sinners, and grace to the depraved? It was not for the prophets to know these times of hidden things (Acts 1:7). Power in the Blood Christ first revealed these mysteries to a man who had the blood of Abel, Christ, and Stephen on his hands (Acts 8:1). Though he resisted the power of the Holy Ghost, the Lord Jesus Christ sent Paul to preach the power of the shed blood of Christ as the gospel of salvation (1 Cor 1:17-18; Eph 2:13). He gave to Paul a special dispensation whereby all who trust the shed blood of Jesus Christ can be saved by grace without the works (1 Cor 9:17; Eph 2-3). God has withheld judgment for nearly two thousand years while he offers salvation freely through faith in his blood (Rom3:25). The blood shed at the hands of men following the way of Cain, is now presented as the means for saving the same wicked world from sin. What grace! Abel’s blood and all the prophets cried out to hasten justice against ungodliness. The mystery of Christ’s blood allows God to patiently preach salvation to all for as long as God will suffer it for Christ’s sake. The blood of Abel cries for justice, but now the blood of Christ is preached for grace and peace. There will be a day when God will answer the cries of Abel’s innocent blood according to the prophets (Rom 12:19, Isa 26:21). But now God is offering salvation to sinners through the preaching of the blood of Christ according to the mystery. -Stephen, Zechariah, and Israel’s Fall -A Must-Use Verse to Teach Right Division -So Great Salvation -Secret Since the World Began -Rightly Dividing the Holy Spirit -Do Prophets Exist Today? -Willful Sin and Judgment of Hebrews 10:26

The Gospel According to Paul http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/the-gospel-according-to-paul By Justin Johnson The Old Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are commonly referred to as the Four Gospels. Many Bibles even have in the titles of these books “The Gospel According to…” Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. All four of them contain the same gospel: the gospel of the kingdom. The gospel of the kingdom declared the fulfillment of the prophetic kingdom to the nation Israel. What they do not contain is the gospel of the cross for salvation. Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection do not even occur until the final chapters of the books. Jesus in his earthly ministry confirmed the kingdom promises to the circumcision (Israel): “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:” – Romans 15:8 Each of the four books start with the earthly ministry of Jesus to the circumcision and ends with his death and resurrection. This outlines the ministry and message of Peter, John, and the Twelve according to prophecies of Christ. Their ministries begin with the prophecies and end with their fulfillment in Christ. However, there is a fifth gospel. Paul’s gospel was not copied from Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. It was personally revealed by the Lord (Gal 1:11-12). As such, Paul’s gospel as told in 1 Corinthians 15 is different than the four traditional Gospels. It includes the revelation of the mystery of Christ. A New Beginning Paul does not begin with Jesus’ ministry to the circumcision as do Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. He says elsewhere that he does not know Christ after the flesh: “…though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.” – 2 Corinthians 5:16 Instead, the first thing in Paul’s gospel is the last thing in the four gospels: the death and resurrection of Christ. “…I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures: And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures;” – 1 Corinthians 15:3 This seems right as the foundation of Paul’s gospel of the grace of God was not the kingdom promises to a circumcised people, but the cross itself (1 Cor 1:18, 2:2, 3:10). The very first point of Paul’s gospel is neither the genealogy of Jesus nor Jesus’ relationship to prophecy, but his death for our sins. A New Ending Also different is how Paul’s gospel ends in 1 Corinthians 15:1-10. The four so-called Gospels do not progress beyond the appearance of the resurrection Jesus to the Twelve apostles. However, Paul is nowhere to be found in the four Gospels. He is not only absent but an unbeliever and an enemy of the gospel of the kingdom: “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem;…” – Acts 8:1 Paul’s gospel goes beyond the resurrection of Christ to his kingdom remnant. Paul explains the revelation of the mystery of Christ to himself “last of all”. “And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” – 1 Corinthians 15:8 Born out of the due time of prophecy, Paul was given salvation by the Lord himself and was chosen as the dispenser of the gospel of the grace of God: “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:” – Eph 3:2 “… a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.” – 1 Corinthians 9:17 The Mystery Gospel It is popular to pursue the gospel narratives found in Matthew-John as the key to understanding the Bible. While there are doctrinal gems and spiritual truths in these books, we must remember Paul’s gospel in order to understand all things (even those things beyond the resurrection of Jesus). “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. “ – 2 Tim 2:7 The gospel Christ gave to Paul is missing from Matthew-John, and so is called a mystery gospel (Rom 16:25, Eph 6:19). Instead of trying to pattern ourselves after the Lord’s earthly ministry passed on to his twelve apostles to Israel, we should start with Christ crucified and pattern our ministry after the heavenly message of the apostle of the Gentiles (Rom 11:13). When our focus is on the gospel God gave to Paul then we will be in position to grow in the grace of God as did Paul, according to his gospel: “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” – 1 Corinthians 15:10 Related posts: -Handling Gospel Transition -The Gospel Missing in John -Did Paul Preach A Different Gospel? -The First to Preach the Gospel -Prophecy Unfulfilled -Paul’s “My Gospel” -Gospel of the Kingdom vs. Gospel of the Grace of God

Praise Jesus !!! Thank you all for the excellent replies. I realize there are likely numerous Trinity threads and I made a decision to stop engaging in heated debates over the complexity of God. I found early on that I could not convince a Non-Trinity believer to change their mind. I tried for years and I can only plant seeds. I also concluded in my own mind that God will understand if we don't get everything right. I try to follow the two Great Commandments and the 10 of course, but I can always do better.

I ask this because I run other forums and we have quite a few people that do not accept the doctrine of the trinity. I have seen Christians tell other Christians they are going to hell if the don't believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is God. I believe He is but what if I'm wrong. Are we expected to understand the concept and the nature of our Triune God? What do you see and hear on this topic and what are your beliefs?

How Do I Know I Am Saved? http://graceambassadors.com/salvation/how-do-i-know-i-am-saved By Justin Johnson Let’s be honest. If you do not know that you are saved it is because you are not. I am not trying to be cruel or mean, but simply honest. It would be the worst kind of negligence if I encouraged you to believe you were saved if actually you were not. Unsaved people roam the earth thinking they are right with God, but are not. This reality may be driving your honest question about how to know if you are saved. This question is the greatest question one could ask, because the answer is understanding the gospel that saves. Many people remain unconvinced about their own salvation because of a fear they have left something undone, did not say something right, are not worthy enough, or have not done the right thing to be accepted by God. Perhaps this is you! You want to do right, and want to be saved, but do not know for certain how to know. What you need to know is the gospel of Christ. Do You Know the Gospel? At this point you may object because you claim to already know the gospel. But your question betrays you. The gospel that saves provides the knowledge of salvation. If you do not know you are saved, then you do not know the gospel that saves. If you claim to know the gospel and still do not know if you are saved you have been told the wrong gospel. Perhaps you have been told salvation comes by… – Believing Jesus is the Son of God. – Loving the Lord. – Following Jesus. – Accepting Jesus. – Being born again. – Keeping the commandments. – Loving your neighbor. – Praying the sinner’s prayer. – Repentance and confessing your sins. – Confessing the Lord with your mouth. – Asking Jesus to come into your heart. – Making him Lord of your life. – Maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus. – Naming the name of Christ. – Being filled with the Holy Spirit; or feeling his presence? If so, you were told wrong. Your doubts testify to the inadequacy of any of these “gospels” to bring the knowledge of salvation. Have you loved the Lord enough? Don’t the devils also believe Jesus is the Son of God (Jam 2:19)? How do you know Jesus accepted your invitation into your heart? Is salvation really by uttering a name? Though what you heard may have had an element of Biblical truth in it, you are still left wondering how you know you are saved even after knowing or believing these “gospels”. This is because they do not describe the gospel that saves. Proof of Salvation The Bible gives proof to every saved person to know they are saved: the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation (Rom 1:16). If we test your proof of salvation against the gospel of Christ, we can know if you are saved or not. (I do not pretend to be the judge of your soul, but using God’s word to evaluate your salvation is prudent.) So, what is the proof of your salvation? If you say you have none, or that no one can know for certain, then you do not have salvation. If you say proof is in the good way you live your life, then you have not heard the truth. If you say proof is found in the promises of God to Israel, then you are taking what is not yours. God made promises to the nation of Israel, but there were many people in Israel who died in their sins at God’s hand of judgment and not salvation. How do you know you are part of the promises? If you say proof is in what you have done or not done, said or not said, then you are not saved. Without proof on what basis can you know that you are saved? There is none! Do you see now that you are not saved at all, and rather than needing to be convinced by Scripture that you are, you need to have the power of God unto salvation open your eyes to the truth of the gospel? What is the Gospel that Saves Now the question is seen in a new light. It is no longer the question of a saved person lacking confidence. It is the cry of an unsaved person lacking proof of salvation. Sinners cannot save themselves or make themselves worthy enough for God to save them. Salvation is not for the righteous or the good, but for the unrighteous and the ungodly. The truth is that there is none righteous, and all have fallen short of God’s glorious standard. Salvation of sinners is accomplished through the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. God manifest in the flesh died innocently in the place of sinners shedding his blood as a sacrifice for sins. He rose from the dead three days later defeating the power of death and offering his finished work as the means of salvation to all men. Salvation is not proven by our own efforts, but in the righteousness of God in Christ when he died for our sins, rose from the dead, and offers salvation freely to sinners who need it. Proof of salvation is found in the gospel of Christ. God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself by the cross. “To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” – Romans 3:25 We will be saved “if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” – Romans 4:24-25 This is the gospel of Christ; it is the preaching of the cross. Christ is God, and he did everything necessary to save men through his death and resurrection. His work is the proof of salvation. If his work is the proof of your salvation, then you have peace with God and eternal life. You are no longer trying to provide proof. God has provided it by his grace in Christ. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” – Romans 5:1 “…the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23 How Do I Know? Stop trusting your life, your prayers, your works, your good deeds, your feelings, trust the finished work of Christ and know that you are saved. I know that I am saved because Christ died for my sins, rose from the dead, and offers salvation freely to all who believe in him. I’ve seen him save other people who believe the gospel of Christ. He will save you, when you believe it (Eph 1:13; Rom 3:22).

I do agree but only because I have also studied Reformed Theology. You're right that most people think they made a free will choice to believe and it's partly true. We are called.

A Rightly Divided Eschatology http://graceambassadors.com/prophecy/a-rightly-divided-eschatology By Justin Johnson Postmillennialists look at prophecy and say things will get better and better in the world. Premillennialists look at prophecy and say things will get worse and worse in the world. One sees prophecy being fulfilled by bringing in the kingdom. We are responsible to change the world. The other sees prophecy being fulfilled in times of trouble, and we should guard ourselves from the world. Both are looking in the wrong place to see what God is doing in the world. Prophecy does not describe this mystery dispensation. The events of prophecy do not describe the end of this dispensation, but the end of Israel’s. One sees the prophetic cup and says it is half full. The other sees the prophetic cup and says it is half empty. According to Pauline right division we are not drinking from that prophetic cup. We are looking up where our life is hid with Christ according to the mystery (Col 3:1-3). How We View the Future While students of prophecy argue back and forth about which current event was God sent, we understand that God is not fulfilling prophecy in our present circumstances. What will happen in Israel’s prophetic program in the future has no affect on our present ministry, circumstances, or salvation. The greatest eschatological division is not where you put yourself in the millennium, or when you think the rapture will happen. The greatest division to make about the end times is between Prophecy and Mystery. When prophecy speaks of the kingdom come, we know according to the mystery of Christ that it is not our duty to bring in God’s kingdom to the earth. When prophecy speaks of the trouble to come before the end, we know according to the mystery of Christ that we have no divine instruction to run to the hills. Our view of the future is not driven by prophecy, but by the instructions of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (Rom 16:25, Col 1:25-27). Our hope does not come from the current events of postmillennialism, nor do we need prophetic disasters to give us warning. We have families to feed, souls to save, and jobs to perform. We respond to the future with the Bible rightly divided, faithfully doing these tasks as long as God’s grace will last. Determining our Eschatology Often people start with an eschatological (end times) position and then build their doctrines of the church, salvation, and ministry from there. This is exactly backwards. It should be our doctrine of the church, salvation, and ministry that determines our view of the end times. When we rightly divide Prophecy from Mystery there is only one relationship to prophecy we can take: prophecy does not describe the present time in which we live, whether it be for the better or the worse. The millennium, tribulation, restoration of Israel are all parts of God’s prophetic purpose for his chosen nation and not the church. They describe the end times spoken about in prophecy. The pretribulational premillennial non-prophetic imminent return of Christ is seen as a weak position. It is only weak from the position that does not recognize the difference between Prophecy and Mystery. A failure to rightly divide Prophecy from Mystery will end up with a failed eschatology. Not in the End Times We are not living in the times of prophecy, but in a mystery dispensation. Therefore, we are not living in the end times. We will not go through the millennium; we are not looking for Israel’s tribulation; nor are we looking for Israel’s restoration. Instead we operate according to the mystery of Christ, doing our ministry as ambassadors and waiting for the mystery coming of the Lord to remove the church so that he can fulfill his prophecy and promises with Israel. These are not the prophetic last days for us. Every day is a new day of opportunity to be God’s grace ambassadors in a world that has rejected him. For the sake of ministering the gospel, we should hope there are a million more days. Our hope is in his appearing sometime in the future, unknown to us (Titus 2:13). Til then, we have work to do.

Works Never Saved Anyone http://graceambassadors.com/salvation/works-never-saved-anyone By Justin Johnson There can be no doubt that the works of the law were required for Israel to obey. If they disobeyed they would not receive the blessing or righteousness of God (Deut 6:24-25). Further it can be understood that Jesus in his ministry to Israel taught obedience to the law (Matt 5:19). Even beyond the death and resurrection of their King, the twelve apostles were taught to continue in obedience to the covenants (James 2:24, 1 John 2:3). As far along as Acts 20, James is zealous of the law. Yet, we know that works cannot save a man from sin (Rom 3:20). The Mystery Truth Before the dispensation of grace men would plead for God’s mercy and grace to forgive their sins (Psalm 51:11). God responded with appropriate forgiveness when asked with a contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). Yet, they did not understand how God could be just and the justifier. It was not until the revealed mystery of Christ to Paul that all men could know how God could be just and the justifier (Rom 3:26,4:5). Through the manifold wisdom of God, Paul explains what was kept secret since the beginning of the world: how God would impute free righteousness unto all men upon all who believed in the cross of Christ (2 Cor 5:21). Paul makes it clear when he says: All Saved by Grace The mystery of Christ explains how all men at all times can only be saved by grace through faith, not of works. However, only in this dispensation grace stands unaccompanied by any required works. This is because of the substitutionary nature of Christ’s work applied to you. Though Old Testament saints were never saved by their works, they had no knowledge of the mystery of Christ. They could not put their faith in something that was a secret. Their faith was in the testament. The testament required obedience to works. The New Testament saints could also never be saved by their works; however, they too had no knowledge of the mystery and placed their faith in a better testament (Heb 7:22). The better testament required obedience to works to remain in the covenant (Heb 10:23-26). Future Salvation Comes Israel’s salvation is yet in the future as it is there that the testament will be fulfilled. It was not until Peter heard Paul disputing in Jerusalem about his God given authority to teach the mystery dispensation of grace that he makes the comment: They have a covenant, we do not. They will be saved in the future even as we are presently, by grace, but not yet. Peter says to his remnant: Their time of perfection will come (James 1:4). You stand complete in Christ now (Col 2:10).

I have had trouble praying in the past. I pray a lot in my everyday thoughts and we know the Holy Spirit prays for us. I pray for people I know and for all of the people I will never know, here and everywhere. I stopped praying for myself and for help in my own life. After some years I started pray for myself again but with a contrite heart, seeking and asking for simple things that grow my understanding and spiritual wisdom. I was patient and I knew God would answer and He did. My point is that we can't be selfish in our prayers and our motives must be pure. When we pray we should keep it simple and to the point, not long drawn out emotional pleadings. I need to pray more. Sometimes I feel far away from God and not able to pray. It's all a matter of setting your mind and heart right before we pray. Just my two cents.

We Have Christ’s Atonement Now By Justin Johnson http://graceambassadors.com/salvation/we-have-christs-atonement-now Romans 5:11 in the King James Bible is under constant attack for using the word atonement instead of reconciliation. An attack was recently republished by the Berean’s email list originally written by the late Pastor Sadler. The usual attack is to say that the word atonement means something less than the complete satisfaction of sins through a just reparation. Instead it is taught that atonement means to merely cover or hide from view, while reconciliation means to clean and remove. While it is true that we have the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:20), this error makes atonement insufficient to deal with sins. This causes problems with the clear interpretation of other passages of scripture, and, more importantly, means either Christ did not atone for sins or his substitutionary atonement was incomplete. None of these are acceptable. Defining Atonement The common argument presented in our recent example says: “The Hebrew word kaphar, translated “atonement” in the Old Testament meant ‘to cover.’ Hence, the blood of bulls and goats merely covered the sins of those in Old Testament times; it didn’t have the efficacy to remove them.” The failure of animal sacrifices to take away sins is recognized from the teaching in Hebrews 10:4 and Heb 10:11. But why was it not possible? If it were true that God-ordained sacrifices never satisfactorily dealt with sins then why is sacrificial blood described as cleansing, reconciling, purging, sanctifying, and forgiving people of sins? (Lev 14:19; Lev 16:30; Eze 43:20; Num 35:33; 1 Sam 3:14; Heb 9:22-23) Under the law of Moses, God ordained animal sacrifices as a means through which sinful Israel could receive forgiveness, cleansing, reconciliation, and satisfaction before God. It was part of their covenant. This is contrary to the false idea that atonement does not cleanse, but reconciliation does. This kind of error leads to saying wrong and dangerous things such as: “In other words, the blood of Christ doesn’t atone for our sins, it actually cleanses them forevermore.” – Sadler, In What Sense Did Christ Atone?. The truth is that the blood of Christ does atone. it is the final atonement for a nation who needed atoned continually every year, the only propitiation for my sins (Rom 3:25), and is how I receive now the atonement (Rom 5:11). The Yearly Day of Atonement for Israel Each year Israel was commanded to have a day of atonement complete with animal sacrifices that would cleanse them from all their sins. According to Hebrews 10 the problem with animal sacrifices was that they were offered continually, repeatedly, over and over, each year. This problem of time and frequency is what Hebrews 10 and Romans 5 addresses, as we shall see. Why was it not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins? (Heb 10:4) Despite the thousands of sacrifices they offered throughout the year, the final day of atonement would bring to remembrance all of those sins and send them out of the nation. Rinse and repeat (Lev 16:34). When would their sins be taken away once and for all? Waiting for Atonement Prophetically, these holy days for Israel spoke to the future time of their promised salvation. Passover was a shadow of Christ’s death. The feast of unleavened bread his burial. The feast of firstfruits his resurrection. The day of atonement was a shadow for the day in Israel’s future when their sins would be atoned once and for all. Daniel’s seventy weeks prophesied of the final reconciliation for iniquity that would occur at the end of those weeks (Dan 9:24). Peter preached that since Jesus was Israel’s final sacrifice they had the opportunity for their sins to be blotted out in the future when he returned with the times of refreshing. Even Paul mentions the future time of fulfillment of their final day of atonement when “all Israel shall be saved” (Romans 11:26). By using the word “atonement” in Romans 5:11 the KJB draws our attention to the subject of Israel’s promises, but by using the word “now” it stands in contrast to their future day of atonement, providing the benefits of atonement to us now in the present dispensation of grace. The Mystery of Atonement Israel waits for the fulfillment of their prophesied day of atonement when Jesus will be recognized as their final and better sacrificial Lamb, but Paul describes a mystery in Romans 5 about salvation offered freely to all men now. By the riches of God’s grace we have many things now as a present possession that Israel has only in a future promise or covenant. According to the revelation of the mystery, the dispensation of the grace of God, we have peace now with God by faith (Rom 5:1). We are “now justified by his blood” (Rom 5:9). Reconciliation is a done deal, as the present benefits of his death; salvation from wrath is guaranteed by his resurrection life (Rom 5:10). Israel is waiting for their future reconciliation and fulfillment of their day of atonement at the times of refreshing, but now we joy in God because we have NOW the atonement. Romans 5:11 is correct in saying we have “now the atonement”, because it draws attention to this important mystery truth. Christ is my atonement, providing all its benefits to me now by his grace. -The Message and the Mystery of Salvation -Atonement Now -Atonement and Propitiation -Is Everyone Forgiven? -The Baptism Gospel -Promise in Christ or in a Covenant -Asking for Forgiveness

I am ending this thread or I should say that I will no longer be posting in this thread. Thank you to all who studied with me and used this thread to come closer to Christ Jesus. This is a great thread to study. 5 Most Common Responses to Mid-Acts Dispensational Right Division http://graceambassadors.com/faq/5-most-common-responses-to-mid-acts-dispensational-right-division While attempting “to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery” (Eph 3:9), people commonly ask the same questions in response. These responses can be grouped into the “5 Most Common Response to Right Division”. They are: 1. The Heresy Response Also called the ‘argument of extremism’, this response asks “Do you teach heresy?” or “Are you a cult?” This response tries to place a pejorative label upon you because you are not in the status quo. Read more about the Heresy Response. 2. The Credibility Response Who else teaches this? This appeal to the authority of church tradition attempts to give more credibility to history books than God’s Word. Read more about the Credibility Response. 3. The Arrogant Response This response asks “Why have I never heard of this before?” or “Where did you go to school?” This is the common response of the ‘trained professional’. It also reflects that a person is trusting in their own scholarship, or the scholarship of others to determine truth. Read more about the Arrogant response. 4. The Popularity Response How can so many people be wrong? This response shows a greater reliance upon what is popular than what is right. “Let God be true, but every man a liar” Romans 3:4. Read more about the Popularity response. 5. The Peace Response This ecumenical appeal to compromise in the name of peace is all too common. Does sticking to sound doctrine cause more division? Can we all just get along? Read more about the Peace response. In every response a common issue is reflected – our final authority. Many people, sometimes unknowingly, find their truth in the authority of the status quo, scholarship, tradition, church structure, or even within themselves. If we believe the Bible to be God’s Word then we must make it the sole authority of truth above all else. Formally replying to these responses may help others understand that Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensational Right Division is simply another way of saying, “The Bible is our final authority.” We must “let God be true, but every man a liar” in order to better understand God’s Word. -Who Else Teaches Mid-Acts Right Division? -Do You Teach Heresy? -Mid Acts Dispensational Questions and Answers -Does Right Division Cause Church Division? -What I Believe vs. What God Said -Mid-Acts Dispensational Right Division is a Gospel Issue -Don’t Argue From Opinion

I am ending this thread or I should say that I will no longer be posting in this thread. Thank you to all who studied with me and used this thread to come closer to Christ Jesus. This is a great thread to study. Controversial Doctrines Resolved by the Pauline Pattern http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/controversial-doctrines-resolved-by-the-pauline-pattern By Justin Johnson Many times the doctrines that cause Christians the most confusion are easily resolved by Mid-Acts right division. Tongues This interreligious practice continues to cause no small disgrace in the congregations who do not recognize that the supernatural multilingual ability was a power needed for the remnant of Israel in Acts II who were going to minister into the worldwide kingdom reign of Christ. By the way, this same reasoning applies to snake handling and poisonous water drinking. They are all listed in the same series in Mark 16 referring to the bizarre events that will occur during the tribulation. Acts 2 does not describe the church today. Baptism Since there has been such a lack of agreement regarding this doctrine within Christianity many are now chalking it up as a meaningless tradition. It is time that we recognize that there are at least a dozen different baptisms in the Bible and yet Paul speaks of only one in operation for the Church today. Jesus was baptized twice and if had to pick one it would not be the one with water. Prayer Sometimes it seems that no doctrine has caused more harm and yet is most needed as Prayer. The solution is simply to rightly divide Jesus’ earthly ministry to his covenantal people from the ministry he gave to Paul for the church today. Being strangers of the covenants means that you cannot get whatever you ask. Neither does it mean that prayer is ineffective. Paul gives the proper instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Faith and Works It is past time that we stop judging whether men are good enough to be saved and rid ourselves of the confusion about what should be the simplest teachings in the Bible. Faith salvation in the cross work of Christ is only found in the wisdom of God revealed first to Paul. Anywhere else you see justification, it accompanies the law system of the Jewish covenants. Don’t believe me? Take out Paul’s books and see how you fare. God’s Will Books have been written about how to determine God’s will for your life. Most of them teach some sort of self-assessment, mysticism, or shear intuition. The motivation for spontaneous action is attributed to a ‘leading of the Holy Ghost’ and the consequences are blamed on God. When we realize that God is no longer setting up a holy nation or an earthly kingdom, we can begin to study what he actually says about his will today in Ephesians 1:3, 3:9, and 1 Timothy 2:4. Notice all have been revealed through the Apostle Paul. Mid-Acts right division resolves these confusions while keeping the clear reading of every passage of scripture in its context. Learn more about Mid-Acts right division and get some answers to your questions.

I am ending this thread or I should say that I will no longer be posting in this thread. Thank you to all who studied with me and used this thread to come closer to Christ Jesus. This is a great thread to study. Why Do You Call It Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensational Right Division? http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/why-do-you-call-it-mid-acts-dispensational-right-division If you are like most people, when you heard “mid-Acts Pauline dispensational right division” for the first time you were overwhelmed. “What does it mean?!”, “That’s got to be a cult”, or “Why is it so long?” Truthfully, I wish we could drop the whole thing. No where in the Bible are we told to name ourselves apart from the name of Christ. Yet, when we live in such a present evil world and a diverse marketplace of ideas we must carry some distinction to describe our doctrine as separate from the rest. If we must identify ourselves the obvious preference would be to identify ourselves with the Lord Jesus, but it seems people can easily confuse us with the Catholics, Jehovah Witnesses, and Universalists who also name the name of Christ. Though the mid-Acts description is tedious it does have its advantages: it communicates ‘we are different’, it is honest, it gets peoples’ attention, and it makes a nice satirical jab at denominational nomenclature (we are not trying to start a denomination). This page seeks to explain exactly why we use each word in our verbose name. For a better summary of the basics of mid-Acts teaching go here. Mid-Acts ‘Mid-Acts’ refers to when in Scripture the current dispensation of Grace began (Ephesians 3:1-2). This present age began when the mystery information was revealed to the Apostle Paul in the middle of the book of Acts (1 Corinthians 9:17). Often referred to as the ‘church age’, many Bible students wrongly believe this present age began at Pentecost, when Christ died, or even Acts 28. Pauline Pauline refers to Paul being the Apostle of the Gentiles, and having the pattern of salvation that we are saved by today (Romans 11:13;1 Timothy 1:16). Paul was given a revelation from Jesus Christ about information that had been ‘kept secret since the world began’ (Romans 16:25, Ephesians 3:1-5). The information revealed to Paul contained an unprophesied ‘new creature’ called the Body of Christ that is saved by grace through faith and will reign with Christ in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:17, Eph 2:7). Paul was NOT one of the twelve apostles of the prophecy program (1 Cor 15:5-8). Though Paul was an evangelist, he was not ONLY an evangelist. A gospel dispensation was committed to him about about a secret part of God’s plan for salvation by grace through faith alone (1 Cor 9:16-17). Paul taught a message that was about Jesus but in a different perspective. It was Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (Romans 16:25). Dispensational A dispensation is when further information was given by God about how we are to relate to Him and the world around us. Though God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, His instructions for mankind’s operation by faith has been revealed progressively at sundry times and in divers manners (Hebrews 1:1). Dispensational Bible study recognizes the different messages and methods that God uses to deal with mankind throughout history according to His purpose (1 Corinthians 12:5). Right Division Right Division is a method of studying the Bible in the light of recognizing God’s distinct dispensations and programs (1 Corinthians 12:5). Understanding God’s distinct dispensations, we must divide or discern Scripture according to his separate purposes for the heaven and earth (2 Tim 2:15). All Scripture is profitable for doctrine, and yet we must discern our instructions from the instructions given by God to other groups at other times (2 Timothy 3:16). Today as members of the Body of Christ we must carefully apply those doctrines that are specifically for us in the dispensation of Grace. We would much rather simply be called ‘Bible believers’, ‘those people who teach the gospel of Christ’, or ‘those grace ambassadors of the Lord’. Whatever you want to call us or the doctrine, we know it makes the Bible a whole lot easier to understand when you obey the Lord’s instructions to Paul. A rose is a rose, and by any other name would still fade away, but the word of the Lord stands forever (Psalm 119:89).