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Salvation, Doctrine and Rightly Dividing - MAD


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What Happened in Mid-Acts?


http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/what-happened-in-mid-acts


By Justin Johnson

When we read the beginning of the book of the Acts of the Apostles, we find Peter ready for the promised kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:8). The twelve are given a commission to go to the Jews first and are told to remain in Jerusalem until their message is received (Luke 24:47, Acts 1:8).

The final chapter of the book describes Paul in a far away Roman city sending salvation to the Gentiles while Israel had rejected Christ. He was the chief persecutor of Peter’s group until his conversion and did not have a ministry in Jerusalem.


Something happened by the end of the book that was not what Peter had in mind in Acts 1 or 2. While the ministry change is apparent, it seems that the nature of the change is often misunderstood.

It is often taught that the early church was mostly Jewish and after a time of incubation and growth it expanded out to Gentile countries. This is not what the scripture says as there was great persecution upon that church (Acts 8:1-3) and by Acts 28 the Jews had been cast away (Acts 28:28)!

It was only after the rejection of Peter’s message that Paul was given a special commission from Jesus in Acts 9. The specific ministry of grace to the Gentiles begins with Paul. (Peter’s singular ministry to a Gentile was in Acts 10 to Cornelius after Paul’s conversion, but it is with the gospel of the kingdom.)

After Acts 15 we do not hear about Peter anymore and Paul’s acts are the main subject. Paul was persecuted by his brethren because he taught Jesus Christ according to new information (Romans 16:25).

We can read what Paul taught in his ministry from reading his epistles. In them we find the doctrine of a new gospel that was “kept secret” and whereby Paul, a persecutor of the Jewish disciples of Christ, was saved by God’s longsuffering and not under a law system (Rom 3:22, 1 Tim 1:16).

Paul was the first to explain about a new dispensation from God (1 Cor 9:17, Eph 3:1). This major change in God’s administration makes for a surprise ending to the book of Acts. It also introduces the need for us to ‘rightly divide’ the scriptures when we read them. If we don’t, we will fall into salvation problems trying to reconcile Peter’s kingdom message with Paul’s message of grace is not a trivial matter.

This is why you may have heard right division referred to as mid-Acts or Pauline dispensational. A significant doctrinal and administrative change began with Paul in the middle of the book of Acts.
 

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Without Hope

http://graceambassadors.com/salvation/without-hope


By Justin Johnson

Hope has been called faith in the future tense. The optimists of the world are always trying to engender hope. Evolution teaches we are on an a steady incline of progress. Economists tell us that we live in a world of unprecedented economic success. Family researchers say our children will be the most advantaged children in history!

However, evolution can not resolve the death problem.

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:…” – Heb 9:27

Though we have the highest technology we end up using it only on our death bed.

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” – 1 Tim 6:7

For most of us worldly success is not in reach and the lure of prosperity fades quickly away. At the very end of our lives everyone sounds like Job:

“My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope.” – Job 7:6

What hope can we give our children if we know they will in the end spend their lives without hope like everyone else?

False Hope Ignores Death

All too often the hope of the world is only a mask for the hopelessness that awaits us all in death. Yet, it is in death that hope is truly needed!

The world is still searching for a hope that lasts. It has not found it.

Even some Christians look for hope in science, success, or children, but Paul pulls back the curtain on this temporary hope:

“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” – 1 Cor 15:19

The Bible says the cause of hopelessness is a rejection of the gospel of Christ. Despite God’s provision of hope in the gospel the world remains in an hopeless condition:

“…without Christ,… having no hope, and without God in the world:” – Eph 2:12

True Hope Defeats Death

God gives us the hope of eternal life; death is defeated (Titus 1:2).

Jesus provided the means to receive it (Titus 3:7).

A sinless Jesus purchased forgiveness before God with his blood and conquered death in his resurrection. What was once a world without hope in death is filled with hope for those who place their faith in the free gift purchased by the cross of Christ.

The promise of God is sure that we shall see future glory in Christ (Rom 8:18). The hope of the Bible is not limited by death. Instead, it is useful all the way to our death bed and there it applies its greatest strength.

Death has been conquered and we too will resurrect to eternal life if we are in Christ. When it has lost its sting, death can only bring us closer to the glory of Christ than ever before (Phil 1:21)!

The world offers no comfort for the hopeless. Jesus provides hope and comfort to the dead and dying! Your sins can be forgiven! You can have eternal life! You can glory in God!

“Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” – 1 Thess 4:18

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Mid-Acts Dispensational Right Division is a Gospel Issue


http://graceambassadors.com/salvation/mid-acts-dispensational-right-division-is-a-gospel-issue


By Justin Johnson

There is no more important issue for humanity than the gospel of our salvation. Yet, when you ask a handful of Christians to explain the gospel rarely do you get a consistent or clear answer.

Common ideas about salvation are experiential and based on performance. These beliefs are not much different than other religions. They sound like this:
 


  • – Doing the best I can
    – Going to church
    – Being good
    – Believing in God
    – Raised in a Christian home
    – Experienced God’s love

More spiritually minded people will recognize that the gospel has something to do with Jesus. We hear the salvation gospel described as “believing in Jesus”, “following Jesus”, “making Jesus Lord of your life”, “accepting Jesus”, “receiving Jesus”, or “loving Jesus”. Pretty much, anything that has to do with Jesus is a legitimate explanation of the gospel for these folks.

Even certified theologians differ about the gospel. Some think God chooses who will be saved. Others think God grants salvation in response to our behavior. Catholics believe it is a sin to presume that you are eternally saved. Now, that is confusion!

The only thing clear about the gospel in Christianity is that few people can articulate it clearly.

The Gospel of Our Salvation

It is not the gospel of salvation merely to believe in Jesus; the devils do that (Mark 1:24, James 2:19).
It is not the gospel to love Jesus with all our heart; the Muslims dothat as well.

“Making Jesus Lord” is something the Mormons include in their theology, and every good Hindu “accepts” Jesus (they accept thousands of gods).

None of the beliefs above can save you from God’s rightful judgment against our sins. Paul clearly states the gospel of our salvation in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

“… Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: …” – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

It was through Christ’s death that our sin is removed and we are justified.

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21

We receive righteous standing with God by faith.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” – Romans 5:1

Belief in this gospel alone will save you and give you the grace of eternal life (Rom 6:23). First, we hear this gospel of grace. Second, we trust it, then we are saved: no more, no less.

“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…” – Ephesians 1:13

The Mystery of the Gospel

What does this have to do with the mystery of Christ and mid-Acts dispensational right division? Everything.

You can find gospel messages in the Bible before the gospel of grace surrounding the covenants, Israel, the Commandments, baptism, the Messiah, and the kingdom. Christians cause confusion when they fail to distinguish between the gospel of the kingdom and the mystery gospel of the grace of God.

No one before the revelation of the mystery of Christ understood the significant meaning of the death of Jesus to all men (Luke 18:34).

The mystery of Christ is the gospel of the grace of God. It is the preaching of the cross for salvation. No one before the revelation of the mystery understood how faith alone could justify sinners (James 2:24). The gospel of grace was kept secret from humanity (1 Cor 2:7-8).

Mid-Acts right division recognizes the difference between God’s progressive instructions in the Bible, and clarifies our understanding of the gospel for today. By separating the gospel of grace from the message of the law, covenants, kingdoms, and baptism the glorious gospel of Christ stands alone.

Resolving the confusions over tithing, tongues, and water baptism are only consequences and not the main benefit of mid-acts dispensational right division. The biggest benefit to the church of learning the mystery of Christ is clarifying the gospel of our salvation.

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The Main Point of Mid Acts Doctrine

http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/the-main-point-of-mid-acts-doctrine


By Justin Johnson

It is not unusual to receive messages from site visitors who would like to oppose Mid Acts doctrine since evidently it sounds very different. It is a pleasure to receive one of these messages since I am able to learn what is being communicated by what is published.

After reading many of these emails, it is amazing how often people miss the main point of the Mid Acts perspective. By not correctly identifying what it is they are attacking, their volleys fail to hit the mark.

This short post is intended to help direct those who are looking for the heart of Mid Acts so that you can aim your attacks (or your sincere consideration) more accurately.

It’s Not about Baptism

It seems some doctrines attract a larger crowd than others. Baptism is one of those doctrines that will always be surrounded in controversy.

While it is clearly understood through a Mid Acts perspective that water baptism has no import in this dispensation it is not the primary point of Mid Acts dispensational right division.

You Can’t Find It in Acts

The book of Acts does not clearly identify what is taught as Mid Acts doctrine. The nomenclature “Mid Acts” refers to at what time Paul was saved.

The book of Acts is about Israel’s rejection of the Apostles: all of them. First they rejected Christ, the Apostle (Heb 3:1), then the twelve apostles, then Paul the apostle of the Gentiles.

Christ was rejected in Jerusalem, his disciples all throughout Israel, and Paul was stoned in Gentile countries. It is a description of old things (Israel’s position) passing away but only a vague description of the new things (the new creature).

The Main Point

Here it is: the main point. Mid Acts doctrine does not rest on baptism, the book of Acts, or 2 Timothy 2:15.

Our Apostle Paul was uniquely given mercy by God while he was killing the faithful in Christ. Jesus commissioned him with a unique ministry. Paul taught a message of the Lord Jesus that no one hitherto had known.

“Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” – 1 Tim 1:16

Jesus gave to Paul a new ministry to be the pattern to everyone after him. God’s nature has not changed, but his ministry to man has changed. God’s present ministry to man through Christ was first revealed in its fullness to our Apostle Paul.

The Painted Target

If Paul did not teach anything significantly different than Peter, John the Baptist, or the prophets, then Mid Acts doctrine falls apart.

However, if you can see that there is new doctrine about Jesus revealed first to Paul that is of primary significance to the members of the body of Christ today, then you are closer to identifying the main point of Mid Acts doctrine.

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What Is the Mystery Revealed to Paul?

http://graceambassadors.com/mystery/what-is-the-mystery-revealed-to-paul

Justin Johnson

Paul was uniquely saved by God, not by his murderous works, nor by covenant promise, but freely by God’s grace (1 Cor 15:8; Titus 3:5).

Paul was a unique apostle. He was the chief persecutor of the twelve apostles and he calls himself the chief of sinners, but was called by God to be an apostle of God’s grace (Acts 8:1; Rom 1:1,15:15).

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” – 1 Tim 1:15-16

The Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus and many times after to reveal what was “from the beginning of the world… hid in God”, that is, the fellowship of the mystery.

“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ…” – Eph 3:8-9

Paul calls this revelation the “mystery of Christ”, the “mystery among the Gentiles”, and the “dispensation of the grace of God”. This mystery of Christ is distinct from what “was spoken of by the mouth of the prophets since the world began” concerning Christ (Acts 3:21, Rom 16:25, Eph 3:1-3).

What was Revealed

So, what is this mystery revealed to Paul?

The mystery revealed about Christ affected both the message of salvation and sanctification (God’s separation of a people for his service).

The mystery regarding salvation is the gospel of Christ: how any man can be justified freely by God’s grace through faith in Christ Jesus as our propitiation (Rom 3:20-26, 15:16; Eph 6:19).

The mystery revealed to Paul regarding sanctification is the identity of a new creature called the church, the one body of Christ (Rom 12:5; Eph 4:4). The church is to practice and preach the gospel of Christ and all its blessings free in Christ to all men through faith(Rom 5-8; Eph 1:3, 3:3-9).

Rightly Dividing Prophecy and Mystery

The most important thing to learn in discerning God’s will in the Bible is to rightly identify and divide the mystery of Christ from what was spoken to the prophets concerning Christ.

What God had spoken of by the mouth of His prophets since the world began is not what God kept secret since the world began (Acts 3:21 vs. Rom 16:25). Mixing mystery truth with the message prophesied to Israel has led to many doctrinal heresies and confusions.

Without understanding the mystery Christ revealed to Paul we cannot be faithful stewards of those mysteries, nor faithful ministers of Christ.

“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” – 1 Cor 4:1-2

More importantly, if we do not understand the mystery of Christ revealed to Paul we cannot obey the Lord’s greatest commission “to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery” with its unsearchable riches (Eph 3:8-9)


For more lessons on what is the mystery of Christ find an audio lesson, outline, seminar series, and online tract about What is the Mystery of Christ.


You can also read about what people confuse for the Mystery of Christ here.

You can also find an entire section of this site dedicated to explaining the mystery of Christ and its implications for studying the Bible.

 

 

 

 

I have certainly already posted this lesson but it's always good to practice repetition.

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Secret Since the World Began

http://graceambassadors.com/mystery/secret-since-the-world-began



By Justin Johnson

Nearly two thousand years ago God revealed information that was secret since the world began to the chief persecutor of Christ and the twelve.

“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:” – Col 1:25-26

Paul was saved by God’s grace and was chosen to make known the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of this mystery.

“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,” – Rom 16:25

This secret, albeit concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, stands in contradistinction to the information that the twelve disciples were preaching.

Peter in his message in Jerusalem after Pentecost spoke of Jesus Christ according to prophecy “which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21).

Peter taught things that were spoken by the prophets and Paul taught things that were kept secret from the prophets.

It was kept secret from the prophets that Gentile salvation would occur through Israel’s fall (Rom 11:25). Also kept secret was the new body of believers that was being created which was separate from the elect nation of Israel (Eph 3:6).

Nor was it prophesied that there would be free salvation apart from the covenants and the law (Rom 3:21-22).

While the prophets spoke about a promised land given to a chosen nation ruling in an earthly kingdom in Jerusalem, Paul spoke of both Jews and Gentiles reigning in heavenly places judging angels (Eph 2:6).

There are many blessings yet future that will fulfill the writings of the law and the prophets including the coming kingdom to Israel. Yet since the secret information was not spoken by the prophets, we live in a period separate from the subject of prophecy.

Instead of an age of law and prophecy, we live in the dispensation of grace which had been hid in God from the foundation of the world (Eph 3:9).

Though the verse clearly says it was secret since the world began, many still try to search the prophets for clues about what is happening now.

It’s time we continue what God started with Paul “to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery” the secret since the world began (Eph 3:9).
 

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When the Dispensation of Grace Began


http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/the-start-of-the-dispensation-of-the-grace-of-god


By Justin Johnson

A common accusation against mid-Acts dispensationalists is that we do not know when the dispensation of grace began.

This is simply not true[1].

Mid-Acts dispensationalists believe the dispensation of grace began with Paul. Paul was the starting point. Paul was not saved before Acts 9.

This is not arbitrary.

Paul explains that a dispensation is not an arbitrary period of time, but rather begins with a revelation dispensed from God.

“If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery…” – Ephesians 3:2-3

When was this grace first given to Paul? Answer: At his conversion.

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 1:12-14

It was at his conversion from blasphemer to minister of the Lord that God bestowed grace to him:

“…because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles,…” – Rom 15:15-16

“Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.” – Eph 3:7

The calling of Paul to ministry is recorded as far back as Acts 9:15.

“…[Paul] is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:” – Acts 9:15

Paul tells his own story of how it all began at least twice in the book of Acts, here before Agrippa:

“Whereupon as I went to Damascus [Acts 9]… And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,…” – Acts 26:12-17

Paul’s conversion whereby God gave him grace and apostleship is mentioned more times in Acts and the epistles than the popular Spirit outpouring at Pentecost in Acts 2.

Clearly God is calling attention to when he gave Paul grace and called him to minister to all men in Acts 9.

The beginning of the dispensation of the grace of God was when an undeserving sinner first received longsuffering and salvation from God freely apart from Israel and the law.

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” – 1 Tim 1:15-16

The Lord Jesus Christ made Paul a pattern for those who would follow after in the gospel of the grace of God, and in the fellowship of the mystery.

We do not worship Paul, we recognize the Biblical emphasis upon the dispensation of God’s grace first given to Paul. This was not in the beginning of Acts at Pentecost, nor at the end, but in the middle when Christ first appeared to Paul.

———————————————
1 – Often critics are unaware of the differences between the mid-Acts and Acts 28 teachings, and lump them together as if there is extreme ambiguity in the mid-Acts position. The Acts 28 position is not mid-Acts dispensational, and should be treated separately. Some Acts 28ers have even preferred the nomenclature post-Acts.

No Debating In This Thread - See First Post

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Verse List: Paul’s Special Apostleship
This page contains 53 references which show Paul’s special apostleship from the Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. His position as the dispenser of the Lord’s instructions for this age is largely ignored in mainstream Christianity.

http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/pauls-special-apostleship

DOWNLOAD THIS VERSE LIST: PDF
The verses appear in canonical order. Emphasis is added.
 
  1. Acts 9:15
    But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for HE IS A CHOSEN VESSEL UNTO ME, TO BEAR MY NAME BEFORE THE GENTILES, AND KINGS, AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL:
  2. Acts 20:24
    But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, WHICH I HAVE RECEIVED OF THE LORD JESUS, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
  3. Acts 22:21
    And he said unto me, Depart: for I WILL SEND THEE FAR HENCE UNTO THE GENTILES.
  4. Romans 1:1
    PAUL, A SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST, CALLED TO BE AN APOSTLE, SEPARATED UNTO THE GOSPEL OF GOD,
  5. Romans 1:5
    By whom WE HAVE RECEIVED GRACE AND APOSTLESHIP, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
  6. Romans 2:16
    In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ ACCORDING TO MY GOSPEL.
  7. Romans 11:13
    FOR I SPEAK TO YOU GENTILES, INASMUCH AS I AM THE APOSTLE OF THE GENTILES, I MAGNIFY MINE OFFICE:
  8. Romans 15:15-16
    Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, BECAUSE OF THE GRACE THAT IS GIVEN TO ME OF GOD, THAT I SHOULD BE THE MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE GENTILES, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
  9. Romans 16:25
    Now to him that is of power to stablish you ACCORDING TO MY GOSPEL, AND THE PREACHING OF JESUS CHRIST, ACCORDING TO THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY, WHICH WAS KEPT SECRET SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
  10. 1 Corinthians 1:1
    PAUL, CALLED TO BE AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST THROUGH THE WILL OF GOD, AND SOSTHENES OUR BROTHER,
  11. 1 Corinthians 1:17
    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.
  12. 1 Corinthians 3:10
    ACCORDING TO THE GRACE OF GOD WHICH IS GIVEN UNTO ME, AS A WISE MASTERBUILDER, I HAVE LAID THE FOUNDATION, AND ANOTHER BUILDETH THEREON. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
  13. 1 Corinthians 4:9
    For I think that GOD HATH SET FORTH US THE APOSTLES LAST, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
  14. 1 Corinthians 4:16
    For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, BE YE FOLLOWERS OF ME.
  15. 1 Corinthians 9:1-2
    AM I NOT AN APOSTLE? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
  16. 1 Corinthians 9:17
    For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, A DISPENSATION OF THE GOSPEL IS COMMITTED UNTO ME.
  17. 1 Corinthians 11:1
    BE YE FOLLOWERS OF ME, EVEN AS I ALSO AM OF CHRIST.
  18. 1 Corinthians 11:23
    FOR I HAVE RECEIVED OF THE LORD that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
  19. 1 Corinthians 14:37
    If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that THE THINGS THAT I WRITE UNTO YOU ARE THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD.
  20. 1 Corinthians 15:3
    For I delivered unto you first of all THAT WHICH I ALSO RECEIVED, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
  21. 1 Corinthians 15:9
    FOR I AM THE LEAST OF THE APOSTLES, THAT AM NOT MEET TO BE CALLED AN APOSTLE, because I persecuted the church of God.
  22. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52
    Behold, I SHEW YOU A MYSTERY; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
  23. 2 Corinthians 1:1
    PAUL, AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST BY THE WILL OF GOD, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
  24. 2 Corinthians 11:5
    FOR I SUPPOSE I WAS NOT A WHIT BEHIND THE VERY CHIEFEST APOSTLES.
  25. 2 Corinthians 12:11
    I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: FOR IN NOTHING AM I BEHIND THE VERY CHIEFEST APOSTLES, THOUGH I BE NOTHING.
  26. 2 Corinthians 12:12
    TRULY THE SIGNS OF AN APOSTLE WERE WROUGHT AMONG YOU in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
  27. Galatians 1:1
    PAUL, AN APOSTLE, (NOT OF MEN, NEITHER BY MAN, BUT BY JESUS CHRIST, AND GOD THE FATHER, WHO RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD;)
  28. Galatians 1:8-9
    But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you THAN THAT WHICH WE HAVE PREACHED UNTO YOU, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you THAN THAT YE HAVE RECEIVED, let him be accursed.
  29. Galatians 1:11-12
    BUT I CERTIFY YOU, BRETHREN, THAT THE GOSPEL WHICH WAS PREACHED OF ME IS NOT AFTER MAN. FOR I NEITHER RECEIVED IT OF MAN, NEITHER WAS I TAUGHT IT, BUT BY THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST.
  30. Galatians 1:15-16
    But when it pleased God, WHO SEPARATED ME FROM MY MOTHER’S WOMB, AND CALLED ME BY HIS GRACE, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
  31. Galatians 2:2
    And I went up by revelation, and COMMUNICATED UNTO THEM THAT GOSPEL WHICH I PREACH AMONG THE GENTILES, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
  32. Galatians 2:6
    But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference ADDED NOTHING TO ME:
  33. Galatians 2:7
    But contrariwise, when they saw that THE GOSPEL OF THE UNCIRCUMCISION WAS COMMITTED UNTO ME, AS THE GOSPEL OF THE CIRCUMCISION WAS UNTO PETER;
  34. Galatians 2:8
    (FOR HE THAT WROUGHT EFFECTUALLY IN PETER TO THE APOSTLESHIP OF THE CIRCUMCISION, THE SAME WAS MIGHTY IN ME TOWARD THE GENTILES:)
  35. Galatians 2:9
    And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived THE GRACE THAT WAS GIVEN UNTO ME, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; THAT WE SHOULD GO UNTO THE HEATHEN, and they unto the circumcision.
  36. Ephesians 1:1
    PAUL, AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST BY THE WILL OF GOD, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
  37. Ephesians 3:1-2
    For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God WHICH IS GIVEN ME TO YOU-WARD:
  38. Ephesians 3:3
    How that BY REVELATION HE MADE KNOWN UNTO ME THE MYSTERY; (as I wrote afore in few words,
  39. Ephesians 3:7
    WHEREOF I WAS MADE A MINISTER, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
  40. Ephesians 3:8-9
    UNTO ME, WHO AM LESS THAN THE LEAST OF ALL SAINTS, IS THIS GRACE GIVEN, THAT I SHOULD PREACH AMONG THE GENTILES the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
  41. Colossians 1:1
    PAUL, AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST BY THE WILL OF GOD, and Timotheus our brother,
  42. Colossians 1:24-25
    Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: WHEREOF I AM MADE A MINISTER, ACCORDING TO THE DISPENSATION OF GOD WHICH IS GIVEN TO ME FOR YOU, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
  43. 2 Thessalonians 3:9
    Not because we have not power, but TO MAKE OURSELVES AN ENSAMPLE UNTO YOU TO FOLLOW US.
  44. 1 Timothy 1:1
    PAUL, AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST BY THE COMMANDMENT OF GOD OUR SAVIOUR, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
  45. 1 Timothy 1:11
    According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, WHICH WAS COMMITTED TO MY TRUST.
  46. 1 Timothy 1:15
    This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; OF WHOM I AM CHIEF.
  47. 1 Timothy 1:16
    Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, THAT IN ME FIRST Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, FOR A PATTERN TO THEM which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
  48. 1 Timothy 2:7
    Whereunto I AM ORDAINED A PREACHER, AND AN APOSTLE, (I SPEAK THE TRUTH IN CHRIST, AND LIE NOT;) A TEACHER OF THE GENTILES in faith and verity.
  49. 2 Timothy 1:1
    PAUL, AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST BY THE WILL OF GOD, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
  50. 2 Timothy 1:11
    Whereunto I AM APPOINTED A PREACHER, AND AN APOSTLE, AND A TEACHER OF THE GENTILES.
  51. 2 Timothy 2:8
    Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead ACCORDING TO MY GOSPEL:
  52. Titus 1:1
    PAUL, A SERVANT OF GOD, AND AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
  53. Titus 1:2-3
    In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, WHICH IS COMMITTED UNTO ME according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
 
 
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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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Without Israel, Without Covenants, Without the Law

http://graceambassadors.com/mystery/without-israel-without-covenants-without-the-law


By Justin Johnson

Most of the Bible talks about salvation. Most of the Bible talks about salvation coming through Israel, promised in covenants, with required works of the law.

Christ sent Paul to offer salvation according to the mystery without Israel, without covenants, and without the law. As a result salvation is all of Christ.

Without Israel

When God was operating in the world through his chosen people salvation was said to be “of the Jews” (John 4:22). Salvation to the world would come through Israel’s rise to glory, and then the nations of the world would be blessed.

Being a Jew meant being the first to receive God’s blessing, and being the channel of blessing and salvation to Gentiles.

When Christ sent Paul to Gentiles it was because Israel had rejected Christ and salvation (Rom 11:25). Yes, Paul went to Jew first, but they did not receive it. Gentiles were receiving salvation without Israel through the preaching of Christ’s death and resurrection.

Paul proves that both Jew and Gentile are under sin, and so being an Israelite has no advantage today toward salvation by grace through faith. Two thousand years later, it remains the same that Gentiles continue being saved while the nation of Israel as a whole has rejected it.

Salvation according to the mystery is without Israel.

“What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin” – Romans 3:9

“For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.” – Romans 11:32

Without Covenants

What made Israel God’s chosen people were the covenants given exclusively to them. Gentiles had no privilege or advantage with any covenants with God.

Even when Israel failed, they could lay claim to the covenants of promises God had made with their fathers, David, and the prophets. God had promised them salvation. Confidence in salvation was found in the covenants God had made.

In contrast, Paul preaches complete confidence of salvation to people who never had any covenants. On what basis could they be so sure? Paul explains that the work for salvation was already finished, and was being offered to them freely.

While prophecy promised a future hope of salvation, it was a promise yet to be fulfilled. Paul preached a present possession of salvation according to the mystery.

God is under no obligation toward the church the body of Christ having made no covenants with the Body. Salvation is offered all of grace without obligation or requirement. God and Israel still have obligations under the covenants to fulfill before salvation comes to them.

“For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.” – Romans 11:27

Only according to the mystery of Christ does salvation come without a covenant of promise, but directly through the promise in Christ by the gospel (Eph 3:6).

“How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery… That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel” – Eph 3:3-6

Without the Law

How could man be righteous without obedience to the law or the commandments of God? This is explained clearly in Paul’s epistle to the Romans 3-5.

“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets” – Romans 3:21

The law was the subject of Israel’s old covenant, and the law was revised in Israel’s new covenant, but in both cases God’s law was what would prove their righteous faith.

According to the mystery Paul speaks of salvation without the law being offered freely to all men.

Conclusion

Israel will be restored. The covenants of God will be fulfilled. The law is holy, just, and good, and will one day be preached to all nations.

The mystery of Christ affects how salvation is preached. Salvation according to prophecy was through Israel, under the covenants, and accompanied by the law.

The mystery of Christ is how salvation comes to all without Israel, without covenants, and without the law. This hidden wisdom of God in Christ Jesus was kept secret since the world began, but is now made known to all nations .
 


  1. -Are We Under Any Covenants? 
    -Israel’s Future Salvation 
    -A Look at History With and Without Israel 
    -Peter Taught Gentiles. Yawn. 
    -Does Romans 2:28-29 Teach A Spiritual Israel? 
    -A Strange Teaching on the New Testament 
    -Abraham, Father of Us All
  • This is Worthy 1
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