patrick jane

"and nothing will be impossible for them..." (Genesis 11) 7 minutes

Does Right Division Cause Church Division? http://graceambassadors.com/faq/right-division-cause-church-division How important is it to make a stand for mid-acts Pauline dispensational right division? When people are first shown the truth of the Bible and the widespread error that is being taught, they realize that if they make a stand for sound doctrine they may be causing division among an already divided Body of Christ. The typical response is: “How important is standing for sound doctrine when many churches and organizations do so much good in the community and the world. Wouldn’t we help more people if we simply remained silent and operated out of peace and love instead of divisive doctrine? After all, we can accomplish a lot more if we work together.“ This ecumenical motivation is well-intentioned when it desires to see the expanding the influence of the church. However, the expanstion comes at the cost of a very special commodity – sound doctrine. Ignoring the supremacy of doctrine is ignoring God’s order for peace. Peace will ultimately reign forever on earth, but only when the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, returns to establish it: “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.” – Isaiah 9:7 Notice that the worldwide peace is established by judgment, not by compromise. That is, the whole world will know the truth after they are judged by the standard of Truth, God himself. Only after truth is instituted will worldwide peace be established. God is never willing to sacrifice truth for peace, doctrine for compromise. Jesus himself, realizing that truth and doctrine comes before peace said: “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:” – Luke 12:51 In the dispensation of Grace, Paul instructs us to avoid those which cause division “contrary to the doctrine”: “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” – Romans 16:17 Again in 1 Timothy 6:4-5, Paul instructs us to withdraw from those who consent not to the doctrine: “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;He is proud, knowing nothing, … from such withdraw thyself. ” – 1 Timothy 6:3-5 It is only after he teaches the doctrine of Ephesians chapters 1,2, and 3 that Paul says in chapter 4:3: “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3 It is first that Paul instructs Timothy to teach “no other doctrine”: “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,” – 1 Timothy 1:3 Then after this strong charge, he tells Timothy to “lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” in chapter 2:2. So then, it is very important to understand that we should not become argumentative, angry, hateful, or divisive. However, to follow God’s order for peace, we are charged to defend sound doctrine. God’s peace comes from like-minded believers who unite through an understanding of God’s Word. Thus we are instructed to: “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Tim 1:13

Truth and Unity http://graceambassadors.com/tradition/truth-and-unity By Justin Johnson Everyone I have ever met is just like me. We are all a part of God’s family. All made in God’s image. Well, that is not quite accurate. Starting at Genesis 5:3, Adam fathered children after his own sinful image and not righteous God’s image. To this day many knowingly reject God’s image. In return God gave them up. (Rom 1:28) But at least everyone I have ever met is God-fearing and good-intentioned. Well, not really. I have met some people who have had some blood-curdling intentions and who lie through their teeth. After all, they declare themselves the highest authority. Who will they answer to? (Rom 3:18) At least most people I know are sincere Christians who are seeking God’s will. Then again, no. Going to church makes you a Christian like going to a hospital makes you a doctor. Some people are sick. They use Christianity for their own gain, personal status, and brownie points with their wife. Paul warns Timothy of them in Titus 1:11. Thankfully, there is a large minority of people who open their Bibles and clearly understand the gospel. It is not baptism, good works, or church membership, only faith in Christ’s blood on the cross. But now that I think about it, there are entire universities devoted to teaching denominational leaders about the saving necessity of water baptism, good works, tithing, and church membership. I remember one young girl who was bawling because she could not be saved because her parents told her she was not old enough to be water baptized. What confusion?! Praise God that a remnant of folks can lay aside their non-essentials and come under the banner of right division and Pauline truth. Actually, the so-called “non-essentials” such as our final authority, when the church began, our destiny, and predestination weaken the doctrine of the cross and the basis of right division. Paul says to “teach no other doctrine” and to “hold fast” to sound doctrine in priority over “pleasing men”. “…not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.” – 1 Thess 2:4 These instructions tend to oppose unity without doctrinal agreement. Emphasis on sound doctrine and the truth will cause proper separation from wrong teaching. There is no need to unite if we cannot agree on the doctrine. Unity exists after attaining sound doctrine. Unity does not exist where doctrine differs. Under sound doctrine we unite as Ephesians 4:14 says, “not as children”. There are two ways to achieve doctrinal unity: 1) compromise; or 2) evangelize. One is worldly and the other is godly. It is popular to choose the former, I choose the latter. Then again, I have not met very many people like me. Top of the Page Article Index Published: June 13, 2009 Last Modified: June 11, 2016 Related posts: -Ecumenicism and Unity -Doctrinal Disunity -Does Right Division Cause Church Division? -Is Right Division Really That Important? -Three Kinds of Bible Application -About the Doctrine -Truth in Advertising

Should We Bless Israel http://graceambassadors.com/mystery/should-we-bless-israel By Justin Johnson In Genesis 12:3 God gave the fathers of Israel a special promise that they would be the channel of God’s blessing and curse to the world: “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” – Genesis 12:3 If anyone was to be blessed they must needs bless Israel, and if anyone did not they would then be cursed. Israel was the channel of God’s judgment and reward toward the earth. People, kings, and nations were blessed or cursed depending on how they responded to the channel of God’s blessing: Israel. Consider Abimelech, Rahab, the Edomites (Obadiah), or the faithful centurion who needed a healing in Jesus’ earthly ministry. Jesus was not sent to Gentiles (Matt 15:24), but listen how this Gentile centurion is described as blessing Israel: “And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.” – Luke 7:4-5 I still get letters in the mail from Jewish fundraisers based on this verse. When most of the Bible describes Israel as the channel of God’s blessing it is easy to assume that God is doing the same thing as he always has done. Sincere Christians continue to bless Israel according to Genesis 12:3 and seek their favor in order to receive God’s blessing. This would be a big mistake and a failure to rightly divide the word of truth. Our Blessing Today Through Christ not Israel The problem with trying to obey Genesis 12:3 is that it ignores the way you access the riches of God’s grace according to the mystery of Christ. According to the mystery, Israel is fallen and has no spiritual standing with God in this dispensation (Rom 11:11). They are counted in unbelief, all in sin, like the Gentiles (Rom3:9; Rom 11:32). In the church, the body of Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek. Being Israel does not give anyone a closer access to God or his blessings in this dispensation (Gal 3:28). Paul describes in Ephesians 2 that though Israel was the channel and access to God’s blessing in time past, but now our access to God and his blessings come through the body and blood of Christ. “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. “ – Ephesians 2:13 “For through him [Jesus Christ] we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” – Ephesians 2:18 If there were not a single Israelite in the body of Christ, every member would still have all spiritual blessings in Christ (Eph 1:3). God has changed the channel of his blessing from the nation of Israel to the body of Christ (Eph 3:1-6). God be praised there are Jews who have been saved by the gospel of grace, but blessing Israel as a nation today ignores God’s will and blesses unsaved men because of their flesh (Gal 5:13; Gal 6:15). The Promised Curse God’s channel of blessing has changed, but also how punishments are dealt. The promise of Genesis 12:3 includes not only a blessing but a curse. In Genesis 12:3 if anyone fails to bless Israel they they are cursed by God. Popular pastors who fail to see the mystery try to place our country under a curse if we do not politically endorse the Zionist movement. Fortunately, not all dispensationalists have so mishandled the word of God. In contrast to Genesis 12:3, Paul says that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law: “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us” – Galatians 3:13 “That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ” – Galatians 3:14 The body of Christ cannot be placed under a curse any more by God’s grace. Putting a curse on those who do not bless Israel is tantamount to calling Christ accursed and putting the body of Christ back under the curse for which Christ died. God forbid. Our glory is not the nation of Israel, but in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ through which we receive every spiritual blessing and redemption from every curse (Gal 6:14). How to Bless Israel The mystery of Christ describes how God’s blessings can come upon anyone despite Israel’s fall, and how curses can be removed from sinners who don’t deserve such deliverance. The mystery is revealed in the grace of Christ. Today all men are offered salvation freely, not through covenants, a special nation, or the law, but through the finished work of Christ (1 Tim 2:4). Though Israel is fallen, they can still be saved. In the future, Israel will return as the nation above the nations in Christ’s earthly kingdom, but not today (Rom 11:26-28). To bless Israel (or any nation) today, bless them with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Beseech them to put their faith in Christ as the means for all spiritual blessings under grace. Unfortunately, for many who refuse to see the fellowship of the mystery, this is seen as the ultimate offense. The offense existed in Paul’s day, and it continues today. “And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.” – Galatians 5:11 “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”- 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Great chapter that many overlook. I think now actually.

No More Strangers and Foreigners http://graceambassadors.com/mystery/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”. “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” – Eph 2:19 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. “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;” – Ephesians 2:11 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 “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” – Eph 2:13 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. “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” – Gal 6:15 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. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” – 1 Cor 3:16 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. “For through [Christ] we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” – Eph 2:18 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. “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” – Eph 2:19 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.

The greatest President in the history of the United States of America !!! The 2018 elections are coming up and 2020 is almost here. It's time to get on the Trump Train !!!

Your Holy Calling http://graceambassadors.com/life/your-holy-calling By Justin Johnson God has called you to be something. Do you know what it is? If it is anything that pays you in dollars you are not thinking deep enough. If it is anything that requires less than a lifetime of training you are not thinking long enough. If it is anything less than worldwide, you are not thinking big enough. If it is anything on this earth, you are not thinking high enough. I’m not sure you will immediately comprehend (I didn’t when I first heard it), but I join Paul in praying that you do: “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ… that ye… may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;” – Ephesians 3:14; 3:18 You may be thinking, “How can I not comprehend? Just tell me.” You will know if you do not comprehend if there is disappointment when I tell you. If you have an eye roll, a sense of being let down, thinking that it is nothing special then you probably do not comprehend. If you did you would realize the great power and wealth it bestows to you and it would drive you to deep gratitude toward the love of Christ (Eph 3:19). It would also set you at peace from trying to find who you were meant to be, what it is you ought to do, and satisfy your craving for leaving a lasting legacy in this world. “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called …” – Colossians 3:15 What is this great position you have been called by God to fill? What is this great vocation God has purposed for you? It is not something you earned or deserved: it was given you by grace. It is according to his purpose, not yours. “[God] hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose an grace…” – 2 Tim 1:9 Enough delay! What is it? Here it is; your holy calling: God has called you to be a member of the body of Christ. There it is. Did your eyes roll? If you thought, “I’ve heard this before”, I wouldn’t doubt it: “ye are called in one body” – Col 3:15 “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” – 1 Cor 12:27 “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;” – Eph 4:4 But now you need to comprehend it. Start to Comprehend Your holy calling, if you choose to do it, is to learn and exercise the great responsibility, position, power, and privilege you have as a member of the one body of Christ. Being a member of this one body is called the great mystery in Eph 5:30-32. Being a member of his body makes you a child of God and joint-heir with Christ (Eph 3:6; Rom 8:17). Being a part of this new creature, the one body of Christ, makes you an ambassador for Christ who is set at the right hand of God (2 Cor 5:20). You are the example and minister of his power through the gospel to save the world, regenerate the dead, and give hope to hopeless, grace to sinners, and God’s calling to those who do not know who they are. Being his body is called the fullness of Christ, and allows you to be filled with the fullness of God (Eph 1:23; Eph 3:19). You truly can only be all you can be in Christ. Where do you go to learn more about this high calling? Start reading Paul’s epistles… right after you thank God for giving you this great opportunity by grace, and ask him to help you comprehend the highest calling anyone could ever have. “Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers… that ye may know what is the hope of his calling…” – Ephesians 1:16-18

John MacArthur Rebukes Joel Osteen Pastor John MacArthur exposes Joel Osteen as a pagan religionist, a quasi-pantheist, and an agent of Satan. He critiques Joel's book, quotes, and prayer and compares them with what the Bible teaches. This is an excerpt from John MacArthur's sermon, "A True Knowledge of the True God." Used by permission. You can read the transcript, watch, or download the full video here: Edited by Omegaman 3.0 - Removed videos Patrick, only one video per thread, each video must be submitted in a separate one, and receive approval first, before is will be posted.

Research Jesus Christ and then Research Flat Earth - The Great Flood In The Flat Earth

Saved by the Body of Christ http://graceambassadors.com/books/ephesians/saved-by-the-body-of-christ By Justin Johnson Without Christ giving his body to die for my sins and raising his body from the dead, I could not be saved. This salvation is not offered to me through a chosen nation, an anointed priest, or a special covenant. According to the great mystery of Christ, this salvation is possible because I am made a member of his body. “That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel” – Ephesians 3:6 Every one who is saved today is a member of the body of Christ, which is now called the church. “…and gave [Christ] to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body…” – Ephesians 1:22-23 I am saved by the body of Christ. Salvation is not found outside the body of Christ. It is impossible to be saved today without being in the body of Christ. “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…” – 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 Salvation is found in the body of Christ, because it is in the body of Christ that we are joined with Christ in his crucifixion and resurrection. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death…For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection” – Romans 6:3-5 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” – Galatians 2:20 All spiritual blessings I now receive are a result of my being joined to Christ in his body (Eph 1:3). God’s calling and position given to me is in heaven, because I am joined to the body of Christ which has been called up to heaven where it now sits (Eph 2:6; Col 3:1-2). Christ is the heir of God. I am an heir of God by the body of Christ, because I am joined to Christ. “Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. “ – Galatians 4:7 “That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:” – Ephesians 3:6 Being joined to His body gives me salvation, a calling, an inheritance, and power (Eph 1:17-23). Moreover, I receive it all freely and graciously! This is the great mystery revealed to the apostle Paul. If I do not have all spiritual blessings, hold a heavenly position, a joint-inheritance, nor a complete position in Christ, then I am not joined to the body of Christ. If I am not joined to the body of Christ, then I am not saved. Without the body of Christ there is no salvation today. This is the great mystery revealed to the apostle Paul (Eph 3:3-4). Anyone who thinks I can fall out of salvation, I must work for my blessings or inheritance, or that my salvation is joined to a nation, priest, or covenant does not understand this great mystery of the body of Christ nor how we are joined to it by grace through faith. I am saved by the body of Christ. I am sealed by the Spirit of promise. I am enriched and inherited by the Father of glory, as a member of the body of His Son. “ For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” – Ephesians 5:30 “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” – Ephesians 5:32 Praise God.

Joint-Heirs with Christ http://graceambassadors.com/life/joint-heirs-with-christ By Justin Johnson From the moment you trust in Christ, you become a member of the body of Christ. Like any membership, there are immediate benefits. The benefits are given to you freely by your identification with Christ. For example, did you know that if you were baptized into Christ you were crucified with Him? “I am crucified with Christ…”- Gal 2:20 A dead person has already paid the penalty of death. This is a huge benefit, but what is more is that you are also resurrected with Christ. “Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:” – Rom 6:8 Life is a great benefit. Eternal life is eternally beneficial. The power to live after death is God’s gift to all who receive benefits with Christ. “For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.” – 2 Cor 13:4 Since you are receiving benefits with Christ, and Christ is seated in heavenly places, you also inherit a position there with him. “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” – Ephesians 2:5-6 When Christ died and resurrected he inherited “all things” from God (Eph 1:22), so would not you receive all things as well? “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” – Rom 8:37 Certainly. After all, you are with Christ and enjoy all the benefits of being a member of His body (2 Cor 6:10). “[God has] blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”- Eph 1:3 The Mystery of Fellowheirs Perhaps you have noticed that all of these membership benefits in Christ are found in Paul’s epistles. This is because God revealed to Paul the mystery that by faith in the gospel you can be fellowheirs with Christ, of the same body of Christ, and partakers of his promise in Christ (Eph 3:6). It’s only by being a joint-heir with Christ that we have access to all of these immediate benefits (Rom 8:17). Without being a joint-heir with Him according to the mystery, we would lack a host of riches given to his sons by grace. Without the revelation of the mystery, we would not know the riches of the glory of His inheritance, and ours (Eph 1:18). What do Members do? If we have all these free benefits as joint-heirs with Christ, then what is a member of the body to do? Being a member of the body of Christ gives you the duty of labouring together with him, and the opportunity to receive rewards for proper service. “…every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God…” – 1 Cor 3:8-9 It may be that we suffer with him, and if you do, you will reign with him. “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him:…” – 2 Tim 2:12 In the end, because everything we receive, whether freely or by our labour, is a result of our being joint-heirs with Christ, we are glorified with him. “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” – Col 3:4

Christ in You vs. You in Christ http://graceambassadors.com/mystery/christ-in-you-vs-you-in-christ By Justin Johnson About those who are saved Paul says these two things: you are in Christ, and Christ is in you. “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:” – Colossians 1:27-28 The phrase “Christ in you” is found in Col 1:27, and in the next verse every man is presented perfect “in Christ Jesus” (Col 1:28). What do these seemingly opposite but similar sounding statements mean? What’s the difference between ‘you in Christ’ and ‘Christ in you’? The difference is important to see as it concerns the very mystery of Christ. You in Christ You in Christ is where you are placed according to God’s purpose. Your position is in Christ. “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” – Ephesians 2:6 When you dwell in a house, you call it your house. Since you are placed into Christ, then Christ is yours, with the high calling, spiritual blessings, inheritance, and power that Christ possesses (Eph 1:18-21). The imputation of righteousness by faith is due to you being in Christ (2 Cor 5:21). It is his righteousness imputed to you. ‘You in Christ’ concerns you being in his body, the body of Christ. We are all put into one body by the Spirit (1 Cor 12:13), in a fellowship with Christ (Eph 3:9), when we trust the gospel of Christ. Christ has many members and we all are in him according to the mystery. “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” – Ephesians 5:30 It is the mystery of God’s will that eventually all things will be in Christ so that his power, blessings, and grace can be given to all things in him (Eph 1:10). Christ in You If you in Christ is where you are placed according to God’s purpose, then Christ in you is where he is placed according to God’s purpose. If all that is Christ’s belongs to you when you are in him, then all that is yours belongs to him when he is in you. You received Christ in you when you heard and trusted the gospel of Jesus Christ (Eph 1:13; Col 2:6). Paul prays that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith (Eph 3:17), and that we walk in him having received Christ in us (Col 2:6). “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. “ – Romans 8:9 If ‘you in Christ’ is about His body, then ‘Christ in you’ is about your body. Your members are now his (Rom 6:13; 1 Cor 6:19-20). What drives a man is what is inside him. Faith resides in the inner man. The Spirit of Christ dwells in you (Rom 8:9). When your flesh fails, it is the power of Christ that rests upon you (2 Cor 12:9). ‘You in Christ’ concerns what Christ does toward you, ‘Christ in you’ is what Christ performs in you and through you. A Great Mystery Upon salvation we are not only moved to a new place in Christ as a new creature, but we are changed from the inside out with Christ in us. We are not placed into Israel, covenant, nor into a religion, but into Christ! ,,, and there by grace. What is put in us is not the law in our heart, the power of positive thinking, nor the hope of feelings and healing, but Christ! …and Him by faith. This is the great mystery of Christ and the church. It is our job to come to a knowledge of it, and to make all men see it. “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” – Ephesians 5:32

Things Old and Things New http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/things-old-and-things-new By Justin Johnson Nothing mysterious was happening at Pentecost. The powers that came down from heaven had been foretold by the prophets and explained by Jesus in the flesh (John 15:26). Peter begins his explanation by hearkening back to the old writings of Joel saying “This is that!” The events were part of the prophetic purpose of God to fulfill his promises with Israel. Jesus said he did not come to destroy the old law but to fulfill it (Mat 5:17). Instead of changing the old instructions he amplifies them and instructs his disciples to do all that they are instructed by Moses seat (Matt 23:1-2). After his resurrection Jesus explains how his ministry was all foretold in the old writings of the law and prophets. “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. ” – Luke 24:27 The new covenant which was destined to replace the old had been implied in the original covenant, in the thousands of year old promises, and by prophecies recorded for hundreds of years (Jer 31:31). What was happening was anything but a surprise. God had spoken of it ‘since the world began’ (Acts 3:21). However, something unprecedented happened on the road to Damascus. A man who had slaughtered Spirit-filled disciples and decried the teaching of the Messianic Jesus was offered free justification. He was then given an unprecedented commission and a message unrevealed to any man before (Gal 1:11-12). He would be taught that God had ushered in a new period of grace and peace to all men whereby forgiveness would be offered by the cross and membership in a new creature. In this dispensation Israel would be counted in unbelief along with the Gentiles and circumcision would not profit anyone. “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. ” – Gal 6:15 Even the teaching of Jesus Christ became new. We are told we no longer know Christ as the the disciples knew him in the flesh as the prophesied Messiah. We know him as our Saviour! “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.” – 2 Cor 5:16 Neither do preach salvation based on a covenant or through Israel but by God’s grace. The old things of the kingdom and Jew and Gentile distinction would be put aside and all things would become new. This revelation was called a mystery (Rom 16:25). “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Cor 5:17

Unsearchable Riches http://graceambassadors.com/mystery/unsearchable-riches By Justin Johnson “Unto me [Paul], who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” – Ephesians 3:8 Christ gave to Paul a message of grace containing riches unknown since the world began. If we searched enough we can find all sorts of riches God has promised in the scriptures, but if they are found in the Jewish scriptures then they are not “unsearchable” as Paul describes. Jesus told Israel to “search the scriptures” to hear his testimony: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” – John 5:39 Anyone in Israel could read about the riches God had promised through the Messiah to Israel. They are found in covenants and promises and are all a part of prophecy. This is why the noble unbelieving Berean Jews “searched the scriptures daily” to find out whether Jesus was the Christ (Acts 17:11). Certainly, they were not reading Paul’s epistles which had not even been written yet! In the Jewish scriptures, they could have searched out the many prophecies about the first coming of Christ being fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. Peter at Pentecost preaches the coming restoration of Israel and the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel in the new covenant. All of the new covenant riches were spoken by the prophets since the world began, and could be searched out (Acts 3:19). What is unsearchable is not included in what can be searched from the scriptures. Unsearchable riches were not part of Peter’s message. The searchable riches to Israel under the new covenant are not the unsearchable riches Christ gave Paul to preach. We have riches in Christ that are not found in Israel’s scriptures (Eph 3:8). “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God” – Eph 3:9 These unsearchable riches are the subject of what Paul calls the mystery of Christ (Eph 3:4; Col 4:3). “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” – Col 1:27 God is creating a new creature today in Christ (2 Cor 5:17). This new creature was not described and cannot be searched out in the Jewish scriptures. It was a mystery kept secret. God has a heavenly place for the church, the Body of Christ, that cannot be described in the prophetic revelations, promises, and covenants to Israel. The unsearchable riches of Christ according to the mystery, cannot be searched out in the scriptures to Israel. We can only learn about these unsearchable riches from our apostle Paul who was first sent to preach Christ according to the revelation of the mystery.

Not Every Gentile is in the Church http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/not-every-gentile-is-in-the-church By Justin Johnson A common mistake made when first learning to rightly divide is to divide Jew and Gentile into different dispensations. Salvation was of the Jews in time past (John 4:22), and is sent to Gentiles now (Rom 11:11). Armed with only these verses, muddled minds jump to the wrong conclusion that only Israel had access to salvation in time past, and only Gentiles have access to it now. This error is perpetuated by oversimplified or simply wrong statements like these: “Prophecy is about Israel, and mystery about the Gentiles.” “Israel inherits the kingdom, and we [Gentiles] the Church.” “Israel was promised the earth, and Gentiles inherit heavenly places. Actually, there are Jews and Gentiles in both prophecy and mystery, and also in both God’s purpose for Israel and for the Church. Jews in the Church That there are Israelites in the church of today, which is the body of Christ, has been discussed before and should be obvious. The new creature is neither Jew nor Gentile, but is made up of both (Gal 3:28, 1 Cor 12:13). Paul himself was a Jew (Phil 3:5), and there were not a few of his kinsmen that participated in the gospel of the grace of God that were Israelites (Acts 17:4). Any Israelite who desires salvation in the present dispensation of God will be saved only by faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross, just as every Gentile today, not through covenants or circumcision. Gentiles in Prophecy Not every faithful Gentile in the Bible was a member of the church the body of Christ first revealed to Paul in a mystery. Many were part of Israel’s earthly purpose. God had always made provision for these faithful Gentiles. Although Israel was the chosen nation of God, and to whom God gave the oracles, the purpose of God raising up Israel is so through them the world would be blessed. “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” – Genesis 12:3 Though blessing was available to all, Gentiles had to go to the nation Israel to access it, as they were the trustees of God’s word and promises. So, truly, salvation was of the Jews. Gentiles Blessed through Israel Throughout the scripture there are examples of Gentiles who were faithful to God’s instructions and received blessing by blessing the God of Israel. Consider righteous Abimelech who provided protection for both Abraham and Isaac, testifying that God was with them. “And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;” – Genesis 26:28 Remember the Gentile harlot Rahab who by faith in the God of Israel did not die in Jericho, and lived among the Israelites (Heb 11:31, Josh 6:25). The Ninevites repented of their sins and cried unto the God of Israel for salvation (Jonah 3:7-10). The Gentile queen of Sheba blessed Solomon and the God of Israel when she saw the wisdom that he spoke, and his righteous acts. “Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.” – 1 Kings 10:9 Gentiles in the Kingdom Prophecy even tells of Gentiles in the future kingdom of Israel. After all, to whom would the priests of the Lord minister if there were not other saved nations on the earth? “And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it [the New Jerusalem]: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.” – Rev 21:24 The Gentiles would come to Israel’s cities to receive blessing, healing, and instruction (Isa 2:2-3). In Jesus’ kingdom ministry to Israel there were Gentiles who showed their worthiness of entering the earthly kingdom by their faith in the Messiah. Remember the Gentile centurion who did not think himself worthy of being in the presence of Jesus, but knew he could heal him. “When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” – Luke 7:9 Or the Gentile Canaanite woman who recognized that although she was not among the people to whom Christ came [Israel], as a Gentile she could be blessed through Israel. “Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” – Matt 15:28-29 Gentiles before Paul All of this should teach us that Gentiles could be blessed through Israel even before the revelation of the mystery of Christ was revealed to Paul in mid-Acts. That Paul was sent to the Gentiles directly (as well as unbelieving Israel), only showed that the message he taught did not put the Gentiles under the covenants of promise which required them to go through Israel to receive a blessing. There were faithful Gentiles before Paul. There were faithful Gentiles who followed Christ before Paul according to prophecy. Peter spoke to some in Acts 10. Paul speaks to these Gentiles in Romans 9:24 and Romans 11:13. [For more details about the Gentiles in Romans 9-11 listen to our verse by verse series here.] The prophecy given to Israel would bless both Jews and Gentiles in the earthly kingdom. The mystery of Christ given to Paul spoke of God’s new creature for heavenly places. By the preaching of the cross, salvation, blessing, and inheritance was freely offered to all men apart from Israel’s kingdom, covenants, and law.

No More Strangers and Foreigners http://graceambassadors.com/mystery/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”. “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” – Eph 2:19 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. “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;” – Ephesians 2:11 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 “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” – Eph 2:13 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. “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” – Gal 6:15 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. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” – 1 Cor 3:16 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. “For through [Christ] we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” – Eph 2:18 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. “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” – Eph 2:19 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.

Marking the Twain http://graceambassadors.com/tradition/marking-the-twain By Justin Johnson By now everyone knows that American humorist Mark Twain’s name came from the steamboat man’s cry for measuring a two fathom depth in the Mississippi river – “mark twain!” Hardly anyone seems to know the significance of the twain marked in Ephesians 2:15. “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;” – Ephesians 2:15 Paul describes in Ephesians 2:11-12 that in the Biblical past there were two people: Jews and Gentiles; Israel and the nations; circumcision and uncircumcision. God was with Israel, but not with the Gentiles who were spiritually and physically separated from God and Israel. Ephesians 2:13-14 explains that the separation has now been removed as part of the mystery of Christ (Eph 3:6). Through the fall of Israel, salvation has now come to Gentiles (Rom 11:11). Like the Gentiles, Israel is now counted in unbelief so that God could have mercy upon all men (Rom 11:32). It is in Ephesians 2:15 that Paul explains that the twain have become one in the creation of a new creature in this dispensation of grace. In time past there was twain, Jews and Gentiles, but now there is one new creature. “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” – Gal 6:15 All of the old things pertaining to Israel and the Gentiles are not carried over into this new creature: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Cor 5:17 That this one thing is new means none of the old things are applied to it: old covenants, old laws, old lands, old national boundaries, prophecies of old are all passed away. The covenants to Israel, the kingdom to Israel, the land to Israel were not and could not be transferred into this new creature, because Israel ceases to be Israel in this one new man. Likewise, neither do the Gentiles remain Gentiles far away from God and without hope. Instead, in this new creature they become members of the very body of Christ (Eph 5:30). The description of God in Christ making “of two one new” is most important in distinguishing Israel from the church of this dispensation. In time past there was Gentile and there was Jew, but now what is new can be neither of the original two (Eph 2:15). It must be something entirely different. This new creature is called the church, the body of Christ (Eph 1:22-23). Mark this twain made new in your Bible and your ability to rightly divide will greatly improve. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free…” – 1 Cor 12:13 “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” – 1 Cor 12:27

Why You Can’t Be Born Again http://graceambassadors.com/tradition/why-you-cant-be-born-again By Justin Johnson Ever since Chuck Colson’s popular biography being “born again” has been a mainstream euphemism for a salvation experience. Some have used “born again” as a way to separate the devout from the nominal Christian. Unfortunately, many believe they are saved because they have a “born again” feeling, changed life, or emotional experience and have no testimony of trusting Christ’s finished work on the cross. When studied from the Bible rightly divided, “born again” is something that only Israel could do. No Gentile could be born again. Israel’s First Birth To understand why only Israel could be born again, we must know how they were born the first time. In Exodus the nation of Israel was born the first time when God delivered them out of Egypt. The LORD calls the nation his firstborn son. “And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me…” – Exodus 4:22-23 Having been delivered and redeemed from Egypt, Israel was given the law, the Mosaic covenant, that sanctified them as a people. Israel’s Need for a Second Birth Over time Israel became disobedient and where the law was sin abounded. They were no longer bound by Egypt, but they were bound by the covenant to their sins with no way out. As Israel’s sins grew it was clear that merely being born a Jew into the promises and covenants of God was not able to cause them to serve the Lord. The prophets spoke of a better covenant that would replace the old for the house of Israel (Jer 31:31). This new covenant would include the impartation of God’s Spirit to cause them to walk in his statutes (Eze 36:27). It was this new covenant that was necessary for God to fulfill his kingdom promises to Israel. Nicodemus and Born Again That the prophets already spoke about Israel’s new covenant is why when Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about being born again he said: “ Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?” – John 3:10 Nicodemus should have known that Israel had a great need, and that the need was for their nation to be redeemed from their old covenant bondage to enter the kingdom God had promised them. “ Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3 Jesus made it clear to Nicodemus that the nation had to be born again when he said “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7 -We know that “ye” is the plural pronoun; and “thee” the singular.) Jesus came to Israel ministering their need for being born again through a better covenant. No longer would Israel be identified by the old covenant but by the new. People who think they are born again must also think they are in some way Israel. A New Creature Only Israel could be born again, because only Israel was born unto God a first time (Exo 4:22). You can’t be born again, because you are not saved by being Israel, or by Israel’s covenants. Gentiles were strangers of the covenants and without God (Eph 2:12). Gentiles were not born into God’s covenants. Our salvation would not be a second time opportunity for us. It would be the first time salvation was offered directly to us without Israel. Our salvation by grace is not consequent to a changed life, a Spirit unction, or a better way to obey God’s statutes. Our salvation is not described as being born again into a second covenant, but being made alive into a new creature (Eph 2:15). This new creature, called the Body of Christ, is neither Jewish nor Gentile, and operates not under the law (Rom 6:14; Gal 3:28). The new creature is the subject of the mystery of Christ and could not have been known by Nicodemus, the prophets, nor any of the apostles in John 3. Herein is the Problem… When people use “born again” language to describe their salvation today it hides the preaching of the cross unique to the formation of the new creature by God’s grace. “Born again” language takes us back to before the cross in John 3 and replaces the gospel of Christ with Israel’s new covenant. Born again language is a denial of the mystery of Christ revealed to the apostle Paul. People who think they are born again must also think they are in some way Israel. Conclusion Being born again is something for Israel to partake. Since Israel is fallen, you couldn’t be born again if you wanted to. What you can be is saved by God’s grace through faith in his finished work on the cross. At the moment you believe the Holy Spirit seals you in Christ making you part of a new creature. Trusting the cross of Christ is what will save you today. Trusting your experience, devotion, or changed life will not. Being saved is far better than being born again.

Born Again of the Spirit http://graceambassadors.com/spirit/born-again-of-the-spirit By Justin Johnson The phrase born again is first mentioned by Jesus in his ministry to the circumcision in John 3:3. By this time Israel had a long history with God. They were already God’s people for centuries. In fact, they were born unto God when they were delivered from Egypt as God’s nation. They even had a covenant with God to prove they were God’s people. “Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:” – Exodus 4:22 Yet, after years of breaking the covenant with God, Israel was in no shape to enter their covenanted kingdom. Being born a Jew in the flesh was not sufficient: “And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” – Matthew 3:9 Israel needed to be born a second time with the Spirit to fulfill their covenants. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh… and ye shall keep my judgments…and ye shall dwell in the land…” – Ezekiel 36:24-28 The first covenant could not provide what the new covenant would through the Spirit. All who received the Spirit of the new covenant at Pentecost would be part of that born again nation of Israel. A Renewing Spirit to Gentiles Then, a mystery was revealed. A new ministry was dispensed from the Lord to Paul. He was sent to minister to Gentiles an unknown dominion in heavenly places. Like the covenanted earthly kingdom, the Gentiles needed to receive the Spirit to partake in this inheritance. However, Gentiles were never born unto God in the flesh. The Gentiles had no history as God’s people. They could not be born a second time as the nation Israel. While Israel had been born of God for thousands of years and was required to be born again, the Gentiles in Paul’s ministry were taking part in an entirely new creature (2 Cor 5:17). For this reason the apostle to the Gentiles never mentions the phrase “born again” which speaks to Israel’s second birth of the Spirit into the new covenant. Instead, the same Spirit created an entirely new creature to fulfill God’s will in heavenly places. “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” – Ephesians 1:10

Your Circumcision is Not of the Heart http://graceambassadors.com/mystery/your-circumcision-is-not-of-the-heart By Justin Johnson God required Israel to be circumcised. If they did not cut off the foreskin of their flesh, then God would cut them off from his covenant promises: “And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.” – Gen 17:14 Many still perform physical circumcision for this very reason not knowing that God later changed his instructions and told Paul that circumcision did not avail anything: “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” – Galatians 5:6 Circumcision of the Heart The real lesson of physical circumcision was written in the law. It was supposed to reflect an inner circumcision of the heart. That is, Israel was supposed to separate itself from the desires of the flesh and be obedient to God’s instructions. Notice what the law book of Deuteronomy says: “Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.” – Deuteronomy 10:16 This was true inner submission to God and his precepts as recorded in the law. Those with circumcised hearts would serve the Lord with all their heart and soul by keeping the commandments (Deut 10:12-13). Uncircumcised Israel Even though Israel had kept the covenant of physical circumcision they had broken the law of inner circumcision by not submitting their hearts in obedience to God. This is why Jesus took the kingdom away from unbelieving Israel and gave it to the believing remnant. “Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.” – Mat 21:43 It is also why Stephen, filled with the Holy Ghost, calls unbelieving Israel “uncircumcised in heart and ears”. “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” – Acts 7:51 Paul explains about hypocritical Jews that true Jewish circumcision was an inward circumcision of the heart. Their flesh circumcision was not sufficient for righteousness even though it was an outward obedience to the commandment. “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” – Romans 2:29 Circumcision Without the Law Both the physical circumcision and inward heart circumcision were required by the covenants to Israel long before Jesus or Paul showed up. However, when Christ revealed the mystery to Paul he speaks about a different circumcision. Paul describes it in Col 2:11. “In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:” – Col 2:11 This circumcision is not part of Israel’s covenants. It is not physical. Neither was it the inner circumcision of the heart which was commanded to serve the Lord “with all thy heart and soul” (Deut 10:12). This mystery circumcision describes an operation of God, not of ourselves, lest any should boast. It is God circumcising us from the body of the sins of our flesh. This doctrinal separation was a part of our crucified identification with Christ (Gal 2:20, Rom 6:3-4). Glory of God’s Operation It is only when God separated us from the body of the sins of the flesh that he could rightly declare us righteous in Christ. When our own body is cut off, then we are free to live in Christ without the sins of the flesh weighing us down. This great mystery where we reckon our flesh dead and alive unto God describes a truth that has been performed already upon you by God the moment you believe. Like many grace truths, we learn about it after studying the mystery of Christ. It is not the flesh circumcision that avails, neither is it the obedience of our heart to a covenant. While we were still sinners Christ died for us and when we put our faith in his finished work we are cut off from the old man. Glory to God!

By Faith and Through Faith http://graceambassadors.com/salvation/by-faith-and-through-faith By Justin Johnson “Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.” – Romans 3:30 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. “But before faith came, we were kept under the law…” – Gal 3:23 Under the law dispensation, righteousness came through obedience to Israel’s covenants. “For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.” – Romans 10:5 Yet, even Israel, who was instructed by God from the law, could not keep the law. Both Jew and Gentile were under sin. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one…” – Romans 3:10 The law could not justify: “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight:…” – Romans 3:20 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. “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” – James 2:22 “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” – James 2:24 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). “Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.” – Romans 3:30 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. “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;” – Romans 3:21 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. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9 Israel’s faith did not void the law. Our faith is without the law.

As Ye Have Received … So Walk http://graceambassadors.com/life/as-ye-have-received-so-walk By Justin Johnson “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: ” – Col 2:6 One symptom of a spiritual growth that is hindered is uncertainty, doubt, and confusion about how we should live. The cause does not come from a lack of options or information, but from a misunderstanding of how we receive Christ in the first place. If we receive Christ by obedience to the ‘laws written in our hearts’ then our success will be deteremined by whether or not we continue in that obedience. If we do not ‘continue’ or our effort wanes then we may become uncertain as to our standing in God’s will. Some may even begin to doubt their own salvation. After all, would not true conversion show itself in a perfect way of living? Confusion abounds because of this teaching that places so many back under the bondage of the law. “Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” – Gal 3:2-3 Paul teaches that we do not receive the Spirit by the works of law. Neither are we made perfect by our good works. Instead we receive the Spirit by faith and we receive Jesus Christ by his grace (Rom 5:17). It is not because of our obedience to the law that we are placed into Christ. It is because of the the work of Christ that we are saved. We should be confident to avoid placing ourselves under a law system for righteousness since Christ’s righteousness has been freely given us (2 Cor 5:21). The gospel of grace demands that we lay aside our own provisions, traditions, and good works (which are filthy rags) and put our sole trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Likewise our daily walk should not include man made traditions, law systems that lead to bondage, and vain philosophies of growth and self-esteem which are of the world. Instead we should rely upon the one who died for us. He accomplished all that was needed for our salvation and all that was needed for our sanctification. We ought to live for him without the spirit of fear or ill consequence because of his grace. We were saved by grace and we walk by grace. Grace teaches us to live godly. Let’s put aside forever our list of ‘dos and don’t s’ and get busy redeeming the time bringing glory to our Father. “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. ” – Rom 8:15