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Walking in the Spirit Before Paul


http://graceambassadors.com/life/walking-in-the-spirit-before-paul

By Justin Johnson
The average church deacon goes into a conniption fit if he hears that Paul taught a different message than the twelve apostles.

It is strange that the same deacon will talk about the necessity of the believer walking in the Spirit.

Why is that strange? Because only Paul describes what it means to walk in the Spirit.

Before the Spirit

The Holy Spirit was not sent from heaven until after Christ died, resurrected, and ascended to heaven. By this fact alone it would have been impossible for any apostle prior to Pentecost to walk in the Spirit without having the Spirit.

Nor did Jesus earthly ministry include instructions about how to walk in the Spirit. Instead, Jesus spoke of law keeping, future promises, and prophecies.

How could the twelve apostles in Matthew-John teach the same message as Paul, if the twelve did not yet have the Spirit?

The Spirit of the New Covenant

Jesus did confirm the promise of the coming Spirit (Rom 15:8; Luke 24:49), but the coming of the Spirit in power is different than learning how to walk in the Spirit under grace.

According to prophecy it was necessary that Israel receive the Spirit of God in order to operate within their new covenant (John 3:7; Eze 36:26).

The Hebrew epistles were written by the apostles to Israel filled with the Spirit. But these epistles are also silent about how to walk in the Spirit.

Sure, they talk about having the Spirit, the power of the Spirit, and rejecting the Spirit, but how to walk in the Spirit is a subject not addressed.

Instead, James says, “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” James 2:22

John says the love of God is perfected in those that keep the commandments (1 John 2:4-5).

If you are not walking in the Spirit after Paul’s instruction, then you are inevitably walking after the flesh, in a covenant, or under the law. (If indeed you are saved.)

This is why Paul says to the Galatians who were being influenced by Jewish law keepers, “ Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3)

Walking in the Spirit

Instructions about how to walk in the Spirit are found in Paul’s epistles alone, namely Romans and Galatians.

Only Paul writes about walking in the Spirit, because he is the special apostle of the dispensation of God’s grace.

Under God’s grace, for the first time, men who are not under the law, not under a covenant, and not Israel in the flesh can receive the Spirit of God (Eph 2:18; 1 Cor 12:13).

Since it is grace, it has been revealed both how to receive the Spirit without a covenant, and how to walk without the law.

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25

Though church deacons resist the mid-Acts dispensational idea that Paul had a different message than the twelve, every time they preach about walking in the Spirit they testify to the rightness of it.

Without the revelation of the mystery of Christ none of us would know how to walk in the Spirit.

Walking in the Spirit was not something people were told how to do before Paul.

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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

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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.
 

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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!

 

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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On 7/14/2018 at 2:48 AM, patrick jane said:

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

I read your last post very carefully. 

To me this is the first time that I have seen someone going beyond, and attempting to distinguish the old world from the New. 

The Holy Spirit show to Peter for the first time the NEW WORLD. 

The Holy Spirit show him in a vision the NEW WORLD, a sheet full of uncleen animals coming down from Heaven, and going up, three times and then remained in Heaven. 

And he said: 

What the Lord -referring to Jesus-has cleansed do not call unclean.

At the Last Supper he said to the disciples that you are clean because you have believe the words I spoke to you .

Here Jesus was telling them the NEW WAY to be cleansed in his Name. 

And for Jesus while he was living, everytime something unclean touch him, he remained clean. 

"The Leper touch him",

Jesus remained clean, and in this case as in the case with the woman with the issue , both became clean.

Jesus was teaching them the things in the NEW WORLD. 

How is referent the New World from the Old. 

There not Gentiles in the New World, and also there are not Jews.

The world has been reconciled to God, 

The "world" is within the same meaning as the meaning, Jesus died for the "whole world". 

Today the massage we give the people is "choose life or death". 

This is the massage in the Gospel. 

The same message to all who have not hear the Gospel, and to those who have denied the Gospel but are still alive. 

Those who have denied Jesus Christ are in death, but still are called to LIFE , to believe. 

Those who have never heard the Gospel they are neither in LIFE or DEATH.  

The Devil can take only those who die in denial. 

This is the NEW WORL. 

people are born in LIFE, but never in DEATH.

 

 

 

 

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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.
 

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