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Was the Mystery Hidden in Prophecy? By Justin Johnson - http://graceambassadors.com/mystery/was-the-mystery-hidden-in-prophecy “…the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began…” – Rom 16:25 This should be clear enough, but it is often rejected by claiming that the mystery of Christ was prophesied but hidden in the old testament, the law, or the promises given to Abraham. This is an outright denial of what Paul says by inspiration that the mystery of Christ was “kept secret since the world began”. If something was revealed since the world began until Paul, it can not be the mystery of Christ revealed to Paul. “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:” – Col 1:26 The mystery was hidden from past ages of time. There is no time in the past in which this mystery was made known, until now. “But Peter says the prophets prophesied of grace in 1 Pet 1:10” Then what was prophesied about grace cannot be the mystery of Christ, even if they did not understand what they prophesied. That they prophesied at all means God revealed and did not keep it secret (Deu 29:29). God’s word says the mystery was hid “from generations”. There is no generation of men that was given this information until Paul. “Then, where was the mystery of Christ hid if not in the Old Testament writings?” Eph 3:9 explains that the mystery was “from the beginning of the world hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ”. God the creator, before the world began, decided to keep this mystery a secret, hidden, and unknown until He revealed it to the apostle Paul by the Spirit (Eph 3:3-5; Gal 1:15-16; Rom 15:15-16). It was not hidden in the Old Testament writings, nor in the New Testament writings, nor in the promises given to Abraham. “But the prophets did speak of Christ’s death, forgiveness of sins, and grace to Gentiles.” Then those things cannot be the mystery kept secret, unknown to ages and generations, hidden from the beginning in God as the Scripture states. If the mystery was in prophecy then it ceases to be a mystery. This is the foundation of rightly dividing the word of truth, and the only way to keep from denying the secret nature of the mystery. To Paul was revealed the mystery of Christ’s headship in heaven with one body called the church united to him freely by God’s grace through Christ’s death, blood, and resurrection. This mystery of Christ is not found at all in prophecy. If something was revealed since the world began until Paul, it cannot be the mystery of Christ revealed first to Paul. “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” – Eph 5:32 Top of the Page Article Index Published: July 12, 2014 Last Modified: April 14, 2018 Related posts: -Secret Since the World Began -What Men Fail to See -Pentecost Not the Beginning of the Mystery Church -Why Haven’t I Heard This Before? -Mistaken Views of the Mystery -Was Christ’s Death Prophesied? -A Mystery in the Bible

Note: The first chart below represents how the Bible would have ended up laid out had God not interrupted the Timeline He had Prophesied through Israel's Prophets concerning His plan and purpose for the Earth through that Nation; temporarily planned to be interrupted by Him with the Mystery (concerning His plan and purpose for the Heavenlies through a New Creature: the Body of Christ) first revealed to and through The Apostle Paul. The second chart shows The Mystery and what it is all about, etc. Understanding The Bible http://clearspringsbiblechurch.org/d...ational-chart/ “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth” (II Tim. 2:15) In Eph. 2 the Apostle Paul sets forth the basic three-fold division in God’s dealings with mankind: Time Past (v.11,12), But Now (v.13), and The Ages to Come (v.7). When the Bible is “laid out” according to this divinely inspired design we easily get an overview of not only what we are reading but when and to whom it was written. Thus the Word of God itself provides us with the key to its own proper understanding and right division: See the definitions of each at the bottom of this page. The chart below is in two parts as a way of demonstrating the importance of the secret, hidden nature of the present dispensation of grace (Eph. 3:1-9). See the first part of the chart to hide the “mystery” section and you will see the perfect continuity of that “which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21). See the second part of the chart to reveal the mystery program and you will visualize how the prophetic program has been temporarily interrupted by “the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest” (Rom. 16:25,26) Biblical, Enclosed Flat Earth and Firmament (Cosmos) - Click This Link For The Best Thread/Videos - Must Watch Hearing, believing and trusting the gospel of our salvation seals us with that Holy Spirit of Promise. The Lord is not slack concerning His promises. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV - Ephesians 1:10-14 KJV - Romans 10:9-10 KJV - Romans 10:13 KJV - Romans 10:17 KJV - Ephesians 1:7 KJV -

Verse List: Baptisms in the Bible It is a common mistake to think that water baptism is the only baptism in the Bible. Every time the word “baptism” is mentioned people wrongly assume water. The Bible mentions many baptisms, and many of them are dry including the one and only baptism required for being a member of the body of Christ. “…One Lord, one faith, one baptism,…” – Eph 4:5 This one baptism is our baptism into Christ by the Spirit (1 Cor 12:13). This is the one baptism taught by the apostle Paul, and the only one that accompanies salvation in this dispensation (1 Cor 12:13; Rom 6:3; Gal 3:27; Col 2:12) Here is the list of distinct baptisms in the Bible. Only the ones in blue are wet. Can you find the common thread among the baptisms that include water? DOWNLOAD THIS VERSE LIST: PDF Noah’s type baptism Peter mentions that eight people were saved by water in an ark as a type of a future baptism. Water is present, but the people are dry.(Gen 6:13; 1 Peter 3:20-21) Baptism unto Moses Paul presents Israel’s baptism unto Moses “in the cloud and in the sea”. Water is present, but the people are dry. (1 Cor 10:1-2; Exo 14:29) Israel’s ceremonial cleansings These cleansing rituals were required under the Mosaic Law for the cleansing of the people. (Num 19:13; Lev 11:25; Exo 19:14; Exo 30:17-21; Heb 9:10) Levitical priesthood baptisms These washings were required in order to become a priest under the Law of Moses. (Exo 29:4; Lev 8:6; Num 8:7) Traditional Jewish baptisms These baptisms were not mandated under the Law but were part of Jewish tradition. (Mt 15:1-2; Mk 7:1-9; Lk 11:38) John’s baptism John came to Israel baptizing with water for the remission of sins so that they could enter the promised kingdom to Israel and identify their Messiah. (Mt 3:5-6; Mk 1:4; Lk 3:3; Jn 1:31; Lk 7:29; Acts 10:37) Jesus’ baptism by John Jesus, who knew no sin, was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness under the law. (Mat 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-10) Baptism with fire Jesus would baptize the nation with fire as they went through the tribulation. This trial baptism would damn the unfaithful to hell. (Isa 4:4; Mal 3:2-3; Mt 3:11; Lk 3:16) Jesus’ baptism unto death Jesus’ second baptism which he accomplished at the cross where he was identified with the sins of Israel and the world. (Mt 20:22-23; Mk 10:38-39; Luke 12:50) Pentecostal water baptism Peter’s presentation of water baptism for the remission of sins in the name of Jesus. This was John’s baptism plus the name of Jesus.(Acts 2:38; Mk 16:16; Mt 28:19; Acts 22:16; Eze 36:25) Pentecostal Spirit baptism This is the baptism with the Holy Spirit by Jesus Christ from heaven poured out upon the believing remnant of Israel with signs and powers following. (Isa 44:3; Mt 3:11; Mk 1:8; Lk 24:49; Acts 2:17-18, 38; Acts 8:15-17; Acts 11:16) Gentile baptism of Cornelius Cornelius was baptized with the Holy Spirit as a sign to Peter. Peter subsequently baptizes Cornelius and the other Spirit-filled Gentiles with water in a different order but for the same reason as Pentecost. (Acts 10:45-48) Baptism for the dead This baptism is debated heavily and is most likely synonymous with one of the other baptisms. If this is true, “for the dead” would signify the circumstance under which those believers were baptized. (1 Cor 15:29) Baptism into Christ The only baptism taught by Paul which identifies the believer

AT THE VERY GATES... (Matthew 24) The red letters, from the 24th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew.

Does 1 Cor 12:13 Describe the Spirit Baptism at Pentecost? http://graceambassadors.com/tradition/baptism/does-1_cor12_13-describe-the-spirit-baptism-at-pentecost By Justin Johnson Paul says there is one baptism (Eph 4:5). No one dare make that water baptism since Paul clearly makes it baptism by the Spirit in 1 Cor 12:13 and Gal 3:27. Yet it is a common mistake to conflate Paul’s baptism by the Spirit and the baptism with the Holy Ghost at Pentecost. The reasoning normally does not go further than that both baptisms utilize the Holy Spirit. Yet, just because we read the same word (in Greek or English) it does not mean the context is the same. These two baptisms should be separated because of a difference in who is baptizing, who is being baptized, and why they are being baptized. Who is Baptizing? Mathew 3:11 is one of the most useful verses in the doctrine of baptisms. It clearly delineates who performs the different baptisms. “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:” – Matthew 3:11 John performs the first baptism. Jesus performs the second and the third baptism. John baptizes with water. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire. One thing is certain: water is never doing the baptism. John is the agent who performs the baptism with water. Jesus is the agent who performs the baptism with fire. Likewise, the Holy Spirit is not doing the baptism. Jesus is the agent who performs the baptism with the Spirit. In Paul’s baptism of 1 Cor 12:13, we do not find John or Jesus performing the baptism. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” – 1 Cor 12:13 Here, the Spirit is baptizing us into the body (of Christ). Romans 6:3 explains this as well. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” – Romans 6:3 This baptism is into Christ. This cannot be the water baptism of John which was into water. It cannot be the baptism performed by Jesus which was with the Spirit. It is most obviously the unique baptism described by Paul in 1 Cor 12 which is performed by the Spirit into Christ. Greek prepositions Some will make much ado about the underlying Greek prepositions in the verses mentioned above. Those who wish to make the baptisms the same will say that the words ‘by’ and ‘with’ are interchangeable in the Greek. Although this is an oversimplification in some cases it may be true. Yet, the preposition does not determine the context of the baptism. Rather the clearly translated context determines the rightness of the English preposition. If the verses are reread with any of the prepositional variations that are suggested it remains obvious that the agents and the objects are different. Knowing that lengthy discussions about Greek translations are mostly red herrings and of minimal usefulness to English speaking people, following are two other reasons why the baptisms are different despite the preposition. Who is being baptized? The audience is a significant factor in determining the context and application of the baptisms. John’s baptism with water was to repentant Israel. This is not contested as he was in the wilderness of Judea and was teaching the fulfillment of the Jewish prophecies to Jews under the Old Testament (Mat 3:1-6). Jesus’ baptism with the Spirit which unarguably occurs at Pentecost is also unto repentant Israel (Acts 2:38). Peter’s message was to an audience entirely of “men of Israel” and proclaimed his message as a fulfillment of the prophecies given to Israel about the Messiah and the kingdom (Acts 2:14). “Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.” – Acts 3:24-25 It is evident that Peter was not preaching the same message that Paul taught about the cross, the Jew / Gentile church, the fall of Israel, their future destiny, or justification (see Peter vs Paul). Peter was following the law and righteousness with works as far forward as Acts 10:35 and Gal 2:11. The nature of the audience and the message taught signifies a distinct baptism. Why are they being baptized? Both baptisms involving the Spirit do not utilize any earthly element. (Although you can make a case that the Holy Ghost baptism of Pentecost would not be evident without the laying on of hands; Acts 8:15-16.) Christ and the Spirit are the agent and object. In one Christ is the agent identifying New Testament Israel with the Spirit. In the other the Spirit is the agent identifying the new creature with Christ. This simple difference is the most significant of all! The purpose of the Holy Ghost baptism was to fulfill the prophecy of the New Testament in providing the power for the remnant of Israel to endure the tribulation, enter the kingdom, and supernaturally follow the law as was once required of them (Exodus 19:5-6). “And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” – Eze 36:27 In order to be a part of the New Testament the believing remnant needed Christ’s blood (Heb 9:15-16), water baptism (Luke 7:29, Mark 16:16), and the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5-8). This purpose of the anointing baptism by Christ with the Spirit was to teach them all things (John 14:26, 1 John 2:27). If they rejected this power then there remained no more forgiveness for them (Heb 6:4-6, 10:24-27). Contrast this purpose with the Spirit’s function for believers under grace. “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” – Eph 1:13 By baptizing (identifying) us into Christ’s death there is no need for a testament or list of good deeds to keep us in proper standing with God. Instead it is the Spirit itself which becomes the seal and evidence of our union with Christ (Romans 8:9). Instead of baptizing us into Israel’s New Testament (Heb 8:10), we are baptized into Christ himself. This new creature is not identified with any national covenants but contains members of any nationality (Gal 3:38). Conclusion Whereas the Pentecostal baptism was necessary to establish the kingdom promised to Israel, the baptism by the Spirit is needed to place us into the body of Christ. They are different baptisms with different agents, different audiences, and different purposes. The danger of conflating the two is seen in many different forms the most egregious of which is held by some of our Pentecostal friends that if you are not filled with the Pentecostal Holy Ghost baptism then you are not a member of the church. “Where are those signs that follow?” they ask (Mark 16:17-18). The answer is only found in a Pauline division. Top of the Page Article Index Published: January 30, 2010 Last Modified: August 4, 2016 Related posts: -One Lord, One Faith, Three Baptisms! -How to Be Baptized Without Getting Wet -Does Romans 6:3-4 Teach Water Baptism? -List: Baptisms in the Bible -Following the Lord in Baptism -Baptism and Manifesting Christ to Israel -The Most Important Baptism

Not Identified With the Holy Ghost @Gleason92 By Justin Johnson Have you ever met a Holy Ghost Christian? They are the folks who think the Holy Ghost does not get the attention he deserves and so make his power, manifestation, and glory the central focus of their meetings. They might even identify themselves as Pentecostal, since it was on the day of Pentecost two thousand years ago that the remnant of Israel was identified with the Holy Ghost power from above. Holy Ghost Christians looking to identify themselves with the Holy Ghost at Pentecost have missed the true identity of a Christian. Baptism With the Holy Ghost John the Baptist spoke of the Pentecostal identification with the Holy Ghost. “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:” – Matthew 3:11 It was called a baptism. After all, baptism is best described as your being immersed or initiated into something that results in a change of identity. Baptism was used in the old testament to identify and ordain priests. They were baptized with water, oil, and blood (Exo 34:25; Exo 40:12). John the Baptist identified sinners that repented with the cleansing of water for the remission of sins (Mark 1:4). The Pentecostal believers were baptized with the promised Holy Ghost power. Jesus said before his ascension: “ For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence…. ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…“ – Acts 1:5-8 When Christ sent the Holy Ghost who filled the believers at Pentecost, they were immediately identified with the Holy Ghost and his power. Peter explained: “ Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.” – Acts 2:33 Peter even called upon the audience to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38). The baptism with the Holy Ghost at Pentecost was all about the power and presence of the Holy Ghost filled believers. They were identified with the Holy Ghost from heaven. Our Identity in the Church, Which is His Body Our identity today in the church is not that of the Holy Ghost, but of Christ. Though the Spirit dwells in all who believe (1 Cor 3:16; Eph 1:13), and Paul manifested the power of the Spirit, we are not identified with the Holy Ghost today, but with Christ himself. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says that we are “baptized into one body”. That is to say our identity has changed to that of the body of Christ (Eph 1:22-23). We are called a “new creature” and the “workmanship of God” (Eph 2:10; 2 Cor 5:17). How are we identified as his workmanship? The message we preach is completely of grace. It is Christ’s work on our behalf. We are identified with Christ through baptism into his death and resurrection. We who trust the gospel of Christ without the law, without Israel, and without covenants, are now identified as members of the body of Christ (Eph 1:22-23). Our identity is found in him as the Head of the Body of Christ. All saved Christians have the Spirit dwelling in them, yet the identification of a Christian is by Christ in you (Col 1:27). The Pentecostal believers needed to be identified with the Holy Ghost and his power to preach the gospel of the kingdom, and to separate themselves from unbelieving Israel. Christ sent them the Holy Ghost from heaven. Their baptism identified them with the Holy Ghost. Believers today need to be identified with the body of Christ and all blessing by grace through his finished work. The holy Spirit places us into Christ. Our baptism identifies us with the body of Christ. The one baptism is not one that identifies with the Holy Ghost kingdom power, but with Christ and the power of his cross. This is the one baptism and one body that Paul speaks about in Ephesians 4:4-6, not the baptism at Pentecost. Top of the Page Article Index Published: December 9, 2017 Last Modified: December 20, 2017 Related posts: -How to Be Baptized Without Getting Wet -Does 1 Cor 12:13 Describe the Spirit Baptism at Pentecost? -The Spirit Baptism Problem in Acts 8:14-17 -What is Baptism? -List: Baptisms in the Bible -Did God Pour Out His Spirit In Response To Extreme Faith? -One Lord, One Faith, Three Baptisms!

"The Battle for you Mind" (short sermon by Adrian Rodgers) Proverbs 23:7 KJV - For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. Romans 1:18-23 King James Version (KJV) 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 6 minutes -

The First to Preach the Gospel By Justin Johnson The duty of the church is to preach the gospel. This ministry responsibility is unanimously affirmed by Bible believing Christians. However, there is no small disagreement about our pattern for gospel preaching. Different churches pattern their ministry after who they believe preached the gospel first. The first to preach the gospel sets the pattern for those that follow. The Gospel First, we must define the plain and simple gospel. Surely, we must all agree with the clear gospel of the cross found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. “I declare unto you the gospel… By which also ye are saved… 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 Cor 15:1-4 The gospel is Christ and his finished work on our behalf for salvation. Through faith in the cross of Christ we have God’s grace, atonement for sins, and eternal life. By the gospel we glory in the cross of Christ (Gal 6:14). Now, we already know this gospel was clearly preached by Paul in 1 Corinthians, but Paul also says he was the last to see Christ(1 Cor 15:8). For this reason, we can place Paul at the end of our list of potential first preachers of the gospel. It requires more investigation to see who could possibly have preached the gospel first before him. John the Baptist Mark 1:1 starts with “the beginning of the gospel”, and it is here that the Baptist churches plant their pattern for ministry. “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” – Mark 1:4 The gospel of John the baptist included water baptism, and repentance for the remission of sins. Unfortunately, John did not know who Jesus was for much of his ministry (Matt 11:2-3). “And I knew him not…” – John 1:33 This would make it obvious that John could not have been first to preach the gospel of Christ and his cross. The future death of Christ was totally absent from John’s preaching. Jesus’ Ministry to Israel Jesus is the Son of God, and began his ministry shortly after John. For this reason, Evangelical churches think the pattern of gospel ministry should come from Jesus’ ministry to Israel. However, when we read what Jesus preached when he began his ministry we find that it was not his death for sins and resurrection, but a kingdom that was prophesied to Israel (Matt 15:24). “Now after that John was put into prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” – Mark 1:14 Clearly, Jesus ministered to the circumcision about the promises made to the fathers(Rom 15:8). Jesus showed himself to be the King and the Son of God, but was silent about his future death until later in his ministry. Peter and the Twelve The Roman Catholics find their pattern of ministry in the hands of Peter, who was given the keys of the kingdom in Matthew 16:19. In this same chapter Jesus began to tell his disciples that he must suffer, die, and be raised (Matt 16:21). This sounds promising, since Christ’s death and resurrection are events so essential for the gospel of salvation, but at this time Peter did not know this was a gospel. “Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.” – Matt 16:22 Obviously, Peter was not here preaching the gospel of the cross, since he tried to prevent the cross the first time he heard about it. Hardly the pattern of church ministry. We should remember that the twelve disciples were sent by the Lord to preach the gospel of the kingdom, not the gospel of the cross: “And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God…” – Luke 9:2 When Christ began to tell them privately of his future death, they did not understand. “And they understood none of these things…” – Luke 18:34 This could only mean that the gospel that the twelve preached did not include the cross. If their preaching did not include the cross, surely their gospel was not the gospel of the cross. Peter at Pentecost It is at this point we move forward to the time when Pentecostals think the gospel began. After all, it was after his resurrection that Christ gave his disciples a commission to preach the gospel. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” – (Mark 16:15). Which gospel was preached at Pentecost? Was Peter the first to preach the gospel when he was filled with the Holy Ghost? “Then Peter said unto them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” – Acts 2:38 What is clear from Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost to Israel was that he repeated John’s preaching of baptism, and Jesus’ gospel of the kingdom, but where is the cross? “But ye denied the Holy One and the Just… and killed the Prince of life.” – Acts 3:14-15 While he preaches the death of Christ, Peter condemns Israel for killing Christ and does not preach the cross as their glory (Acts 5:28, Acts 10:39). Killing their own Messiah on the cross was their shame. This is not preaching the cross as good news. Paul’s Pattern Having investigated every minister and ministry before him, we are left with Paul’s gospel in 1 Corinthians 15. Looking closer at Paul’s ministry we find something very interesting about who preached the gospel first. “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins…” – 1 Cor 15:3 Though Paul was the last to see the Lord, apparently, he was also the first to preach the gospel of salvation as the glory of the cross (Gal 6:14, 1 Cor 1:18). A dispensation of the gospel was committed to Paul (1 Cor 9:17), and he wrote very early in his ministry a certification of his unique apostleship: “I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.” – Gal 1:11-12 Since Paul was the first to preach the gospel, it follows that the church must find its pattern for preaching the gospel of Christ from Paul. “…that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe…” – 1 Tim 1:16 Top of the Page Article Index Published: November 23, 2013 Last Modified: March 15, 2018 Related posts: -The Twelve Did Not Preach the Cross -The Baptism Gospel -Did Jesus Preach the Cross for Salvation? -A Gospel Without the Cross -Verse List: The Twelve Did Not Preach the Cross -The Gospel Missing in John -When Did the Church Begin?

Acts 2:38 is Not the Preaching of the Cross By Justin Johnson “Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” – Acts 2:37-38 If Acts 2:38 is the gospel that saves today, then there is no reason to preach the finished work of the cross for salvation. After Peter condemned the men of Israel for killing Jesus, who was both Lord and Christ, many in the crowd sought deliverance from their actions. What should they do to save themselves from the wrath of God that would surely come as a result of their rejection of Christ? Peter’s response did not include trusting the finished work of Christ on the cross. In fact, his response did not include the cross at all! Repentance and Baptism Peter did not preach the cross for salvation, but instead called them all to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. This was the same message of John the Baptist years earlier before the cross of Christ. “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” – Mark 1:4 John did not baptize in the name of Jesus, but his baptism did help identify Jesus as the Son of God (John 1:31). There was one difference to the message John preached. This water baptism was to be “in the name of Jesus Christ.” The Name of Jesus Christ Jesus and the disciples baptized with John’s baptism of repentance throughout their three year ministry before the cross. Except their message also included the identification of Jesus as the prophesied Christ. “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” – John 3:18 To be baptized meant they were receiving repentance and remission of sins in preparation for the kingdom come, but also believing that Jesus was Christ the King whom John said would come. “And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.” – Luke 7:29 Naming Jesus of Nazareth as Israel’s Christ was the purpose of the Lord’s ministry to Israel. It was on this issue that Jesus evaluated how his ministry was being received. “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” – Matthew 16:13 All of this was preached before the event of the cross. Moreover, it was preached without the disciples understanding the cross (Matt 16:21-23). The cross was not being preached as the means of salvation unto all. What was preached was the name of Jesus Christ. The Gift of the Holy Ghost The new thing in Peter’s message at Pentecost was the presence of the promised Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38 adds as a consequence of being baptized with John’s baptism, and naming Jesus as the Christ, which was receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. The prophets spoke about the Holy Ghost (including John the Baptist – Matt 3:11). Jesus taught that the Holy Ghost would be necessary for Israel to enter their kingdom. “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” – John 3:5 The Holy Spirit would provide the necessary power for Israel’s new covenant to be fulfilled (Eze 36:26). As God’s purpose for Israel unfolded Acts 2:38 was right on time, but it did not include the revelation of the mystery or the gospel of the cross. The Missing Cross By the time Peter preached Acts 2:38, Christ had died and resurrected, but his message was not offering the cross for salvation. The cross was the means of condemnation. It was another link in a long chain of Israel killing their prophets, and then being called on to repent. Time was running out for Israel, but God was still giving opportunity for them to be forgiven per request of the Lord. “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” – Luke 23:34 If the preaching of the cross of Christ for salvation is the measure of salvation for today, then Acts 2:38 is not the gospel that saves today. If Acts 2:38 is the gospel that saves today, then we do not need to understand or preach the finished work of the cross of Christ to save. God forbid. “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” – 1 Corinthians 1:17-18 Peter did not yet know what was later revealed to the apostle Paul about the cross. With a full Bible, we have no excuse today for not reading further than Acts 2:38. Top of the Page Article Index Published: January 27, 2018 Last Modified: February 1, 2018 Related posts: -Not Identified With the Holy Ghost -Does Romans 6:3-4 Teach Water Baptism? -Baptism and Manifesting Christ to Israel -The First to Preach the Gospel -Handling Gospel Transition -The Baptism Gospel -One Lord, One Faith, Three Baptisms!

Works never saved anyone.

To Fulfil All Righteousness By Justin Johnson http://graceambassadors.com/tradition/baptism/to-fulfil-all-righteousness John the Baptist water baptized Jews. Water baptism was not a new thing. Jews were being water baptized for centuries under the law requirements in the temple and in large pools like Bethesda (John 5:2). However, John was unique in that he was a prophet, did not wear temple garments (he wore camel’s hair), and he preached in the wilderness not near the temple. He preached water baptism and repentance for the remission of sins. Remission of sins is forgiveness. “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” – Mark 1:4 “And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;” – Luke 3:3 The Baptism of Jesus When Jesus came to be water baptized, John realized that he had no sin to remit, and forbad Jesus to be baptized. “But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?” – Mat 3:14 Jesus insisted to be baptized, but not because he had secret sins to confess. Jesus knew he was God manifest in the flesh, and without sin. The Lord said: “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” – Mat 3:15 The reason Jesus needed to be water baptized by John alongside sinful Israel was not because he had secret sins to confess, but to fulfil all righteousness. But, what does that mean? To Fulfill the Law Jesus did not come to destroy the promises, prophets, and laws given to Israel. He was not setting a new pattern with his water baptism, but fulfilling an old one. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” – Matt 5:17 Washings with water were required for many different people at different times with different purposes under the law. If someone failed to do them, they would be guilty of breaking the law. One particular law that was being invoked by John was the washing requirement for all priests. John was preaching the kingdom come and in the kingdom the entire nation of Israel was to be priests unto the Lord (Exo 19:6, Isa 61:6). Jesus kept the law perfectly, and as such submitted himself to the required ordinances to fulfill all righteousness. To Fulfill the Prophets The law and the prophets spoke of Jesus. A few prophecies spoke of the messenger coming before the Lord to prepare his way. “As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” – Mark 1:2-3 (quoting Mal 4:1 and Isa 40:3) John the Baptist was that messenger, and Jesus was the prophesied Lord. God told John a prophecy that he would be able to identify the Messiah through his water baptism. “And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.” – John 1:31-33 If Jesus did not fulfil what was spoken of him then the prophecies would be false, the message of John the Baptist a lie, and God would be unrighteous. Jesus came to fufill the prophets and he fulfilled multiple prophecies by being water baptized of John. To Justify John’s Message Jesus was water baptized to justify John’s message. John the Baptist preached the kingdom was at hand. Those that heard his preaching and justified God’s word to him were water baptized of him (just as they justified God in Jesus’ ministry). “And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.” – Luke 7:29 By being baptized of John, Jesus was saying, “John’s teachings are truly from God”. In order to align himself with God’s prophet and his message, Jesus needed to be water baptized of John. Through participation in the water baptism of sinful Israel, Jesus identified himself with Israel looking for a kingdom come, and then presented himself as the one who would fulfill all righteousness. To Make Himself Known Multiple times in Jesus’ time on earth God spoke from heaven and testified that Jesus was His Son (John 12:28, Mat 17:5). Jesus knew that he was the Son of God (Luke 2:49), and that his water baptism would identify him as such to Israel. Therefore, Jesus insisted to John that he be water baptized of him. When he came up out of the water the Spirit of God descended on him and God spoke for everyone to hear. “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” – Matt 3:16-17 Without his water baptism there would not be this public identification that he was the Son of God. John later would preach this event as proof that he was the Messiah. “And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him… And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.” – John 1:32-34 Conclusion Nobody in Jesus’ time could accomplish what Jesus did in his water baptism. Neither does anyone today in the dispensation of grace need to follow Jesus in baptism. We have a greater baptism that identifies us with Christ, being baptized by faith into his death. “But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!” – Luke 12:50 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” – Rom 6:3 Jesus was not water baptized to institute a new ordinance. Water baptism was an old tradition. He was not water baptized for the remission of his sins, as was everyone else that was water baptized. He was water baptized to fulfill all righteousness in that he was the prophesied Messiah, the Son of God. -The Baptism Gospel -Does Romans 6:3-4 Teach Water Baptism? -How to Be Baptized Without Getting Wet -List: Baptisms in the Bible -Following the Lord in Baptism -One Lord, One Faith, Three Baptisms! -Acts 2:38 is Not the Preaching of the Cross

Email Tips: Know the Audience This "tip" was originally delivered on Saturday, May 11th, 2013 . An important part of rightly dividing the Bible is knowing the audience. Before hastily applying doctrine to yourself ask, “Who is the audience?”, and follow it up with, “Am I in the audience?” If you are not the audience, then the doctrine cannot be applied to you. You can learn from it, but should not live in it. Many books of the Bible reveal the audience in the first few verses. For example, Obadiah says, “The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom” (Oba 1:1). Since the Lord is speaking to Edom we do not apply the doctrine of Obadiah to ourselves. Malachi 1:1 says, “The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.” Since the LORD is talking to Israel, we do not assume the doctrine of Malachi either. These books are easily discerned and most would agree about their audience. Here is another example for you to discern on your own as homework. Who is the audience of this book? Are you the audience? Does the doctrine apply to you? “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.” – James 1:1 For His glory, Justin “not Israel” Johnson

Don’t Take it Personal By Justin Johnson Have you ever heard a Christian teacher tell you to insert your name into the Bible? There is now a business that will print a personalized Bible with your name inserted in it more than 7000 times. Instead of reading “God so loved the world” you can now read in black and white: “God so loved Joe the Plumber, that he gave his only begotten Son…” Or, maybe… “The Lord is little orphan Annie’s shepherd; little orphan Annieshall not want.” How cute. How personal. How evil! This is a corruption of the Bible! If you ever hear this happen in your church, cry “foul”, throw the communion wafer at the stage, wrangle up the children, and exercise your freedom to leave the building. Go have a picnic, enjoy the weather, and remind your family that the Bible need not be changed. This would be far better than trying to take the Bible personally in every place. The Danger of Personalizing The idea of inserting anyone’s name into any and every place and promise of the scripture is not only wrong, but is extremely dangerous, and destroys the foundation of dispensational Bible study. In one place, God made the earth swallow men who tried to claim privileges, positions, and promises that were not theirs (Numbers 16). But who reads Numbers, right? It was a different time, place, and people; but not according to those who take the Bible personally in every place. Imagine, if I was reading through the deed of your house and I replaced your name with mine. I would be a thief! What if the electric company replaced the name on my bill with your name. Unjust! Typically, when a promise to one person is suddenly changed by inserting another person’s name, that person is called a liar, and is in breach of contract. Then, why would someone treat God’s words so flippantly? Every Promise Cannot Be Claimed False teachers have long taught that you can name and claim your promise from God by inserting your name into all God’s promises in the Bible. They think every page in the Bible is speaking to them, and they want to claim every promise of the book as theirs! This is not so. The truth is that not every promise in the book is yours. If that were true, would not all the promises of condemnation in the Bible yours, too? “Death has come up into little orphan Annie’s windows…” does not have the same fuzzy feeling as the promises of blessing (promise corrupted from Jer 9:21). Why would someone who magnifies God’s word above his name sell such an aberration for $19.95? Worse yet, why would people buy them?! Of course, the reason is clear. They are not magnifying God’s word or his good name, but impugning it for the sake of the personal comfort they receive from claiming the good parts of the Bible for themselves and leaving the bad parts for others. Dispensationalism: Identifying the Audience Dispensational Bible study teaches identifying the the audience before assuming it is talking to us. This process of identifying the right audience and context separates the instructions and operation of God into dispensations. It is called rightly dividing the Bible. You cannot insert yourself into Jeremiah 29:11 which is speaking to remnant Israel in captivity in Babylon. You cannot insert yourself into the prayer of Jabez as if God would answer for you, too. Jabez lived under God’s covenant with Israel, not you. Psalm 23 is speaking about physical blessing to tribulation Israel. Psalms speaks of promises made exclusively with Israel (Psalm 147:19-20). You cannot insert yourself into Jesus’ words, “he that hath seen Tim Tebow hath seen the Father” (John 14:9). This is heresy (as well as a textbook definition of a Messiah complex.) You cannot insert “the whole church of Jew and Gentile” into James 1:1 when he identifies his audience as the “twelve tribes of Israel.” Don’t Take it Personal God does not like it when people speak for him things he did not say (Jer 14:15). Thank God we live in the dispensation of God’s grace today, but then again, that is only understood by rightly dividing the word of truth. Not every promise in the Bible is yours. I speak out of care for right doctrine, please don’t take it personally. It may not be speaking to you. But I know some will, and they would rather pay $39.95 to get a personalized Bible than freely study the book God wrote rightly divided. Personalized Bibles are literal physical products of a failure to rightly divide the Bible believing every word – even the pronouns. Never replace one word in the Bible with your name. Top of the Page Article IndexPublished: July 9, 2016 Last Modified: July 11, 2016 Related posts: -Know the Audience -Making Personal Application -Use Proper Judgment -The Audience of Hebrews -Promise in Christ or in a Covenant -The Need for Charts -The Books You Read

What Would Jesus Do? By Justin Johnson When Charles Sheldon asked the question “What would Jesus do?”, he used the four accounts of Jesus’ earthly ministry to find his answer: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It is easier to find Fat Albert drinking a Slim Fast than it is to find doctrine written about you in these four books written about Jesus’ ministry to the circumcision. Careful doctrinal study tells us what Jesus did then is not something we are to do today. Jesus was ‘made under the law’ according to Gal 4:4. As such it was not unusual to see him living and teaching according to the Old Testament law system. For example: He also practiced the separation between Jew and Gentile as established under the covenants with Abraham and Moses. Some things Jesus did no one dare do. Also there are a lot of things that Jesus did that no one can do because only God could do them. As you can see there are a lot of things that Jesus did during his earthly ministry that you would be wrong to do today. If you are looking for instructions from your Lord, then do not go back to his ministry to the circumcision. (Rom 15:8) Go to his ministry to the Gentiles given to Paul the Apostle of the Gentiles. Paul was declared by Christ to be the pattern for us who now believe. (1 Tim 1:16) What would Jesus do today? He would tell you to heed the more excellent revelation that he gave to Paul instead of the message he gave Moses to Israel. Top of the Page Article IndexPublished: June 6, 2009 Last Modified: June 11, 2016 Related posts: -To Fulfil All Righteousness -Are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Old Testament Books? -Reasons We Ought Not to Follow the “Great” Commission -Jesus’ Old Testament Ministry -Baptism and Manifesting Christ to Israel -List: BibleContradictions -The Baptism Gospel

I think the meaning encompasses so much it would take a bit to actually define. It has do to with many different spiritual things and as to how we live and respond to the world and each individual we encounter in our lives, even down to the small details, in other words, earthly things too and good works will come through grace and by the grace of God. I don't think I can explain grace off the top of my head like maybe others can. That is an interesting and deep thinking verse to study and think about. Edit : In addition the scripture could include temptation and attacks by the enemy, both worldly and spiritually. That by the grace of Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior we are equipped with the whole armor of God to help us. 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Jesus’ Old Testament Ministry By Justin Johnson The Bible is clear that Jesus was born under the old testament. This would explain why, after he was born, he was circumcised and sacrifices were offered according to the law (Luke 2:21-24). Jesus’ Ministry on Earth During his life on earth, Jesus also ministered under the old testament. The scripture is just as clear about this in Hebrews 9:15-17. Since a testament is of force only “after men are dead”, then this means the new testament could not begin until after the death of Jesus. Jesus died in the very end of his earthly ministry as recorded in Matthew 27:50, Mark 15:37, Luke 23:46, and John 19:30. If “while the testator liveth” the new testament is of no strength, then Jesus’ birth, life, and ministry on earth were all old testament. This goes a long way to explain why Jesus instructed men to offer sacrifices (Matt 8:4), taught the law of Moses (Matt 19:17; Matt 23:1-2); frequented the Jewish temple; separated from Gentiles (Matt 10:5; Matt 15:24); and participated in Israel’s holy days. He ministered on earth under the old testament! The new testament had not yet been dedicated by his death. It is popularly thought by self proclaimed new testament Christians that they follow Jesus in his earthly ministry (the red letter books), but in following Jesus in his earthly ministry they are following Jesus under the old testament. Jesus Ministry in Heaven After Jesus died Hebrews 9 also explains that Jesus becomes the mediator of Israel’s new testament: a far better covenant for Israel. Thus began Jesus’ ministry for Israel in heaven as their great high priest. Hebrews calls this work a “more excellent ministry” when he entered “into heaven itself” into the “true tabernacle” there (Heb 8:1-6; Heb 9:24). Israel’s Messiah had to ascend to heaven to perform their new testament ministry. Later he will return to bring salvation to them (Heb 9:28; Rom 11:26-27). While we read about the Word putting on flesh and blood and ministering to Israel while on earth, what Israel needed to learn after he died was the special ministry Jesus was performing for them in heaven for the new testament. This is the content of Hebrews. Jesus Ministry from Heaven Jesus had a ministry on earth under the old testament, and a ministry in heaven for the new testament, but both covenants were made with Israel (Heb 8:8). So, what ministry is Jesus performing today now that Israel is fallen and the new testament is not yet complete (Rom 11:11; Rom 11:25-27). The answer to this is a ministry from heaven revealed first to the apostle Paul, a special dispensation of grace to all men kept secret since the world began (Eph 3:1-2; Rom 16:25). The revelation of this special ministry contains the message and ministry of the church today. From heaven Jesus serves as Head of a new creature called the Body of Christ (Eph 2:15; Eph 4:12). In the Body there is neither Jew nor Gentile, the church is not under Israel’s law, nor must the Body wait for Israel’s new testament to be fulfilled. The Body of Christ performs the ministry of Jesus from heaven preaching the glory and grace of his death and resurrection as salvation offered freely to all. This is the content of Paul’s epistles. Three Ministries of Jesus Jesus did not have just one ministry. He lived under the old testament, he died for the new testament, and now he has revealed the mystery of the gospel. His entire life Jesus ministered under Israel’s old testament on the earth. When he died Jesus ascended and ministered Israel’s new testament in heaven. When the mystery of Christ was revealed Jesus ministered the dispensation of grace to all men from heaven. Jesus’ old testament ministry is different than his new testament ministry, which is different than his mystery ministry from heaven. And not only are they different, but some are more excellent. They must be rightly divided. Top of the Page Article IndexPublished: June 11, 2016 Last Modified: June 13, 2016 Related posts: -Are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Old Testament Books? -I Am Not a New Testament Christian -30 Reasons We do not Operate Under the New Testament -Dispensational Changes -What Is the New Covenant / Testament? -What Would Jesus Do? -So Great Salvation

DOES ACTS 26:22 DISPROVE THE APOSTLE PAUL’S SPECIAL DOCTRINE? by Shawn Brasseaux “Shawn, in your ‘Acts 9/28 Hybrid’ study you did back in (I believe) 2015, there was a verse that didn’t make the study. It’s a verse that many are using in regards to this silly doctrine. It’s Acts 26:22: ‘Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:’ People are getting tripped up on Paul saying ‘saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come.’Paul defines what that is in verse 23: ‘That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.’ How do we reconcile this, when we know from Scripture that Paul said so much more? Those who hold to a ‘two sendings’ theology are saying that Paul never preached ‘mystery’ doctrine in Acts and use Acts 26:22 as one of their ‘pet’ verses.” Hi, my brother! Thanks for bringing that to my attention. We will get right to addressing this most important matter. I am sure many are wondering how to handle this verse as well. For those unfamiliar with “Acts 9/28 Hybrid Theology,” just be aware that it is a group of professing “Pauline dispensational Bible students” who attack and water down Paul’s special ministry in much the same way denominationalists do. They constantly mix Peter and Paul, the nation Israel with the Body of Christ. It is a very intricate and extremely confusing system that is certainly not—notice NOT!—of the God of the Bible. The system is nothing but the idle speculations of men parading as “grace teaching.” It is not pure grace teaching, and you will see that demonstrated shortly. By the way, as the brother mentioned in the opening question, a few years ago, we released a series of related Bible study videos (five) on YouTube and two online companion booklets. Please see the link at the end of this article to learn more about this “Acts 9/28 Hybrid Theology” system. We would do well to begin in Romans 1:1-5: “[1] Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) [3] Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; [4] And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: [5] By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:” Beyond any shadow of a doubt, there is only one Person in the universe named Jesus Christ. Of course, that God-Man had already been preached prior to the Apostle Paul’s conversion and ministry. To prove this, we can easily consult the Four Gospels, Matthew through John, as well as Acts chapters 1-8 (Saul/Paul was saved in chapter 9). Just as the God of the Bible was known to man prior to Paul, so the Son of God was known to man prior to Paul. As we will see later, this is the key to interpreting the verse in question. Paul received directly from the risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ a special set of doctrine that the Bible calls “the Dispensation of the Grace of God” (Ephesians 3:2). Paul’s preaching of Jesus Christ is not a mere supplement, or an extension, of the 12 Apostles’ ministries. Pauline doctrine is designed to present the same Person Jesus Christ from a brand-new perspective. It was not another Person named Jesus Christ but rather the same Jesus Christ serving in a different capacity, bearing a new title, glorified in a new way. That is why we read about Paul saying “the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery” (Romans 16:25). There is a secret aspect to Jesus Christ, and it is in the Pauline epistles, Romans through Philemon, alone that we see that secret brought to light (cf. Colossians 1:25-29; Ephesians 3:1-11; 1 Timothy 2:4-7; Titus 1:1-3). The Lord Jesus dying was no secret in the “Old Testament.” You can read of Messiah being “cut off,” killed, in Daniel 9:26. Psalm 22:16 mentions them “piercing [His] hands and [His] feet.” Isaiah 53:8 says, “he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.”We can see Messiah dying in type as well—Abraham offering his son Isaac, the blood sacrifices of the Mosaic economy, Jonah expiring in the whale’s belly, and so on. Hence, 1 Corinthians 15:3 says, “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.” Jesus’ death (or suffering) was predicted by the Old Testament prophets: “[10] Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: [11] Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow” (1 Peter 1:10-11). As for the resurrection of Christ, it too was predicted in the Old Testament. “Christ… rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4). Psalm 16:10-11 is one of the easiest examples to realize that the Old Testament prophets wrote of the resurrection centuries before it happened (cf. Acts 2:24-32): “[10] For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. [11] Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Jonah being resurrected after three days and three nights is another Old Testament hint of Messiah’s resurrection (Matthew 12:39-40). Abraham receiving Isaac to life was yet another picture of Christ being raised from the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19; cf. Genesis chapter 22). Now, we return to your question about Paul’s “Acts” ministry. The unbelieving Jews in the Book of Acts traveled around and discredited Paul, portraying him as some evil religious leader, a fraud and a blasphemer (Acts 9:23-25; Acts 13:44-46; Acts 14:19; Acts 17:5; Acts 18:6; et cetera). However, (now we bring in Acts 26:22—your question), the Apostle defended himself by saying that he was actually preaching about the Person (Messiah) that their own Law and prophets foretold and exalted. They held Moses in such high regard, they valued the prophets, and Paul appealed to these works or texts they had accepted as genuine. For example, in Thessalonica, he used the Old Testament Scriptures (probably the timeline of Daniel 9:24-27) to prove to the local Jews that Jesus was Christ (Acts 17:1-3). Paul frequently quoted the Old Testament throughout his lengthy sermon in Acts chapter 13—see especially verses 27-41). As an aside, Jesus Christ Himself showed in the Old Testament Scriptures where He was predicted (Luke 24:44-46). Reading Acts 26:22-23 again: “[22] Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: [23] That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.” Friend, to your question about Acts 26:22, “How do we reconcile this, when we know from Scripture that Paul said so much more?” Indeed, the Apostle Paul taught a lot more than what Moses and the prophets wrote. Chiefly, he preached salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, apart from the Law of Moses. In Acts 13:38-39, Paul says: “[38] Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: [39] And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Certainly, that message was not in the Law and the prophets. So, why did Paul declare that he was “saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come?” What Paul was affirming in stating “saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come” (Acts 26:22-23) was that he was not preaching something 100 percent foreign to Scripture or the Jewish people. Jesus was Israel’s Messiah, He had suffered, He had died, and He had risen again—all in fulfillment of “Old Testament” prophecy. Paul had not invented any of that. He was not a liar or charlatan. Israel simply did not believe what their own prophets wrote! “None other things” is specifically tripping people up, so it is necessary to address it now. The confusion is unnecessary. Let me give you a very simple illustration. Suppose someone shared some information with me, and I passed it on to you. I told you, “I am only telling you what they told me.” Does that mean that I told you literally everything they told me? Of course not. I did not quote them word-for-word, and I may have left out some details (for various reasons). My point in declaring to you “I am only telling you what they told me” is my way of proving my statements. I did not invent anything; I merely repeated the basic information so you would learn it. Now take this and apply it to Paul’s situation. The Old Testament provided some proof of what Paul was preaching. Again, the death of Christ was prophesied. His resurrection was predicted. However, what did these events mean with respect to the Gentiles apart from Israel and her prophetic program? What were Calvary’s significance concerning the Church the Body of Christ and the heavenly places? We must come to the Apostle Paul to learn those truths. Thebare minimum of Paul’s preaching—the cross of Christ—was found in the Old Testament. However, that is not all that Paul preached. If you want to think of it as him taking those basic facts and expanding upon them, think of it like that. Go back to Romans 1:1-5 (our opening passage). God had more to say about His Son than what was revealed in the Old Testament, and that is why Paul was saved and commissioned (back to Romans 1:1-5, remember). As to the ridiculous idea that Paul did not preach mystery truth until after the Book of Acts, we are compelled to share the following. It is quite clear that Paul preached mystery truth throughout the Book of Acts, long before its closure in chapter 28. This can be easily demonstrated from the Scriptures (apart from the idle speculations of “Acts 9/28 Hybrid Theology”). Notice what we discover in Paul’s “Acts” epistles of Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, and 1 & 2 Thessalonians: We read about the “mystery” of Israel’s blindness mentioned in Romans 11:26. Romans was written around chapter 20 of Acts. Israel’s blindness during the Dispensation of Grace was certainly known and preached during Acts. This was certainly not found in the Old Testament—it is part of the special revelation Jesus Christ gave to Paul. This was written during the Acts period. There is the “mystery” of the Rapture, the gathering together of the Church the Body of Christ to Jesus Christ in heaven, spoken of in 1 Corinthians 15:51. First Corinthians was written around Acts chapters 19-20. Romans and 1 Corinthians were written before Paul arrived at Jerusalem in Acts 20:17 (see Romans 15:25-28 and 1 Corinthians 16:1-5). First Thessalonians 4:13-18 also refers to that secret coming of Christ. These were written during the Acts period. Galatians 5:6 and Galatians 6:15 mention that there is no difference between circumcision (Jew) and uncircumcision (Gentile). This is mystery truth, not found outside of Paul’s ministry, and known during the Book of Acts. Galatians was likely Paul’s first epistle, written as early as chapter 16 or 17 of Acts. Again, these were written during the Acts period. Paul refers to Satan’s lie program taking on a “mystery” form in order to mimic God’s mystery program operating during the Acts period (2 Thessalonians 2:7). Mystery truth is on Paul’s mind and in his teaching ministry during the Acts period. We read about Paul knowing of the “mystery” and yet unable to make it known to the immature, carnal Christians in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8. Once more, this was written during the Acts period. https://forwhatsaiththescriptures.org/2017/06/15/acts-26-22-disprove-pauls-special-doctrine/

https://forwhatsaiththescriptures.org/bible-timeline-other-study-aids/ Bible Timeline & Other Study Aids We hope these Bible study tools, especially the Right Division Timeline, will be helpful to you. From time to time, additional files will be posted here. “RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH” BIBLE TIMELINE (COLOR) “RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH” BIBLE TIMELINE (PRINTABLE BLACK-AND-WHITE) BIBLE VERSIONS AND PERVERSIONS – BIBLE MANUSCRIPTS AND TRANSLATIONS CHART KING JAMES BIBLE AND MODERN VERSIONS COMPARED ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING SCHEDULE DISPENSATIONAL TIMELINES – ACTS 9, ACTS 28, & ACTS 9/28 HYBRID

I Am Not a New Testament Christian By Justin Johnson - http://graceambassadors.com/prophecy/new-covenant/i-am-not-a-new-testament-christian I am not a new testament Christian. The Bible says I can’t be, nor can you. Now, before I get secretly voted off the deacon board, let’s consider why being a new testament Christian is of such importance. No one would bat an eye if it was proclaimed that I was not an old testament Christian, but what makes a new testament Christian much different? New Testament to Israel It is said, “the old testament was for Israel, but the new testament is for the church.” While it is true that the old testament was made with Israel, it would be wrong to say the new testament was made with the church. The scripture cannot be clearer that the new testament was merely a replacement for the old made with the “house of Israel and with the house of Judah”. “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,…” – Hebrews 8:10 (quoting Jeremiah 31:33). New Testament is not the Body of Christ It is said, “If you are not in the new testament, how can you call yourself a Christian?” The answer is realizing that Christ did more than mediate for the new testament made with Israel, he also created a new creature called the church, the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27). While both of Israel’s testaments speak prophetically of Christ, neither one speaks of the mystery of Christ to create this new creature where there is neither Jew nor Gentile. The mystery of Christ was kept secret since the world began, which means it was not contained in the covenants of promise made with Israel (Eph 3:4-5). The new testament does not explain the creation of the mystery church, but it does guarantee that Israel will not cease to be a nation, which has little relevance to the hope of the church today. “If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.” – Jeremiah 31:36 New Testament is a Law Covenant It is said, “The new testament is faith in Jesus Christ.” Yes, the new testament requires faith in the Messiah to be a partaker, but that is not all that it requires. Remember, faith without works is dead for the new testament participant, because the laws of God are written in their heart and mind causing them to do them (Eze 36:27). “…I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts:…” – Heb 8:10 Rather than a lack of works testifying to dead faith, a lack of works today can testify to a strong faith in the power of Christ’s finished work for salvation. New Testament and the Kingdom It is said, “The new testament is the kingdom of God on earth.” While this may be true, according to the promises of the new testament we are not living in that kingdom today. “And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them,…” – Jer 31:34 Instead of not needing teachers, teachers of the Bible abound in trying to exposit the truths of scripture. Instead of all Israel knowing the Lord, the majority of Israel is still in unbelief. All of Israel will not be saved and the new testament fulfilled until the kingdom is brought by the Lord from heaven. “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.” – Rom 11:26-27 No New Testament Christians Today The new testament was not made with Gentiles, it does not describe Christ’s work for the church, it is a law covenant, and it is not being fulfilled today. No believer today can be a new testament Christian if the Bible means what it says to whom it says it. Meanwhile, the believer today should be more than excited to be a member of the body of Christ, saved by grace without works, not under the law, teaching the gospel of the grace of God to a religious world whose only hope is wrongly thinking they have a special covenant with God. Top of the Page Article IndexPublished: September 7, 2013 Last Modified: March 7, 2018 Related posts: -Works Never Saved Anyone -Jesus’ Old Testament Ministry -Are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Old Testament Books? -30 Reasons We do not Operate Under the New Testament -What Is the New Covenant / Testament? -Hebrews Audio Commentary Finished! -Are We Under Any Covenants?

30 Reasons We do not Operate Under the New Testament By Justin Johnson - 30 Reasons We do not Operate Under the New Testament One common hindrance in understanding how to rightly divide the word of truth has been the generally wrong teaching about the New Covenant. The general understanding is that if we are not under the Old Testament then we must necessarily be under the New Testament. This is not true. There is a purpose separate from Israel’s covenants called the mystery of Christ (Eph 3:4, Col 4:3). The mystery of Christ is the keystone of what God has been doing for the past two thousand years. The teaching that we are under Israel’s New Testament confuses God’s prophetic purpose in Christ with his mystery purpose in Christ. No one on the planet today operates under Israel’s New Testament (NT). Below are a few reasons why. The NT was not a mystery. Descriptions of the NT are found in the law, the prophets, and the psalms. The prophetic nature of Israel’s new covenant contrasts the hidden nature of the fellowship of the mystery (Eph 3:9). The subject of the mystery can not be the subject of the prophesied NT. Jeremiah is a prophet of Israel. Jeremiah 31:31-34is the most popular NT verse in the prophets. Jeremiah was writing to Israel. Jeremiah said the NT would be made with the “house of Israel”. Jer 31:31 is clear that the new covenant is made with the “house of Israel, and with the House of Judah”. Hebrews says the NT would be made with the “house of Israel”. In case the prophecy was misunderstood, the NT fulfillment is explained in Heb 8:8-12. The NT was applied to Hebrews of the house of Israel and Judah. Paul did not write Hebrews. The operation of the church today is found in Paul’s writings. Hebrews speaks most about the New Testament. However, Paul most likely did not write Hebrews. There is ample evidence that Paul was not the author, most importantly, the internal evidence of Hebrews 2:3-4. There is no “house of Israel” in the body of Christ. As a nation, Israel has no spiritual standing with God in this present dispensation. They have been counted in unbelief just as the Gentiles (Rom 11:32). There is neither Jew nor Gentile in Christ (Gal 3:28). The church of this dispensation is not Israel. This fundamental dispensational truth implies that a covenant made with Israel was not made with the church called the Body of Christ. The first testament was not made with the Body of Christ. The church of this dispensation has never been under the Old Testament which was given to Israel also. We do not need a new covenant, we need free grace. The NT promised the forgiveness of Israel’s sins only. It never promised the forgiveness of the sins of all men (Mat 20:28, Mat 26:28). A gospel to “all men” was part of the mystery purpose of Christ (1 Tim 2:6). The NT pardon would be an honour before all the nations (Jer 33:8-9). When the NT forgiveness is given to Israel, the world will know and “they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.” Jesus’ blood was not limited to the NT. Jesus’ blood instituted the NT with Israel, however, his blood would also be preached to all men through the mystery of Christ. The same blood shed at one cross performed two purposes. There is no need to place the mystery saints under the NT. The Body of Christ did not exist during Jesus’ ministry to Israel. When Jesus spoke of the New Testament blood at the Passover meal the mystery had not yet been revealed (Mat 26:28). The New Testament blood is not Paul’s teaching of the blood of Christ. NT Israel will be gathered out of all countries (Eze 36:24). The church today does not have a country to be gathered into. The New Testament included a law. Most commentators will admit that the new covenant in Jeremiah 31:33 included a law. Though it was changed, it was still part of the covenant (Heb 7:12). The mystery of Christ teaches we are not under the law and are dead to the law (Rom 6:14, Rom 7:4). The NT law was written on their hearts. The NT differed from the OT in that the law was not only “in their mouths”, but it was “in their hearts” allowing them to do the law (Jer 31:33). The letter of the NT law was not written on stony hearts but soft hearts of flesh. In both the OT and the NT the letter of the law was present. The NT included the Spirit causing Israel to walk in God’s statutes (Eze 36:27). With the law written in their hearts, the supernatural empowerment by the Spirit would cause Israel to keep the judgments of God. This is not the Spirit’s ministry in this dispensation where we are instructed to “be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18). The NT included an “unction” whereby no one needed to be taught. Jeremiah and Hebrews explain that “they shall teach no more every man” (Jer 31:34). This anointing was tasted by the kingdom remnant in 1 John 2:20 and 1 John 2:27, but is not in operation today. The church today is in need of teachers who can rightly divide the word of truth. When the NT is fulfilled then all shall know the Lord (Jer 31:34). The fact that so few understand the gospel of the grace of God is evidence that the NT promises are not being fulfilled today. They will be fulfilled at Christ’s return to Earth with the remnant of Israel. The NT law could be broken. If those under the NT did “despite the Spirit of grace” then there remained no more sacrifice for sins (Heb 10:26-29). Gentiles were strangers of the covenants of promise (Eph 2:12). According to the NT, Jesus was a mediator for Israel of a better covenant based upon better promises (Heb 8:6). Gentiles were strangers from these covenants of promise. He mediates for us by his grace. Those under the NT are waiting for a city to come (Heb 13:14). The church today has no city to come to Earth (Rev 21:2-3). We are seated in heavenly places in Christ. Those under the NT wait for future grace and forgiveness (1 Peter 1:13). We have forgiveness appropriated now (Col 1:14. Eph 4:32). Being crucified with Christ, the body of the sins of the flesh are cut off from us (Col 2:11). The new covenant will take away the sins of Israel in the future (Rom 11:27). Those under the NT wait for future salvation (1 Pet 1:9). Peter taught that salvation would come from the Lord Jesus at his return (Acts 3:19). The believing remnant needed to endure to the end to be saved (Mark 13:13). We have a present possession of salvation (Rom 5:11). We have what they hope for, but this does not place us under their covenant. The NT resulted in dwelling in the land promised to Israel (Eze 36:28). The church today is not promised nor do they receive by grace any land on Earth. The NT was oriented around Israel’s earthly promises. We are not under the NT. We are able ministers of the NT not of the letter (2 Cor 3:6). Paul says we are able to minister. He does not make us priests of the NT kingdom. Neither does he place us under the letter of the NT and its promises. We are able to minister the NT concerning the more excellent ministry of the Spirit because we have been given the manifold wisdom of God (Eph 3:10). Paul ministers the NT in Romans 9-11. Paul teaches about the Spirit in Romans 8. We received the Spirit by the hearing of faith (Gal 3:3). We did not receive the Spirit through a promised covenant but by faith. Our faith is in the gospel of Christ. The Spirit seals our position in Christ. Under the NT the Spirit’s powerful signs followed those operating under it (Acts 10:46). The Body of Christ is under the headship of Christ, not under the NT. In Ephesians 1:10 Paul explains that the two purposes of God, in heaven and in earth, will be gathered together in one, in and under Christ. We who part of his heavenly purpose are not placed under the NT earthly purpose. Israel’s New Covenant is Fulfilled in the Future.Romans 11:25-27 says that the covenant between God and Israel for forgiveness of sins (the new covenant) will be fulfilled after the present dispensation. The NT is presently incomplete. It will be completed at Christ’s return. Our present position in Christ is complete (Col 2:10). If we are under the NT now, then God is still operating with the nation Israel. Since the NT was given to that nation, concerned that nation’s promises, and is fulfilled in that nation’s earthly kingdom. God has changed his operation. Since the fall of Israel and the revelation of the mystery, God has been offering grace and salvation to all men (Titus 2:11). This is not an expansion of the NT, it is a separate thing. If God is not fulfilling the covenant in this dispensation, then we cannot be under it. The fellowship of the mystery is not the subject of either the old or the new testaments. It is not the subject of prophecy. The mystery of Christ is the keystone of what God has been doing for the past two thousand years. Members of the body of Christ in this mystery dispensation are not under the prophetic new covenant made with Israel. Placing saints today under any of Israel’s covenants robs us of the riches of grace we have in Christ alone and usurps the promises to Israel. It is important that we remain consistent in our stance regarding the distinction between prophecy and mystery if the mystery of Christ is ever to be popularly understood.

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Thank and praise God that we're not all exactly the same. Suit yourself but you felt the urge to voice you OPINION here, so you get mine. These lessons are all based on scripture, so you can stick to your methods of study and others can choose to read these posts. Nobody is forced to read these, adults can decide for themselves. Over 1,00o views means you're not the only one here. God Bless !!!