What is the Kingdom Message?
Jesus Christ - a Minister of the Circumcision
(Daniel 2:44 KJV) And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
God is going to set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. In the book of Daniel it tells of kingdoms that have been destroyed. There were four kingdoms at the time Daniel was written: Babylon, Medes and Persian, Greek and Roman. We need to know that God will establish his kingdom on earth. Since God will establish this kingdom we can call it the Kingdom of God. We find this term predominate in the Gospels of Luke and Mark.
Good News Concerning the Kingdom
(Luke 8:1 KJV) And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
The kingdom of God can also be called the Kingdom of heaven. We find this term predominate in the Gospel of Matthew.
(Matthew 4:17 KJV) From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
The kingdom that is mentioned in Daniel 2:44 is the kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Heaven. This kingdom will stand forever.
Israel Promised Land
(Deuteronomy 11:21 KJV) That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.
This "your" in this verse refers to ancient Israel. Notice the term as the days of heaven on the earth.
The Kingdom message is the "good news" that God will put his rule in the earth.
(Zechariah 14:9 KJV) And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
God's authority will be over all the earth.
Is there opposition to God setting His Kingdom on earth?
Satan Wants to Rule
(Isaiah 14:12-14 KJV) How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! {13} For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: {14} I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
This passage contains Lucifer's five "I will's":
I will ascend into heaven.
I will exalt my throne above the stars.
I will sit upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north.
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds
I will be like the Most High God.
Here we can see that Satan will try to keep God from setting up His kingdom. Satan says he will self-exalt himself. He says he will exalt his throne. What is a throne? It is a place in which one rules, it has a location, it has an identifiable structure. A throne is a real position of governmental authority. Satan wants to exalt his throne above the stars of God. The stars of God can be either the physical stars or the angels. Satan wants to sit on the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north because this is the place in the universe where spiritual beings give account to God.
(Job 1:6 KJV) Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
(Job 2:1 KJV) Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.
Satan wants to show himself to be superior above all other created beings. When he says he will ascend above the heights of the clouds he is saying he will rise above all creation and creatures. Satan ends with "I will be like the Most High God".
Most High God
(Genesis 14:18-19 KJV) And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. {19} And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
The summation of Satan's evil plan is to be like the Most High God, to end up possessing all creation. Melchizedek was a priest of the most High God, Abram of the most High God, possessor of heaven and earth.
What Satan hopes to accomplish is to possess the heaven and earth; this will make him "like the Most High God." If Satan succeeds then God would be prevented in setting up His throne (Dan 2:44). Lucifer goal is to rule heaven and earth. One who possesses something has ownership of it and there can rule over his possessions.
Has there been other opposition to God setting up His kingdom?
Man's Kingdoms
(Genesis 1:27-28 KJV) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. {28} And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
God gave authority to Adam and Eve to bring forth God's dominion over all the earth. In Chapter 3, we see that man joins Satan. Lucifer won man's loyalty. Man is born of Adam's loins therefore our natural loyalty is to Lucifer. Adam and Eve made God's word less of authority. Satan convinced them that God's word was not the final authority. For something to be final authority it cannot be in error.
(Genesis 3:4-5 KJV) And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: {5} For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
What Satan really did in these verses is that he raised up in the mind of Adam and Eve a competing authority. He contradicted what the final authority said, "Ye shall surely die."
Adam chose to give his loyalty to a competing authority. Adam willfully sinned, but Eve was deceived.
(Genesis 10:8 KJV) And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth.
Here we see Ham's descendents. Nimrod, the beginning of his kingdom was Babel. This was the beginning of the uniting of all mankind under the leadership of one government. This was not God's plan for the kingdom on earth. God was displeased with this unification of men and brought judgment, the scattering of men due to different languages. The kingdoms of men stand in opposition to God's kingdom.
Course of this world
(Ephesians 2:1-3 KJV) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: {2} Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: {3} Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
The course of this world is according to the prince of the power of the air. Every kingdom of men follows the course of the world, which is according to Lucifer.
(2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
(John 12:31 KJV) Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
(John 14:30 KJV) Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
(John 16:11 KJV) Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
Man's kingdoms are all under Satan's plan.
(Luke 4:1-2 KJV) And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, {2} Being forty days tempted of the devil...
(Luke 4:5-6 KJV) And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. {6} And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
Lucifer was so confident in his 5 "I wills" that he approached Jesus to tempt him with the earthly kingdoms.
God's Response To The Opposition
The kingdom of God mentioned in Daniel 2:44 has satanic and human opposition. What was God's response to the mass of humanity that opposed God's plan?
(Genesis 12:1-3 KJV) Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: {2} And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: {3} 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.
Circumcision vs Uncircumcision
God called out a man called Abram and Abram departed in obedience. God separated Abram and his children for the purpose of establishing His kingdom.
(Genesis 17:4-8 KJV) As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. {5} Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. {6} And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. {7} And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. {8} And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
We see that Abram's name changes as it relates to God establishing a covenant with him.
(Genesis 17:9-14 KJV) And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. {10} This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. {11} And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. {12} And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. {13} He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. {14} 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.
The sign of circumcision was given as a token of that covenant. In verse 14 we see that the uncircumcised were cut off from his people. The difference between the circumcised and the uncircumcised is noted here. It is through the circumcised people that God will establish his kingdom on earth.
In these verses we need to note three things:
They, Abraham and his seed, will be God's people. (The uncircumcised are not God's people.)
The circumcised will have God of heaven, not Lucifer as their God.
They will dwell in the land forever.
Friends and Enemies of God
The Gentiles took the wrong course; they are following Lucifer's plan.
(Genesis 22:15-18 KJV) And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, {16} And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: {17} That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; {18} And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
Here we see that the circumcised will possess the gates of their enemies (the uncircumcised).
Note these key words in this passage:
CIRCUMCISION
UNCIRCUMCISION
ABRAHAM
NATIONS
HIS SEED
GENTILES
FRIENDS
ENEMIES
The friends and enemies are set within the confines of God setting up His kingdom on earth.
(Isaiah 41:8 KJV) But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
(James 2:23 KJV) And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Abraham was a friend of God. The purpose of God was to show His faithfulness in setting apart Abraham.
There is a threefold provision in Abraham and his seed:
They will be God's people.
God will be their God.
They will dwell in the land.
God established other covenants with His people and they all contain these three elements: people, God, land. The other covenants include the Mosaic covenant, the New Testament, the everlasting covenant. All the covenants relate to God's contract with Abraham and his seed. But that does not mean that Israel obeyed God. That is why God gave Israel a New Covenant, because Israel broke the old.
We are the image of Adam. When Adam sinned he lost the image of God, but God is still faithful to His purpose to establish His kingdom of heaven on earth.
God wanted to have the kingdom of heaven on earth.
There was opposition to that purpose.
God chose Abraham to bring in this kingdom.
Is Jesus Christ a minister of the circumcision?
(Romans 15:8 KJV) Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
In the four Gospels we see Christ ministering to Abraham's seed, the circumcision. Paul tells us how to view the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, as minister of the circumcision. So we are not to follow Christ as in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. (Those four gospel accounts are the record of God fulfilling His plan through Abraham to set up His kingdom on earth.)
(Matthew 1:1 KJV) The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Matthew describes Jesus as the Son of David, the son of Abraham. It is to show that as the son of David He is a rightful heir to the throne that God contracted to set up His kingdom.
(2 Samuel 7:16 KJV) And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
Matthew stresses "son of Abraham" because what good would a throne be without a country to put it in. Christ is the rightful heir to the throne in the kingdom on earth. Christ's earthly ministry is consistent with Daniel 2:44 and all the other covenants that were made, that a kingdom would be established on earth.
Gentiles, the uncircumcised, not included in earthly ministry of Christ
(Matthew 15:22-24 KJV) And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. {23} But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. {24} But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Why did Jesus not answer the woman? Because she was a Gentile woman, an enemy of God. Jesus knew His purpose, He knew what He needed to confirm-the truth. At that time, an uncircumcised Gentile could only be blessed of God through the nation of Israel; one had to become a Jew in order to receive anything from God. He had a purpose in mind-setting up His Kingdom on earth.
(Luke 13:11-12 KJV) And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. {12} And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
Here this woman did not ask anything of Jesus. In fact, Jesus called her to him. This woman was a friend of God. As a daughter of Abraham, Jesus went to her and loosed her from her infirmity.
Summary
The Kingdom message is the focus of the four gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These four gospel accounts show Jesus as a minister of the circumcision, the friends of God. His earthly ministry was to confirm, to the nation of Israel, God's promise to Abraham to set up an earthly kingdom.
The Gentiles were considered enemies of God during this time.
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Tuesday, March 13, 2007
What is The Grace Message?
What is the Grace Message?
"Paul, the Apostle, the Minister of Jesus Christ to the Uncircumcision"
Grace Message vs. Kingdom Message
The grace message is not the same as the kingdom message. Sometimes it is difficult to see the difference between the two messages. Why?
Because both have words that are the same: Gospel, church, Apostle, baptism, and salvation are a few of the words that are the same for both the kingdom message and the grace message.
Another reason is that some people are just instructed wrong.
There are competing authorities. We need to be aware that the five "I wills of Lucifer are still active today.
(Galatians 4:4 KJV) But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Timing is important
Notice that it says, "when the fulness of the time was come". God understands timing. We need to pay attention to time. We ought to develop a sense for timing concerning what we are reading. God had a timetable and He sent forth His son, made of a woman, made under the law. When we look in the four Gospels we see that Jesus taught the people the law.
(Matthew 5:17-28 KJV) Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. {18} For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Jesus will fulfill the law.
(Matthew 5:19-22) Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. {20} For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. {21} Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: {22} But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Christ is teaching the circumcision, the friends of God. Remember to keep the context of verse 22, "But I say unto you," in the context of fulfilling the law. Christ takes the heart of Abraham's covenant and intensifies it to the heart of Abraham's seed. The outward appearance may seem to be religiously correct, but what is in one's inside (heart) is what is important.
The issue of the heart
(Matthew 5:23-28) Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; {24} Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. {25} Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. {26} Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. {27} Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: {28} But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
In verses 27 and 28 we see that Christ took one of the Ten Commandments, an external command and brings it to the heart. The overall purpose of this is to get Israel into that Kingdom. Up until this time Israel could not enter the Kingdom because their heart prevented them from entering in that Kingdom as set forth in Daniel 2:44. In the light of Israel's heart Christ's ministry to them is bad news. Everything in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John is designed to prepare Israel to enter the Kingdom.
(Matthew 19:16-21 KJV) And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? {17} And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. {18} He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, {19} Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. {20} The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? {21} Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Jesus tells the rich man something that is line with what was written by the prophets, "Keep the commandments." The man asks Jesus which one to keep. All the commandments are based on the 10 Commandments. Notice that Jesus did not dispute the man's answer. The 10 Commandments are possible to keep in the flesh. We see that the man had faith in the law that was given to him. In Christ's earthly ministry He was trying to go beyond the external and into the heart. In the kingdom program one had to keep the 10 Commandments in order to have eternal life. Faith + works = eternal life in the Kingdom program. Christ ministered the law to the children of Abraham in the hope that they will obtain the promised kingdom.
What is the grace Message?
Christ's Death, Burial and Resurrection
(1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV) For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; {4} And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
The grace message is based on the substitution death on behalf of the whole world. It is our identification with Christ. God no longer sees us "in Adam".
During Jesus' Earthly Ministry His Death and Resurrection was Not Understood
(Matthew 16:21-22 KJV) From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. {22} Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Peter rebuked Christ when he told them that He had to die. Picture this: the disciples were going around telling everyone that the Kingdom was going to be set up on the earth. Then Christ tells them that He is going to die! Peter did not understand this. Here we see that it is possible to teach the Kingdom message without preaching the grace message (Christ dying for our sins).
(Luke 18:31-34 KJV) Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. {32} For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: {33} And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. {34} And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
This passage means that the death, burial and resurrection were hid from the twelve as they went out and preached.
Crucifixion vs. Cross
There is difference between preaching the crucifixion and preaching the cross of Christ. The crucifixion was prophesied. The cross was not revealed; it was hid in the mind of God until it was revealed to the Apostle Paul.
(Romans 3:23-26 KJV) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; {24} Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: {25} Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; {26} To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Chapters 1 through 3 tell us why everyone has sinned. Notice the tenses and reference to time: verse 24-present tense and verse 26-at this time.
Grace is the undeserved and unmerited favor of God that is delightfully and freely given since the justice of God against sin has been satisfied through Christ's death on the cross.
WE ARE TOTALLY SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH!
Grace vs. Dispensation of Grace
There has always been grace when God dealt with wretched old man. But that does not mean that God has always dispensed grace. An example would be the rich ruler, he was told to keep the law in order to receive eternal life; he was not saved by grace.
(Titus 1:1-3 KJV) 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; {2} In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; {3} But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour.
God thought, prepared and began eternal life before the world began. Verse 3 says that in due times God manifested His Word through preaching, which was committed unto Paul. God has not always dispensed the grace message.
There are operating principles which we need to distinguish:
Operating principle of the law-If you do...then I will...
Operating principle of Grace-Free gift.
Offense and the Free Gift
(Romans 5:15-21 KJV) But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. {16} And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. {17} For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) {18} Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. {19} For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. {20} Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: {21} That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Notice the words "offence" and "free gift" in these verses and see how they contrast one another. The offence is the offence of Adam.
(Romans 5:12 KJV) Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
(1 Corinthians 1:23 KJV) But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
Freely Given
When we preach the grace message to save people it delights God. God is delightfully and freely gives. God only wants us to believe the truth of the grace message. We do not have to do anything else.
(Romans 3:22 KJV) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
All a sinner has to do is believe that Jesus dies for his sins and freely accept the grace of God. We do not have to ask God, to plead and bargain for the things that He has freely given us. To do these things is either an act of ignorance or unbelief.
(Romans 8:32 KJV) He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
(1 Corinthians 2:9-12 KJV) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. {10} But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. {11} For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. {12} Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
The grace message embodies all that God is free to do for those who believe the cross. God freely gives us all things.
(Romans 5:5 KJV) And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
(2 Timothy 1:14 KJV) That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
In the grace message we do not have to ask God to give us the Holy Spirit. He freely gives us the Holy Spirit the moment we believe. This is consistent with the operating principle of grace-freely given.
Paul, Minister to the Gentiles
(Romans 15:14-16 KJV) And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. {15} 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, {16} 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.
The grace that was given to the Apostle Paul is given for a particular ministry. (See verse 16.) Paul received the ministry of apostleship to take the message of grace to the Gentiles.
(Romans 11:13 KJV) For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
Paul speaks to the Gentiles because he is the apostle to the Gentiles. Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles. The newer translations will read an apostle, which changes the meaning, but it was to Paul that this ministry was given.
New Message Given to Paul
(Romans 15:15-18 KJV) 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, {16} 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. {17} I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. {18} For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
Paul says that he only speaks the words that Jesus Christ gave him. He received his message through visions and revelation. (See 2 Corinthians 12:1, Galatians 1:12 ) Paul would not speak anything other than what Jesus Christ told him.
(Ephesians 3:1-2 KJV) For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, {2} If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
Jesus Christ's ministry was to confirm that which was spoken by the prophets. Paul's ministry is not a confirmation ministry. It is completely new. Notice verse 2 says that the dispensation of grace was given to Paul to you-ward (Gentiles). The Gentiles are involved in the dispensation of the grace of God.
The word dispensation simple means to dispense. In Paul's ministry there is a dispensation of the grace of God.
Mystery Now Revealed
(Eph 3:3-9} How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, {4} Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) {5} Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; {6} That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: {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. {8} 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; {9} 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:
Here we see that the revelation of the mystery was revealed by revelation to Paul. We can know which portion of the Scriptures are written by Paul because he always tells us, the first word in all of Paul's Epistles is the word "Paul".
In verse 5 we see a word describing time-as it is now revealed. The holy apostles and prophets are those for those who are now hearing the message of God's grace. This was an unsearchable message, not found in the Old Testament writings, but it can be understood as Paul teaches.
Verse 8 is a doctrinal issue of the mystery, Paul was less than the least of all saints.Verse 9 talks of the fellowship of the mystery, this brings it to where we are living today. It is a practical message. In past ages the sons of men did not know it. It was a mystery until Paul received the revelation of it. Paul was first and then it went to the Gentiles.
Gentiles in Time Past
(Ephesians 2:11-12 KJV) Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called circumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; {12} That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Notice the characteristics of the Gentiles in time past:
They were without Christ (no Messiah).
They were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel (no involvement in the governmental structure).
They were strangers from the covenants of promise (Gentiles had no part of the covenants)
They had no hope.
They were without God in the world.
(Romans 5:6-10 KJV) For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. {7} For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. {8} But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. {9} Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. {10} For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Verse 10 also states the condition of the Gentiles: enemies of God. It is while we were enemies of God that we are reconciled to God by the death of His son. These verses say that Christ dies for us while we were ungodly, sinners, and enemies.
Paul's message deals with the enemies of God.
CIRCUMCISION
UNCIRCUMCISION
ABRAHAM
NATIONS
HIS SEED
GENTILES
FRIENDS
ENEMIES
KINGDOM MESSAGE
GRACE MESSAGE
CHRIST AND THE TWELVE
PAUL
Under the Kingdom message Christ came to His own, to His friends.
(Matthew 10:5-7 KJV) These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: {6} But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. {7} And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
(Luke 9:5 KJV) And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them
(Matthew 24:14 KJV) And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Here it says that they will preach to all nations (Gentiles).
(Matthew 10:18 KJV) And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
We see that here there is a testimony against governors, kings and Gentiles. Paul's message goes out to the enemies of God.
Bible Studies Audio Links
"Paul, the Apostle, the Minister of Jesus Christ to the Uncircumcision"
Grace Message vs. Kingdom Message
The grace message is not the same as the kingdom message. Sometimes it is difficult to see the difference between the two messages. Why?
Because both have words that are the same: Gospel, church, Apostle, baptism, and salvation are a few of the words that are the same for both the kingdom message and the grace message.
Another reason is that some people are just instructed wrong.
There are competing authorities. We need to be aware that the five "I wills of Lucifer are still active today.
(Galatians 4:4 KJV) But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Timing is important
Notice that it says, "when the fulness of the time was come". God understands timing. We need to pay attention to time. We ought to develop a sense for timing concerning what we are reading. God had a timetable and He sent forth His son, made of a woman, made under the law. When we look in the four Gospels we see that Jesus taught the people the law.
(Matthew 5:17-28 KJV) Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. {18} For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Jesus will fulfill the law.
(Matthew 5:19-22) Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. {20} For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. {21} Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: {22} But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Christ is teaching the circumcision, the friends of God. Remember to keep the context of verse 22, "But I say unto you," in the context of fulfilling the law. Christ takes the heart of Abraham's covenant and intensifies it to the heart of Abraham's seed. The outward appearance may seem to be religiously correct, but what is in one's inside (heart) is what is important.
The issue of the heart
(Matthew 5:23-28) Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; {24} Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. {25} Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. {26} Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. {27} Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: {28} But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
In verses 27 and 28 we see that Christ took one of the Ten Commandments, an external command and brings it to the heart. The overall purpose of this is to get Israel into that Kingdom. Up until this time Israel could not enter the Kingdom because their heart prevented them from entering in that Kingdom as set forth in Daniel 2:44. In the light of Israel's heart Christ's ministry to them is bad news. Everything in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John is designed to prepare Israel to enter the Kingdom.
(Matthew 19:16-21 KJV) And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? {17} And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. {18} He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, {19} Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. {20} The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? {21} Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Jesus tells the rich man something that is line with what was written by the prophets, "Keep the commandments." The man asks Jesus which one to keep. All the commandments are based on the 10 Commandments. Notice that Jesus did not dispute the man's answer. The 10 Commandments are possible to keep in the flesh. We see that the man had faith in the law that was given to him. In Christ's earthly ministry He was trying to go beyond the external and into the heart. In the kingdom program one had to keep the 10 Commandments in order to have eternal life. Faith + works = eternal life in the Kingdom program. Christ ministered the law to the children of Abraham in the hope that they will obtain the promised kingdom.
What is the grace Message?
Christ's Death, Burial and Resurrection
(1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV) For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; {4} And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
The grace message is based on the substitution death on behalf of the whole world. It is our identification with Christ. God no longer sees us "in Adam".
During Jesus' Earthly Ministry His Death and Resurrection was Not Understood
(Matthew 16:21-22 KJV) From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. {22} Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Peter rebuked Christ when he told them that He had to die. Picture this: the disciples were going around telling everyone that the Kingdom was going to be set up on the earth. Then Christ tells them that He is going to die! Peter did not understand this. Here we see that it is possible to teach the Kingdom message without preaching the grace message (Christ dying for our sins).
(Luke 18:31-34 KJV) Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. {32} For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: {33} And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. {34} And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
This passage means that the death, burial and resurrection were hid from the twelve as they went out and preached.
Crucifixion vs. Cross
There is difference between preaching the crucifixion and preaching the cross of Christ. The crucifixion was prophesied. The cross was not revealed; it was hid in the mind of God until it was revealed to the Apostle Paul.
(Romans 3:23-26 KJV) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; {24} Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: {25} Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; {26} To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Chapters 1 through 3 tell us why everyone has sinned. Notice the tenses and reference to time: verse 24-present tense and verse 26-at this time.
Grace is the undeserved and unmerited favor of God that is delightfully and freely given since the justice of God against sin has been satisfied through Christ's death on the cross.
WE ARE TOTALLY SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH!
Grace vs. Dispensation of Grace
There has always been grace when God dealt with wretched old man. But that does not mean that God has always dispensed grace. An example would be the rich ruler, he was told to keep the law in order to receive eternal life; he was not saved by grace.
(Titus 1:1-3 KJV) 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; {2} In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; {3} But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour.
God thought, prepared and began eternal life before the world began. Verse 3 says that in due times God manifested His Word through preaching, which was committed unto Paul. God has not always dispensed the grace message.
There are operating principles which we need to distinguish:
Operating principle of the law-If you do...then I will...
Operating principle of Grace-Free gift.
Offense and the Free Gift
(Romans 5:15-21 KJV) But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. {16} And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. {17} For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) {18} Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. {19} For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. {20} Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: {21} That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Notice the words "offence" and "free gift" in these verses and see how they contrast one another. The offence is the offence of Adam.
(Romans 5:12 KJV) Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
(1 Corinthians 1:23 KJV) But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
Freely Given
When we preach the grace message to save people it delights God. God is delightfully and freely gives. God only wants us to believe the truth of the grace message. We do not have to do anything else.
(Romans 3:22 KJV) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
All a sinner has to do is believe that Jesus dies for his sins and freely accept the grace of God. We do not have to ask God, to plead and bargain for the things that He has freely given us. To do these things is either an act of ignorance or unbelief.
(Romans 8:32 KJV) He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
(1 Corinthians 2:9-12 KJV) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. {10} But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. {11} For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. {12} Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
The grace message embodies all that God is free to do for those who believe the cross. God freely gives us all things.
(Romans 5:5 KJV) And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
(2 Timothy 1:14 KJV) That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
In the grace message we do not have to ask God to give us the Holy Spirit. He freely gives us the Holy Spirit the moment we believe. This is consistent with the operating principle of grace-freely given.
Paul, Minister to the Gentiles
(Romans 15:14-16 KJV) And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. {15} 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, {16} 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.
The grace that was given to the Apostle Paul is given for a particular ministry. (See verse 16.) Paul received the ministry of apostleship to take the message of grace to the Gentiles.
(Romans 11:13 KJV) For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
Paul speaks to the Gentiles because he is the apostle to the Gentiles. Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles. The newer translations will read an apostle, which changes the meaning, but it was to Paul that this ministry was given.
New Message Given to Paul
(Romans 15:15-18 KJV) 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, {16} 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. {17} I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. {18} For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
Paul says that he only speaks the words that Jesus Christ gave him. He received his message through visions and revelation. (See 2 Corinthians 12:1, Galatians 1:12 ) Paul would not speak anything other than what Jesus Christ told him.
(Ephesians 3:1-2 KJV) For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, {2} If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
Jesus Christ's ministry was to confirm that which was spoken by the prophets. Paul's ministry is not a confirmation ministry. It is completely new. Notice verse 2 says that the dispensation of grace was given to Paul to you-ward (Gentiles). The Gentiles are involved in the dispensation of the grace of God.
The word dispensation simple means to dispense. In Paul's ministry there is a dispensation of the grace of God.
Mystery Now Revealed
(Eph 3:3-9} How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, {4} Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) {5} Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; {6} That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: {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. {8} 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; {9} 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:
Here we see that the revelation of the mystery was revealed by revelation to Paul. We can know which portion of the Scriptures are written by Paul because he always tells us, the first word in all of Paul's Epistles is the word "Paul".
In verse 5 we see a word describing time-as it is now revealed. The holy apostles and prophets are those for those who are now hearing the message of God's grace. This was an unsearchable message, not found in the Old Testament writings, but it can be understood as Paul teaches.
Verse 8 is a doctrinal issue of the mystery, Paul was less than the least of all saints.Verse 9 talks of the fellowship of the mystery, this brings it to where we are living today. It is a practical message. In past ages the sons of men did not know it. It was a mystery until Paul received the revelation of it. Paul was first and then it went to the Gentiles.
Gentiles in Time Past
(Ephesians 2:11-12 KJV) Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called circumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; {12} That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Notice the characteristics of the Gentiles in time past:
They were without Christ (no Messiah).
They were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel (no involvement in the governmental structure).
They were strangers from the covenants of promise (Gentiles had no part of the covenants)
They had no hope.
They were without God in the world.
(Romans 5:6-10 KJV) For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. {7} For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. {8} But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. {9} Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. {10} For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Verse 10 also states the condition of the Gentiles: enemies of God. It is while we were enemies of God that we are reconciled to God by the death of His son. These verses say that Christ dies for us while we were ungodly, sinners, and enemies.
Paul's message deals with the enemies of God.
CIRCUMCISION
UNCIRCUMCISION
ABRAHAM
NATIONS
HIS SEED
GENTILES
FRIENDS
ENEMIES
KINGDOM MESSAGE
GRACE MESSAGE
CHRIST AND THE TWELVE
PAUL
Under the Kingdom message Christ came to His own, to His friends.
(Matthew 10:5-7 KJV) These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: {6} But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. {7} And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
(Luke 9:5 KJV) And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them
(Matthew 24:14 KJV) And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Here it says that they will preach to all nations (Gentiles).
(Matthew 10:18 KJV) And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
We see that here there is a testimony against governors, kings and Gentiles. Paul's message goes out to the enemies of God.
Bible Studies Audio Links
Six Days Before the Passover - Companion Bible
"Six Days Before The Passover" (John 12:1). This Is Appendix 156 From The Companion Bible.
We are furnished by Scripture with certain facts and fixed points which, taken together, enable us (1) to determine the events which filled up the days of "the last week" of our Lord's life on earth; (2) to fix the day of His crucifixion; and (3) to ascertain the duration of the time He remained in the tomb. The difficulties connected with these three have arisen (1) from not having noted these fixed points; (2) from the fact of Gentiles' not having been conversant with the law concerning the three great feasts of the LORD; and (3) from not having reckoned the days as commencing (some six hours before our own) and running from sunset to sunset, instead of from midnight to midnight. To remove these difficulties, we must note :-
That the first day of each of the three feasts. Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, was " a holy convocation", a "sabbath" on which no servile work was to be done. See Leviticus 23:7, 24, 35. Compare Exodus 12:16. "That sabbath" and the "high day" of John 19:31, was the "holy convocation", the first day of the feast, which quite overshadowed the ordinary weekly sabbath. It was called by the Jews Yom tov = (Good day), and this is the greeting on that day throughout Jewry down to the present time. This great sabbath, having been mistaken from the earliest times for the weekly sabbath, has led to all the confusion.
This has naturally caused the further difficulty as to the Lord's statement that "even as Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights, so shall the Son of man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights" (Matthew 12:40). Now, while it is quite correct to speak according to Hebrew idiom of "three days" or "three years", while they are only parts of three days or three years, yet that idiom does not apply in a case like this, where "three nights" are mentioned in addition to "three days". It will be noted that the Lord not only definitely states this, but repeats the full phraseology, so that we may not mistake it. See the subject fully discussed in Appendix 144.
We have therefore the following facts furnished for our sure guidance:
The "high day" of John 19:31 was the first day of the feast.
The "first day of the feast" was on the 15th day of Nisan.
The 15th day of Nisan, commenced at sunset on what we should call the 14th.
"Six days before the passover" (John 12:1) takes us back to the 9th day of Nisan.
"After two days is the passover" (Matthew 26:2. Mark 14:1) takes us to the 13th day of Nisan.
"The first day of the week", the day of the resurrection (Matthew 28:1, etc.), was from our Saturday sunset to our Sunday sunset. This fixes the days of the week, just as the above fix the days of the month, for:
Reckoning back from this, "three days and three nights" (Matthew 12:40), we arrive at the day of the burial, which must have been before sunset, on the 14th of Nisan; that is to say, before our Wednesday sunset.
This makes the sixth day before the passover (the 9th day of Nisan) to be our Thursday sunset to Friday sunset.
Therefore Wednesday, Nisan 14th (commencing on the Tuesday at sunset), was "the preparation day", on which the crucifixion took place: for all four Gospels definitely say that this was the day on which the Lord was buried (before our Wednesday sunset), "because it was the preparation [day]" the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, "for that sabbath day was a high day", and, therefore, not the ordinary seventh day, or weekly sabbath. See John 19:31.
It follows, therefore, that the Lord being crucified on "the preparation day" could not have eaten of the Passover lamb, which was not slain until the evening of the 14th of Nisan (that is to say, afternoon). On that day the daily sacrifice was killed at the 6th hour (noon) and offered about the 7th hour (1 p.m.). The killing of the Passover lambs began directly afterwards. Thus it is clear, that if the killing of the Passover lambs did not commence until about four hours after our Lord had been hanging upon the Cross, and would not have been concluded at the ninth hour (3 p.m.) when "He gave up the ghost;" -no "Passover lamb" could have been eaten at the "last supper" on the previous evening.
With these facts before us, we are now in a position to fill in the several days of the Lord's last week with the events recorded in the Gospels. By noting that the Lord returned to Bethany (or to the Mount of Olives) each night of that week, we are able to determine both the several days and the events that took place in them.
THE SIXTH DAY BEFORE THE PASSOVER, THE 9th DAY OF NISAN.(Our Thursday sunset to Friday sunset.)
MATTHEW.
MARK.
LUKE.
JOHN.
The Lord approaches Jerusalem from Jericho.
19:1-10
He passes our Thursday night at the house of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:5) And delivers the Parable of the Pounds.
19:11-27
He proceeds toward Jerusalem.
19:28
He sends two disciples apenanti for an "ass" and a "colt" (two animals).
21:1-7
And makes His first entry from Bethphage (not Bethany) (Appendix 153).
21:8,9
He is unexpected, and they ask "Who is this?"
21:10, 11
He cleanses the Temple.
21:12 - 16
HE RETURNS TO BETHANY.
21:17
12:1
THE FIFTH DAY BEFORE THE PASSOVER, THE 10th DAY OF NISAN.(Our Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.)
MATTHEW.
MARK.
LUKE.
JOHN.
The Lord passes the Sabbath at Bethany; and after sunset (on our Saturday), the first of three suppers was made, probably at the house of Lazarus, in Bethany (Appendix 157).
12:2
At this supper the first of two anointings took place (Appendix 158).
12:3 - 11
THE FOURTH DAY BEFORE THE PASSOVER, THE 11th DAY OF NISAN.(Our Saturday sunset to Sunday sunset.) the Gentile "Palm Sunday".
MATTHEW.
MARK.
LUKE.
JOHN.
The second, or triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He sends two disciples (katenanti for a colt (one animal). (See Appendix 153).
11:1 - 7
19:29 - 35
12:12-
The Lord starts from Bethany (not Bethphage) and is met by multitudes from Jerusalem (Appendix 153)
11:8 -10
19:36 - 40
12:12 - 19
He weeps over the city.
19:41 - 44
He enters the Temple, looks around.
11:11-
And RETURNS TO BETHANY
11:-11
THE THIRD DAY BEFORE THE PASSOVER, THE 12th DAY OF NISAN.(Our Sunday sunset to Monday sunset.)
MATTHEW.
MARK.
LUKE.
JOHN.
In the morning (our Monday a.m.) the Lord returns to Jerusalem.
21:18
11:12
The Fig - tree cursed.
21:19 - 22
11:13 , 14
The Temple. Further cleansing.
11:15 - 17
19:45, 46
In the Temple. Further teaching, "Certain Greeks".
19:47-
12:20 - 50
Opposition of Rulers.
11:18
19:-47, 48
He goes out of the city (probably to Bethany; see Luke 21:37, 38 below).
11:19
THE SECOND DAY BEFORE THE PASSOVER, THE 13th DAY OF NISAN.(Our Monday sunset to Tuesday sunset.)
MATTHEW.
MARK.
LUKE.
JOHN.
In the morning (our Tuesday a.m.) on the way to Jerusalem, the question of the disciples about the Fig Tree.
11:20 -26
In Jerusalem again: and in the Temple.
21:23 - 27
11:27 - 33
20:1 - 8
In Jerusalem teaching in Parables; and questions.
21:28 - 23:39
12:1 - 44
20:9 - 21:4
The first great prophecy, in the Temple (Appendix 155).
21:5 - 36
(Parenthetical statement as to the Lord's custom during the last week).
21:37, 38
The second great prophecy, on the Mount of Olives.
24:1 -51
13:1 - 37
The second great prophecy, continued (see Appendix 155).
25:1 - 46
"After two days is the Passover".
26:1 - 5
14:1, 2
HE RETURNS TO BETHANY, and is present at the second supper in the house of Simon the leper. The second Anointing. See Appendix 157 and Appendix 158.
26:6 - 13
14:3 - 9
THE DAY BEFORE THE PASSOVER, THE 14th DAY OF NISAN - "THE PREPARATION DAY" - THE DAY OF THE CRUCIFIXION.(Our Tuesday sunset to Wednesday sunset.)
MATTHEW.
MARK.
LUKE.
JOHN.
The plot of Judas Iscariot to betray the Lord.
26:14 - 16
14:10, 11
22:1 - 6
The "preparation" for the last supper.1
26:17 - 19
14:121 -16
22:71 - 13
"The even was come" (our Tuesday after sunset) when the plot for the betrayal was ripe for execution.
26:20
14:17
The last supper, commencing with the washing of the feet.
13:1 - 20
The announcement of the betrayal, etc..
26:21 - 25
14:18 - 21
13:21 - 30
The supper eaten, the "New Covenant" made (Jeremiah 31:31). The lamb abolished, bread and wine substituted.
26:26 - 29
14:22 - 25
22:14 - 23
The first prophecy of Peter's denials (Appendix 160).
13:31 - 38
The strife; who should be the greatest, etc..
22:24 - 30
The second prophecy of Peter's denials (Appendix 160).
22:31 - 34
The final appeal to His first commission (Luke9:3).
22:35 - 38
The last discourse to the eleven, followed by His prayer.
14:1 - 17:26
They go to Gethsemane.
26:30 - 35
14:26 - 29
22:39
18:1
The third prophecy of Peter's denial. (Appendix 160).
14:30, 31
The agony in the garden.
26:36 - 46
14:32 - 42
22:40 - 46
The apprehension of the Lord (Appendix 165).
26:47 - 56
14:43 - 50
22:47 - 54
18:2 - 11
The escape of Lazarus (see notes on Mark 14:51, 52).
14:51, 52
The trials: continued throughout our Tuesday night.
26:57 - 27:31
14:53 - 15:19
22:54 - 23:25
18:12 - 19:13
About the sixth hour (our Tuesday midnight) Pilate said "Behold your King".
19:14, 15
Led away to be crucified.
27:31 -34
15:20 - 23
23:26 - 31
19:16, 17
And "led with Him" two "malefactors" (kakourgoi) (Appendix 164).
23:32, 33
19:18
Discussion with Pilate about the Inscriptions (Appendix 163).
19:19 - 22
The dividing of the garments.
27:35 - 37
15:24
23:34
19:23, 24
"It was the third hour, and they crucified Him" (our 9 a.m. Wednesday).
15:25, 26
"Then were there two robbers" (lestai) crucified with Him"(Appendix 164).
27:38
15:27, 28
The revilings of the rulers, both "robbers", and one "malefactor".
27:39 - 44
15:29 - 32
23:35 - 43
The Lord's mother and John.
19:25 27
"The sixth hour" (our Wednesday noon) and the darkness (Appendix 165).
27:45 - 49
15:33
23:44, 45
"The ninth hour" (our Wednesday 3 p.m.) and the expiring cry (Appendix 165).
27:50
15:34 - 37
23:46
19:28 - 30
Subsequent events.
27:51 - 56
15:38 - 41
23:47 - 49
19:31 - 37
Buried in haste before sunset (our Wednesday about 6 p.m.), before the "high day" (the first day of the Feast began), our Wednesday sunset.
27:57 - 66
15:42 - 47
23:50 - 56
19:38 - 42
"THE FIRST DAY OF THE FEAST" - "THE HIGH DAY" (Yom tov) - THE 15TH DAY OF NISAN. (Our Wednesday sunset to Thursday sunset.) THE FIRST NIGHT AND FIRST DAY IN THE TOMB.
THE SECOND DAY OF THE FEAST - THE 16TH DAY OF NISAN. (Our Thursday sunset to Friday sunset.) THE SECOND NIGHT AND SECOND DAY IN THE TOMB.
THE THIRD DAY OF THE FEAST - "THE (WEEKLY) SABBATH" - THE 17TH DAY OF NISAN. (Our Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.) THE THIRD NIGHT AND THIRD DAY IN THE TOMB.
"THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK" - THE 18TH DAY OF NISAN. (Our Saturday sunset: "the third day" of Matthew 16:21, etc.;not the third day of the Feast.)
MATTHEW
MARK
LUKE
JOHN
Thus, the Resurrection of the Lord took place at our Saturday sunset, or thereabouts, on "the third day"; compare "after three days" (Matthew 27:63. Mark 8:31).
28:1 - 10
16:1 - 18
24:1 - 49
20:1 - 23
[For the sequence of events connected with and following the Resurrection, see Appendix 166.]
It will be seen from the above that we have neither power nor authority to alter or shift any day or date; or to change the order or position of any of the events recorded in Holy Writ. Each day is marked by a return to Bethany during the last week (up to the Preparation Day); and each day is filled with the recorded events. It follows, therefore, that the Lord was crucified on our Wednesday; was buried on that day before sunset; and remained "three days and three nights" in the tomb, as foretold by Him in Matthew 12:40; rising from the dead on "the third day", "the first day of the week". The fixed days and dates, at either end, hold the whole period as in a vice, and place the whole subject on a sure foundation.
NOTE
1 The words in Mark 14:12 and Luke 22:7 refer to "the first day of unleavened bread", which was the 14th day of Nisan, and therefore "the preparation day". That is why the Lord goes on to tell the two disciples to go and make preparation for the Passover.
We are furnished by Scripture with certain facts and fixed points which, taken together, enable us (1) to determine the events which filled up the days of "the last week" of our Lord's life on earth; (2) to fix the day of His crucifixion; and (3) to ascertain the duration of the time He remained in the tomb. The difficulties connected with these three have arisen (1) from not having noted these fixed points; (2) from the fact of Gentiles' not having been conversant with the law concerning the three great feasts of the LORD; and (3) from not having reckoned the days as commencing (some six hours before our own) and running from sunset to sunset, instead of from midnight to midnight. To remove these difficulties, we must note :-
That the first day of each of the three feasts. Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, was " a holy convocation", a "sabbath" on which no servile work was to be done. See Leviticus 23:7, 24, 35. Compare Exodus 12:16. "That sabbath" and the "high day" of John 19:31, was the "holy convocation", the first day of the feast, which quite overshadowed the ordinary weekly sabbath. It was called by the Jews Yom tov = (Good day), and this is the greeting on that day throughout Jewry down to the present time. This great sabbath, having been mistaken from the earliest times for the weekly sabbath, has led to all the confusion.
This has naturally caused the further difficulty as to the Lord's statement that "even as Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights, so shall the Son of man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights" (Matthew 12:40). Now, while it is quite correct to speak according to Hebrew idiom of "three days" or "three years", while they are only parts of three days or three years, yet that idiom does not apply in a case like this, where "three nights" are mentioned in addition to "three days". It will be noted that the Lord not only definitely states this, but repeats the full phraseology, so that we may not mistake it. See the subject fully discussed in Appendix 144.
We have therefore the following facts furnished for our sure guidance:
The "high day" of John 19:31 was the first day of the feast.
The "first day of the feast" was on the 15th day of Nisan.
The 15th day of Nisan, commenced at sunset on what we should call the 14th.
"Six days before the passover" (John 12:1) takes us back to the 9th day of Nisan.
"After two days is the passover" (Matthew 26:2. Mark 14:1) takes us to the 13th day of Nisan.
"The first day of the week", the day of the resurrection (Matthew 28:1, etc.), was from our Saturday sunset to our Sunday sunset. This fixes the days of the week, just as the above fix the days of the month, for:
Reckoning back from this, "three days and three nights" (Matthew 12:40), we arrive at the day of the burial, which must have been before sunset, on the 14th of Nisan; that is to say, before our Wednesday sunset.
This makes the sixth day before the passover (the 9th day of Nisan) to be our Thursday sunset to Friday sunset.
Therefore Wednesday, Nisan 14th (commencing on the Tuesday at sunset), was "the preparation day", on which the crucifixion took place: for all four Gospels definitely say that this was the day on which the Lord was buried (before our Wednesday sunset), "because it was the preparation [day]" the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, "for that sabbath day was a high day", and, therefore, not the ordinary seventh day, or weekly sabbath. See John 19:31.
It follows, therefore, that the Lord being crucified on "the preparation day" could not have eaten of the Passover lamb, which was not slain until the evening of the 14th of Nisan (that is to say, afternoon). On that day the daily sacrifice was killed at the 6th hour (noon) and offered about the 7th hour (1 p.m.). The killing of the Passover lambs began directly afterwards. Thus it is clear, that if the killing of the Passover lambs did not commence until about four hours after our Lord had been hanging upon the Cross, and would not have been concluded at the ninth hour (3 p.m.) when "He gave up the ghost;" -no "Passover lamb" could have been eaten at the "last supper" on the previous evening.
With these facts before us, we are now in a position to fill in the several days of the Lord's last week with the events recorded in the Gospels. By noting that the Lord returned to Bethany (or to the Mount of Olives) each night of that week, we are able to determine both the several days and the events that took place in them.
THE SIXTH DAY BEFORE THE PASSOVER, THE 9th DAY OF NISAN.(Our Thursday sunset to Friday sunset.)
MATTHEW.
MARK.
LUKE.
JOHN.
The Lord approaches Jerusalem from Jericho.
19:1-10
He passes our Thursday night at the house of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:5) And delivers the Parable of the Pounds.
19:11-27
He proceeds toward Jerusalem.
19:28
He sends two disciples apenanti for an "ass" and a "colt" (two animals).
21:1-7
And makes His first entry from Bethphage (not Bethany) (Appendix 153).
21:8,9
He is unexpected, and they ask "Who is this?"
21:10, 11
He cleanses the Temple.
21:12 - 16
HE RETURNS TO BETHANY.
21:17
12:1
THE FIFTH DAY BEFORE THE PASSOVER, THE 10th DAY OF NISAN.(Our Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.)
MATTHEW.
MARK.
LUKE.
JOHN.
The Lord passes the Sabbath at Bethany; and after sunset (on our Saturday), the first of three suppers was made, probably at the house of Lazarus, in Bethany (Appendix 157).
12:2
At this supper the first of two anointings took place (Appendix 158).
12:3 - 11
THE FOURTH DAY BEFORE THE PASSOVER, THE 11th DAY OF NISAN.(Our Saturday sunset to Sunday sunset.) the Gentile "Palm Sunday".
MATTHEW.
MARK.
LUKE.
JOHN.
The second, or triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He sends two disciples (katenanti for a colt (one animal). (See Appendix 153).
11:1 - 7
19:29 - 35
12:12-
The Lord starts from Bethany (not Bethphage) and is met by multitudes from Jerusalem (Appendix 153)
11:8 -10
19:36 - 40
12:12 - 19
He weeps over the city.
19:41 - 44
He enters the Temple, looks around.
11:11-
And RETURNS TO BETHANY
11:-11
THE THIRD DAY BEFORE THE PASSOVER, THE 12th DAY OF NISAN.(Our Sunday sunset to Monday sunset.)
MATTHEW.
MARK.
LUKE.
JOHN.
In the morning (our Monday a.m.) the Lord returns to Jerusalem.
21:18
11:12
The Fig - tree cursed.
21:19 - 22
11:13 , 14
The Temple. Further cleansing.
11:15 - 17
19:45, 46
In the Temple. Further teaching, "Certain Greeks".
19:47-
12:20 - 50
Opposition of Rulers.
11:18
19:-47, 48
He goes out of the city (probably to Bethany; see Luke 21:37, 38 below).
11:19
THE SECOND DAY BEFORE THE PASSOVER, THE 13th DAY OF NISAN.(Our Monday sunset to Tuesday sunset.)
MATTHEW.
MARK.
LUKE.
JOHN.
In the morning (our Tuesday a.m.) on the way to Jerusalem, the question of the disciples about the Fig Tree.
11:20 -26
In Jerusalem again: and in the Temple.
21:23 - 27
11:27 - 33
20:1 - 8
In Jerusalem teaching in Parables; and questions.
21:28 - 23:39
12:1 - 44
20:9 - 21:4
The first great prophecy, in the Temple (Appendix 155).
21:5 - 36
(Parenthetical statement as to the Lord's custom during the last week).
21:37, 38
The second great prophecy, on the Mount of Olives.
24:1 -51
13:1 - 37
The second great prophecy, continued (see Appendix 155).
25:1 - 46
"After two days is the Passover".
26:1 - 5
14:1, 2
HE RETURNS TO BETHANY, and is present at the second supper in the house of Simon the leper. The second Anointing. See Appendix 157 and Appendix 158.
26:6 - 13
14:3 - 9
THE DAY BEFORE THE PASSOVER, THE 14th DAY OF NISAN - "THE PREPARATION DAY" - THE DAY OF THE CRUCIFIXION.(Our Tuesday sunset to Wednesday sunset.)
MATTHEW.
MARK.
LUKE.
JOHN.
The plot of Judas Iscariot to betray the Lord.
26:14 - 16
14:10, 11
22:1 - 6
The "preparation" for the last supper.1
26:17 - 19
14:121 -16
22:71 - 13
"The even was come" (our Tuesday after sunset) when the plot for the betrayal was ripe for execution.
26:20
14:17
The last supper, commencing with the washing of the feet.
13:1 - 20
The announcement of the betrayal, etc..
26:21 - 25
14:18 - 21
13:21 - 30
The supper eaten, the "New Covenant" made (Jeremiah 31:31). The lamb abolished, bread and wine substituted.
26:26 - 29
14:22 - 25
22:14 - 23
The first prophecy of Peter's denials (Appendix 160).
13:31 - 38
The strife; who should be the greatest, etc..
22:24 - 30
The second prophecy of Peter's denials (Appendix 160).
22:31 - 34
The final appeal to His first commission (Luke9:3).
22:35 - 38
The last discourse to the eleven, followed by His prayer.
14:1 - 17:26
They go to Gethsemane.
26:30 - 35
14:26 - 29
22:39
18:1
The third prophecy of Peter's denial. (Appendix 160).
14:30, 31
The agony in the garden.
26:36 - 46
14:32 - 42
22:40 - 46
The apprehension of the Lord (Appendix 165).
26:47 - 56
14:43 - 50
22:47 - 54
18:2 - 11
The escape of Lazarus (see notes on Mark 14:51, 52).
14:51, 52
The trials: continued throughout our Tuesday night.
26:57 - 27:31
14:53 - 15:19
22:54 - 23:25
18:12 - 19:13
About the sixth hour (our Tuesday midnight) Pilate said "Behold your King".
19:14, 15
Led away to be crucified.
27:31 -34
15:20 - 23
23:26 - 31
19:16, 17
And "led with Him" two "malefactors" (kakourgoi) (Appendix 164).
23:32, 33
19:18
Discussion with Pilate about the Inscriptions (Appendix 163).
19:19 - 22
The dividing of the garments.
27:35 - 37
15:24
23:34
19:23, 24
"It was the third hour, and they crucified Him" (our 9 a.m. Wednesday).
15:25, 26
"Then were there two robbers" (lestai) crucified with Him"(Appendix 164).
27:38
15:27, 28
The revilings of the rulers, both "robbers", and one "malefactor".
27:39 - 44
15:29 - 32
23:35 - 43
The Lord's mother and John.
19:25 27
"The sixth hour" (our Wednesday noon) and the darkness (Appendix 165).
27:45 - 49
15:33
23:44, 45
"The ninth hour" (our Wednesday 3 p.m.) and the expiring cry (Appendix 165).
27:50
15:34 - 37
23:46
19:28 - 30
Subsequent events.
27:51 - 56
15:38 - 41
23:47 - 49
19:31 - 37
Buried in haste before sunset (our Wednesday about 6 p.m.), before the "high day" (the first day of the Feast began), our Wednesday sunset.
27:57 - 66
15:42 - 47
23:50 - 56
19:38 - 42
"THE FIRST DAY OF THE FEAST" - "THE HIGH DAY" (Yom tov) - THE 15TH DAY OF NISAN. (Our Wednesday sunset to Thursday sunset.) THE FIRST NIGHT AND FIRST DAY IN THE TOMB.
THE SECOND DAY OF THE FEAST - THE 16TH DAY OF NISAN. (Our Thursday sunset to Friday sunset.) THE SECOND NIGHT AND SECOND DAY IN THE TOMB.
THE THIRD DAY OF THE FEAST - "THE (WEEKLY) SABBATH" - THE 17TH DAY OF NISAN. (Our Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.) THE THIRD NIGHT AND THIRD DAY IN THE TOMB.
"THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK" - THE 18TH DAY OF NISAN. (Our Saturday sunset: "the third day" of Matthew 16:21, etc.;not the third day of the Feast.)
MATTHEW
MARK
LUKE
JOHN
Thus, the Resurrection of the Lord took place at our Saturday sunset, or thereabouts, on "the third day"; compare "after three days" (Matthew 27:63. Mark 8:31).
28:1 - 10
16:1 - 18
24:1 - 49
20:1 - 23
[For the sequence of events connected with and following the Resurrection, see Appendix 166.]
It will be seen from the above that we have neither power nor authority to alter or shift any day or date; or to change the order or position of any of the events recorded in Holy Writ. Each day is marked by a return to Bethany during the last week (up to the Preparation Day); and each day is filled with the recorded events. It follows, therefore, that the Lord was crucified on our Wednesday; was buried on that day before sunset; and remained "three days and three nights" in the tomb, as foretold by Him in Matthew 12:40; rising from the dead on "the third day", "the first day of the week". The fixed days and dates, at either end, hold the whole period as in a vice, and place the whole subject on a sure foundation.
NOTE
1 The words in Mark 14:12 and Luke 22:7 refer to "the first day of unleavened bread", which was the 14th day of Nisan, and therefore "the preparation day". That is why the Lord goes on to tell the two disciples to go and make preparation for the Passover.
Order of Paul's Epistles
Biblical Discernment
Order of Paul’s Epistles
d_jjackson@hotmail.com
The following is taken from the Berean Workman:
ORDER OF PAUL’S EPISTLES
[2 Timothy 3:16 KJV] All Scripture is given by inspiration of God [God Breathed], and is profitable for DOCTRINE, for REPROOF, for CORRECTION, for INSTRUCTION in righteousness……
For DOCTRINE
For REPROOF
For CORRECTION
For INSTRUCTION in righteousness
Notice this:
Romans – DOCTRINE
1 & 2 Corinthians – REPROOF
Galatians - CORRECTION
Ephesians – DOCTRINE
Philippians – REPROOF
Colossians – CORRECTION
1 & 2 Thessalonians – DOCTRINE
1 & 2 Timothy – INSTRUCTION
Titus & Philemon – INSTRUCTION
CROSS
CHURCH
COMING
CONGREGATION
Romans
Corinthians
[Faith]
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
[Love]
Thessalonians
[Hope]
Timothy
Titus
Philemon
[Fellowship]
Order of Paul’s Epistles
d_jjackson@hotmail.com
The following is taken from the Berean Workman:
ORDER OF PAUL’S EPISTLES
[2 Timothy 3:16 KJV] All Scripture is given by inspiration of God [God Breathed], and is profitable for DOCTRINE, for REPROOF, for CORRECTION, for INSTRUCTION in righteousness……
For DOCTRINE
For REPROOF
For CORRECTION
For INSTRUCTION in righteousness
Notice this:
Romans – DOCTRINE
1 & 2 Corinthians – REPROOF
Galatians - CORRECTION
Ephesians – DOCTRINE
Philippians – REPROOF
Colossians – CORRECTION
1 & 2 Thessalonians – DOCTRINE
1 & 2 Timothy – INSTRUCTION
Titus & Philemon – INSTRUCTION
CROSS
CHURCH
COMING
CONGREGATION
Romans
Corinthians
[Faith]
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
[Love]
Thessalonians
[Hope]
Timothy
Titus
Philemon
[Fellowship]
Matthew 16
Matthew 16:18
“Upon This Rock”
The “Right Division” of This Verse
jacksdon@gmail.com
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church…….”
On these words of the Lord Jesus Christ, in His earthly ministry to Israel, the Church of Rome hangs its’ hat. Early on the Catholic Church confused the prophesied [coming] kingdom with the unprophesied Body of Christ church. This error has been carried over into Protestantism.
Many scholars have rightly called Matthew, the “kingdom” book. It introduces the Lord Jesus Christ to Israel as their king – Matthew 2:2.
Our Lord came preaching the gospel of the “kingdom” [Matthew 4:23] as did John the Baptist [Matthew 3:2]. The Lord sent the 12 to proclaim this same gospel [Matthew 10:7ff; Luke 9:6]. This “gospel of the kingdom” included the proclamation that the “kingdom” was “at hand” and insisted upon repentance and water baptism for entrance into this kingdom – [Matthew 3:1-6ff; Mark 1:4; Acts 2:38]. This gospel did not include the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ [Luke 18:31-34; John 20:9].
This sets the background for our study of Matthew 16:18.
In Matthew 16:13 the Lord Jesus Christ is identified with the title “Son of Man.” This title of the Lord is found in some 93 verses from Matthew 1:1 to Acts 28:31. Significantly, it is not found one time in Paul’s writings from Romans to Philemon. Thus, we can safely conclude that the title “Son of Man” identifies the Lord Jesus Christ in His relationship to Israel, not the Body of Christ Church.
Who is the “Rock?” Is it Peter? Is it Peter’s ‘confession?’ The word “Rock” is used over 100 times in the Bible. In the Old Testament the Lord is the “Rock” [2 Sam. 22:32,47] and Paul, in the New Testament, tells us that the “Rock” is the Lord Jesus Christ [1 Cor. 10:4].
After telling Peter that He is going to “build My church” the Lord Jesus Christ gives Peter the “keys of the kingdom” [not the “keys” of the church]. Keys in Scripture denote authority. The 12 will use this authority in the coming kingdom and Peter used these “keys” of authority in early Acts in binding and loosing [Matthew 19:28; Acts 5:1-12].
The word “church” is first used in the Bible in verse 18. Is this the Body of Christ “church” or some other “church?” The Greek word is ‘ekklesia’ and is translated “church” in most instances in Scripture. There are exceptions – Acts 19:32 “assembly” and verses 39 & 41 “assembly.” - Does it always mean the “Body of Christ?” No! Israel in the wilderness is called a “church” in Acts 7:38. Paul mentions a “church” to the Hebrews when he quotes Psalm 22:24 he changes the word “congregation” to “church” in Hebrews 2:12. Remember now, Paul is writing to the “Hebrews.”
So, because the word “church” is found in verse 18 doesn’t mean that the church is the Body of Christ. When our Lord spoke these words to Peter, He was still a “minister to the circumcision” [Israel – Romans 15:8]. The Law was still active [Galatians 4:4]. And the Body of Christ church was yet to be revealed to Paul.
The Body of Christ church is not in view in Matthew 16:18. The coming “Messianic Kingdom” church is.
Remember, Israel’s hope and calling is earthly while the hope and calling of the Body of Christ is heavenly.
Peter wasn’t given the burden of revealing the Body of Christ church. That is man’s [Roman Catholicism] vain tradition. The revelation of the “mystery” was given to Paul by the exalted, risen Lord Jesus Christ [Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:25-27].
“Upon This Rock”
The “Right Division” of This Verse
jacksdon@gmail.com
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church…….”
On these words of the Lord Jesus Christ, in His earthly ministry to Israel, the Church of Rome hangs its’ hat. Early on the Catholic Church confused the prophesied [coming] kingdom with the unprophesied Body of Christ church. This error has been carried over into Protestantism.
Many scholars have rightly called Matthew, the “kingdom” book. It introduces the Lord Jesus Christ to Israel as their king – Matthew 2:2.
Our Lord came preaching the gospel of the “kingdom” [Matthew 4:23] as did John the Baptist [Matthew 3:2]. The Lord sent the 12 to proclaim this same gospel [Matthew 10:7ff; Luke 9:6]. This “gospel of the kingdom” included the proclamation that the “kingdom” was “at hand” and insisted upon repentance and water baptism for entrance into this kingdom – [Matthew 3:1-6ff; Mark 1:4; Acts 2:38]. This gospel did not include the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ [Luke 18:31-34; John 20:9].
This sets the background for our study of Matthew 16:18.
In Matthew 16:13 the Lord Jesus Christ is identified with the title “Son of Man.” This title of the Lord is found in some 93 verses from Matthew 1:1 to Acts 28:31. Significantly, it is not found one time in Paul’s writings from Romans to Philemon. Thus, we can safely conclude that the title “Son of Man” identifies the Lord Jesus Christ in His relationship to Israel, not the Body of Christ Church.
Who is the “Rock?” Is it Peter? Is it Peter’s ‘confession?’ The word “Rock” is used over 100 times in the Bible. In the Old Testament the Lord is the “Rock” [2 Sam. 22:32,47] and Paul, in the New Testament, tells us that the “Rock” is the Lord Jesus Christ [1 Cor. 10:4].
After telling Peter that He is going to “build My church” the Lord Jesus Christ gives Peter the “keys of the kingdom” [not the “keys” of the church]. Keys in Scripture denote authority. The 12 will use this authority in the coming kingdom and Peter used these “keys” of authority in early Acts in binding and loosing [Matthew 19:28; Acts 5:1-12].
The word “church” is first used in the Bible in verse 18. Is this the Body of Christ “church” or some other “church?” The Greek word is ‘ekklesia’ and is translated “church” in most instances in Scripture. There are exceptions – Acts 19:32 “assembly” and verses 39 & 41 “assembly.” - Does it always mean the “Body of Christ?” No! Israel in the wilderness is called a “church” in Acts 7:38. Paul mentions a “church” to the Hebrews when he quotes Psalm 22:24 he changes the word “congregation” to “church” in Hebrews 2:12. Remember now, Paul is writing to the “Hebrews.”
So, because the word “church” is found in verse 18 doesn’t mean that the church is the Body of Christ. When our Lord spoke these words to Peter, He was still a “minister to the circumcision” [Israel – Romans 15:8]. The Law was still active [Galatians 4:4]. And the Body of Christ church was yet to be revealed to Paul.
The Body of Christ church is not in view in Matthew 16:18. The coming “Messianic Kingdom” church is.
Remember, Israel’s hope and calling is earthly while the hope and calling of the Body of Christ is heavenly.
Peter wasn’t given the burden of revealing the Body of Christ church. That is man’s [Roman Catholicism] vain tradition. The revelation of the “mystery” was given to Paul by the exalted, risen Lord Jesus Christ [Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:25-27].
Peter's Ministry in Early Acts
Biblical Discernment
Peter’s Ministry in Early Acts
d_jjackson@hotmail.com
A little background: Peter was chosen by the Lord Jesus during His earthly ministry to Israel.
“And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon, called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets and followed Him.” Matthew 4:18-20
Later, He sent them out to preach the “kingdom of heaven is at hand:”
“These twelve Jesus sent forth and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter not. But go, rather, to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 10:5,6
Now, to the book of Acts:
The Lord Jesus Christ spent His last 40 days on earth teaching the eleven [Judas is dead] about the “Kingdom of God” from the Old Testament Scriptures. Acts 1:3 cf Luke 24:25-27, 44,45
The eleven made it their first order of business [after our Lord’s ascension] to bring their number back up to twelve. This would be very important in the “kingdom” because the Lord had promised the twelve that they would “sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” in the coming earthly kingdom. Acts 1:15-26 cf Matthew 19:28. Peter will be offering the “kingdom” to Israel in Acts 3.
Now we come to the day of Pentecost and Peter stands to speak. Who is he addressing?
“Ye men of Israel…..” Acts 2:22
He then presents the cross as bad news and tells Israel what they must do to be saved.
“Then Peter said unto them [Israel], Repent and be baptized everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
They must change their mind [that’s what repent means] about this “Jesus of Nazareth” and submit to water baptism “for the remission of sins” before they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This fits quite well with the “kingdom” program as found in the Old Testament prophecies and preached in the gospels and early Acts. See Exodus 19:5,6 cf 1 Peter 2:9; Exodus 29:4 and Mark 1:4.
In Acts 3 Peter and John are going up to the temple [yes, the Jewish temple is still there] to worship and pass a man, lame from birth, who is sitting at the temple gate begging. Peter heals the man [see Matthew 10:7,8] and he becomes a picture of Israel being healed in the “kingdom” [see Isa. 35:6]. Peter then defends the healing of the lame man to the Jews:
“And when Peter saw it, he answered the people, ye men of Israel…….” Acts 3:12ff.
In verses 13-16 he again accuses Israel of murdering their Messiah, but gives them a way out by saying that he knows they did it through ignorance [verse 17]. He then offers the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to establish the kingdom contingent upon Israel’s repentance. Verses 18-21. He then cites Moses and the prophets as having spoken of these days [verses 24-26] and reminds the Jews that they are “sons of the prophets and covenants….” [verse 24,25]. He reminds Israel that to them first are these blessing to accrue [verse 26 cf Acts 13:46].
In Acts chapter 4 Peter addresses the Sanhedrin: “….all the people of Israel…..[verse 10].
Acts, chapter 5 presents another example of Peter using the “keys of the kingdom” [see Matthew 16:19] to bind the judgment on Ananias and Sapphira and the apostles perform mighty miracles in Jerusalem in fulfillment of the “great commission” given to the twelve in Matthew 10:8.
Peter defends his position before the Jewish Sanhedrin and again accuses Israel of murdering her Messiah [5:30] and presents our Lord in resurrection to be a “……Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel and the forgiveness of sins.” [verse 31].
Summary:
Peter, an apostle to the circumcision [Galatians 2:8,9], addresses and ministers to Israel [only] and preaches the gospel of the kingdom, as found in the gospels. He presents the cross as bad news and accuses Israel of murder. He presents water baptism for the remission of their sins. The Body of Christ is not in view here.
Peter’s Ministry in Early Acts
d_jjackson@hotmail.com
A little background: Peter was chosen by the Lord Jesus during His earthly ministry to Israel.
“And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon, called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets and followed Him.” Matthew 4:18-20
Later, He sent them out to preach the “kingdom of heaven is at hand:”
“These twelve Jesus sent forth and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter not. But go, rather, to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 10:5,6
Now, to the book of Acts:
The Lord Jesus Christ spent His last 40 days on earth teaching the eleven [Judas is dead] about the “Kingdom of God” from the Old Testament Scriptures. Acts 1:3 cf Luke 24:25-27, 44,45
The eleven made it their first order of business [after our Lord’s ascension] to bring their number back up to twelve. This would be very important in the “kingdom” because the Lord had promised the twelve that they would “sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” in the coming earthly kingdom. Acts 1:15-26 cf Matthew 19:28. Peter will be offering the “kingdom” to Israel in Acts 3.
Now we come to the day of Pentecost and Peter stands to speak. Who is he addressing?
“Ye men of Israel…..” Acts 2:22
He then presents the cross as bad news and tells Israel what they must do to be saved.
“Then Peter said unto them [Israel], Repent and be baptized everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
They must change their mind [that’s what repent means] about this “Jesus of Nazareth” and submit to water baptism “for the remission of sins” before they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This fits quite well with the “kingdom” program as found in the Old Testament prophecies and preached in the gospels and early Acts. See Exodus 19:5,6 cf 1 Peter 2:9; Exodus 29:4 and Mark 1:4.
In Acts 3 Peter and John are going up to the temple [yes, the Jewish temple is still there] to worship and pass a man, lame from birth, who is sitting at the temple gate begging. Peter heals the man [see Matthew 10:7,8] and he becomes a picture of Israel being healed in the “kingdom” [see Isa. 35:6]. Peter then defends the healing of the lame man to the Jews:
“And when Peter saw it, he answered the people, ye men of Israel…….” Acts 3:12ff.
In verses 13-16 he again accuses Israel of murdering their Messiah, but gives them a way out by saying that he knows they did it through ignorance [verse 17]. He then offers the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to establish the kingdom contingent upon Israel’s repentance. Verses 18-21. He then cites Moses and the prophets as having spoken of these days [verses 24-26] and reminds the Jews that they are “sons of the prophets and covenants….” [verse 24,25]. He reminds Israel that to them first are these blessing to accrue [verse 26 cf Acts 13:46].
In Acts chapter 4 Peter addresses the Sanhedrin: “….all the people of Israel…..[verse 10].
Acts, chapter 5 presents another example of Peter using the “keys of the kingdom” [see Matthew 16:19] to bind the judgment on Ananias and Sapphira and the apostles perform mighty miracles in Jerusalem in fulfillment of the “great commission” given to the twelve in Matthew 10:8.
Peter defends his position before the Jewish Sanhedrin and again accuses Israel of murdering her Messiah [5:30] and presents our Lord in resurrection to be a “……Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel and the forgiveness of sins.” [verse 31].
Summary:
Peter, an apostle to the circumcision [Galatians 2:8,9], addresses and ministers to Israel [only] and preaches the gospel of the kingdom, as found in the gospels. He presents the cross as bad news and accuses Israel of murder. He presents water baptism for the remission of their sins. The Body of Christ is not in view here.
Salvation - Separation - Service
Bible Discernment
Salvation – Separation – Service
d_jjackson@hotmail.com
The apostle Paul, who is the apostle to us Gentiles, tells us how we are approved of God, to wit:
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
We are to study the Word of God and we must rightly divide it. We must distinguish between Israel [earthy] and the Body of Christ [heavenly]. This paper will set forth the principle of “right division” in Salvation, Separation, and Service of the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ in this dispensation of the grace of God.
The Word of God calls us to Salvation – Separation – Service -
Salvation:
Paul relates how God feels about all mankind in the matter of salvation: “….this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3,4. He goes on to say: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time.” 1 Timothy 2:5,6.
Notice that this ransom paid by the Lord Jesus Christ was for all, but was to be testified “in due time.” This “due time” would be when Paul comes upon the scene. We don’t have the preaching of the cross as good news until Paul. We can “rightly divide” the Word of truth here by contrasting this verse with Matthew 26:28 [the Lord Jesus is speaking], “For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” This verse agrees with what the prophet Isaiah wrote in chapter 53 verse 8: “…….for the transgressions of my people [Israel] was He stricken.” The “He” is the Lord Jesus Christ.
What is the plan of salvation in this “dispensation of the grace of God? Paul writes: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and in which ye stand. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; And that He was buried and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. That is the simple plan of salvation in a nutshell. How does man receive this salvation? “In whom ye also trusted, after ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.” Ephesians 1:13. When the Philippian jailer asked, “…what must I do to be saved?” He was told to, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ…” Acts 16:31.
In other dispensations God required some work of faith. The Israelite was to bring an animal for sacrifice. When we come to John the Baptist and our Lord’s earthly ministry, and the gospel of the kingdom to Israel, water baptism was the required work of faith. Please see Mark 1:4 [“baptism of repentance for the remission of sins”]; Luke 7:29,30 shows us that this baptism was not optional. Those who heard John the Baptist were justified by God when they submitted to John’s baptism. Those who heard and rejected John’s baptism were not saved. Mark 16:16, [“…..he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…..” ]; Acts 2:38 [“…repent and be baptized ….for the remission of sins,…..”] Note that this is the same verbiage used in Mark 1:4. This is the gospel of the kingdom for Israel, not the gospel of the grace of God for the body of Christ. Saul of Tarsus was saved under this program when he was told by a “devout man according to the Law “ to, “….arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins….” Acts 22:16. James, who writes to Israel [the 12 tribes scattered abroad] mentions works of faith in chapter 2 verses 14-20. In this dispensation of the grace of God works are not required as acts of faith [Romans 4:4,5; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5]. We must understand that the works did not save, the faith did. But God required the works as a manifestation of that faith.
In this dispensation, the only requirement for salvation is “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.” That is faith, too.
Separation:
Charles Haddon Spurgeon had much to say about “Separation.”
“Neither when we have chosen our way can we keep company with those who go the other way. There must come with decision for truth a corresponding protest against error.” C.H.S., The Sword and the Trowel, September 1887.
“Believers in Christ’s atonement are now declared in union with those who make light of it; believers in Holy Scripture are in confederacy with those who deny plenary inspiration; those who hold evangelical doctrine are in open alliance with those who call the Fall a fable, who deny the personality of the Holy Ghost, who call justification by faith immoral, and hold that there is another probation after death…. Yes, we have before us the wretched spectacle of professedly orthodox Christians publicly avowing their union with those who deny the faith, and scarcely concealing their contempt for those who can not be guilty of such gross disloyalty to Christ. To be very plain, we are unable to call these things Christian Unions, they begin to look like Confederacies in Evil… It is our solemn conviction that where there can be no real spiritual communion there should be no pretense of fellowship. Fellowship with known and vital error is participation in sin.” C.H.S., The Sword and the Trowel, November 1887.
“The day will come when those who think they can repair a house which has no foundation will see the wisdom in quitting it altogether. All along we have said that to come out from association with questionable doctrines is the only possible solution of a difficulty which, however it may be denied, is not to be trifled with by those who are conscious of its terrible reality.” C.H.S., The Sword and the Trowel, July, 1889.
“Complicity with error will take from the best of men the power to enter any successful protest against it. … Fellowship with known and vital error is participation in sin… As soon as I saw, or thought I saw, that error had become firmly established, I did not deliberate, but quitted the body at once. Since then my counsel has been ‘Come out from among them.’ I have felt that no protest could be equal to that of distinct separation from known evil. … That I might not stultify my testimony I have cut myself clear of those who err from the faith, and even from those who associate with them.” C.H.S., The Sword and the Trowel.
Today in Christendom we have many denominations and sects. Most have departed from the faith which was once delivered to the saints. A false gospel is the norm. Ministers deny the Word of God. A strange mixture of the gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of the grace of God is preached. But, like oil and water, these do not mix [I am aware of emulsions].
The apostle Paul paints a dark picture of apostasy in the final days of the church-age. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that, in the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons. Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving by them who believe and know the truth. 1 Timothy 4:1-3. “This know, also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good. Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power of it, from such turn away. “ 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
Finally, Paul instructs us to: ….. Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, … 1 Corinthians 6:17.
“But God forbid that I should glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14.
Service:
Paul clearly tells us: “… we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10. Peter says, “For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” 1 peter 2:15.
Believers in the church-age have been given the wonderful privilege of being ambassadors for the Lord Jesus Christ. An ambassador represents his sovereign, in this case, the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.
We should be trained to be ambassadors. Paul says that the pastor/teacher is to train and equip us to do the work of the ministry. Ephesians 4:11, 12.
We are to witness to this so great salvation. We are to preach the word of reconciliation to the lost. 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19.
We are to proclaim His soon return to catch us away. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
We should be waiting: 1 Thessalonians 1:10.
Watching: 1 Thessalonians 5:6.
Looking for Him: Titus 2:13.
Loving His appearing: 2 Timothy 4:8.
Putting one another in remembrance: 1 Timothy 4:6.
Exhorting one another as we see the day approaching: Hebrews 10:25
The last prayer in the Bible is, “…even so, come Lord Jesus.”
Salvation – Separation – Service
d_jjackson@hotmail.com
The apostle Paul, who is the apostle to us Gentiles, tells us how we are approved of God, to wit:
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
We are to study the Word of God and we must rightly divide it. We must distinguish between Israel [earthy] and the Body of Christ [heavenly]. This paper will set forth the principle of “right division” in Salvation, Separation, and Service of the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ in this dispensation of the grace of God.
The Word of God calls us to Salvation – Separation – Service -
Salvation:
Paul relates how God feels about all mankind in the matter of salvation: “….this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3,4. He goes on to say: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time.” 1 Timothy 2:5,6.
Notice that this ransom paid by the Lord Jesus Christ was for all, but was to be testified “in due time.” This “due time” would be when Paul comes upon the scene. We don’t have the preaching of the cross as good news until Paul. We can “rightly divide” the Word of truth here by contrasting this verse with Matthew 26:28 [the Lord Jesus is speaking], “For this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” This verse agrees with what the prophet Isaiah wrote in chapter 53 verse 8: “…….for the transgressions of my people [Israel] was He stricken.” The “He” is the Lord Jesus Christ.
What is the plan of salvation in this “dispensation of the grace of God? Paul writes: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and in which ye stand. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; And that He was buried and rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. That is the simple plan of salvation in a nutshell. How does man receive this salvation? “In whom ye also trusted, after ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.” Ephesians 1:13. When the Philippian jailer asked, “…what must I do to be saved?” He was told to, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ…” Acts 16:31.
In other dispensations God required some work of faith. The Israelite was to bring an animal for sacrifice. When we come to John the Baptist and our Lord’s earthly ministry, and the gospel of the kingdom to Israel, water baptism was the required work of faith. Please see Mark 1:4 [“baptism of repentance for the remission of sins”]; Luke 7:29,30 shows us that this baptism was not optional. Those who heard John the Baptist were justified by God when they submitted to John’s baptism. Those who heard and rejected John’s baptism were not saved. Mark 16:16, [“…..he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…..” ]; Acts 2:38 [“…repent and be baptized ….for the remission of sins,…..”] Note that this is the same verbiage used in Mark 1:4. This is the gospel of the kingdom for Israel, not the gospel of the grace of God for the body of Christ. Saul of Tarsus was saved under this program when he was told by a “devout man according to the Law “ to, “….arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins….” Acts 22:16. James, who writes to Israel [the 12 tribes scattered abroad] mentions works of faith in chapter 2 verses 14-20. In this dispensation of the grace of God works are not required as acts of faith [Romans 4:4,5; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5]. We must understand that the works did not save, the faith did. But God required the works as a manifestation of that faith.
In this dispensation, the only requirement for salvation is “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.” That is faith, too.
Separation:
Charles Haddon Spurgeon had much to say about “Separation.”
“Neither when we have chosen our way can we keep company with those who go the other way. There must come with decision for truth a corresponding protest against error.” C.H.S., The Sword and the Trowel, September 1887.
“Believers in Christ’s atonement are now declared in union with those who make light of it; believers in Holy Scripture are in confederacy with those who deny plenary inspiration; those who hold evangelical doctrine are in open alliance with those who call the Fall a fable, who deny the personality of the Holy Ghost, who call justification by faith immoral, and hold that there is another probation after death…. Yes, we have before us the wretched spectacle of professedly orthodox Christians publicly avowing their union with those who deny the faith, and scarcely concealing their contempt for those who can not be guilty of such gross disloyalty to Christ. To be very plain, we are unable to call these things Christian Unions, they begin to look like Confederacies in Evil… It is our solemn conviction that where there can be no real spiritual communion there should be no pretense of fellowship. Fellowship with known and vital error is participation in sin.” C.H.S., The Sword and the Trowel, November 1887.
“The day will come when those who think they can repair a house which has no foundation will see the wisdom in quitting it altogether. All along we have said that to come out from association with questionable doctrines is the only possible solution of a difficulty which, however it may be denied, is not to be trifled with by those who are conscious of its terrible reality.” C.H.S., The Sword and the Trowel, July, 1889.
“Complicity with error will take from the best of men the power to enter any successful protest against it. … Fellowship with known and vital error is participation in sin… As soon as I saw, or thought I saw, that error had become firmly established, I did not deliberate, but quitted the body at once. Since then my counsel has been ‘Come out from among them.’ I have felt that no protest could be equal to that of distinct separation from known evil. … That I might not stultify my testimony I have cut myself clear of those who err from the faith, and even from those who associate with them.” C.H.S., The Sword and the Trowel.
Today in Christendom we have many denominations and sects. Most have departed from the faith which was once delivered to the saints. A false gospel is the norm. Ministers deny the Word of God. A strange mixture of the gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of the grace of God is preached. But, like oil and water, these do not mix [I am aware of emulsions].
The apostle Paul paints a dark picture of apostasy in the final days of the church-age. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that, in the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons. Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving by them who believe and know the truth. 1 Timothy 4:1-3. “This know, also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good. Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power of it, from such turn away. “ 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
Finally, Paul instructs us to: ….. Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, … 1 Corinthians 6:17.
“But God forbid that I should glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14.
Service:
Paul clearly tells us: “… we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10. Peter says, “For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” 1 peter 2:15.
Believers in the church-age have been given the wonderful privilege of being ambassadors for the Lord Jesus Christ. An ambassador represents his sovereign, in this case, the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.
We should be trained to be ambassadors. Paul says that the pastor/teacher is to train and equip us to do the work of the ministry. Ephesians 4:11, 12.
We are to witness to this so great salvation. We are to preach the word of reconciliation to the lost. 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19.
We are to proclaim His soon return to catch us away. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
We should be waiting: 1 Thessalonians 1:10.
Watching: 1 Thessalonians 5:6.
Looking for Him: Titus 2:13.
Loving His appearing: 2 Timothy 4:8.
Putting one another in remembrance: 1 Timothy 4:6.
Exhorting one another as we see the day approaching: Hebrews 10:25
The last prayer in the Bible is, “…even so, come Lord Jesus.”
In Christ
Biblical Discernment
d_jjackson@hotmail.com
“In Christ”
The phrase “in Christ” is found in 77 verses in the New Testament. The breakdown is as follows:
Four Gospels 0
Acts 1
Romans – Philemon 74
Hebrews 0
James – Revelation 2
It is significant that Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles [Romans 11:13], uses the phrase more than any other writer in the New Testament.
The first use of the phrase is found in Acts 24:24. Felix and his wife listened to Paul “concerning the faith in Christ. Then we move to the writings of Paul:
Romans
Romans 3:24 – justification and redemption – in Christ.
Romans 8:1 – no condemnation – in Christ.
Romans 8:2 – the law of the spirit of life – in Christ.
Romans 8:39 – nothing can separate us from the love of God – in Christ.
Romans 9:1 – the truth – in Christ.
Romans 12:5 – one body – in Christ.
Romans 16:3,7,9,10 – helpers, approved – in Christ.
1st Corinthians
1 Corinthians 1:2 – sanctified [Saints] – in Christ
1 Corinthians 1:30 – made wisdom, righteousness – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:1 – even babes [carnal] are – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 4:10 – wise – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 4:15 – begotten, through the gospel – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 4:17 – Paul’s ways taught – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:18 – fallen asleep [died] – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:19 – hope – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:22 – made alive – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:31 – rejoicing – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 16:24 – “my love…for you” – in Christ.
2nd Corinthians
2 Corinthians – 1:21 – established – in Christ. [Note Romans 16:25]
2 Corinthians 2:14 – triumph – in Christ.
2 Corinthians 2:17 – speak we – in Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:14 – vail is done away – in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – new creature [i.e., creation] – in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:19 – reconciled – in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:20 – ambassadors and reconciled – in Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:3 – simplicity – in Christ.
2 Corinthians 12:2 – a man [Paul] – in Christ.
2 Corinthians 12:19 – speak before God – in Christ.
Galatians
Galatians 1:22 – churches – in Christ.
Galatians 2:4 – liberty – in Christ.
Galatians 3:17 – covenant confirmed – in Christ.
Galatians 3:26 – children of God by faith – in Christ.
Galatians 3:28 – neither Jew, Gentile, bond, free, male, female, but one – in Christ.
Galatians 6:15 – circumcision nor uncircumcision availeth any thing – in Christ.
Ephesians
Ephesians 1:1 – faithful – in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3 – blessed with all spiritual blessing – in Christ.
Ephesians 1:10 – dispensation of the fullness of times – in Christ.
Ephesians 1;12 – trusted – in Christ.
Ephesians 1:20 – God’s power – in Christ.
Ephesians 2:6 – seated in heavenly places – in Christ.
Ephesians 2:10 – workmanship, created – in Christ.
Ephesians 2:13 – But now [one of 26 times used by Paul] – in Christ.
Ephesians 3:6 – joint heirs, in a joint body, with a joint promise – in Christ.
Ephesians 3:11 – eternal purposes – in Christ.
Philippians
Philippians 1:1 – saints – in Christ.
Philippians 1;13 – bonds – in Christ.
Philippians 2:1 – consolation – in Christ.
Philippians 2:5 – same mind – in Christ.
Philippians 3:3 – rejoice – in Christ.
Philippians 4:21 – saint – in Christ.
Colossians
Colossians 1:2 – saints and faithful – in Christ.
Colossians 1:4 – faith – in Christ.
Colossians 1:28 – perfect – in Christ.
Colossians 2:5 – steadfastness of faith – in Christ.
1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 2:14 – churches of God – in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 – dead rise first [rapture] – in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – give thanks [will of God[ - in Christ.
1st Timothy
1 Timothy 1:14 – abundant faith and love – in Christ.
1 Timothy 2:7 – preacher, apostle, teacher of Gentiles – in Christ.
1 Timothy 3:13 – deacon…faith – in Christ.
2nd Timothy
2 Timothy 1:1 – promise of life – in Christ.
2 Timothy 1:9 – saved, holy calling, not according to works – in Christ.
2 Timothy 1:13 – sound words, faith and love – in Christ.
2 Timothy 2:1 – strong in grace – in Christ.
2 Timothy 2:10 – salvation – in Christ.
2 Timothy 3:12 – those that live Godly will suffer persecution – in Christ.
2 Timothy 3:15 – wise unto salvation through faith – in Christ.
Philemon
Philemon 1:6 – communicate faith – in Christ.
Philemon 1:8 – bold – in Christ.
Philemon 1:23 – fellow prisoner – in Christ.
1st Peter [Peter was an apostle to the circumcision – Matthew 10:5-6; Galatians 2:8,9]
1 Peter 3:16 – good conversation – in Christ.
1 Peter 5:14 – all that are – in Christ.
d_jjackson@hotmail.com
“In Christ”
The phrase “in Christ” is found in 77 verses in the New Testament. The breakdown is as follows:
Four Gospels 0
Acts 1
Romans – Philemon 74
Hebrews 0
James – Revelation 2
It is significant that Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles [Romans 11:13], uses the phrase more than any other writer in the New Testament.
The first use of the phrase is found in Acts 24:24. Felix and his wife listened to Paul “concerning the faith in Christ. Then we move to the writings of Paul:
Romans
Romans 3:24 – justification and redemption – in Christ.
Romans 8:1 – no condemnation – in Christ.
Romans 8:2 – the law of the spirit of life – in Christ.
Romans 8:39 – nothing can separate us from the love of God – in Christ.
Romans 9:1 – the truth – in Christ.
Romans 12:5 – one body – in Christ.
Romans 16:3,7,9,10 – helpers, approved – in Christ.
1st Corinthians
1 Corinthians 1:2 – sanctified [Saints] – in Christ
1 Corinthians 1:30 – made wisdom, righteousness – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:1 – even babes [carnal] are – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 4:10 – wise – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 4:15 – begotten, through the gospel – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 4:17 – Paul’s ways taught – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:18 – fallen asleep [died] – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:19 – hope – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:22 – made alive – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:31 – rejoicing – in Christ.
1 Corinthians 16:24 – “my love…for you” – in Christ.
2nd Corinthians
2 Corinthians – 1:21 – established – in Christ. [Note Romans 16:25]
2 Corinthians 2:14 – triumph – in Christ.
2 Corinthians 2:17 – speak we – in Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:14 – vail is done away – in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – new creature [i.e., creation] – in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:19 – reconciled – in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:20 – ambassadors and reconciled – in Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:3 – simplicity – in Christ.
2 Corinthians 12:2 – a man [Paul] – in Christ.
2 Corinthians 12:19 – speak before God – in Christ.
Galatians
Galatians 1:22 – churches – in Christ.
Galatians 2:4 – liberty – in Christ.
Galatians 3:17 – covenant confirmed – in Christ.
Galatians 3:26 – children of God by faith – in Christ.
Galatians 3:28 – neither Jew, Gentile, bond, free, male, female, but one – in Christ.
Galatians 6:15 – circumcision nor uncircumcision availeth any thing – in Christ.
Ephesians
Ephesians 1:1 – faithful – in Christ.
Ephesians 1:3 – blessed with all spiritual blessing – in Christ.
Ephesians 1:10 – dispensation of the fullness of times – in Christ.
Ephesians 1;12 – trusted – in Christ.
Ephesians 1:20 – God’s power – in Christ.
Ephesians 2:6 – seated in heavenly places – in Christ.
Ephesians 2:10 – workmanship, created – in Christ.
Ephesians 2:13 – But now [one of 26 times used by Paul] – in Christ.
Ephesians 3:6 – joint heirs, in a joint body, with a joint promise – in Christ.
Ephesians 3:11 – eternal purposes – in Christ.
Philippians
Philippians 1:1 – saints – in Christ.
Philippians 1;13 – bonds – in Christ.
Philippians 2:1 – consolation – in Christ.
Philippians 2:5 – same mind – in Christ.
Philippians 3:3 – rejoice – in Christ.
Philippians 4:21 – saint – in Christ.
Colossians
Colossians 1:2 – saints and faithful – in Christ.
Colossians 1:4 – faith – in Christ.
Colossians 1:28 – perfect – in Christ.
Colossians 2:5 – steadfastness of faith – in Christ.
1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 2:14 – churches of God – in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 – dead rise first [rapture] – in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – give thanks [will of God[ - in Christ.
1st Timothy
1 Timothy 1:14 – abundant faith and love – in Christ.
1 Timothy 2:7 – preacher, apostle, teacher of Gentiles – in Christ.
1 Timothy 3:13 – deacon…faith – in Christ.
2nd Timothy
2 Timothy 1:1 – promise of life – in Christ.
2 Timothy 1:9 – saved, holy calling, not according to works – in Christ.
2 Timothy 1:13 – sound words, faith and love – in Christ.
2 Timothy 2:1 – strong in grace – in Christ.
2 Timothy 2:10 – salvation – in Christ.
2 Timothy 3:12 – those that live Godly will suffer persecution – in Christ.
2 Timothy 3:15 – wise unto salvation through faith – in Christ.
Philemon
Philemon 1:6 – communicate faith – in Christ.
Philemon 1:8 – bold – in Christ.
Philemon 1:23 – fellow prisoner – in Christ.
1st Peter [Peter was an apostle to the circumcision – Matthew 10:5-6; Galatians 2:8,9]
1 Peter 3:16 – good conversation – in Christ.
1 Peter 5:14 – all that are – in Christ.
Biblical Discernment
Pentecost – What is it?
And what do we do with Acts 2:38?
d_jjackson@hotmail.com
The book of Acts is the battleground. Most denominations follow the Roman Catholic “tradition” of starting the Body of Christ church with Peter on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. But, will this “tradition” stand against the test of Scripture?
Pentecost was a Jewish feast day. The word means 50 and has its’ origin in the book of Leviticus – Leviticus 23:16 – This describes the “meal offering unto the Lord.”
Our Lord Jesus Christ spent 40 days, after His resurrection, teaching the 11 apostles about the “kingdom of God” [Acts 1:3]. What Scriptures did He use in His teachings? Luke 24 provides the answer.
Vs 25-27 “Then He said unto them, oh foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not Christ [Messiah] to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them, in all the Scriptures, the things concerning Himself.”
Vs 44-45 “And He said unto them, These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms concerning Me. Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures.”
The Body of Christ church is never the subject of OT prophecy, but the coming earthly kingdom is. With their “understanding of the Scriptures opened” they now ask the logical question, “will you, at this time, restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Our Lord didn’t rebuke the 11 for asking this question, but rather, He told them it was not for them to know the time element.
Next, the Lord gives the 11 [another] “Great Commission.” He had told the 11 that they would be “baptized with [not by] the Holy Spirit” [Vs 5] and now He tells them that they will “receive power, after the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses……….” Note their order of witness – [1] Jerusalem [2] Judah [3] Samaria [4] uttermost part of the earth [Vs 8]. The 11 make it their first order of business to bring their number back up to 12. This is important – the number 12 pertains to Israel – 12 tribes, 12 thrones, etc., - not the Body of Christ church.
Next the day of Pentecost “was fully come” the 12 were all baptized [with] and filled with the Holy Spirit [2:1-4]. Note that the Lord Jesus is the baptizer and the Holy Spirit is the element. In the Body of Christ the Holy Spirit is the baptizer and the Church is the element. Now Luke tells us who were dwelling at Jerusalem – “….Jews and proselytes…..” [2:5-10]. And they began to speak in other languages so that they could witness to the multitudes in their own language[s].
Peter [an apostle to the circumcision] stands up and proclaims, “….this is that which was spoken through the prophet Joel” [Vs 16]. Joel [2:28-32; 3:1ff] writes of the “restoration” of Israel. Joel did not know about the Body of Christ church.
Peter addresses “…ye men of Israel…..” [Vs 22] and accuses them of murdering their Messiah and threatens them with the fact that death couldn’t hold Him. He then presents our Lord in resurrection to sit on David’s throne [Vs 23-30]. Peter presents the cross [tree] as bad news and demands “repentance” and [water] baptism “for the remission of sins.” Then Israel would receive the “gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Why would Peter tell Israel to “..repent and be baptized [in water] for the remission of sins.….?” Moses had told Israel that they would become a “..nation of priests….’ [Exodus 19:5,6; cf 1 Peter 2:9]. The initial rite of entrance into the priesthood was “washing with water,” i.e., water baptism [Exodus 29:4]. How do we know that this was water baptism? Paul, writing to the Hebrews, speaks of the “divers washings” of the Jews in chapter 9, verse 10, where the word for “washings” is ‘baptismos.’ Water baptism is always depicted as a cleansing in Scripture – Acts 22:16. The Jews were to repent [have a change of mind about the Messiah], submit to the cleansing of water baptism for the remission of their sins, and then [and only then] would they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This would prepare them to become a nation of priests. I well recall hearing a Southern Baptist minister [Dr. Patterson] say that Acts 2:38 “…is the ONLY passage in the Bible that seems to say that you must be baptized to be saved.” He apparently wasn’t aware of the following passages:
Mark 1:4 – “…..baptism of repentance for [eis] the remission of sins.” This is the same verbiage used by Peter in Acts 2:38.
Luke 7:29,30 – The people ‘justified’ God being baptized with the baptism of John. The Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God…being not baptized of him.
Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved……”
Acts 22:16 – Saul of Tarsus was told by a “devout man according to the law” to “….be baptized to wash away thy sins….”
1 Peter 3:21 is reserved for another paper. [Hint: Israel is in view].
If Acts 2:38 is applicable to the Body of Christ [and it isn’t] then Paul made a strange statement in 1 Cor. 1:16-17.
Of course, the Baptist minister was trying to fit the Body of Christ church on the “kingdom” foundation laid by Peter on the Jewish feast day in Acts 2. The Body of Christ won’t fit on Peter’s kingdom foundation. Paul laid the foundation for and was the wise “master builder” of the Body of Christ [1 Cor. 3:10].
Pentecost – What is it?
And what do we do with Acts 2:38?
d_jjackson@hotmail.com
The book of Acts is the battleground. Most denominations follow the Roman Catholic “tradition” of starting the Body of Christ church with Peter on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. But, will this “tradition” stand against the test of Scripture?
Pentecost was a Jewish feast day. The word means 50 and has its’ origin in the book of Leviticus – Leviticus 23:16 – This describes the “meal offering unto the Lord.”
Our Lord Jesus Christ spent 40 days, after His resurrection, teaching the 11 apostles about the “kingdom of God” [Acts 1:3]. What Scriptures did He use in His teachings? Luke 24 provides the answer.
Vs 25-27 “Then He said unto them, oh foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not Christ [Messiah] to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them, in all the Scriptures, the things concerning Himself.”
Vs 44-45 “And He said unto them, These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms concerning Me. Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures.”
The Body of Christ church is never the subject of OT prophecy, but the coming earthly kingdom is. With their “understanding of the Scriptures opened” they now ask the logical question, “will you, at this time, restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Our Lord didn’t rebuke the 11 for asking this question, but rather, He told them it was not for them to know the time element.
Next, the Lord gives the 11 [another] “Great Commission.” He had told the 11 that they would be “baptized with [not by] the Holy Spirit” [Vs 5] and now He tells them that they will “receive power, after the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses……….” Note their order of witness – [1] Jerusalem [2] Judah [3] Samaria [4] uttermost part of the earth [Vs 8]. The 11 make it their first order of business to bring their number back up to 12. This is important – the number 12 pertains to Israel – 12 tribes, 12 thrones, etc., - not the Body of Christ church.
Next the day of Pentecost “was fully come” the 12 were all baptized [with] and filled with the Holy Spirit [2:1-4]. Note that the Lord Jesus is the baptizer and the Holy Spirit is the element. In the Body of Christ the Holy Spirit is the baptizer and the Church is the element. Now Luke tells us who were dwelling at Jerusalem – “….Jews and proselytes…..” [2:5-10]. And they began to speak in other languages so that they could witness to the multitudes in their own language[s].
Peter [an apostle to the circumcision] stands up and proclaims, “….this is that which was spoken through the prophet Joel” [Vs 16]. Joel [2:28-32; 3:1ff] writes of the “restoration” of Israel. Joel did not know about the Body of Christ church.
Peter addresses “…ye men of Israel…..” [Vs 22] and accuses them of murdering their Messiah and threatens them with the fact that death couldn’t hold Him. He then presents our Lord in resurrection to sit on David’s throne [Vs 23-30]. Peter presents the cross [tree] as bad news and demands “repentance” and [water] baptism “for the remission of sins.” Then Israel would receive the “gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Why would Peter tell Israel to “..repent and be baptized [in water] for the remission of sins.….?” Moses had told Israel that they would become a “..nation of priests….’ [Exodus 19:5,6; cf 1 Peter 2:9]. The initial rite of entrance into the priesthood was “washing with water,” i.e., water baptism [Exodus 29:4]. How do we know that this was water baptism? Paul, writing to the Hebrews, speaks of the “divers washings” of the Jews in chapter 9, verse 10, where the word for “washings” is ‘baptismos.’ Water baptism is always depicted as a cleansing in Scripture – Acts 22:16. The Jews were to repent [have a change of mind about the Messiah], submit to the cleansing of water baptism for the remission of their sins, and then [and only then] would they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This would prepare them to become a nation of priests. I well recall hearing a Southern Baptist minister [Dr. Patterson] say that Acts 2:38 “…is the ONLY passage in the Bible that seems to say that you must be baptized to be saved.” He apparently wasn’t aware of the following passages:
Mark 1:4 – “…..baptism of repentance for [eis] the remission of sins.” This is the same verbiage used by Peter in Acts 2:38.
Luke 7:29,30 – The people ‘justified’ God being baptized with the baptism of John. The Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God…being not baptized of him.
Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved……”
Acts 22:16 – Saul of Tarsus was told by a “devout man according to the law” to “….be baptized to wash away thy sins….”
1 Peter 3:21 is reserved for another paper. [Hint: Israel is in view].
If Acts 2:38 is applicable to the Body of Christ [and it isn’t] then Paul made a strange statement in 1 Cor. 1:16-17.
Of course, the Baptist minister was trying to fit the Body of Christ church on the “kingdom” foundation laid by Peter on the Jewish feast day in Acts 2. The Body of Christ won’t fit on Peter’s kingdom foundation. Paul laid the foundation for and was the wise “master builder” of the Body of Christ [1 Cor. 3:10].
Facts on Tithing
Facts on Tithing
By Pastor Ken Lawson
1. The English word "tithe" as well as its Hebrew-Greek equivalents "ma`aser" and "apodekatoo" means a tenth.
2. Many Christian churches preach tithing as a means of supporting the work of the Lord today. There are many variations of this theme. Some pay the local church one tenth of their income after taxes and bills are paid; some pay before. Others demand tithing on unemployment, inheritance, gifts, tax refunds, social security and even gambling winnings. The tithing issue has caused a great deal of strife and division in our churches over the years.
3. The most well known passage on tithing comes from the Old Testament book of Malachi 3:7-10. This Scripture has given rise to the practice of "Storehouse Tithing." Simply stated, the congregation is exhorted from the pulpit to channel all of their Christian giving through the local church (storehouse). If they wish to give to a Christian organization, radio or television broadcast, etc., it must go through their denominational machinery in order for the local church to get "credit." Also the pastor and elders often must make the determination if the cause supported by the giver is "worthy."
4. This use of the Malachi passage is a good example of Scripture being taken out of its historical and dispensational context. "This whole nation" in verse 9 is the backslidden nation of Israel, NOT the present day church (Malachi 1:1; 3:6). They were under the law of Moses as a system of conditional blessing. Believers today are not under the law but under grace (Romans 6:14). As such we have already been blessed by God with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3) and are under a system of unconditional blessing with grace on the throne (Romans 5:21).
5. This should put an end to the common charge that believers who don't tithe are "robbing God" and will be "cursed with a curse." The storehouse mentioned in verse 10 is not a local church but a storage bin or silo in the Jewish temple where the grain from the Hebrew's tithes was stored (2 Chronicles 31:4-12).
6. Under the law only agricultural products were tithed. They included grain, fruit, and livestock. Only products produced within the boundaries of the land of Israel were to be tithed. Jews living in Gentile lands were exempt (Leviticus 27:30-34).
7. Others exempt from the tithing law included the hired hands, fishermen, miners, lumber workers, construction workers, soldiers, weavers, potters, manufacturers, merchants, government workers, and priests. In short, all who were not farmers were exempt.
8. A farmer with only 9 cattle did not tithe because the law specified the "tenth which passeth under the rod." Likewise a farmer with 19 sheep paid only 1 sheep to the Lord's tithe.
9. The Jewish farmers in the land could redeem (buy back) the tithes of their crops with a penalty of one fifth. In other words, if a farmer wishes to keep his tithe of grain worth $1,000, he could pay the cash equivalent of $1,200 (Leviticus 27:31).
10. Livestock could not be brought back nor could the farmer exchange a good animal for a bad one or vice versa. Any attempt to substitute any other animal other than the tenth which passed under the rod would be penalized by the farmer forfeiting both the tenth and its substitute (Leviticus 27:33).
11. God ordained the Levites to be the ones to whom the tithe was paid (Numbers 18:21). They were one of the 12 tribes of Israel to whom no inheritance was given in the land. The Lord Himself and the tithes of the children of Israel was their inheritance. It was used for the service of the tabernacle (later the temple) (Numbers 18:20-28).
12. It was unlawful for anyone outside of the tribe of Levi to receive the tithe, such as prophets, preachers, kings or evangelists.
13. The Levites paid one tenth of their tithes to the high priest. Not all Levites were priests but only the sons of Aaron. The priests did not tithe.
14. The Lord Jesus Christ did not ask for or receive a tithe for support of His ministry. Being of the tribe of Judah (not Levi) He could not without breaking the law (Hebrews 7:14; Revelation 5:5).
15. Neither Peter (not of the tribe of Levi) nor Paul (of the tribe of Benjamin) could receive tithes for the support of their ministries.
16. Even the Jews do not practice tithing today because there are no Levites, priests, or temple worship in Jerusalem. Jewish rabbis know biblical law well enough to know that tithing under the present circumstances is unlawful. According to them, when the temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem with a consecrated altar with priests and Levites officiating, all Jews living within the biblical tithing zones will tithe.
17. Some Christian ministries today continue to support tithing, using the argument that it predates Moses and the law. But this reasoning is not valid, for the Sabbath also predates the giving of the law (Exodus 16:23-29) and yet it is not binding on God's people today (Romans 14:5,6; Galatians 4:9,10; Colossians 2:16,17).
18. Abraham gave tithes to Melchisedec, king of Salem, but this was the spoils of war, not the legalistic tithe of the land which Moses commanded. Also, God did not command the tithe, Abraham chose to give it of his own free will (Genesis 14:17-23; Hebrews 7:1-10).
19. The only other scriptural reference to tithing before Moses is Jacob. Again there is no command to tithe. In fact Jacob puts up numerous conditions to be met before he will pay the tithe to the Lord (Genesis 28:20-22).
20. The biblical references which address the tithing issues are: Genesis 14:20; 28:22; Leviticus 27:30-32; Numbers 18:20-28; Deuteronomy 12:6,11,17; 14:22,23,28; 26:12; 2 Chronicles 31:5,6,12; Amos 4:4; Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; 18:12; Hebrews 7:5-9.1
21. Paul the apostle to the Gentiles for this present dispensation of Grace does not mention tithing but says a great deal about Christian giving. Romans 15:25,26; 1 Corinthians 9:7-14; 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians chapters 8 & 9; Galatians 6:6-10; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Timothy 5:9-18.
.
Endnote
1. According to Deuteronomy 14:22,23,28; 26:12; and Amos 4:4, the tithe was only given every three years.
By Pastor Ken Lawson
1. The English word "tithe" as well as its Hebrew-Greek equivalents "ma`aser" and "apodekatoo" means a tenth.
2. Many Christian churches preach tithing as a means of supporting the work of the Lord today. There are many variations of this theme. Some pay the local church one tenth of their income after taxes and bills are paid; some pay before. Others demand tithing on unemployment, inheritance, gifts, tax refunds, social security and even gambling winnings. The tithing issue has caused a great deal of strife and division in our churches over the years.
3. The most well known passage on tithing comes from the Old Testament book of Malachi 3:7-10. This Scripture has given rise to the practice of "Storehouse Tithing." Simply stated, the congregation is exhorted from the pulpit to channel all of their Christian giving through the local church (storehouse). If they wish to give to a Christian organization, radio or television broadcast, etc., it must go through their denominational machinery in order for the local church to get "credit." Also the pastor and elders often must make the determination if the cause supported by the giver is "worthy."
4. This use of the Malachi passage is a good example of Scripture being taken out of its historical and dispensational context. "This whole nation" in verse 9 is the backslidden nation of Israel, NOT the present day church (Malachi 1:1; 3:6). They were under the law of Moses as a system of conditional blessing. Believers today are not under the law but under grace (Romans 6:14). As such we have already been blessed by God with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3) and are under a system of unconditional blessing with grace on the throne (Romans 5:21).
5. This should put an end to the common charge that believers who don't tithe are "robbing God" and will be "cursed with a curse." The storehouse mentioned in verse 10 is not a local church but a storage bin or silo in the Jewish temple where the grain from the Hebrew's tithes was stored (2 Chronicles 31:4-12).
6. Under the law only agricultural products were tithed. They included grain, fruit, and livestock. Only products produced within the boundaries of the land of Israel were to be tithed. Jews living in Gentile lands were exempt (Leviticus 27:30-34).
7. Others exempt from the tithing law included the hired hands, fishermen, miners, lumber workers, construction workers, soldiers, weavers, potters, manufacturers, merchants, government workers, and priests. In short, all who were not farmers were exempt.
8. A farmer with only 9 cattle did not tithe because the law specified the "tenth which passeth under the rod." Likewise a farmer with 19 sheep paid only 1 sheep to the Lord's tithe.
9. The Jewish farmers in the land could redeem (buy back) the tithes of their crops with a penalty of one fifth. In other words, if a farmer wishes to keep his tithe of grain worth $1,000, he could pay the cash equivalent of $1,200 (Leviticus 27:31).
10. Livestock could not be brought back nor could the farmer exchange a good animal for a bad one or vice versa. Any attempt to substitute any other animal other than the tenth which passed under the rod would be penalized by the farmer forfeiting both the tenth and its substitute (Leviticus 27:33).
11. God ordained the Levites to be the ones to whom the tithe was paid (Numbers 18:21). They were one of the 12 tribes of Israel to whom no inheritance was given in the land. The Lord Himself and the tithes of the children of Israel was their inheritance. It was used for the service of the tabernacle (later the temple) (Numbers 18:20-28).
12. It was unlawful for anyone outside of the tribe of Levi to receive the tithe, such as prophets, preachers, kings or evangelists.
13. The Levites paid one tenth of their tithes to the high priest. Not all Levites were priests but only the sons of Aaron. The priests did not tithe.
14. The Lord Jesus Christ did not ask for or receive a tithe for support of His ministry. Being of the tribe of Judah (not Levi) He could not without breaking the law (Hebrews 7:14; Revelation 5:5).
15. Neither Peter (not of the tribe of Levi) nor Paul (of the tribe of Benjamin) could receive tithes for the support of their ministries.
16. Even the Jews do not practice tithing today because there are no Levites, priests, or temple worship in Jerusalem. Jewish rabbis know biblical law well enough to know that tithing under the present circumstances is unlawful. According to them, when the temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem with a consecrated altar with priests and Levites officiating, all Jews living within the biblical tithing zones will tithe.
17. Some Christian ministries today continue to support tithing, using the argument that it predates Moses and the law. But this reasoning is not valid, for the Sabbath also predates the giving of the law (Exodus 16:23-29) and yet it is not binding on God's people today (Romans 14:5,6; Galatians 4:9,10; Colossians 2:16,17).
18. Abraham gave tithes to Melchisedec, king of Salem, but this was the spoils of war, not the legalistic tithe of the land which Moses commanded. Also, God did not command the tithe, Abraham chose to give it of his own free will (Genesis 14:17-23; Hebrews 7:1-10).
19. The only other scriptural reference to tithing before Moses is Jacob. Again there is no command to tithe. In fact Jacob puts up numerous conditions to be met before he will pay the tithe to the Lord (Genesis 28:20-22).
20. The biblical references which address the tithing issues are: Genesis 14:20; 28:22; Leviticus 27:30-32; Numbers 18:20-28; Deuteronomy 12:6,11,17; 14:22,23,28; 26:12; 2 Chronicles 31:5,6,12; Amos 4:4; Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; 18:12; Hebrews 7:5-9.1
21. Paul the apostle to the Gentiles for this present dispensation of Grace does not mention tithing but says a great deal about Christian giving. Romans 15:25,26; 1 Corinthians 9:7-14; 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians chapters 8 & 9; Galatians 6:6-10; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Timothy 5:9-18.
.
Endnote
1. According to Deuteronomy 14:22,23,28; 26:12; and Amos 4:4, the tithe was only given every three years.
Our Lord's Heavenly Ministry
Biblical Discernment
d_jjackson@hotmail.com
The Heavenly Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ
“The failure or refusal to recognize the distinct ministry of the apostle Paul has done irreparable harm to the Body of Christ.” Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer, founder and first president of Dallas Theological Seminary.
The earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ was to Israel through the twelve, with Peter the chief spokesman. The Lord’s heavenly ministry is through Paul who is the apostle to the Gentiles. “For I speak unto you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify mine office” [Romans 11:13]. Paul’s ministry was separate and distinct from that of the twelve. He was not counted with the twelve.
In Acts 9 we have the account of Saul of Tarsus encountering the Lord from heaven on the road to Damascus. Note what the Lord said to Ananias about Saul: “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way; for he [Saul] is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how great things he must suffer for My name’s sake” [Acts 9:15,16]. Saul becomes “Paul” in Acts 13.
Followers of Me
Paul is the only New Testament writer to urge his hearers to be “followers of me.” The Lord Jesus Christ [not a Biblical writer] told His disciples to “follow me” many times in the gospels.
“Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me” [1 Corinthians 4:16].
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” [1 Corinthians 11:1].
“Brethren, be followers together of me…...” [Philippians 3:17].
Pattern
Paul is the pattern for the church to follow in this dispensation of the grace of God.
“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 hereinafter believe on Him to life everlasting” [1 Timothy 1:16].
Body of Christ
Paul is the only New Testament writer to name the church of this dispensation the “Body of Christ.”
“For ye are the Body of Christ, and members in particular” [1 Corinthians 12:27].
My Gospel
Three times Paul speaks of “my gospel,” - which is the gospel of the Grace of God.
“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel” [Romans 2:16].
“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” [Romans 16:25].
“Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel” [2 Timothy 2:8].
Paul laid the foundation for the Body of Christ
1 Corinthians 3:10 – According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth on it. But let every man take heed how he buildeth on it.
The term “masterbuilder” is the Greek word architekton, from which we get the English word “architect.”
Mystery
Paul uses the term “mystery” some 17 times in his epistles. The Word “mystery” is from the Greek “musterion,” a secret.
Romans 11:25 – The mystery of the duration of Israel’s blindness.
Romans 16:25 – The preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery…..
1 Corinthians 2:7 – Wisdom of God in a mystery…
1 Corinthians 15:51 - ….we shall not all sleep….The mystery of the translation of the saints.
Ephesians 1:9 – The mystery of His will…
Ephesians 3:3 – The mystery [church] revealed to Paul.
Ephesians 3:4 – The mystery of Christ.
Ephesians 3:9 – Paul wants all to see what is fellowship [i.e., dispensation] of the mystery.
Ephesians 5:32 – Christ and His church.
Ephesians 6:19 – The mystery of the gospel.
Colossians 1:26 – The mystery hidden from ages and generations, but “now” [nuni – just now and at no other time] made known. Colossians 1:27 – Mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you…
Colossians 2:2 – Acknowledgement of the mystery of God….
Colossians 4:3 – Open doors to speak the mystery of Christ….
2 Thessalonians 2:7 – The mystery of iniquity…
1 Timothy 3:9 – Deacons are to hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
1 Timothy 3:16 – Mystery of godilness…..
d_jjackson@hotmail.com
The Heavenly Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ
“The failure or refusal to recognize the distinct ministry of the apostle Paul has done irreparable harm to the Body of Christ.” Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer, founder and first president of Dallas Theological Seminary.
The earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ was to Israel through the twelve, with Peter the chief spokesman. The Lord’s heavenly ministry is through Paul who is the apostle to the Gentiles. “For I speak unto you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify mine office” [Romans 11:13]. Paul’s ministry was separate and distinct from that of the twelve. He was not counted with the twelve.
In Acts 9 we have the account of Saul of Tarsus encountering the Lord from heaven on the road to Damascus. Note what the Lord said to Ananias about Saul: “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way; for he [Saul] is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how great things he must suffer for My name’s sake” [Acts 9:15,16]. Saul becomes “Paul” in Acts 13.
Followers of Me
Paul is the only New Testament writer to urge his hearers to be “followers of me.” The Lord Jesus Christ [not a Biblical writer] told His disciples to “follow me” many times in the gospels.
“Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me” [1 Corinthians 4:16].
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” [1 Corinthians 11:1].
“Brethren, be followers together of me…...” [Philippians 3:17].
Pattern
Paul is the pattern for the church to follow in this dispensation of the grace of God.
“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 hereinafter believe on Him to life everlasting” [1 Timothy 1:16].
Body of Christ
Paul is the only New Testament writer to name the church of this dispensation the “Body of Christ.”
“For ye are the Body of Christ, and members in particular” [1 Corinthians 12:27].
My Gospel
Three times Paul speaks of “my gospel,” - which is the gospel of the Grace of God.
“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel” [Romans 2:16].
“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” [Romans 16:25].
“Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel” [2 Timothy 2:8].
Paul laid the foundation for the Body of Christ
1 Corinthians 3:10 – According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth on it. But let every man take heed how he buildeth on it.
The term “masterbuilder” is the Greek word architekton, from which we get the English word “architect.”
Mystery
Paul uses the term “mystery” some 17 times in his epistles. The Word “mystery” is from the Greek “musterion,” a secret.
Romans 11:25 – The mystery of the duration of Israel’s blindness.
Romans 16:25 – The preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery…..
1 Corinthians 2:7 – Wisdom of God in a mystery…
1 Corinthians 15:51 - ….we shall not all sleep….The mystery of the translation of the saints.
Ephesians 1:9 – The mystery of His will…
Ephesians 3:3 – The mystery [church] revealed to Paul.
Ephesians 3:4 – The mystery of Christ.
Ephesians 3:9 – Paul wants all to see what is fellowship [i.e., dispensation] of the mystery.
Ephesians 5:32 – Christ and His church.
Ephesians 6:19 – The mystery of the gospel.
Colossians 1:26 – The mystery hidden from ages and generations, but “now” [nuni – just now and at no other time] made known. Colossians 1:27 – Mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you…
Colossians 2:2 – Acknowledgement of the mystery of God….
Colossians 4:3 – Open doors to speak the mystery of Christ….
2 Thessalonians 2:7 – The mystery of iniquity…
1 Timothy 3:9 – Deacons are to hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
1 Timothy 3:16 – Mystery of godilness…..
Our Lord's Earthly Ministry
Biblical Discernment
d_jjackson@hotmail.com
Earthly Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ
First Advent
Many will be surprised to learn that our Lord’s earthly ministry [first advent] was primarily to one people – Israel.
It is true that He ministered to the Roman Centurion, the Samaritan women at the well and the Syrophenician woman. We will look at those encounters first.
The Centurion – Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10.
The Samaritan – John 4:5-38.
The Syrophenician woman – Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30.
Some Greeks seek the Lord Jesus – John 12:20ff – There is no Biblical record that He gave them an audience.
In the matter of the Centurion, Samaritan and Syrophenican, the Biblical record indicates that they all came to the Lord Jesus. The Centurion was a friend of Israel and had built them a synagogue. Could this have been Cornelius? The Lord told the Samaritan woman that “…salvation is of the Jews” [John 4:22]. The Lord called the Syrophencian woman a [cur] dog. Israel must first be fed [Mark 7:27]. When she addressed Him as “son of David” He refused to respond to her. She had no claim to Him as “son of David.” When she addressed Him as “Lord,” He responded. All of these non-Jews reached over a dispensational barrier and received “kingdom” blessings from the Lord during His earthly ministry. Was this a foretaste of the Gentiles coming into “kingdom" blessings as foretold by the prophets? Remember, the Body of Christ was never the subject of OT prophecy.
The Lord’s earthly ministry – The Lord Jesus’ public ministry begins in Matthew 4:12. Note verse 17, His message was essentially the same as John the Baptist’s; “Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” cf. Matthew 3:2. In Matthew 4:23 He is preaching the “gospel of the kingdom.” What is this gospel? Does it include His death, burial and resurrection? Are we to proclaim the “gospel of the kingdom” in this dispensation? In Matthew 9:35 He continues this gospel. Note that it includes miracles. Now we come to Matthew chapter 10 where He sends the 12 out:
Vs 5 – “……..go not into the way of the Gentiles [or Samaritans]…;
Vs 6 – “…go….to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. The twelve were to proclaim the kingdom of heaven at hand and miracles accompanied their ministry. Notice that in the dispensation of the grace of God we “walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7.
Matthew 15:21-28 – This is the account of the Syrophenician woman. You will recall that the Lord blessed her only after she recognized her subservient role to Israel. Now note Vs 24 – “…..I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
Paul verifies this fact in Romans 15:8 – “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers…..” He further indicates that the Law was still in effect when our Lord came in His first advent – Galatians 4:4, 5.
So we see that the Lord Jesus Christ ministered to three non-Jews [as far as the Biblical record goes] who came to Him. He sent the twelve to the “lost sheep” of Israel and told the Gentile woman that He was “sent only to the lost sheep” of Israel.
What does all this tell us? The prophetic plan was for Israel to come to the Lord first. They in turn would evangelize the Gentile world. Israel rejected the Lord Jesus and was set aside [temporarily] in Acts 28. They, today, are Lo-ammi [not my people] during this dispensation of the grace of God. But God will once more take up with Israel after the “fullness of the Gentiles be come in.” Romans 11:25. The present church-age is a parentheses.
d_jjackson@hotmail.com
Earthly Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ
First Advent
Many will be surprised to learn that our Lord’s earthly ministry [first advent] was primarily to one people – Israel.
It is true that He ministered to the Roman Centurion, the Samaritan women at the well and the Syrophenician woman. We will look at those encounters first.
The Centurion – Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10.
The Samaritan – John 4:5-38.
The Syrophenician woman – Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30.
Some Greeks seek the Lord Jesus – John 12:20ff – There is no Biblical record that He gave them an audience.
In the matter of the Centurion, Samaritan and Syrophenican, the Biblical record indicates that they all came to the Lord Jesus. The Centurion was a friend of Israel and had built them a synagogue. Could this have been Cornelius? The Lord told the Samaritan woman that “…salvation is of the Jews” [John 4:22]. The Lord called the Syrophencian woman a [cur] dog. Israel must first be fed [Mark 7:27]. When she addressed Him as “son of David” He refused to respond to her. She had no claim to Him as “son of David.” When she addressed Him as “Lord,” He responded. All of these non-Jews reached over a dispensational barrier and received “kingdom” blessings from the Lord during His earthly ministry. Was this a foretaste of the Gentiles coming into “kingdom" blessings as foretold by the prophets? Remember, the Body of Christ was never the subject of OT prophecy.
The Lord’s earthly ministry – The Lord Jesus’ public ministry begins in Matthew 4:12. Note verse 17, His message was essentially the same as John the Baptist’s; “Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” cf. Matthew 3:2. In Matthew 4:23 He is preaching the “gospel of the kingdom.” What is this gospel? Does it include His death, burial and resurrection? Are we to proclaim the “gospel of the kingdom” in this dispensation? In Matthew 9:35 He continues this gospel. Note that it includes miracles. Now we come to Matthew chapter 10 where He sends the 12 out:
Vs 5 – “……..go not into the way of the Gentiles [or Samaritans]…;
Vs 6 – “…go….to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. The twelve were to proclaim the kingdom of heaven at hand and miracles accompanied their ministry. Notice that in the dispensation of the grace of God we “walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7.
Matthew 15:21-28 – This is the account of the Syrophenician woman. You will recall that the Lord blessed her only after she recognized her subservient role to Israel. Now note Vs 24 – “…..I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
Paul verifies this fact in Romans 15:8 – “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers…..” He further indicates that the Law was still in effect when our Lord came in His first advent – Galatians 4:4, 5.
So we see that the Lord Jesus Christ ministered to three non-Jews [as far as the Biblical record goes] who came to Him. He sent the twelve to the “lost sheep” of Israel and told the Gentile woman that He was “sent only to the lost sheep” of Israel.
What does all this tell us? The prophetic plan was for Israel to come to the Lord first. They in turn would evangelize the Gentile world. Israel rejected the Lord Jesus and was set aside [temporarily] in Acts 28. They, today, are Lo-ammi [not my people] during this dispensation of the grace of God. But God will once more take up with Israel after the “fullness of the Gentiles be come in.” Romans 11:25. The present church-age is a parentheses.
Our Lord's Last 40 Days on Earth
Biblical Discernment
Our Lord’s Last 40 Days on Earth
What Did He Teach?
d_jjackson@hotmail.com
Our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ spent His last 40 days on earth teaching the eleven apostles about the “kingdom of God.”
Acts 1:3 – “….being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”
Which Scriptures did our Lord use in teaching the eleven about the kingdom?
Luke 24:25-27 – “Then He said unto them, O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures, the things concerning Himself.”
Luke 24:44-45 – “And He said unto them, these are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me.
Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures.”
So, we see, that our Lord taught about the kingdom of God from the Old Testament Scriptures. As we have seen before, the O.T. Scriptures have much to say about a coming kingdom on earth, with our Lord Jesus Christ sitting on David’s throne in Jerusalem, and ruling over Israel and the nations. The O.T. Scriptures did not foretell the church, the Body of Christ. This revelation was reserved for the apostle Paul, by the exalted, risen Lord.
As we continue in Acts, the eleven ask our Lord a very logical question: Acts 1:6 – “….Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?”
Now our Lord had “opened their understanding” of the Scriptures, so they understood perfectly what He was teaching them. Notice this: Their first order of business after the Lord’s ascension was to bring their number back up to twelve. Why is this important? Would the number twelve be significant to Israel and the kingdom? Our Lord Jesus Christ had told the twelve: Matthew 19:28 – “…verily I say unto you that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of Man shall sit on the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
When we turn to Acts 3:18-21 we find that Peter offers the return of our Lord [as Israel’s Messiah] contingent upon Israel’s repentance. Notice that these things had been “spoken by the mouth of all His Holy prophets since the world began” [Acts 3:21b].
The Commissions given by our Lord Jesus Christ during the 40 days
Remember that our Lord Jesus Christ “opened their [the 11] understanding” of the O.T. Scriptures about the earthly kingdom during this 40 day period. He also gave the eleven [later twelve] their “marching orders.” Since He had taught them about the “kingdom,” it stands to reason that their “marching orders” would involve this kingdom.
Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye…teach all nations….baptizing them [the nations] in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit…teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you…I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” The end of what age? The kingdom age, of course.
This is a “kingdom” commission. That’s all the Lord Jesus Christ had taught the apostles [about the coming kingdom]. As we come into the book of Acts the twelve [with Peter as their spokesman] go only to Israel [at the onset]. They baptized the Jews in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ [not in the “name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”]. An example of the “all things” He had taught them would be Matthew 23:2,3. they were to obey “….those that sit in Moses seat….”
The twelve never fulfilled this commission as far as the Biblical record goes. They even [later] gave Paul the “…right hand of fellowship…” and agreed that they would confine their ministry to Israel [Galatians 2:7-9]. An example of them doing this would be the book of James, addressed to the “Twelve tribes scattered abroad.” Also, during this “scattering” the twelve remained in Jerusalem [Acts 8:1]. Later, after James was killed, they did not bring their number back up to twelve. Why would that be?????????????? Acts is a transitional book. Sir Robert Anderson has rightfully said, “The book of Acts is not the account of the beginning of the church [The Body of Christ], but is instead the record of the setting aside of the favorite nation [Israel].”
Another commission is found in Mark 16:15-18. “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” What gospel did they know [at this time]? The gospel of the kingdom, of course. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Believeth what? That the Lord Jesus Christ was truly Israel’s Messiah. To manifest their faith in believing this, they were then to submit to water baptism ‘for the remission of sins.’ Acts 2:38. Now watch this: “And these signs shall follow those who believe: [who are the ‘sign’ people? Israel – Acts 2:22; 1 Corinthians 1:22]. In my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
Does this remind us of a commission our Lord gave to the twelve in Matthew 10:5-10? Sure does.
The next commission is found in Luke 24:47-49 – “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”
This “enduement” [empowering] is mentioned in Acts 1:5-8, and took place when [in fulfillment of prophecy] the apostles were baptized by the Lord Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit. This is not the baptism by which one becomes a member of the Body of Christ. That baptism is found in 1 Corinthians 12:13 and the Holy Spirit is the baptizer and the Body of Christ is the element baptized into.
John the Baptist had foretold this ‘enduement’ in Matthew 3:11, and Peter refers to that in Acts 11:16.
Now to John 20:21-23 – “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be upon you; as My Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when He had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Spirit. Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosoever’s sins ye retain, they are retained. “
Rome relies on this verse [and others like it] to justify the forgiveness of sins by their priests. In Matthew 16:19 our Lord Jesus Christ gave to Peter [as the leader of the twelve] the “keys to the kingdom…” And He told Peter, “….whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” The church mentioned in verse 18 cannot be the Body of Christ. In context, it is a future [Messianic] kingdom church.
Notice that this “binding and loosing” takes place on the earth and is confirmed in heaven. This fits perfectly with the earthly kingdom program, but does not fit at all in the Body of Christ [heavenly] program.
Acts 1:8 is next. “But ye shall receive power, after the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Note the order of progression: [1] Jerusalem [2] Judea [the Jews had to be filled first] – “But Jesus said unto her, Let the children [Israel] first be filled; for it is not right to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs” [Mark 7:27] [3] Samaria [half Jews] – You will recall that our Lord told the woman at the well [a Samaritan] that “….salvation is of the Jews.” John 4:22.
Later, our Lord Jesus Christ raised up Saul of Tarsus and made him the apostle Paul. He appointed Paul to be the “apostle to the Gentiles” [Romans 11:13]. He gave to Paul the marching orders for the Body of Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:19-21. We, in the Body of Christ, are to be trained and equipped by the pastor/teacher to ‘do the work of the ministry.’ We are to be trained to be ambassadors for the Lord Jesus Christ and we have been given the ministry of the word of reconciliation.
Further, we are to make known the ‘mystery’ and preach the ‘unsearchable riches’ of the Lord Jesus Christ: Ephesians 3:8 ,9.
“Unto me, who am less than the least of all the saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable [untraceable] riches of Christ. And to make all [men] see what is the fellowship [i.e.,. dispensation] of the mystery…..”
Our Lord’s Last 40 Days on Earth
What Did He Teach?
d_jjackson@hotmail.com
Our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ spent His last 40 days on earth teaching the eleven apostles about the “kingdom of God.”
Acts 1:3 – “….being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”
Which Scriptures did our Lord use in teaching the eleven about the kingdom?
Luke 24:25-27 – “Then He said unto them, O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures, the things concerning Himself.”
Luke 24:44-45 – “And He said unto them, these are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me.
Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures.”
So, we see, that our Lord taught about the kingdom of God from the Old Testament Scriptures. As we have seen before, the O.T. Scriptures have much to say about a coming kingdom on earth, with our Lord Jesus Christ sitting on David’s throne in Jerusalem, and ruling over Israel and the nations. The O.T. Scriptures did not foretell the church, the Body of Christ. This revelation was reserved for the apostle Paul, by the exalted, risen Lord.
As we continue in Acts, the eleven ask our Lord a very logical question: Acts 1:6 – “….Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?”
Now our Lord had “opened their understanding” of the Scriptures, so they understood perfectly what He was teaching them. Notice this: Their first order of business after the Lord’s ascension was to bring their number back up to twelve. Why is this important? Would the number twelve be significant to Israel and the kingdom? Our Lord Jesus Christ had told the twelve: Matthew 19:28 – “…verily I say unto you that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of Man shall sit on the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
When we turn to Acts 3:18-21 we find that Peter offers the return of our Lord [as Israel’s Messiah] contingent upon Israel’s repentance. Notice that these things had been “spoken by the mouth of all His Holy prophets since the world began” [Acts 3:21b].
The Commissions given by our Lord Jesus Christ during the 40 days
Remember that our Lord Jesus Christ “opened their [the 11] understanding” of the O.T. Scriptures about the earthly kingdom during this 40 day period. He also gave the eleven [later twelve] their “marching orders.” Since He had taught them about the “kingdom,” it stands to reason that their “marching orders” would involve this kingdom.
Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye…teach all nations….baptizing them [the nations] in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit…teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you…I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” The end of what age? The kingdom age, of course.
This is a “kingdom” commission. That’s all the Lord Jesus Christ had taught the apostles [about the coming kingdom]. As we come into the book of Acts the twelve [with Peter as their spokesman] go only to Israel [at the onset]. They baptized the Jews in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ [not in the “name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”]. An example of the “all things” He had taught them would be Matthew 23:2,3. they were to obey “….those that sit in Moses seat….”
The twelve never fulfilled this commission as far as the Biblical record goes. They even [later] gave Paul the “…right hand of fellowship…” and agreed that they would confine their ministry to Israel [Galatians 2:7-9]. An example of them doing this would be the book of James, addressed to the “Twelve tribes scattered abroad.” Also, during this “scattering” the twelve remained in Jerusalem [Acts 8:1]. Later, after James was killed, they did not bring their number back up to twelve. Why would that be?????????????? Acts is a transitional book. Sir Robert Anderson has rightfully said, “The book of Acts is not the account of the beginning of the church [The Body of Christ], but is instead the record of the setting aside of the favorite nation [Israel].”
Another commission is found in Mark 16:15-18. “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” What gospel did they know [at this time]? The gospel of the kingdom, of course. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Believeth what? That the Lord Jesus Christ was truly Israel’s Messiah. To manifest their faith in believing this, they were then to submit to water baptism ‘for the remission of sins.’ Acts 2:38. Now watch this: “And these signs shall follow those who believe: [who are the ‘sign’ people? Israel – Acts 2:22; 1 Corinthians 1:22]. In my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
Does this remind us of a commission our Lord gave to the twelve in Matthew 10:5-10? Sure does.
The next commission is found in Luke 24:47-49 – “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”
This “enduement” [empowering] is mentioned in Acts 1:5-8, and took place when [in fulfillment of prophecy] the apostles were baptized by the Lord Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit. This is not the baptism by which one becomes a member of the Body of Christ. That baptism is found in 1 Corinthians 12:13 and the Holy Spirit is the baptizer and the Body of Christ is the element baptized into.
John the Baptist had foretold this ‘enduement’ in Matthew 3:11, and Peter refers to that in Acts 11:16.
Now to John 20:21-23 – “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be upon you; as My Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when He had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Spirit. Whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosoever’s sins ye retain, they are retained. “
Rome relies on this verse [and others like it] to justify the forgiveness of sins by their priests. In Matthew 16:19 our Lord Jesus Christ gave to Peter [as the leader of the twelve] the “keys to the kingdom…” And He told Peter, “….whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” The church mentioned in verse 18 cannot be the Body of Christ. In context, it is a future [Messianic] kingdom church.
Notice that this “binding and loosing” takes place on the earth and is confirmed in heaven. This fits perfectly with the earthly kingdom program, but does not fit at all in the Body of Christ [heavenly] program.
Acts 1:8 is next. “But ye shall receive power, after the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Note the order of progression: [1] Jerusalem [2] Judea [the Jews had to be filled first] – “But Jesus said unto her, Let the children [Israel] first be filled; for it is not right to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs” [Mark 7:27] [3] Samaria [half Jews] – You will recall that our Lord told the woman at the well [a Samaritan] that “….salvation is of the Jews.” John 4:22.
Later, our Lord Jesus Christ raised up Saul of Tarsus and made him the apostle Paul. He appointed Paul to be the “apostle to the Gentiles” [Romans 11:13]. He gave to Paul the marching orders for the Body of Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:19-21. We, in the Body of Christ, are to be trained and equipped by the pastor/teacher to ‘do the work of the ministry.’ We are to be trained to be ambassadors for the Lord Jesus Christ and we have been given the ministry of the word of reconciliation.
Further, we are to make known the ‘mystery’ and preach the ‘unsearchable riches’ of the Lord Jesus Christ: Ephesians 3:8 ,9.
“Unto me, who am less than the least of all the saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable [untraceable] riches of Christ. And to make all [men] see what is the fellowship [i.e.,. dispensation] of the mystery…..”
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