Salvation, Doctrine and Rightly Dividing - MAD

[patrick jane]

A Strange Teaching on the New Testament

http://graceambassadors.com/prophecy/new-covenant/a-strange-teaching-on-the-new-testament

By Justin Johnson
 

It was brought to my attention this week that the brethren at the Berean Bible Society have once again1 posted their firm convictions about the Body of Christ being under the New Covenant.

“It is our firm conviction that the Body of Christ falls under the umbrella of the New Covenant.” – Paul M. Sadler, What We Believe

Would not this vague ‘umbrella’ doctrine lower our heavenly position in Christ to that of an earthly covenant, and diminish the simplicity that is in Christ by blending Prophecy and Mystery?

John Nelson Darby thought it would when he wrote his Synposis of the Bible over one hundred years ago:

“The first covenant was made with Israel; the second must be so likewise, according to the prophecy of Jeremiah… Although there is no difficulty here, it is important to have light with regard to these two covenants, because some have very vague ideas on this point, and many souls, putting themselves under covenants — that is, in relationship with God under conditions in which He has not placed them — lose their simplicity, and do not hold fast grace and the fulness of the work of Christ, and the position He has acquired for them in heaven.” – J.N. Darby, Synoposis of the Bible, Hebrews 8

The mystery of Christ teaches that the position of the new creature, the Body of Christ, does not depend upon a promised covenant, but upon the very gospel of the grace of God first delivered to the apostle Paul to us (Col 1:20-28). And as others have said before, the gospel is not a covenant.

“Strictly speaking the gospel, the proclamation of the salvation of God, is not a covenant.” – Arno Gaebelein, Annotated Commentary

“The gospel is not a covenant, but the revelation of the salvation of God.” – J.N. Darby, Synposis of the Bible

Both of these dispensational forefathers knew that the gospel given to Paul that creates the Body of Christ was not the teaching of the New Covenant which was made with Israel.

Since unashamed workmen separate prophecy from mystery we must separate the Body of Christ from Israel’s New Covenant.

What is the New Covenant

The New Covenant was part of God’s prophesied purpose to make a peculiar people on the earth to bless all nations (Gentiles) (Exo 19:5-6).

The New Covenant would accomplish for Israel what the Old could not, that is, provide Israel the ability to serve God in righteousness on the earth. It provided for the forgiveness of Israel’s sins and the spiritual ability to walk in God’s statutes (Jer 31:31-34; Eze 36:27).

In short, it would provide salvation to Israel, and through them to the world. The New Covenant would allow Israel to fulfill its God given destiny to have dominion over all the earth as God’s peculiar people (Deut 14:2, 26:18).

The fulfillment of the New Covenant is still future when Israel receives its kingdom (Acts 3:19-21; Heb 8:13; 1 Pet 1:13). How, then, can the Body of Christ be under it who were not recipients of its promises, and who are not on earth at the time of its fulfillment?

None of these promises were given to Gentiles, and what a strange thing it would be to place the Body of Christ, which possesses a calling higher than anything prophesied to Israel, under an earthly covenant (Eph 2:6, 3:18).

Partaking of Spiritual Things

“Paul clearly teaches in Romans that we are partakers of Israel’s spiritual blessings (Rom. 15:27 cf. Eph. 1:3-14). There is absolutely no possibility that this could refer to anything other than the New Covenant.” – Paul M. Sadler, What We Believe

It is true that the Gentiles in Romans 15:27 were partakers of the spiritual things of the remnant of Israel. Yet, nothing in Paul’s epistles necessitates Gentiles be under any of Israel’s covenants of promise to receive these spiritual blessings.

More likely the spiritual things referred to in Romans 15:27 are the ones mentioned in Romans 11:11.

“I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.” – Romans 11:11

At one time, salvation was “of the Jews” (John 4:22), but now, Paul says, it is come to the Gentiles. What a reversal! How could salvation come to Gentiles without any covenants and without Israel’s salvation (New Covenant)? Only through the mystery of Christ, where Gentiles no longer go through Israel (or its covenants) to receive blessing, but access God freely through Christ by His grace.

While it is true that the New Covenant promised salvation to Israel, it was not salvation through Paul’s mystery gospel. The salvation of Israel was tied up in covenants, promises, laws, and prophecy. Paul’s gospel of salvation was not a covenant.

Gentiles did not need a covenant to receive by grace the few blessings listed in Jeremiah 31 or any of the numerous spiritual blessings bestowed uniquely upon the Body of Christ not promised to Israel.

Not one Israelite in time past ever experienced all the spiritual blessings of the mystery of Christ since they were hid in God (Eph 3:8-10).

The Blood of the New Testament

“Who could fail to see that Paul charges us to remember the blood of this covenant until the Lord comes…” – Paul M. Sadler, What We Believe

Indeed, Paul emphasizes that every member of the Body of Christ is a partaker of the blood of Christ in a special communion, but not partakers of the New Covenant:

“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” – 1 Cor 10:16

Just as the gospel is not a covenant, the communion of the blood of Christ is not a covenant. That same blood of Christ shed for the New Testament is what is now preached by Paul as the means of redemption for all men without a covenant:

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” – Ephesians 1:7

The blood of Christ is what reconciled all things to God, not just the covenanted earthly things, but also heaven, which is the topic of the mystery of Christ:

“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” – Col 1:20

The ‘Umbrella’ of Christ

Why would we need to be under the New Covenant umbrella when we have access to God directly through Christ by his grace and not through a promised covenant (Rom 5:2, Eph 2:18)?

Indeed we share in common with Israel the need for the blood of Christ for salvation. Israel needs the blood for their promised New Covenant salvation, while the Body of Christ receives the benefits of his blood freely by grace apart from any covenant (1 Cor 2:7-12).

We are “made nigh” not by a covenant, but by the blood of Christ (Eph 2:13). As a result a new man is created that possesses “all spiritual blessings”, will inhabit heavenly places, and ministers the manifold wisdom of God (Eph 3:10-12).

In light of the the numerous spiritual blessings given freely to the Body of Christ, it would seem there is not enough room under a New Covenant umbrella to hold all of the unsearchable riches of Christ.

“If note is taken of the four blessings which this covenant promises, it will be seen that these—and vastly more—are the present possession of those who comprise the Church.” – Lewis Sperry Chafer, Systematic Theology, Chapter XII

Rather than the umbrella being the New Covenant, the umbrella that contains us all is Christ, at once, both the head of the Body of Christ, and the mediator of a better testament for Israel.

The preeminent Christ is the connection between the two programs of God, not a mere covenant given to Israel. The earthly purpose will be fulfilled by Christ through his promised covenant, and the heavenly purpose is accomplished by Christ in a mystery on the cross.

“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:” – Eph 1:10

[patrick jane]

Define Vague Terms
 

During a conversation at the fair the man agreed with salvation by grace not works. I knew to wait til the other shoe dropped. 

"...but, you must do good works to PROVE you are a Christian." 

THUD. 

If you talk to many people about the gospel of grace you will inevitably get this response: works do not earn salvation, but you must have them to prove your salvation. 

While this old bromide sounds reasonable, it is guilty of changing definitions in mid-sentence. 

Listen to it again when the definitions remain the same. 

Salvation is by grace without your works, but you must do works to prove you are saved by grace without your works. 

Now the problem is glaringly apparent. How can your works prove it is not your works that save you? 

The only proof of salvation by grace without your works is a testimony of trusting Christ's finished work alone. Without Christ, without the cross, without the resurrection, without faith there is no salvation. 

People who give lip-service to grace will slip your works into the meaning of "salvation" or "Christian", because everyone knows that Christians should do good works (Eph 2:10) and it allows them to challenge the salvation of anyone who is not doing enough. 

The person you are talking to has a different definition of what it means to be a Christian or to be saved than you do. 

To help make them see, replace the word "Christian" or "salvation" in your conversation with the proper definition. Works (what you do) and grace (what someone else does on your behalf) are contradictory (Rom 11:6). 

Don't assume someone is saved (trusting Christ's work alone) because they use the same terms. They may define them differently. 

Don't let undefined terms keep someone from being saved by grace without works. Define the terms, then use the definitions when you talk to them. 

 

For His glory and grace,

 

Justin "saved Christ did it all for me" Johnson
 

Your Holy Calling
God has called you to be something. Do you know what it is? I'm not sure you will immediately comprehend (I didn't when I first heard it), but I join Paul in praying that you do... 
 

[patrick jane]

Did Gentiles In the Old Testament Get Salvation?

http://graceambassadors.com/salvation/did-gentiles-in-the-old-testament-get-salvation

Gentiles in time past could get eternal life if they approached God in God’s way. God’s plan in time past concerned Israel as a chosen people by God to dispense the blessings of God to the world. Gentiles then could get eternal life through Israel.

God made a promise to Abraham that through him all 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)

This promise was eventually confirmed to Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and to Israel by Jesus (Romans 15:8). Even Jesus recognized the special status that the Jew had as God’s channel of blessing when he ‘came to his own’.

“Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: FOR SALVATION IS OF THE JEWS.” – John 4:22

The fathers of Israel were given the promise of eternal life. To obtain eternal life Gentiles had to either 1) become a Jew, or 2) bless the Jews.

Becoming a Jew
The law given to Israel allowed for Gentiles to become a part of the nation Israel through taking circumcision and following the law:

“And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, LET ALL HIS MALES BE CIRCUMCISED, and then let him come near and keep it; and HE SHALL BE AS ONE THAT IS BORN IN THE LAND: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.” – Exodus 12:48

“Blessing Them that Bless Thee”

However, if Gentiles did not proselytize and become a Jew then they could also receive blessing through blessing Israel as was promised in Genesis 12:3.

In Luke 7:1-9 Jesus heals a Gentile friend of a centurion because of his many blessings to the nation Israel including building a Jewish synagogue. After this event Jesus replied regarding these Gentiles,

“…I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” (Luke 7:9)

Men at all times must come to God in God’s way. This means that in time past, before the revelation of the mystery and Jesus’ death, Gentiles had to take part in Israel’s promises and covenants to obtain blessing. If they respected the position of the nation Israel as God’s channel of blessing to the world, then they would inherit eternal life in the kingdom.
 

[patrick jane]

9 Reasons to Rightly Divide
 

http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/reasons-to-rightly-divide
 

By Justin Johnson

When so many people seem to “get by” without the knowledge of the Bible rightly divided, it is tempting to think it does not matter greatly.

Is rightly dividing the word of truth important? Why is it important to recognize the importance of progressive revelation and the special dispensation of grace in which we now live?

Here are a few reasons.

#1 Your Salvation

The church is facing a gospel crisis. No one can agree on what it is, or how to preach it. Christian catchphrases and slogans abound in personal testimonies causing serious doubt as to whether self-named Christians are actually trusting the gospel of Christ or not. People “receive Jesus”, “renounce sin”, and “believe God” without knowing the preaching of the cross. A failure to rightly divide often allows a cross-less gospel, which results in unsaved people thinking that they are.

#2 Your Bible

One major reason for people disbelieving the Bible is because of supposed contradictions. The vast majority of these apparent contradictions are resolved by rightly dividing the word of truth. Without right division, the Bible does not mean what it says, has mistakes, or worse, is not really the word of God.

#3 Your Understanding

Biblical illiteracy is a direct result of not rightly dividing the word of truth. I have lost count of how many people have learned right division and say something like, “my eyes have been opened, I love studying the Bible now.” Conversely, people stop studying when they can’t understand. When the scriptures are dark trusting the “professionals” to interpret becomes necessary, which means personal Bible study ceases.

#4 Your Growth and Christian Walk

Spiritual growth can only happen after people are saved (see the first item above). After salvation, not rightly dividing can severely stunt spiritual growth. If a baby Christian thinks their growth is found in keeping the law of the red letters in Matthew 5, the persistent labour of Hebrews, James, or the sinlessness of 1 John then they are in for trouble. A Christian saved by grace needs to walk in grace, and that instruction is found in Paul’s epistles alone.

#5 Your Finances

Unless you live under a rock, everyone knows there is financial fraud in what is now a multi-billion dollar church industry. What less know is that it is a direct result of wrong doctrine. You would not be the first or last Christian to place their last hope of financial deliverance on the manipulations and lies of pastors in sheep clothing that teach the law tithe principle instead of the dispensation of God’s grace toward giving.

#6 Your Marriage

Understanding the dispensational change from law to grace will forever change the way you think about your relationship to your spouse and children. The graceless face of legalism too often dwells in Christian homes and marriages. When the mystery of Christ and the church is taught, legalism is evicted, and love can grow between people that would otherwise be incompatible.

#7 Your Health

From avoiding medical help to placing all your hope in a healing, the faith of many is destroyed when bad things happen and loved ones die. Understanding what God is doing today (the dispensational question) gives you sufficient grace and wisdom to know how trouble can make your faith stronger instead of weaker.

#8 Your Career

Well meaning Christians want to serve the Lord, but do not know his will. Waiting for signs that never come, assigning divine purpose to circumstances, or moving in the wrong direction, are all career mistakes that Christians face because of a failure to rightly divide. Learning God’s will is necessary for success in the Christian life. God’s will must be rightly divided.

#9 Your Prayers

Perhaps your confusion about prayer is directly related to not understanding what God is doing today and why. After all, didn’t Jesus promise to give what we asked in his name? Once again, rightly dividing puts prayer in its proper place.

… and Many More

This is only a brief list of why right division is important, but can there be any more important reasons? I could go on and on about your joy, your peace, your politics, your future, your hope, etc, but I ran out of fingers (I need one to type).

Mid-Acts Pauline dispensational right division will save you from scores of doctrinal errors, and will enlighten you to the power of God’s will (Eph 1:18; 1 Tim 2:4).

The Bible rightly divided is not only important, it is necessary. It’s time you started rightly dividing.

Join us as we continue to uncover the unsearchable riches of Christ that were kept secret since the world began, but now are made known through the revelation of the mystery (Eph 3:8-9).
 

[patrick jane]

Abraham’s Seed of Promise
http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/abrahams-seed-of-promise
By Justin Johnson

The Galatians were being convinced that they needed to become circumcised law keeping proselytes to receive God’s blessings.

Their teachers said that Paul taught the same thing as them having learned it from the same people in Jerusalem.

In reality, Paul received his gospel directly from the Lord Jesus Christ, and spends the first two chapters to the churches in Galatia saying as much.

In chapter 3, he begins his argument that blessing does not require the works of the law, circumcision, or becoming Abraham’s seed in the flesh.

The Promise By Faith

“Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” – Gal 3:2

Of course, we receive the Spirit by faith.

Abraham, too, received his blessing by faith, and is the classic example of faith in Israel. He did not receive his promises with conditions, or his blessing by his works, but by the hearing of faith (Gen 15:6).

“So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.” – Gal 3:9

The law that the Galatians were being persuaded to keep was a curse and could not justify anyone. Christ became a curse for us and removed the curse of the law, so that the blessing by faith could come to everyone not through the law.

Any uncircumcised Gentile could now receive the promise of the Spirit, justification by faith, the gospel of Jesus Christ through faith.

“…that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” – Gal 3:14

The Single Seed

Abraham and his seed received promises, but not every seed of Abraham received them.

“ For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.” – Rom 9:6-7

Abraham’s promises were not inherited by every child he had, as if the promises were for Abraham to have many children. The promise was that he would have a single child, a single seed, the child of promise.

It is true that God promised Abraham a multiplied seed (Gen 13:6), but God did not promise that every son of Abraham would receive the promises.

Isaac was the one God chose to inherit Abraham’s promises, and Jacob after him. Abraham’s promised blessings, received by faith, foreshadowed the coming of Christ, the promised one.

There is only one Christ, not many.
There is only one way to receive the blessings through Christ: by faith (Gal 3:22).

Children of God, Abraham’s Seed

The law was added to teach the need for justification by faith (Gal 3:24).

Once the object of faith came, there was no more need for the schoolmaster. God chose Abraham. God chose Issac. God chose Jacob. God chose to save by faith through Jesus Christ and his finished work.

We are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, not by works, nor circumcision, nor by being part of Israel.

We are children of God by being one in Christ Jesus.

Abraham’s singular seed, Isaac, was the child of the promise. Abraham’s seed of promise is Christ. Abraham’s seed was of promise by faith, not by the works of the law.

If we be Christ’s by faith then we are blessed with faithful Abraham in his seed, and we receive the promise of the Spirit through faith (Gal 3:9; Gal 3:14).

”And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. “ – Gal 3:29

We are not heirs because we are Israel, or because we are now children of the covenants and the prophets. We receive inheritance not according to the law, circumcision, or Israel, but according to the promise which is by faith.

Conclusion

Many fail to realize that Paul is not denying the promises God will fulfill with the nation Israel (Rom 11:26-29). Neither is he saying that the church is Israel by putting them into Abraham’s earthly promises.

He is simply explaining how God’s blessings can be received by Gentiles apart from the law, circumcision, and Israel.

The only way God can bless Gentiles apart from these three things was the same way he blessed Abram without the law, circumcision, and Israel… by faith.
 

[patrick jane]

The Witness of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

http://graceambassadors.com/mystery/the-witness-of-abraham-isaac-and-jacob

By Justin Johnson
The events and stories of prophecy are not random accounts of history. They are divinely inspired to communicate truth. God preserved them as examples to his nation Israel, and as a witness for us who now have the revelation of the mystery of Christ.

Abraham: Faith

In Abraham, we see the picture of a man of faith. When God gave him a promise without works, he believed (Gen 15:7). When God told him to do works, he performed by faith (Gen 22:2-7; Heb 11:17-19).

Abraham was strong in faith, and became the father of faith to those of whom works were required, and to those of whom works were not (Rom 4:1-13).

Sarah: Freedom and Grace

Just as Abraham exemplified faith, Sarah represents freedom and grace. Abraham’s other wife, Hagar, was a bondwoman, but she could bear Abraham a son by her fertile flesh.

Abraham’s first wife, Sarah, was a freewoman, but she was barren and could not fulfill God’s promise by her own strength. No matter how much she believed, she could not perform what was necessary to provide Abraham a son.

What Sarah could not do, God did by reviving her womb (Gen 21:1-2). Instead of the bondwoman who could bear, God, by his grace, caused the barren to bear in her freedom (Gal 4:27).

“Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace…” – Rom 4:16

Isaac: Promise

Isaac’s brother Ishmael was born of the flesh of Abraham and the bondwoman. He was not the child God promised.

The promised child would be through Sarah, and so it was. Isaac was the child that was promised, the child that required faith (Abraham) and grace (Sarah).

God had promised a son, and the arrival of Isaac was the fulfillment of the long awaited promise. To fulfill God’s greater hidden purpose, there was another seed of promise that would come: Jesus Christ (Gal 3:14-16).

God’s promise of blessing would be given by faith and grace, through the promised son.

Jacob: Grace without Works

Jacob was chosen by God before he had done any evil works (Rom 9:11). Jacob had done nothing to deserve God’s promise of blessing. He lied to his father, cheated his brother, conspired with his mother, and fled for his life from the land God promised.

Despite what Jacob did not merit on his own, God gave Jacob grace, the promise, protection, a vision, and more children than his fathers.

God knew before they were born that there would not be any merit in Esau or Jacob. He chose Jacob to fulfill his purpose not by his works, but by His choice to give him grace.

Their Witness, Our Learning

Arbaham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob knew nothing about the mystery of Christ, nor the preaching of the cross. It was hid from them. They were destined for God’s kingdom on the earth.

They were given promises of a land, and a mighty nation, and blessing toward all the nations of the earth. Nothing was known about a mystery church of one body, receiving all spiritual blessings in heavenly places, and risen above all things to sit with the Lord of glory (Eph 1:3; Eph 2:6-7; Eph 3:4-9).

They were ignorant of the mystery kept secret (1 Cor 2:6-8), but God inspired the record of their lives as a witness to the righteousness of God.

The gospel of Christ was unknown to them, but it was our apostle Paul that uses them as lessons of faith and grace from Israel’s history.

Taken together we see a picture of faith and grace, through God’s promise without works. The mystery of Christ was God’s hidden wisdom all along.

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

All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable, the things written aforetime were written for our learning, and the scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation (Rom 15:4, 2 Tim 3:15-16).

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did not know the gospel of Christ, nor how God could be so gracious, but now it is declared through the revelation of the mystery how God intended to save all men: by God’s own righteousness in Christ.
 

[patrick jane]

GRACE AMBASSADORS 
MINISTRY UPDATE
April 14th, 2018


Convinced People
Imagine trying to persuade someone at the airport to switch their destination to match yours. How ludicrous! They already bought the ticket, checked the luggage, and are about to board their own plane. They were convinced of their destination when they showed up.

This is what its like to evangelize someone with strong opinions contrary to the Bible.

Wouldn’t it be better to find someone not yet persuaded and talk to them about your destination? Of course. People not persuaded are easier to teach a new thing. (Be fully persuaded.)

However, if you meet someone with strong opinions don’t try to sell them another ticket. It will end in an argument or debate, and will waste your time.

Your approach with people of strong opinions should change from teaching to listening. Ask questions and let them speak. The more they talk the less persuaded they may become if you ask the right questions. Resist the temptation to answer for them.

If you can’t listen to them, then leave. It’s not our job to argue with everyone, but to make all men see (Eph 3:9). Some people aren’t looking, so, move on.

You can’t convince someone against their will. So, don’t try to convince them. Listen or leave.

For His glory,

Justin "convictions" Johnson

Your Child-Like Faith Needs to Grow Up
Too many times people give the excuse not to study because supposedly God wants us to have “faith like a child." The problem is that the Bible never says we should have faith like a child.

Read More

The Sign of the Time
While many see the signs of the times in the modern headlines, an old Bible teacher rightly said that we do not see the signs of the time, because we do not live in the times of the sign. That teacher was dispensational.

Read More

The Number One Killer of Grace Ministries
It comes in different forms and is not always apparent, but Paul gave strong warning and instruction to Timothy to avoid this sure fire way to destroy what would otherwise be an effective ministry for God.

Read More

Audio: Chart: Setting Your Affections
A run through of the Bible showing how God’s purpose is always what is important over the course of history, and how our ambitions and desires end up in vanity.

Read More

OUR MISSION
Grace Ambassadors exists to clearly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery, encourage Bible belief, and edify the church by teaching mid-Acts Pauline dispensational right division.
(Read more about us)

Find more free resources at www.graceambassadors.com

THE GOSPEL THAT SAVES
"I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 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 Corinthians 15:1-4 (KJB)

[patrick jane]

Differences Between Acts 2, Acts 28, and Mid-Acts

http://graceambassadors.com/midacts/differences-between-acts-2-acts-28-and-mid-acts

By Justin Johnson

It would be naive to think all dispensationalists teach the same thing. They do not. Not all dispensationalists teach the same thing about Paul.

If you are new to dispensational Bible study you may not know the important differences between Acts 2, Acts 28, and Mid-Acts dispensationalists.

Others that know the differences may think we should all join hands in a common cause against covenant kingdom theology.

Still others will not identify themselves as different so as to persuade you secretly to join their ranks while you remain oblivious to what has happened.

And you might be one who does not know why it matters.

Here are a few simple definitions to help you discern what you are reading, who you are listening to, and whether or not you should be.

Dispensationalism

This is the teaching that how God acts toward mankind, and how he expects us to respond to him, changes through the Bible as he reveals his will.

Groups that see a difference in God’s operations (though not a change in God himself) are being dispensational.

If they claim a difference in Israel and the Church (with a future for both), Law and Grace, or Prophecy and Mystery then they would be dispensational.

Acts 2 Dispensational

Acts 2 dispensationalists see the church as a fulfillment of at least some Old Testament prophecies.

They claim the church began at the Jewish feast day of Pentecost when the believers there were baptized with the Holy Ghost.

To them, Israel will be restored, but Christ came in Matt-John to establish the church of today. They believe Peter and Paul taught the same gospel regarding Christ.

They would take all of the new testament scriptures as applicable to the church.

If a dispensationalist says Peter and Paul were sent to preach the same thing, they are an Acts 2 dispensationalist.

Acts 28 Dispensational

There is a much smaller group who we will identify as Acts 28 dispensationalists. They do not think the church of today fulfills any Old Testament prophecies.

They claim that the church of today did not begin until God revealed it to Paul, but it was not made known by Paul during his ministry before Acts 28.

To them, Jesus’ ministry was to Israel, Peter’s ministry was to Israel, and Paul’s ministry in the book of Acts was part of Israel’s program that included Gentiles. They teach that it was not until after the sign gifts and powers ceased (Acts 28) that Paul began to preach the mystery concerning the church.

They take Paul’s later epistles as solely applicable to the church today containing the new revelation of the mystery given to Paul presumably after Acts 28 (Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Philemon, Timothy, and Titus).

They teach that Paul’s early epistles do not include any mystery information about the church revealed in his later epistles and are not for the church today (Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, and Thessalonians).

If someone says that Paul was sent to preach two different messages, one was prophecy, one was mystery; they are Acts 28 dispensationalists (or a distorted variety of such).

Mid-Acts Dispensational

Mid-Acts dispensationalists teach that the church is not a fulfillment of either the old or new testaments.

We claim that the church of today began with Paul as he was first given the preaching of the cross to proclaim as the gospel, and the mystery of Christ and his church.

Paul was saved and began his ministry during the book of Acts. His gospel was always different than that of Jesus in his ministry to Israel (Matt-John), and Peter in Acts 2.

Paul was revealed a mystery from Christ, but it was early in his ministry, and he taught the same message of the gospel of Christ, the mystery of Christ and the church, throughout his ministry

The doctrine for the church today is found in all of Paul’s epistles, although there are times when Paul addresses and speaks to Israel, the little flock, and the unsaved.

If someone says Peter and Paul always taught different things, they are mid-Acts dispensationalists.

It matters what you believe about Paul and his ministry, even if you are dispensational.

This website is mid-Acts dispensational.

Edited June 17, 2018 by patrick jane

[patrick jane]

"That's My King! Do You Know Him?" - RPM Ministries

My King was born King. The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King. He’s the King of the Jews—that’s an Ethnic King. He’s the King of Israel—that’s a National King. He’s the King of righteousness. He’s the King of the ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s the King of glory. He’s the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that’s my King.

Well, I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don’t try to mislead me. Do you know my King? David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is the only one of whom there are no means of measure that can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.

He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful. That’s my King. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s Saviour. He’s the centerpiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He’s honest. He’s unique. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He’s supreme. He’s pre-eminent. He’s the grandest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the supreme problem in higher criticism. He’s the fundamental doctrine of historic theology. He’s the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That’s my King.

He’s the miracle of the age. He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He’s the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He’s the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. That’s my King.

Do you know Him? Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the master of the mighty. He’s the captain of the conquerors. He’s the head of the heroes. He’s the leader of the legislatures. He’s the overseer of the overcomers. He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes. He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King.

His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . . but He’s indescribable. That’s my King. He’s incomprehensible, He’s invincible, and He is irresistible.

I’m coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hands. You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him. The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him. That’s my King.

He always has been and He always will be. I’m talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor. There’s nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him. You can’t impeach Him and He’s not going to resign. That’s my King! That’s my King!

Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We’re around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but in the end all that matters is God’s power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honor and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? Forever and ever and ever and ever. . . And when you get through with all of the ever’s, then . . . Amen!

 

Edited June 17, 2018 by patrick jane

[patrick jane]

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

“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.

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1 – Often critics are unaware of the differences between the mid-Acts and Acts 28teachings, 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.