Turned Away and Lost

Biblical Discernment

Turned Away and Lost

d_jjackson@hotmail.com


Paul’s sad comment in II Timothy 1:15 is said by some historians led to a loss of vital Biblical truths for the Body of Christ and contributed to bringing in the historical period we call “the dark ages.”

It has been suggested that these vital truths were lost in a particular order. To wit:

The Distinctive Message and Ministry of Paul. II Timothy 1:15

The Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Body of Christ.

The Marked Difference Between Israel and the Body of Christ.

Justification by Faith Alone, in Christ Alone. Acts 13:39

These truths were slowly recovered, also in a particular order. To wit:

Justification by Faith Alone, in Christ Alone. Protestant Reformation in the 16th Century via Luther, et al.
The Difference Between Israel and The Church , the Body of Christ. Recovered in the 1800s by John Nelson Darby, Ethelbert William Bullinger, Sir Robert Anderson, et al.
The Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Body of Christ. Recovered in the 1900th century by J.N. Darby and included by C.I. Schofield in his Reference Bible, published in 1909.
The Distinctive Message and Ministry of Paul. Recovered in the 1900s by J.C. O’Hair, Charles Baker, C.R. Stam, et al.


Out of this dark period came some 400 plus denominations. Each denomination can be identified by the Jewish doctrines they mixed with those for the Body of Christ. Consider this scenario:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A man, obviously distressed, stands on a street corner. Mr. Fundamental Baptist stops and asks if he can be of help. The man confesses that he has come to the realization that he is lost in his sins. Mr. Baptist proceeds to take out his New Testament and lead the man down the “Roman road.” He also cites Acts 16:31; John 3:36 and Ephesians 2:8,9. And tells the man that the solution to his problem is to simply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of his sins. Standing nearby is a Roman Catholic, who, after hearing the exchange, interrupts and tells Mr. Baptist, “Have you forgotten James 2:20, “Faith without works is dead.” And will you also read verse 24? “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith alone.” He then proceeds to cite Acts 2:38 to prove that the man must be baptized in order to be saved. A Campbellite interrupts and says, “I am glad you mentioned Acts 2:38, you must also show him Mark 16:15,16. He turns to the man and says, “Isn’t that plain? A Pentecostal, overhearing the conversation, breaks in with, “Why didn’t you read Mark 16:17,18. “And these signs shall follow them that believe…..” “Isn’t that perfectly clear? Now a Seventh Day Adventist breaks into the conversation: “Have you forgotten that there is an Old Testament in the Bible. He proceeds to cite Exodus 19:5 and 31:13 and 17 to the lost man.

Can you even begin to imagine the confusion all of this has caused? Even in this “enlightened” day there is very little effort in Christendom to “rightly divide the Word of Truth.” [2 Tim. 2:15]. The prevailing theology is Covenant/Reformed/Replacement Theology. This is a system of “spiritualizing” Scripture. The premise is that God is finished dealing with Israel and the Church has taken Israel’s place in the scheme of things. The Church becomes “Spiritual Israel.” The other major approach to the Word of God is Dispensational Theology. This system takes a historical/literal approach to Scripture and marks the distinctions between Israel and the Church. Further, dispensationalists recognize the distinct ministry of the Apostle Paul to the Church and the twelve to Israel. Most denominations make no effort to understand nor teach the marked distinctions between Israel and the Body of Christ. Paul is considered to be just another apostle – one of the twelve. The pre-tribulation rapture of the church is either not taught or is confused with our Lord’s second coming. And the kingdom of the gospels and Acts is confused with the Body of Christ. This is the state of confusion in Christendom today.

How christendom Presents The Lord Jesus Christ

Biblical Discernment

How Does Christendom Present The Lord Jesus Christ?

d_jjackson@hotmail.com


At this time of year we see a myriad of “Nativity” scenes at churches and in individual yards. There is a movie of the same title now showing. Recently I saw the Nativity scene in two fast food restaurants. Questions:

[1] Who are the authority figure[s] in the “Nativity” scene?

[2] Paul writes that “we no longer know Him [The Lord Jesus Christ] after the flesh” - Is there any Biblical warrant for ignoring this Scripture? [2 Corinthians 5:16]

[3] Are we to present the “Baby Jesus” or the exalted, risen Lord of glory to a lost and dying world?



Many, many folks wear the “crucifix” on a gold chain around their necks. Now the crucifix portrays our Lord Jesus Christ as a corpse, hanging on the cross. Questions:

[1] Is the crucifix, in reality, a denial of our Lord’s resurrection?

[2] Is His resurrection part of the plan of salvation?


Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind, overcame death and is now risen, exalted and at the right hand of God. He is not a helpless baby lying in a crib. He is not a corpse hanging on the cross. But this is how Christendom presents Him.

What do you think?

Our Blessed Hope

Biblical Discernment

Our Blessed Hope

jacksdon@gmail.com


Several years ago I was attending a men’s Sunday school class at a local church in Kentucky. The men in the class asked me to teach. The first two Sundays I taught on “Our Blessed Hope.” I was quite surprised to learn that the men in the class had never heard of this great doctrine. I decided to run a small experiment: I asked the first five people that I saw, after the second class, “Can you tell me what our blessed hope is?” Not one of them knew. A Sunday school teacher asked me, “Is this a trick question?” When I came for the 3rd Sunday I discovered that the class had been disbanded and the men scattered to other classes. I was assigned to an “old man’s” class where no one had a Bible and most of the men slept during class. I soon exited stage left.


One of the great reasons for the “religious” confusion existing today is the failure to ascertain just what God’s program is in this dispensation of the grace of God. During this present age God is doing one thing and one thing only. He is bringing into existence, and bringing to completion the Church which is the Body of Christ. Needless to say, this is not a denominational church, in spite of what many zealous denominationalists may think. God says, “There is ONE Body [Ephesians 4:4]. Truly it has been the Devil’s trick to divide and subdivide the members of the ONE Body into innumerable sects and “religious” groups, thus causing them to lose their testimony and discrediting them with the world.


The one true Bible Church is not an organization, but a Divine organism. It is the Body of Christ, and it is composed of every blood-washed, redeemed child of God saved during this church-age. Soon the last member of this Body will be added to the church, and then the Body will be “caught up” to meet the Head, the Lord Jesus Christ, in glory. We call this the “rapture of the church.” The occurrence of this wondrous event will take place when the Body of Christ is complete.


Paul is the only New Testament writer to reveal the great truth of our blessed hope:

In Titus 2:1 Paul exhorts the pastor/teacher to: “…speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” He mentions our “blessed hope” in verse 13:

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ.”


1 Corinthians 15:51 “Behold I show you a mystery [a sacred secret]: We shall not all sleep [i.e., die], but we shall be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump [of this age]; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 “But I would not have you to be ignorant brethren, concerning them who are asleep [those who have died in Christ], that ye sorrow not, even as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also who sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not precede them who are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend form heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first; Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore, comfort one another with these words.”

This wonderful “hope” is for the Body of Christ only; and will occur before the great tribulation and the return of our Lord to earth to rule and reign over Israel and the nations in the millennial kingdom.

Judy's Study of Acts

October 23, 2008
Dear Ones:
My sweetheart of 52+ years is doing a verse by verse study of the books of the Bible. She is doing this without interference or input from me. Periodically I ask her, “How is you study going?” She is presently in the book of Acts and this is what she told me recently:
1. The eleven asked a logical question in light of the Lord’s teaching during His last 40 days on earth. Acts 1:6; Luke 24:25-27, 44-47
2. The eleven were to tarry at Jerusalem until they are baptized WITH the Holy Spirit, not BY the Holy Spirit – Acts 1:5 notice “with” – contrast 1 Corinthians 12:13 notice “by.”
3. The eleven, later twelve, were to evangelize in a definite geographical order: Jerusalem, Judea, [to the Jew first – Mark 7:27] Samaria [half Jews], and the utter most part of the earth. Israel must first come to Messiah before the twelve would go to the rest of the earth.
4. After the ascension of our Lord, the eleven make it their FIRST order of business to bring their number back up to twelve. This looks forward to the offer of the kingdom to Israel in Acts 3. Our Lord, during His earthly ministry, had told the twelve that they would “…sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” in this kingdom – Matthew 19:28. This has nothing to do with the Body of Christ.
5. On the day of Pentecost, only Jews and proselytes were present to hear Peter’s first speech – Acts 2:5-11.
6. Peter stands to make his speech and he addresses “Ye men of JUDEA,” “Ye men of ISRAEL” – Acts 2:14 and 22.
7. Peter does not preach the good news of the cross [The gospel of the grace of God], but preaches the cross as bad news – Acts 2:23-36. Note in vs 36 he is addressing “…all the house of Israel..” This is national Israel.
8. In verse 37 they ask, “…men and brethren, what shall WE do?” National Israel again.
9. Peter tells Israel that they must “…repent and be baptized, EVERY ONE OF YOU, IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST [not in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit], FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS…” Only then would Israel receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
10. In Acts 3 Peter and John, on their way to the TEMPLE, encounter a lame man begging alms. Peter and John heal him and he goes leaping into the temple. This is a picture of Israel healed and entering the kingdom – Isaiah 35:5,6.
11. Peter now offers the kingdom to Israel [there are now 12 apostles to sit on the twelve thrones] – Acts 3:19-21. This is contingent upon Israel turning to their Messiah.
12. Peter tells his listeners that, “Ye are the [sons] of the prophets, and of the COVENANT which God made with our fathers….” – Acts 3:35 and he says that “…all the PROPHETS…foretold…these days – Acts 3:34. This would rule out that the Body of Christ is in view here because the prophets knew nothing of the Church.
13. Chapter 4, Peter is still addressing Israel [nationally], “…all the people of Israel…” – Acts 4:10.
14. In chapter 5, Peter again accuses Israel of murdering their Messiah [Acts 5:30] and presents the Messiah, exalted and at the right hand of God, “to be a Prince and a Savior to I-S-R-A-E-L…”
Judy asked me: “How do ministers get the Body of Christ out of all this?” My answer to her, “They must take clear Scripture and ‘SPIRITUALIZE” it to mean something other than it says.

Shortly after I was saved by the grace of God, I “joined” a local assembly. Come Monday evening I was sent out to “cold canvas” [knock on doors] and present the gospel. I might add that I was sent out by myself. I was a real neophyte, but I had written down the “Roman road” of Scriptures and was eager to present the gospel to anyone that I met. The very first door that I knocked on belonged to a Campbellite preacher [oh woe is me]. He invited me in and I duly presented the Roman road to him. He was very kind to me and asked me to turn to the following Scriptures: [He wanted to prove to me that you must be baptized in water for the forgiveness of sins.]

Mark 1:4 “The baptism of repentance FOR the remission of sins.”
Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved….”
Acts 2:38 “Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.” Sounds just like Mark 1:4.
Acts 22:16 “Arise and be baptized to wash away thy sins…”

There were others, but you get the picture. I went back to my pastor and showed him these Scriptures. His reaction to all of them was: “Oh, those Scriptures don’t mean that!” He then “spiritualized” them to mean something entirely different from what they say. I knew that something was wrong here. I was now dependent on this good man to tell me what the Scriptures mean. And they [apparently] didn’t mean what they said. This set me on a path to study the Word of God. And find the answer[s] to this dilemma. I soon discovered that if I was going to really study the Word I must do it at home. The Bible study at church was so superficial and very “spiritualized.”

How would you answer the Campbellite preacher on the Scriptures listed above?

Our Great Commission

Biblical Discernment

Our “Great Commission”

jacksdon@gmail.com


While the term “Great Commission” is not found in the Bible, every commission given by our Lord is a “Great Commission.”

The apostle Paul refers to the gospel that he preached as “my gospel” [Romans 16:25, “that gospel that I preach among the Gentiles” [Galatians 2:2], “the gospel of the grace of God” [Acts 20:24], “the gospel of your salvation” [Ephesians 1:13], “the gospel of peace” [Ephesians 6:15], and “the gospel of God” [1 Thessalonians 2:2]. He also calls it, “the gospel by which you are saved” [1 Corinthians 15:1,2].

Most frequently folks refer to Paul’s gospel as the “gospel of the grace of God,” or, simply as “the gospel.” Regardless of what it is called, it is THE GOSPEL that was revealed to Paul for the Body of Christ, and it is different from the “gospel of the kingdom” preached by John the Baptist, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the twelve.
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all the nations; and then shall the end come.” The end of what? The end of the tribulation [vs 29ff]. Our Lord Jesus Christ speaking in Matthew 24:14. Once, in a discussion with a minister, I asked him, “Which gospel are we to preach in this dispensation of the grace of God, the gospel of the kingdom or the gospel of the grace of God?” He replied, “The gospel of the kingdom, of course!” Hmmmmmmm!

Our Lord Jesus Christ, in His ministry to Israel, foretold that the “gospel of the kingdom” will be preached in all the world prior to His second coming to establish that kingdom on earth. He is not saying that the gospel of the grace of God will be preached around the world prior to the rapture. There is a huge difference here. Of course we are to preach and spread the gospel of the grace of God wherever we are, but that is not what the Lord Jesus Christ was referring to in Matthew 24. He is speaking of the tribulation [vs 21-29] and the fact that the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world during that trying period. It will be preached by 144,000 Jews [Revelation 7:1-8], and the two witnesses of Revelation 11:3-12. This is after all Christians have been caught up in the rapture [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18].

Are we to preach the gospel of the kingdom in this dispensation of the grace of God? Of course not. Paul warns: “If any man preach any other gospel unto you that ye have not received, let him be accursed” [Galatians 1:9]. We are to preach Paul’s “my gospel” to a lost and dying world.

But what about the “Great Commission” of Matthew 28:19-20? Earlier we mentioned that no where in the Bible is this called “The Great Commission.”
This commission was given to the eleven [Jews] for the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom to Israel. It is not referring to Paul’s gospel, which had not yet been revealed.

Our Lord Jesus Christ gave other “Great Commissions” to this same group of men. Note the following:

1. Matthew 10:5ff cf Matthew 15:24
2. Mark 16:15-18 cf Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21
3. Luke 24:44-49 cf Acts 1:8
4. John 20:21-23 cf Matthew 19:28; Matthew 16:19

The apostle Paul does provide evangelistic instructions for the Body of Christ. The “Great Commission” for the Body of Christ can be found in 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 and Ephesians 3:9. We are to be well trained “ambassadors for the Lord Jesus Christ.” We are to preach the word of “reconciliation” and we are to make “all [men] see what is the revelation of the MYSTERY” as revealed to Paul by the Risen, exalted Lord Jesus Christ, for the Body of Christ.

Would You Agree?

Biblical Discernment

Would You Agree?

jacksdon@gmail.com


Would you agree that God admonishes us to study and to “rightly divide the Word of Truth” in order to be approved of Him? 2 Timothy 2:15

Would you agree that our Lord Jesus Christ, in His first advent, came only to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel?” Matthew 15:24; Romans 15:8

Would you agree that there is a great difference between the gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of the grace of God? “Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins” vs “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. Acts 2:38 vs Acts 16:31

Would you agree that Israel has an earthly hope and calling while the Body of Christ has a heavenly hope and calling? Matthew 6:10; Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 3:20

Would you agree that the Body of Christ is NOT “spiritual Israel?”

Would you agree that Peter was addressing Israel on the Day of Pentecost? Acts 2:22.

Would you agree that Peter is offering the “kingdom” to Israel in early Acts? Acts 3:19-21

Would you agree that Peter presents our Lord Jesus Christ to be a Prince and a Savior to Israel in Acts? Acts 5:31

Would you agree that Peter and the twelve were sent to baptize while Paul was not sent to baptize? Matthew 28:19 vs 1 Corinthians 1:17

Would you agree that water baptism was required under the gospel of the kingdom as an act of faith? Mark 1:4; Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16

Would you agree that water baptism is not required in the dispensation of the grace of God? 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:5

Would you agree that the 12 apostles agreed to confine their ministry to Israel and to preach the gospel of the circumcision in their ministry? Galatians 2:1-9

Would you agree that Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles during this dispensation of the grace of God? Romans 10:13

Pentecost - What is it? And What do we do With Acts 2:38

Biblical Discernment

Pentecost – What is it?
And what do we do with Acts 2:38?
jacksdon@gmail.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 “..kingdom 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 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].

In Me First

Biblical discernment
In Me First
jacksdon@gmail.com

1Ti 1:16 Howbeit235 for this cause1223, 5124 I obtained mercy,1653 that2443 in1722 me1698 first4413 Jesus2424 Christ5547 might show forth1731 all3956 longsuffering,3115 for4314 a pattern5296 to them which should hereafter3195 believe4100 on1909 him846 to1519 life2222 everlasting.166

Strong's Greek Dictionary4413. protosSearch for G4413 in KJVSL
prwtoV protos pro'-tos
contracted superlative of 4253; foremost (in time, place, order or importance):--before, beginning, best, chief(-est), first (of all), former.
See Greek 4253
Strong's Greek Dictionary5296. hupotuposisSearch for G5296 in KJVSL
upotupwsiV hupotuposis hoop-ot-oop'-o-sis
from a compound of 5259 and a derivative of 5179; typification under (after), i.e. (concretely) a sketch (figuratively) for imitation:--form, pattern.
See Greek 5259 See Greek 5179
1Co 3:10 According2596 to the3588 grace5485 of God2316 which is given1325 unto me,3427 as5613 a wise4680 masterbuilder,753 I have laid5087 the foundation,2310 and1161 another243 buildeth thereon.2026 But1161 let every man1538 take heed991 how4459 he buildeth thereupon.2026
trong's Greek Dictionary753. architektonSearch for G753 in KJVSL
arcitektwn architekton ar-khee-tek'-tone
from 746 and 5045; a chief constructor, i.e. "architect":--masterbuilder.
See Greek 746 See Greek 5045

Forgiven, Forever

Biblical Discernment

Forgiven, Forever

jacksdon@gmail.com


Ephesians 1:3-7

Have you ever noticed how most people, pastors, S.S. teachers, and pew packers pray? Most always we ask God to “forgive us of our sins.” Paul, our apostle, exhorts us to “Pray without ceasing” [1 Thessalonians 5:17]. Someone has said that he means for us to pray with the frequency of a hacking cough. He has set the example for us in praying: “Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers” [Romans 1:9]. “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith…” [1 Thessalonians 1:2,3]. “…Without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers…” [2 Timothy 1:3]. BUT NEVER DO WE FIND PAUL PRAYING FOR FORGIVENESS OF SIN; NEVER DO WE FIND HIM INSTRUCTING US TO PRAY FOR FORGIVENESS OF SIN. And yet he continually enjoins us to live spiritually, to be continually thankful for all things – even for our suffering.

To most praying saints, the focal point of their petition is to beg God to forgive them for their sins. It would shock and dismay many such devoted and faithful believers, were they to be advised that this is not honoring to God. Why should we not plead with God to be forgiven of our sins? The apostle answers this question frequently throughout his epistles. A notable example is this exhortation: “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as GOD FOR CHRIST’S SAKE HATH [past tense] FORGIVEN YOU” [Ephesians 4:32 – contrast Matthew 6:12,14,and 15].

Every believer in this dispensation of the grace of God [Ephesians 3:2] has been saved by God’s grace [Ephesians 2:8,9] and we are “complete in Him” [Colossians 2:9,10]. We do not pray to God for forgiveness, because we are ALREADY FORGIVEN!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. According as He has chosen us in Him BEFORE the foundation of the world, that we should be without blame before Him, in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, through which He hath made us ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED; In whom we have redemption through His Blood, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS according to the riches of His grace.”

Adapted from an article by Pastor Robert Hanna, Amazing Grace Magazine, July-August, 2007, p 9.

Colossians 2:13 “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He made alive together with Him, HAVING FORGIVEN YOU ALL TRESPASSES.”
Do you realize that most church members and preachers do not kn

Before the Foundation and From the Foundation

Biblical Discernment

Before the Foundation and From the Foundation

jacksdon@gmail.com


Have you ever noticed the primary particle “from” and the preposition “before”as used in the following Scriptures? Have you ever lingered on them and studied the context? Let’s do that now.

The phrase “from the foundation of the world” is first used in the New Testament in Matthew 13:35 –

KJV “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, saying, I
will open my mouth in parables: I will utter things which have been
kept secret from the foundation of the world.”

You will recall that our Lord Jesus Christ spoke in parables while explaining some of the mysteries of the kingdom that was promised to Israel from the foundation of the world. Notice also that the prophets foretold this kingdom.

Luke 11:50

“That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation
Of the world, may be required of this generation.

Here the Lord Jesus Christ is talking to the “religious” crowd [Pharisees] of His day and declaring the “woes” upon them. Notice that the “prophets” are mentioned again.

Matthew 25:34

“Then shall the king say unto them on His right hand, Come ye blessed
Of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation
Of the world.”

The scene is the judgment of the Gentile nations at our Lord’s second advent, when He comes to set up that “kingdom” that the prophets foretold. At this time the nations will be judged, including Israel. And Israel will be placed on His right hand [the sheep] and the Gentile nations [the goats] will be placed on His left hand. The sheep will “inherit” the kingdom promised and prepared for them from the foundation of the world.

Other verses that mention the phrase “from the foundation of the world are Hebrews 4:3; Revelation 13:8 and Revelation 17:8. A common thread in all of these verses is that they speak of things “from the foundation of the world” and involve the prophets and Israel.


Now, let us contrast the phrase “before the foundation of the world.”

Our Lord’s high priestly prayer [the true “Lord’s Prayer”] is found in the 17th chapter of the gospel of John. In verse 24 we find Him praying:

“Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where
I am, that they may behold my Glory, which thou hast given me; for
Thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.”

So the Lord Jesus Christ was loved by God the Father before the foundation of the world.

Now notice where we [members of the Body of Christ, the church of this dispensation of the grace of God] stood before the foundation of the world:

Ephesians 1:4

“According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world,
That we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.”
===============================================================
1 Peter 1:20 also speaks of the Lord Jesus Christ being foreordained before the foundation of the world………

You will note that Peter writes to the “dispersed Jews.”

Israel has a glorious future in the coming kingdom that was foretold by all the prophets [see Acts 3:18, 24, 25 for example]. In this kingdom Israel will be the “head and not the tail.” [Deuteronomy 28:13] and the twelve apostles will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel [on earth – Matthew 19:28].

So Israel has an earthly hope and calling. While the Body of Christ has a heavenly hope and calling [see Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 3:20; and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.] “chosen in Him BEFORE the foundation of the world.”

This is “rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” [2 Timothy 2:15].

Did You Know?

Biblical Discernment

Did You Know?

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“Through Paul alone we know that the church is not an organization, but an organism, the Body of Christ; distinct with His life, and heavenly in calling, promise, and destiny. Through him alone we know the nature, purpose, and form of organization of local churches, and the right conduct of such gatherings. Through him alone do we know that ‘we shall not all sleep,’ and that ‘the dead in Christ shall rise first,’ and that living saints shall be changed and caught up to meet the Lord in the air at His return. [Scofield Study Bible, C.I. Scofield, Editor. Oxford University Press, 1917, page 1189.]”

Did you know that the twelve did not know of our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection when they were sent out to preach “the gospel?” Luke 9:6; 18:31-34. So what was the gospel they were preaching?

Did you know that even after our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection, the eleven did not know that He was to rise from the dead? John 20:9.

Did you know that the Body of Christ was a mystery, hidden in God, until the Lord Jesus Christ revealed it to Paul? Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:25-27.

Did you know that Paul is the only New Testament writer to speak of the Body of Christ? 1 Corinthians 12:27.

Did you know that Paul is the only New Testament writer to mention the “one baptism” of 1 Corinthians 12:13. “For by one Spirit were we all baptized into one Body…….”

Did you know that on the day of Pentecost the Lord Jesus Christ is the baptizer, baptizing the kingdom believers with the Holy Spirit? This is not the baptism of 1 Corinthians 12:13.

Did you know that our Lord’s earthly ministry [1st advent] was strictly to Israel? Matthew 15:24; Romans 15:8.

Did you know that you can not read Paul’s revelations into the gospels and Acts. That is “anticipating” revelations.
Did you know that Paul’s epistles are the most neglected in Chr

Following Paul as He Followed The Lord Jesus Christ

Biblical Discernment
Following Paul as he Followed The Lord Jesus Christ
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1Co 14:37 If any man1536 think himself1380 to be1511 a prophet,4396 or2228 spiritual,4152 let him acknowledge1921 that3754 the things that3739 I write1125 unto you5213 are1526 the commandments1785 of the3588 Lord.2962
2Pe 3:15 And2532 account2233 that the3588 longsuffering3115 of our2257 Lord2962 is salvation;4991 even as2532 our2257 beloved27 brother80 Paul3972 also2532 according2596 to the3588 wisdom4678 given1325 unto him846 hath written1125 unto you;5213
2Pe 3:16 As5613 also2532 in1722 all3956 his epistles,1992 speaking2980 in1722 them846 of4012 these things;5130 in1722 which3739 are2076 some things5100 hard to be understood,1425 which3739 they that are unlearned261 and2532 unstable793 wrest,4761 as5613 they do also2532 the3588 other3062 Scriptures,1124 unto4314 their848 own2398 destruction.684

Paul writes to the Corinthians that the things that he writes are the “commands of the Lord” [Jesus Christ]. And Peter, writing to Israel, indicates that in all of Paul’s epistles there are some things “hard to understand.”

Why would Peter say that Paul writes, in all his epistles, some things that are “hard to understand” if he and Paul preached the same gospel? Also, in verse 15, Peter indicates that Paul has written an epistle to the Hebrews.

Christendom, as a whole, generally denies Paul’s special revelation[s] for the Body of Christ. It is taught that Paul and Peter preached the same things. How could this be??????
The denominational seminaries almost without exception, embrace the “spiritualized” method of Bible study. You will recognize this as the Covenant/Reformed approach. The result of this method of Bible teaching can clearly be seen in today’s churches. Over time, spiritualizing the verses has resulted in a very shallow and carnal type of Christianity. Because of this method of “teaching,” it is not uncommon for a Christian to remain a spiritual baby his entire Christian life. God never intended the seminaries to stunt Christian growth, but sermons are commonly so shallow and spiritualized as to be of little value to the serious student of the Word of God. And it is routine for pastors to follow Peter and designate Paul as just another apostle. How many denominational churches do you know where the pastor is trying to preach and usher in the “kingdom” by spiritualizing Scriptures?

Note the following verses: Paul writing Scripture “hard to understand.”

1Co 11:1 Be1096 ye followers3402 of me,3450 even as2531 I also2504 am of Christ.5547

1Co 4:16 Wherefore3767 I beseech3870 you,5209 be1096 ye followers3402 of me.3450

2Ti 2:7 Consider3539 what3739 I say;3004 and1063 the3588 Lord2962 give1325 thee4671 understanding4907 in1722 all things.3956
2Ti 2:8 Remember3421 that Jesus2424 Christ5547 of1537 the seed4690 of David1138 was raised1453 from1537 the dead3498 according2596 to my3450 gospel:2098

If Peter and Paul were preaching the same message [in the gospels and Acts], then Paul makes a strange statement in Galatians 2:7 –

Gal 2:7 But235 contrariwise,5121 when they saw1492 that3754 the3588 gospel2098 of the3588 uncircumcision203 was committed4100 unto me, as2531 the gospel of the3588 circumcision4061 was unto Peter;4074
Later, after Paul met with James, Peter and John, they began to understand that Paul’s message was different from theirs and they began to apprehend the good news of the cross that Paul preached.

My Gospel #5

Biblical Discernment

My Gospel
5

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We are privileged to live in the “church-age.” Paul says that the Lord Jesus Christ gave to him, for us, the dispensation of the grace of God [the church-age].

Ephesians 3:2,3 – “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the Grace of God WHICH IS GIVEN TO ME to you ward: How that by REVELATION He made known unto me THE MYSTERY.”

Acts 20:24 – “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I HAVE RECEIVED OF THE LORD JESUS, to testify the gospel of the Grace of God.”

Paul identifies himself with this God-given gospel over and over much like Moses did with his word from God to Israel. Paul says “my gospel”, “the gospel given to me”, etc.

Just as Moses was given the pattern for the Tabernacle and the furnishing [Exodus 25:9], Paul was given the pattern for the Body of Christ. In fact, he became the pattern for all those who would follow after –

1 Timothy 1:16 - “….that in me FIRST, Jesus Christ might show forth all long suffering, FOR A PATTERN to them who should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting.

Since he is our pattern, we are to follow Paul:

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Cor. 11:1
Wherefore, I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 1 Cor. 4:16
Brethren, be followers together of me, … Phil. 3:17

Paul tells us that his gospel is “hidden” to them that are LOST. He tells us that the god [small ‘g’] of this age has blinded the minds of them who believe not. 2 Cor. 4:3,4.

Perhaps this is the reason that we seldom hear of Paul’s “my gospel” or the “dispensation of the grace of God.”

Satan just does not want Paul’s gospel preached. Some years ago I was discussing Spiritual matters with a minister. I asked him, “Are we to preach the gospel of the grace of God or the gospel of the kingdom?” His reply is very revealing; “The gospel of the kingdom, of course.”

Paul prays for boldness to make known the “mystery of the gospel.” Eph. 6:19.

He also tells us that we are to “Make all men see what is the fellowship [i.e., dispensation] of the mystery….” Ephesians 3:9

And, “…to preach the unsearchable [untraceable, pass finding out in the O.T. or the gospels] riches of Christ.” Ephesians 3:8b. These “unsearchable riches” can only be found in Paul’s epistles.

My Gospel #4

Biblical Discernment

My Gospel
4

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The resurrected and ascended Lord Jesus Christ taught the apostle Paul his “my gospel,” from His glory in heaven. The Lord Jesus Christ said, “I will show him things…I will send him…” Acts 9:15-16; 26:15-19. Paul spent 3 years in the desert learning all the aspects of the mystery from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s “my gospel” was not from the twelve. Gal. 1:11-12; cf 1 Cor. 11:23: 1 Thess. 4:2.

Paul preached the wisdom of God in a mystery , the hidden, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew…but God hath revealed them to us by His Spirit. 1 Cor 2:7-10 [Notice: Had they known IT {the mystery} they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory [vs 8]. The Body of Christ, with the great doctrines given to Paul, completely caught Satan by surprise.

If we are going to study the great doctrines for the Body of Christ, the church of this dispensation, we must be in Paul’s epistles. The entire mystery package was taught to Paul by the Lord. A couple of years ago a man wrote to me and demanded that I quit preaching the mystery. I told him I couldn’t do that because the mystery is the very heart of Paul’s gospel. The god [small ‘g’] of this age does not want this great message to be preached in or out of our churches. You will not hear it in a denominational church! Paul’s epistles contain all that our Lord taught him from heaven, to wit:

The seven unities of the Body of Christ – Note that they all “ONE”: Ephesians 4:4-6

There is ONE Body – The Body of Christ first revealed to Paul
ONE [Holy] Spirit
ONE hope – the rapture of the church – Our blessed hope First revealed to Paul
ONE LORD – The LORD Jesus Christ – Not the earthly “Jesus” [2 Cor 5:16]
ONE Faith – the saving faith of “believe on the LORD Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”
ONE Baptism – The baptism into the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit [1 Cor 12:13]
ONE God and Father

Paul is the only writer to name the church, in this dispensation of the Grace of God, the Body of Christ – 1 Cor 12:27; Eph 1:22,23
The baptism by the Holy Spirit is new to this dispensation. The baptism that took place on the day of Pentecost is NOT the baptism of 1 Cor 12:13
The rapture of the church is new to Paul’s epistles – 1 Thess 4:13-18; Titus 2:13; 1 Cor 15:51ff
The LORD Jesus Christ is no longer known after the flesh. He is now the risen, exalted Lord. We are not to present Him to a lost and dying mankind as a corpse on a crucifix or as a helpless baby in a manger.
The ONE Faith of simply believing a [The] God, who can not lie, is the ONE great requirement of this dispensation for our salvation. When we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ we have had a change of mind [repentance] about Him and we believe that He has indeed died for our sins [paid the full penalty], been buried and arose again for our justification.
ONE Baptism – Here there is a departure from what denominations teach. They [all] teach two baptisms. The majority teach that the water ritual actually is necessary for our salvation. Others teach that the water ritual is a “symbol.” They are both wrong! The water ritual was required of Israel as the initiatory rite into the Jewish priesthood. And never, in Scripture, is the rite presented as a “symbol.” Our apostle, in his “my gospel”, speaks of the water rite just one time from Romans to Philemon, 1 Cor. 1:16,17.
ONE God the Father. In Paul’s epistles alone we find that in the Lord Jesus Christ “dwells all the fullness of the Godhead, bodily.” Col. 2:9

We can readily see that the visible/professing church is not unified with the seven unities. The God of this age will not permit the preaching of [the Lord] Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery as Paul writes in Romans 16:25. Thus, most of the pew packers in our churches are not established in the faith.

My Gospel #1

Biblical Discernment

“My Gospel”
1
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Paul is the only Biblical writer to designate the gospel that he preached as “my gospel.” He does this three times [Romans 2:16; 16:25; 2 Timothy 2:8] in his writings. Thus, we can safely conclude that Paul’s “my gospel” differed significantly from the gospel preached by John the Baptist, The Lord Jesus Christ [during His earthly ministry] and the twelve apostles.

Paul’s “my gospel” is foundational for salvation in this dispensation of the grace of God that the risen, exalted, Lord Jesus Christ revealed to him from heaven – “If you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me toward you.” [Ephesians 3:2]. The Lord Jesus Christ had said to Ananias about Saul of Tarsus, “…Go thy way; for he [Saul of Tarsus] 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].

Paul’s “my gospel” was not received from the twelve apostles or from any other man, but from the risen, exalted Lord Jesus Christ Himself: “But I make known to you brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ” [Galatians 1:11,12].

Paul’s “my gospel” emphasizes the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ:

Acts 16:31 – “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 – “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye 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 that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”

Note that the gospel by which we are saved includes His death, burial AND resurrection. Leaving Him dead on the cross, as the ‘crucifix” does Is a denial of His resurrection. Note also that Paul emphasizes that we are to “believe in the LORD Jesus Christ” in order to be saved. Not the earthly “Jesus,” but the risen, exalted LORD Jesus Christ.

What about “unless ye have believed in vain?” Is this possible? Paul explains this in verses 12-19. Note verse 17 – “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is in vain, ye are yet in your sins.” No resurrection – No salvation!!!!!!!

Unfortunately, Christendom either presents our Lord Jesus Christ as a helpless infant or as a corpse hanging on the cross.

My Gospel #2

Biblical Discernment

My Gospel”
2

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Paul’s “my gospel” is the most complete gospel ever presented to man by the exalted, risen Lord Jesus Christ. This complete gospel embraces so many revelations from the Lord. Just a few will be listed here –

The mystery is the complete revelation of the Body of Christ to man. It was revealed to Paul, for us, by the risen and exalted Lord Jesus Christ. “How that by revelation he made known unto me the MYSTERY …” Ephesians 3:3. This is one of 17 times that Paul uses the term MYSTERY. It is from the Greek word musterion and means a secret, a mystery. These are mysteries never before revealed until Paul. If you are going to study the Body of Christ you must be in Paul’s epistles.
In Romans 16:25 the Lord Jesus Christ revealed to Paul that his “my gospel,” the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery establishes the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. To be established means that we are rooted, grounded; firmly fixed; can not be swayed by every wind of false doctrine that comes down the pike.
The preaching of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery presents Him as Head of the Body of Christ, His Church during this dispensation of the grace of God. “And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be Head over all things to the Church” [Ephesians 1:22].
It is now revealed that the preaching of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery completes the Word of God. “Of which I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the Word of God. Even the mystery which hath been hidden from ages and from generations, but NOW is made manifest to His saints” [Colossians 1:25,26]. The word “fulfill” is the Greek word pleroo. It is a nautical term meaning to fill to the fullest, filled so full that nothing can be added. The word “NOW” is the Greek word nuni, and means just now and at no other time.
In this dispensation we learn that in the Lord Jesus Christ “dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead, bodily [Colossians 2:9] and that we are complete in Him [vs 10]. The words “fullness” and “complete” are the same Greek word pleroo.
We are also taught to set our affections on things above, not on things on the earth [Colossians 3:2].
We are to continue in prayer and thanksgiving, praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the MYSTERY of Christ [Colossians 4:3].
We are, in this dispensation, to make all [men] see what is the fellowship [i.e., dispensation] of the MYSTERY [Ephesians 3:9] and to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ [vs 8]. The Greek word for “unsearchable” is used here and in Romans 11:33 where it is rendered “past finding out.”

My Gospel #3

Biblical Discernment

“My Gospel”
3

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Paul’s “my gospel” was revealed to him by the risen, exalted Lord Jesus Christ. It includes many “new” things that were given to Paul for us by our wonderful Lord.

Paul uses the term “mystery” some 17 times in his epistles. We have previously shown you the Greek word musterion and what it means in English, a secret, mystery. It is a sacred secret never before revealed. Paul describes a mystery in Ephesians 3:6. The mystery is that Gentiles would be joint heirs, in a joint Body, with a joint promise In the first 5 verses of Ephesians 3 Paul tells us that:

He is a prisoner [bond slave] of the Lord Jesus Christ, for us Gentiles [vs 1].
The dispensation of the grace of God was given to him for us [vs 2].
The Lord Jesus Christ made known to him the mystery [vs 3].
We are to understand Paul’s knowledge of the mystery [vs 4].
The mystery was not made known prior to Paul [vs 5].

In the Lord Jesus Christ believers are:

A New Creation:

One new man [Ephesians 2:15]. The Body of Christ, the Church of this dispensation. Please note the Church is one new MAN.
Circumcision & uncircumcision availeth nothing – now a new creature [Galatians 6:15].
“In Christ” we are a new creation [i.e., creature] [2 Corinthians 5:17].
Paul uses the phrase “in Christ” some 74 times from Romans to Philemon. This phrase is not found in the 4 gospels.

As a new creation we are to preach the Lord Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. We no longer know Him after the flesh.

“Wherefore, henceforth know we no man after the flesh; yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Him no more.” 2 Corinthians 5:16

We now know the Lord Jesus Christ as Head of the Body which is made up of all believers in the church-age. He is our Savior, Head and Lord! And this is the way we are to present Him to a lost and dying world.

Our marching orders are found in Paul’s epistles. We are now ambassadors for Christ and He has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.

Word Studies

Biblical Discernment

Word Studies
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Disciple, Apostle, Ambassador,Priest

Word studies in the Word of God are very profitable for the serious student.

This paper will present the New Testament usage of the captioned words.


· Disciple – From the Greek word mathetes [math-ay-tes]: A learner, i.e. pupil, disciple.

This word is found in some 27 verses from Matthew 1:1 through Acts 28:31. This is an interesting finding and would indicate that it is used only while Israel is in covenant relationship with God in these epistles. The word disciple is not found after Acts 21:16. Israel is finally set aside in Acts 28. Note that it is not found in Paul’s epistles.

· Apostle – From the Greek word apostolos [ap-os-tol-os]: A delegate, ambassador, he that is sent.

This word is found in 19 verses in the New Testament. Significantly the word is not found in the four Gospels or Acts. It is found two times in Peter’s writings [1 Peter 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1] and would indicate that Peter is no longer a disciple but now a trained delegate or ambassador. The word is found in 17 verses from Romans through Hebrews. Each time it is used from Romans through Philemon it is used of Paul. In Hebrews 3:1 Paul uses the word to define the Lord Jesus Christ as “…the Apostle and High Priest of our profession….”

The plural [apostles] is used in 59 verses in the New Testament. Eight times in Matthew, Mark and Luke, 30 times in Acts, 16 times from Romans – Philemon, 1 time in 2nd Peter, 1 time in Jude and 3 times in Revelation.

· Ambassador – From the Greek word presbueo [pres-byoo-o]: Representative, ambassador.

The word is used in the singular one time in the New Testament – Ephesians 6:20 where Paul describes himself as an “…ambassador in bonds…” to the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is used in the plural one time also – 2 Corinthians 5:20 where Paul describes believers [in the Body of Christ] as “…ambassadors…” for Christ.

We should note that ambassadors are sent out only after they have received proper training. Perhaps this is why Paul encourages us to study [Gk. spoudazo] and rightly divide [orthotomeo] the Word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15.

· Priest – From the Greek hiereus [hee-er-yooce]: A priest.

This word is used in 74 verses in the New Testament. Interestingly, it is not found in Paul’s epistles with the exception of Hebrews, where it is found 26 times. Peter, while writing to the scattered of Israel, tells them [the Jews] that they are a “…royal priesthood…..” [1 Peter 2:9]. Commentators have to do “spiritual” gymnastics to [try to] make this fit the Body of Christ. This priesthood is for a future generation of Jews.

It would seem that the Lord wants believers in this dispensation of the grace of God to graduate from babyhood [disciples] and grow into useful ambassadors. He wants us to come off the “milk” and start feasting on solid food so we can grow into full adulthood. 1 Corinthians 3:1,2; Ephesians 6:11ff; 1 Timothy 2:4.