Category Archives: DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY

DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, Is the Ephesian church of the Revelation the same group as those in the Book of Ephesians?, Is the Ephesian church of the Revelation the same group as those in the Book of Ephesians?, Is the Ephesian church of the Revelation the same group as those in the Book of Ephesians?, THE CHURCH THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE NATION ISRAEL

Is the Ephesian church of the Revelation the same group as those in the Book of Ephesians?

IS THE EPHESIAN CHURCH OF THE REVELATION THE SAME GROUP AS THOSE IN THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“When John wrote to the 7 churches, was the church at Ephesus the same one that Paul founded? Is not the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-11 the same church that Paul dealt with in the Book of Ephesians?”

Good questions, my friend! Many people have asked this over the years; it puzzled me too some years ago. Then, I engaged in a very rewarding Bible study whose profit I will share with you shortly. While it is commonly assumed that the Apostle Paul’s church at Ephesus was the same as the Apostle John’s church at Ephesus, we know this is not the case for at least seven reasons.

The first part of this study will be a cursory or simplistic examination of major differences between the church at Ephesus according to John’s ministry, and the church at Ephesus according to Paul’s ministry. The second part of this study, a compilation of related notes that I wrote some years ago, will provide more details for those wanting to “dig deeper.”

PART I. EPHESUS – HOW THE APOSTLES JOHN AND PAUL DIFFERED, IN BRIEF

1.JOHN AND PAUL HAD SEPARATE MINISTRIES TO DIFFERENT PEOPLES

Galatians 2:9 says Paul and John ministered to two different groups of people: “And when James, Cephas [Peter], and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me [Paul], they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.” This agreement was the Acts chapter 15 meeting of the Apostles.

James, Peter, and John said they would stay with the Jewish believers from Christ’s earthly ministry and early Acts (collectively called “the little flock” in Luke 12:32). Paul, however, in Acts 9:15-16 (cf. Acts 22:21; Acts 26:16-18), was sent by Jesus Christ to minister to everyone else (all Gentiles, whether Jews or non-Jews)—national Israel had fallen in Acts chapter 7. According to Galatians 1:16, Paul’s ministry to “heathen” (lost Jews and lost Gentiles) started at his conversion in Acts chapter 9. The 12 Apostles did not realize Paul’s special apostleship/ministry and message until Acts chapter 15 years later (also recorded in Galatians chapter 2). Paul is called “the apostle of the Gentiles” in Romans 11:13. The Apostle John never claimed such a title in any of his writings.

2. REVELATION IS PROPHECY; EPHESIANS IS MYSTERY

Notice how the Book of the Revelation begins: “[1] The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: [2] Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. [3] Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” This is clearly part of the prophetic program, God’s plans for Israel and the Earth. John’s Ephesian believers are part of that prophetic program. Acts 3:20-21 tells us: “[20] And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: [21] Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.”

However, the Ephesians of Paul’s ministry are part of the “mystery” program. Ephesians 3:1-6 affirms: “[1] 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: [3] 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:….” In contrast to Acts 3:20-21, Romans 16:25-26 says: “[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, [26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:….”

3. JOHN MAKES NO REFERENCE TO PAUL, AND VICE VERSA

The Book of Ephesians makes no reference to the Apostle John, and the Book of the Revelation makes no reference to the Apostle Paul. John does not refer his group to Paul—as in, “Remember what Paul wrote to you…” or “Recall when Paul first visited you and preached Christ to you.” Neither does Paul pen in Ephesians—“John will write to you…” or “John has written to you….” This means the Ephesians in John’s audience were totally distinct from the Ephesians of Paul’s audience. We know this because, as we saw in Point #1 and Galatians 2:9, John and Paul had separate ministries. As we saw in Point #2, John and Paul were involved with separate divine programs (prophecy and mystery, respectively). Of course, it is only fitting that they would have separate converts (or audiences).

In addition, the Book of Acts, (chapter 19) says Paul, not John, founded the church at Ephesus. Had John been writing to the same group, why did he ignore Paul when writing to Ephesus in Revelation chapter 2? Would not John have exhorted the Ephesians to remember what Paul delivered to them years earlier? Yes, and yet, he did not. That means John was addressing a different group in Ephesus than the group to whom Paul ministered in Ephesus.

4. THE ANGEL AT EPHESUS IN JOHN’S WRITINGS

“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write;….” (Revelation 2:1). This is Jesus Christ telling John to write to “the angel of the church of Ephesus.” The Bible is clear that an “angel” leads the church at Ephesus in Revelation. No angel is mentioned in the Book of Ephesians; Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians is directed to no such “angel.” More will be said about this in Part II. Suffice it to say that these are undoubtedly two groups of believers in Ephesus. John’s group is members of the “little flock” (Luke 12:32)—Galatians 2:9, and Point #1, remember. Paul’s group, as we will see in our next Point, is members of “the Church the Body of Christ.”

5. THE BODY OF CHRIST IS ABSENT FROM THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION

There is a reference to the “Body of Christ” in Ephesians 4:4 with respect to Paul’s believers at Ephesus: “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;….” Verse 12 qualifies that “body” in verse 4 as, “… the body of Christ.” In stark contrast, there is no reference to the “Body of Christ” in Revelation chapter 2. There is only one possibility. The Ephesian believers of John’s ministry are not members of the Body of Christ as commonly taught.

6. REVELATION’S AUDIENCE IS CALLED “KINGS AND PRIESTS”

Revelation 1:6 says, “And [Jesus Christ, verse 5] hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” The audience of the Revelation is made of “kings and priests.” Surely, “kings and priests” points to 1 Peter 2:9: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light….” This goes back to Exodus 19:5-6, God’s promise to make Israel His “kingdom of priests:” “[5] Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: [6] And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.”

The Ephesian believers of Paul’s ministry are never called by any of these titles—”kings, priests, chosen generation, royal priesthood, holy nation.” No members of the Body of Christ (including those in the Book of Ephesians) are ever identified as “kings” or “priests” in Paul’s epistles. This terminology is exclusive to Israel—Israel is a “nation.” The Church the Body of Christ is no “nation!” Notice how this is accentuated in Point #7.

7. PAUL’S CONVERTS IN EPHESUS ARE “GENTILES”

Ephesians 2:11-12 says to the Ephesians in Paul’s ministry: “[11] Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; [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:…” And, Ephesians 3:1: “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,….” Finally, Ephesians 4:17: “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,….”

John, in the Revelation, never addresses Gentiles; in fact, as we saw in Point #6 earlier, John wrote to Jews, the nation Israel.

PART II. EPHESUS – HOW THE APOSTLES JOHN AND PAUL DIFFERED, IN DETAIL

1. HOW THE CONFUSION BEGAN

There is much confusion in Christendom today regarding the seven churches of the Book of the Revelation. Undoubtedly, the most prevalent view is that each of these seven churches represents the Church the Body of Christ at a different age. Stated another way, all seven churches are cumulatively viewed as the same Body of Christ throughout church history (the last 2,000 years, from the first century A.D. to the present-day). There are numerous flaws in this reasoning, but addressing them is beyond the scope of this study.

Suffice it to say that the above common idea often forces people to conflate (combine) the church at Ephesus that Paul founded, with the church at Ephesus to which John wrote. They want to say it is all one Body of Christ from Matthew through Revelation. People are ignoring the dispensational principle necessary for proper, profitable Bible study: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). We must keep Peter separate from Paul, prophecy separate from mystery, the nation Israel separate from the Body of Christ, and so on. Failure to do so will result in confusion—think of the issue we are currently discussing and untangling!

Moreover, there is much misunderstanding concerning the word “church” in the “New Testament” Scriptures. It is always important to remember that the term “church” is not always a reference to the Church the Body of Christ. When people see the word “church” in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, and Hebrews through Revelation, they usually take it to mean a reference to the Church the Body of Christ. Why? It is because they do not understand, or refuse to understand, that the Body of Christ is strictly a Pauline revelation (refer back to Romans 16:25-26, Ephesians 3:1-11, et cetera).

Jesus Christ could not reveal the Church the Body of Christ in His earthly ministry because it was not time to reveal it. It was not revealed in early Acts either. Almighty God designated Paul to be the man to and through whom He would disclose the secret of His will (Ephesians 1:9-10). That secret of God’s will was that He would glorify His Son Jesus Christ in the heavenly places. He would accomplish this by creating a body of believers who were neither Jew nor Gentile—what the Bible calls the Church the Body of Christ. Until we come to Paul’s ministry, all that God had revealed to man was that He was interested in forming a nation of people (Israel) through whom He would (and still will) reclaim Earth. The hope of believers prior to Paul was not to die and go to heaven, but rather to be resurrected to enter Jesus Christ’s earthly kingdom. (For more information about all of these differences, you can see our related studies linked at the end of this article.)

For now, we will look at what the Apostle John wrote to and about the Ephesians, and compare that to what the Apostle Paul wrote to and about the Ephesians.

2. THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS AND JOHN’S MINISTRY (BOOK OF REVELATION)

The Apostle John wrote in Revelation chapter 2: “[1] Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;….” Notice how the Lord Jesus told John to write to the “angel” of the church of Ephesus. While many translators and commentators render this Greek word aggelos as “pastor” (as they do throughout Revelation chapters 2 and 3), our King James translators knew more about the original Bible languages than people often give them credit for. Only an unbeliever rejects the Bible as it reads; we are believers, so we will not adopt unbelieving positions when approaching the Bible. We will simply take the word “angel” at face value. It means an angelic being and not a human pastor. A literal angel is leading this group of believers in Ephesus.

In verses 2-3, the Lord Jesus Christ commends the believers at Ephesus for their faithful service to Him and for their stand on sound Bible doctrine. They do not tolerate false teachers and false apostles, as He notes: “[2] I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: [3] And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.”

Verses 4-5 are a stark change in content. Now, the Lord Jesus Christ rebukes them. There is something amiss in Ephesus, and He has a controversy to settle. These believers have “left [their] first love.” Read it for yourself: “[4] Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. [5] Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” These believers in Ephesus need to return to Jesus Christ. What they did exactly is unclear, but there is definitely the urge to “repent,” the Lord telling them to change their mind about what they are doing, to think differently. That renewed mind will bring about a change in conduct. Summarized, they need to “do the first works.”

In addition, there is a motivation for them to change their mind—Jesus Christ says that, if they will not repent, He will (verse 5), “come unto [them] quickly, and will remove [their] candlestick out of his place!” This is the Law system. Israel was not simply to have faith, but to have works that matched the faith they claimed to have (see James 2:14-26). Their motivation to forgive was so God would forgive them (see Matthew 6:14-15). Their motivation to be water baptized was so that Almighty God would not baptize them with fire/wrath (see Matthew 3:1-12; 1 Peter 3:21).

In verse 6 of Revelation chapter 2, Jesus Christ again commends the believers in Ephesus for their discernment of truth from error (cf. verses 2-3): “[6] But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.” While the “Nicolaitanes” were a mysterious group about whom little is known, the very meaning of their name—“to conquer the laity”—shows us that they were church leaders who bullied commoners. (Are oppressive, dictatorial preachers anything new?) Peter’s first epistle speaks of those who “lord over [bully] God’s heritage” (1 Peter 5:3). Paul confessed that he refused to be of this sort of spiritual leader, bossing Christians, treating them like slaves or subjects (2 Corinthians 1:24).

The last verse the Lord Jesus through John wrote to the Ephesians is the promise of reward for those who “overcome”: “[7] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” There is no such promise to the Ephesians in Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians. However, in John’s ministry, this verse fits perfectly with how the conclusion of the Book of the Revelation. God’s earthly kingdom is established in Revelation chapters 21 and 22—Israel’s kingdom is brought to fruition, with her becoming a kingdom of priests enjoying God’s goodness throughout eternity future. “Overcoming,” as it relates to John’s ministry and the prophetic program, is surviving the end-times events (particularly the reign of the Antichrist—the majority of the Book of Revelation—and entering that earthly kingdom of God). While much more could be said here, we must stop for sake of brevity.

3. THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS AND PAUL’S MINISTRY (BOOK OF EPHESIANS)

As mentioned earlier, it was not until Jesus Christ revealed the mystery to the Apostle Paul, that the Church the Body of Christ became the agency through whom God would work in the Dispensation of Grace. If you read the entire Book of Ephesians, friend, you will notice that this Epistle is starkly different from what John wrote to Ephesus in the Book of the Revelation. For example, Paul wrote about “mystery” doctrine in Ephesians chapters 1-3. None of John’s epistle to Ephesus talks about the aspects of the mystery program—namely, the Church the Body of Christ (believing Jews and Gentiles being fellowheirs with each other) and the Dispensation of the Grace of God.

John talked about the Ephesians as “leaving their first love” (verse 4). Paul makes no reference to this in his Book of Ephesians. Paul never used the term “first love.” He never urged them to stay true to their “first love,” or to return to their “first love.” If you remember our earlier comments about Revelation 2:4-5, how Jesus Christ rebuked the Jewish saints at Ephesus: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” This was a warning of punishment. When Paul mentioned how the unruly members of the Body of Christ in Ephesus needed to “Awake,” or straighten up spiritually, there was no threat involved. Paul simply urged them to be renewed in the spirit of their mind and let the Holy Spirit use the principles of grace to reform their lives (see Ephesians 5:7–6:9). In fact, Paul talked about how his audience was “sealed [or preserved] with that holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13) and “sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). There was no “do-this-or-else” commandment in Paul’s writing to Ephesus. Legalism was not welcome in Paul’s ministry (Romans 6:14-15); contrariwise, legalism was part of John’s ministry (1 John 2:3; et cetera).

We could go on and on, my friend, but this should be enough material to demonstrate that John’s audience in Ephesus and Paul’s audience in Ephesus were two separate crowds.

Also see:
» When did John write the Book of the Revelation?
» Can you compare Peter’s ministry and Paul’s ministry?
» Is the Church the Body of Christ found in Matthew 16:18?

DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, Why was Paul eager to preach the Gospel to the Christians at Rome?, Why was Paul eager to preach the Gospel to the Christians at Rome?

Why was Paul eager to preach the Gospel to the Christians at Rome?

WHY WAS PAUL EAGER TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE CHRISTIANS AT ROME?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Read this most baffling verse—“So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also” (Romans 1:15). How could the Apostle Paul be enthusiastic about preaching the Gospel to saints of Almighty God? Why would Christians—God’s children and members of the Church the Body of Christ—need to hear the Gospel? Did not they already know the Gospel? Do we Christians need to hear the Gospel today? We compare Scripture with Scripture.

Verily, verily, the recipients of Paul’s epistle to Rome were Christians. We read in chapter 1, verses 6-7: “[6] Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: [7] To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” They were indeed God’s children and servants. So, how could Paul go on to write the following in verse 15? “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.”

Christian friend, remember, it is easy to forget where we came from. We have not always been Christians. Perhaps we were church members and churchgoers from childhood, but the fact of the matter is that going to church buildings and joining religious groups did not make us Christians. We were not made members of God’s family when we were water baptized as infants, or when we were “confirmed” in our denomination. No! Rather, there came a day when we understood and believed the Gospel.

We heard, “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The Bible calls this “the Gospel of the Grace of God” (Acts 20:24). Then, we realized that it was not about what we did in religion to please God. It was all about what Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, did for us, that He might please Father God. Grace is what God did for us at Calvary’s cross: He paid for everything that is wrong with us. Finally, we placed our faith (trust) exclusively in that Gospel message. The Holy Spirit immediately baptized us into the Church the Body of Christ: “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13). It was here that we became Christians. Ephesians 1:12-13 elaborate: “[12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. [13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise….”

A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF ROMANS

Believers in Christ must understand, however, that there is more to Bible Christianity than simply avoiding eternal hellfire. The Gospel is not only meant to impact where we go when we die (Heaven instead of Hell). It is also designed to positively affect our lives before we depart this life and go into eternity. So many believers fail to realize that the Gospel should impact our lives right now on Earth! Since the sinner passes from death to life upon believing the Gospel of the Grace of God, good works should result from that new life. The Spirit of God should be working in that believer, provided that the believer allows Him to work in him or her. Paul’s epistle to the Romans is laid out as follows:

  • Firstly, if we want to learn about the justification involved with the Gospel of Grace, we appeal to Romans chapters 1-5. There, we see man’s sin problem and the provisions at Calvary that Almighty God offers us to remedy it. We read about how to have a right standing before God, forgiveness of sins, and a home reserved for us in Heaven. These chapters go into greater detail than what is covered in a simple Gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
  • Secondly, if we want to see the sanctification concerning the Gospel of Grace, we read Romans chapters 6-8. There, we see the drastic change in nature when the sinner believes on Christ, passing from the Adamic identity to the Christian identity, death to life, sins to good works. We read about how the Holy Spirit uses the grace of God rather than the Law of Moses to teach us how we are to walk in our new identity. We are dead to sin by the death of Christ (chapter 6). We are dead to the law by the body of Christ (chapter 7). We are alive unto God by the resurrection of Christ, the Holy Spirit bringing that reality to our life (chapter 8).
  • Thirdly, if we want to read about the dispensational issues regarding the Gospel of Grace (that is, that it is an interruption of the nation Israel, her program, and her Gospel message), we go to Romans chapters 9-11. There, we see that the Gospel of Grace forms the Church the Body of Christ rather than Israel. We are to behave like the members of the Body of Christ that we are, and not imitate the nation Israel that we are not.
  • Finally, if we want to see application of the Gospel of Grace—how to use grace principles delineated in the Gospel of Grace in specific life situations—we read Romans chapters 12-16. There, we see the life of Christ on display in various circumstances—among Christians, in the midst of enemies, among the world, under human government, considering weaker brethren in Christ, and so on. (The rest of Paul’s epistles build on the basics found in Romans—ultimately bringing us to Philemon, godliness/“God-like-ness” in the life of a mature Christian living in the Dispensation of Grace.)

HOW CHRISTENDOM HAS IGNORED THE BOOK OF ROMANS, AND THUS DETRIMENTALLY AFFECTED ITSELF

Colossians 2:6-7 says the Christian life operates however it began: “[6] As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: [7] Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” If we can understand the beginning of the Christian life (Romans chapters 1-5), the rest is easy to grasp (the rest of Romans). Since many church members are not taught how the Christian life begins, they struggle senselessly with how it operates on a daily basis. Friend, understanding the Gospel is actually an integral part of enjoying daily Christian living. We understand the Gospel of Grace by going to the most basic Bible Book of this dispensation—the Book of Romans.

If ever our Christian life is in ruins (think of the Corinthians and the Galatians), it is because we need to go back to Romans and re-learn what we have forgotten (or failed to learn in the first place). If we are struggling with sin (as the Corinthians), we have failed to learn that the Christian life began with a new nature, not the Adamic nature. We must rely on the new nature in Christ if we are to have victory over sin. If we are struggling with law-keeping (as the Galatians), we have failed to learn that the Christian life began by grace, not works. We must remember that our life in Christ will continue to function by grace, not works.

Christian friend, remember, it is easy to forget about the provisions that Father God has given us in Christ Jesus. Religion, part of Satan’s evil world system, is constantly pulling us back into human wisdom, church tradition, human efforts, and so on. Hindering, confusing, and destroying Christians’ lives is how the Devil has overcome so many precious believers around the world for all these centuries. They are too busy focusing on what they are doing than on what God is doing with them and has done for them! They are too preoccupied with “what the church/denomination says” than what God has said in His Holy Word rightly divided!

Many genuine Christians simply do not know how their Christian life began. They heard a pure Gospel message—about Christ dying for their sins, being buried, and being raised again the third day. They heard how simple faith in Him was enough to justify them before God. They trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour, passed from death to life, moved from Satan’s kingdom to God’s kingdom. Then, unfortunately, a denomination forced them back under the law (performance-based acceptance system). “Now, get water baptized so your Christian life will please God! Give a tithe so God can bless you! Keep His commandments so you can have victory over sin! Confess your sins every day so you can keep fellowship with God!” Oh, how sad! This is self-defeating!

For many years, I was saved, and I heard those very things in my own denominational churches. I knew and had believed the Gospel of Grace, but then people started telling me to follow the Law in my daily Christian living! Millions upon millions upon millions are in the same awful predicament today. Their Christian lives are so frustrating, miserable, and futile. They always wonder if they have confessed enough, gave enough, prayed enough, held out enough, quit enough, and so on. Saddest of all, their Christian life never ever began with confessing, giving, praying, holding out, and quitting! No wonder their Christian life is not working for them! They should be living by faith, for they are saved by faith; alas, they are living by law, by which they were never saved! Yes, these Christians need the Gospel of Grace preached to them! There is no law in the Gospel of Grace!

CONCLUSION

Exactly how the church at Rome started is unknown: the Book of Acts does not say in any certain terms. Paul wrote to them in Acts chapter 20 (cf. Romans 15:25-28 and Acts 20:1-3), although he did not actually visit Rome until Acts 28:16. After passing through Macedonia and Achaia (Northern and Southern Greece, respectively), he went to Jerusalem, before being escorted by ship to Rome. At the time of writing to the Romans, chapter 1 of the Book indicates they had already been saved. Sometime prior to Acts chapter 20, someone from Paul’s ministry brought the Gospel of Grace to Rome. It was here that a local assembly of Christians was started in Rome. That congregation was already present in Rome when Paul wrote the Epistle to Rome.

The Roman believers had to be reminded of the grace doctrine Paul had taught the people who had led them to Christ Jesus. He wrote to them because he was hindered by Satan from visiting them in person (Romans 1:11-13). Those grace principles would provide them with a solid spiritual foundation. It would cause them to be “established” (fixed and settled). Furthermore, Romans 16:25-26 says God wanted to “stablish” (stabilize) them internally using a three-fold process: “[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, [26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith….” The first and foremost element necessary for spiritual growth is Paul’s Gospel. If we do not understand it, constantly being reminded of its truths, then we will not grow as Father God intended for us to grow. Satan’s world system will constantly deceive and defeat us. Paul knew this; hence, he was zealous about preaching the Gospel even to the saints at Rome. In lieu of his personal visit to Rome, he wrote to them.

Let me share one final bit of significant information before we wrap this study up. A written record not only ensured that they would not forget how their Christian lives began and operated. It was written down that it be preserved through the 20 centuries since, that we could have it today, that we not forget how the Gospel of Grace started (and maintains) our Christian lives. Brethren, while we often talk about preaching the Gospel to lost people (those who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour), Paul also thought it necessary to preach the Gospel to us Christians. Let us therefore be faithful in preaching the Gospel to lost people… and also to Christians… and yes, to ourselves!

Also see:
» What is the Lord’s will for my Christian life?
» Is there a simple way to present the Grace Message to children and teens?
» Once Christians fall into gross sin, will God use them again?

“If God peradventure will give them repentance…?”, “If God peradventure will give them repentance…?”, “If God peradventure will give them repentance…?”, CALVINISM, DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

“If God peradventure will give them repentance…?”

“IF GOD PERADVENTURE WILL GIVE THEM REPENTANCE…?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

What should we make of 2 Timothy 2:25? “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;” That latter half—the conditional statement beginning with “if God peradventure”—puzzles some Bible readers. Should we conclude that God will reveal His truths to some but will hide it from others? Is He not unfair? Why does He not want all people to come to the knowledge of the truth? Or, does He? Then, what about this verse?

Friend, have you ever noticed how some people appeared to have/know and believe the truth, to be on the right track concerning sound Bible teaching, but then suddenly went off into apostasy? Sure. We all have. Maybe they went to a Bible-believing church for years, seemingly maturing in the Scriptures. They professed Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. Perhaps they even taught Sunday School or sang in the choir. Then, one day, you found out that they returned to their old denomination, or perhaps threw out the Bible and God altogether and went back into “the world!” Not long ago, I dealt with Christians who were astounded that their friends and relatives who had attended their Bible churches and home Bible studies for years, suddenly went back to their cults (former denominations)! This should not shock or disappoint us because 2 Timothy 2:25 was God’s comment on these events thousands of years before they happened!

We start at 2 Timothy 2:24 and read to the end of the chapter: “[24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, [25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; [26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul said “the servant of the Lord must not strive,” or pick fights and argue (acting combative). God’s man or woman should “be gentle unto all men [people], apt [able] to teach, patient [longsuffering]” (verse 24). We should make every attempt possible to reach Christians and non-Christians alike with the truth of God’s word rightly divided. We should be presenting a clear Gospel message to the lost (1 Corinthians 15:3-4—“Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day”), and sound Bible teaching to the saved (all Scripture taught in light of Pauline doctrine). Opposition will arise, so we should be patient, trying to slowly turn them around and dealing with them as long as they are willing to hear. Some cases will take much longer than others. Whenever they start resisting, however, we need to back away and respect their free will. We need to leave them alone, letting them come back to us (hopefully, they will have a better attitude next time).

Verse 25 says, “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;….” Here is our “problem verse.” We should “in meekness”—or humility rather than pride—“instruct those that oppose themselves.” Those who oppose themselves are Christians who live contrary to the grace of God. They do not live out of the identity and resources God gave them in Christ. No, they are so works-oriented, so denominationally minded, that they refuse to be renewed by dispensational Bible truth day by day. They are corrupted by human wisdom, and are thus void of God’s wisdom. How it quenches/hinders the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) and grieves Him (Ephesians 4:30) because He cannot work in their lives! Lost people “oppose themselves” in that they are living contrary to how God designed a human to live. They should be glorifying their Creator, not living for themselves. (Christians should be living as God designed Christians to live, and lost people should become Christians so they can live as God designed humans to live!)

We instruct those we reach in the ministry, attempting to reform their thinking first (and behavior will be corrected). However, it is not guaranteed that they will respond positively to that Word of God’s grace. Some will outright reject it (some will make that known most violently and loudly!). The “educated” philosophers in Athens laughed at Paul’s “gossip” preaching about Christ’s resurrection (Acts 17:32). Idolaters in Ephesus incited a massive riot that nearly killed Paul (Acts 19:23-41).

Some will keep it momentarily, and then toss it. The Galatians believed God’s Word through Paul at first, but then abandoned it. This was also true of the Corinthians. Others will believe it and stay with it for an extended time, actually maturing in it. You can see that in the Thessalonians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. Eventually, the “Asians” (citizens of Asia Minor, modern Turkey—cities of Ephesus, Colosse, Troas, et cetera) abandoned it. Paul, writing at the end of his ministry and life: “This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes” (2 Timothy 1:15). This, you should recognize, is part of the epistle where we find 2 Timothy 2:25!

“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;….” That conditional part is explained as follows—those in our audience may change their mind to the point where they acknowledge the Bible truth we shared, or they may not change their mind and therefore retain their erroneous notions. God’s will for them is the first outcome—“…God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). It is God’s will that all individuals trust His only begotten Son as their personal Saviour. It is also His will that all come to the knowledge of the truth (especially Christians). However, He will not force His Word on either group.

Do not read 2 Timothy 2:25 as though God may choose to enlighten them or He may not choose to enlighten them. No. The condition depends on them, not Him! They may want the truth (and He will respect their free will by teaching them through us preaching His Word), or they may not want His Word (and He will leave them in their spiritual blindness). Remember, the words of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself: “If any man will do his [Father God’s] will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17). Jesus Christ declared you can know God’s will if you want to do His will! Friend, that applies to Christians and non-Christians alike! Father God wants lost people saved, and saved people edified. Do we? Do you?

Second Timothy 2:25 is a great encouragement in that it shows us that even when we do as much as we can to spread dispensational Bible truths, some will deny it and/or abandon it as though we never uttered a word to them. It is not that we did not share enough verses with them. (If the first verse did not convince them, the others would not have either!) It is not that we did not make the Word of God plain enough. (If they had questions, they would have asked them in sincerity!)

All people, saved and lost, are to some degree resistant to learning from God’s Word. Even as grace believers, we are not always 100% engaged while reading and studying it. Sometimes, we are reading verses through denominational eyeglasses, causing them to say something they do not say. There are traditional ideas from our past that are hard to break from and thus still cloud our thinking. We find ourselves in Satan’s snare, fulfilling his will of hiding God’s truth from others and ourselves. The good news is that, if we find ourselves in such a predicament, there is a solution! We had better find a servant of the Lord who will teach us and guide us into the doctrine of God’s grace!

Second Timothy 2:24-26: “[24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, [25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; [26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”

Also see:
» Why do some people get angry when we share right division?
» How long should I keep witnessing to the same person?
» What is dispensational Bible study?

DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, Who are the people in 2 Corinthians 11:22—the 12 Apostles or others?

Who are the people in 2 Corinthians 11:22—the 12 Apostles, or others?

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN 2 CORINTHIANS 11:22—THE 12 APOSTLES, OR OTHERS?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Scripture says in 2 Corinthians 11:21-23: “[21] I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. [22] Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. [23] Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.” Some Bible students argue that the “they” is Peter and the 11 Apostles. They base this on the fact that the Apostle Paul is clearly talking about Jews (see verse 22). Indeed, the 12 Apostles were Jews and Paul refers to Jews here. Still, does that automatically demand that the 12 Apostles be the Jews in the verses?

When one examines the context, it is clear that the 12 Apostles are nowhere to be found. However, we do find a reference to false apostles, those working with the Devil! Look at verses 13-15: “[13] For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. [14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. [15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” Are we going to say this is talking about the 12 Apostles too? Then, my friend, I think it wise that we had better be careful before applying other verses in the context to Peter and the 11!

In relation to this topic, notice these helpful verses that Paul wrote in Galatians chapter 2: “[1] Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. [2] And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. [3] But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: [4] And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage….”

These “false brethren” were legalistic (observers of the Mosaic Law). Furthermore, they were trying to force Paul’s converts saved under grace to follow the Mosaic Law. You should make special note of the adjective “false” in “false brethren” (verse 4). The 12 Apostles did not commission these false teachers and the Messianic Church at Jerusalem did not send them. Reading Acts 15:24: “[James says,] Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment….” (Acts chapter 15 and Galatians chapter 2 are the same event.)

Rather than being controlled by the Holy Spirit, these false brethren were operating independently of Father God’s will for Paul’s converts. These false brethren simply wanted to promote their religion, “good works”—namely, physical circumcision (cf. Acts 15:1,5; Galatians 5:1-3,11-12; Galatians 6:12-16). Do you know anyone today who is fixated on “good works?” We do not hear about physical circumcision much today, but there is plenty of other “religiosity” repeated ad nauseum—confession of sins, water baptism, Sabbath-Day keeping, walking aisles, saying the “sinner’s prayer,” commandment keeping, joining the church, confirmation, and so on.

In Galatians chapter 2, Paul said that he took a backseat to no one—including James, Peter, and John—concerning apostolic authority: “[6] But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person: ) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:… [9] And when James, Cephas [Peter], and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.” Read also 2 Corinthians 11:5: “For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.” And, chapter 12, verse 11: “I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.”

If Paul said he did not feel inferior to the 12 legitimate Apostles, how much more did he not feel inferior to false apostles? Second Corinthians 11:23 again: “Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more….” These so-called “ministers of Christ” here would be people who professed to be servants of Christ but were not! They were the “false apostles” previously mentioned in the context. We read verses 13-15 again: “[13] For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. [14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. [15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

At the beginning of Second Corinthians chapter 11, Paul voiced his concern that the Corinthians would accept and listen to someone who preached “another Jesus,” who preached “another spirit,” and who preached “another Gospel.” Verses 1-4 say: “[1] Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. [2] For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. [3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. [4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” These warnings are denouncing the ministries of the false apostles mentioned in verses 13-15.

We read Galatians 2:6-9 again: “[6] But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person: ) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: [7] But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; [8] (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles: ) [9] And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.”

When Paul and Barnabas met with James and Peter and John in Jerusalem, the latter three agreed to restrict their ministries to the “circumcision” (believing Israel, the Little Flock) and they endorsed Paul and Barnabas going to “heathen” (all people outside of the Little Flock). Again, the 12 Apostles—led by James, Peter, and John—agreed that they would not deal with anyone but Israel’s believing remnant. They turned everyone else—unsaved Jews and unsaved non-Jews—over to the ministry of Paul and Barnabas. This apostolic meeting at Jerusalem occurred several years before Paul visited Corinth in Acts chapter 18. Surely, it was not Peter, James, John, or any of the other 12 Apostles preaching to the Corinthians. These Apostles were led by the Holy Spirit and were men of their word. We have no reason to doubt them. They did not minister to Gentiles, especially Paul’s converts in Corinth.

Therefore, Paul is not referring to the 12 Apostles in 2 Corinthians 11:22. However, the people he is condemning are most definitely Hebrews, Israelites, of the seed of Abraham. They are “Judaizers,” Israeli religious leaders who were neither part of the Little Flock nor the Body of Christ. They were not believers in either program, but opponents of God’s purpose. These false apostles would use the Law to deliberately challenge Paul’s apostleship and ministry (just as in Galatia). They would boast of their alleged “apostleship,” when they were actually frauds; moreover, they would demean and deny the true apostle, Paul. Paul would talk about how his Gentile converts were under grace, and these false apostles would come back and say that those Gentiles were under law. (Does that not sound familiar today? Do you know of any religionists or denominationalists who demean Paul’s apostleship and epistles just so they can keep their legalistic traditions?!)

We continue reading in 2 Corinthians chapter 11: “[18] Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. [19] For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. [20] For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.” Paul actually called these false apostles “fools” because they were misleading the Corinthian saints (verse 19). The Corinthians were believing these charlatans. Surely, Paul would not call the 12 Apostles “fools.” The men dominating the Corinthians were evil—they were exploiting and abusing the Corinthians. Again, this would not be descriptive of Holy-Spirit-filled men (the 12 Apostles). It would be the “false apostles” of verses 13-15, unsaved yet religious people claiming to be sent by Jesus Christ.

Also see:
» Did Peter and Paul preach the same Gospel?
» Can you compare and contrast Peter’s ministry and Paul’s ministry?
» Was Paul a false prophet?

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, BIBLE VERSIONS AND MANUSCRIPTS, DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, Who are the prophets of Romans 16:26?, Who are the prophets of Romans 16:26?, Who are the prophets of Romans 16:26?

Who are the prophets of Romans 16:26?

WHO ARE THE PROPHETS OF ROMANS 16:26?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Romans 16:25-26 says: “[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, [26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith….” What are “the scriptures of the prophets” in verse 26? Are they the “Old Testament” Scriptures, the “prophetic Scriptures?” Who are these prophets? Are they “Old Testament” prophets? Let us look at God’s Holy Word for the answer!

The phrase “the scriptures of the prophets” (Romans 16:26), while commonly assumed to be the “Old Testament” prophets, actually refers to the prophets in the Church the Body of Christ. We read of them in Ephesians 4:7-12: “[7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. [8] Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. [9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? [10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) [11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; [12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ….”

Remember, after His ascension “far above all heavens,” Christ gave gifts to men in the Body of Christ—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (verse 11). These gifts were given during the Acts period. They would certainly not be the 12 Apostles or the Old Testament Prophets of Israel’s program, for these people received their spiritual gifts before the ascension, of course. Paul, according to Romans 11:13, would be the first apostle of Ephesians 4:7-12. There were other (secondary) apostles related to and in the Body of Christ. In addition, there were Body-of-Christ prophets, Body-of-Christ evangelists, Body-of-Christ pastors, and Body-of-Christ teachers. The prophets in the Body of Christ are also discussed in Ephesians 2:20, Ephesians 3:5, and 1 Corinthians 12:28-29.

The Body-of-Christ prophets evidently identified, assembled, and copied Scripture, as we read: “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:37). In other words, these Body-of-Christ prophets were copying the whole Bible. “The scriptures of the prophets” would be all of the Bible, but more specifically, all the Bible in light of Pauline doctrine (that Pauline truth being “kept secret,” according to Romans 16:25, but now revealed through Paul’s ministry, verse 26).

God wants us to use the entire Bible, provided that we remember to use it “rightly divided” (2 Timothy 2:15)—understanding the mystery and keeping it separate from prophecy. Back to Romans 16:25-26: “[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, [26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith….” Notice the order in these two verses. God will “stablish,” or stabilize, us in the inner man using three steps of edification: (1) “My [or, Paul’s] gospel,” (2) “The preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery;” and (3) “The Scriptures of the prophets.” This is actually how Paul’s epistles are laid out in the canon of Scripture.

Paul’s Gospel is laid out clearly in Romans, as well as in (the next three Books) 1 & 2 Corinthians and Galatians. The preaching of Jesus Christ according to the mystery would be the next three Epistles—Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. The Scriptures of the prophets would relate to Paul’s two Thessalonian epistles—since they deal with non-Pauline truths (prophecy) and how those non-Pauline truths are not to be combined with Pauline truths. The remaining four Pauline Books—1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon—are the congregational/assembly doctrine. They are thus often called the “Pastoral Epistles.”

In light of 1 Corinthians 14:37, prophets in the Body of Christ identified, collected/collated, and copied the Scriptures. (In Israel’s program, a prophet was usually one who foretold the future; however, a Body-of-Christ prophet had a different role.) The Body-of-Christ prophets were not copying merely Paul’s epistles though. They were copying all of Scripture, allowing us to have manuscript copies of all 66 of the Bible Books even today. When Paul referred to prophecy in the two Books of Thessalonians, he was encouraging his audience to look at the non-Pauline Bible Books for further details. The Scriptures of the prophets allow us to appreciate/grasp all of the Bible: we see how the rest of the Bible fits with Paul’s epistles and how Paul’s epistles fit with the non-Pauline Bible Books. Remember, all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and all of it is profitable (2 Timothy 3:16-17), provided we use it “rightly divided” (2 Timothy 2:15).

CONCLUSION

“The scriptures of the prophets” of Romans 16:26 refers to all of the Bible Books in light of Pauline doctrine. The Body-of-Christ prophets identified, collected/collated, and copied all Bible Books into one group so they could all be studied in light of the final divine revelation given to Paul (see Colossians 1:24-29; cf. Ephesians 1:8-11). Now we can better understand what is going on with Romans 16:25-26 as a whole. Once we get beyond the basics of Christianity (Paul’s Gospel, the Gospel of Grace), then we can mature into the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. When we come to that point in our spiritual maturity, then we can grasp how all of that relates to the rest of the Bible.

SUPPLEMENTAL: WHEN ROMANS 16:26 IS PERVERTED

In an attempt to diminish and/or deny Paul’s special revelations from Jesus Christ, some people (either deliberately or inadvertently) drop the conjunction “and” that precedes “by the scriptures of the prophets.” Not only is this erroneous teaching found in speech; people have actually changed the English Bibles because they did not know how to handle this dispensational passage. The modern English versions omit the “and” in the KJV reading “and by the scriptures of the prophets.” By doing so, they make the modern English versions say that Paul’s mystery (secret) was found outside of Paul’s writings. They say the “prophetic Scriptures,” or the “Old Testament” prophets, revealed the mystery. This is a flat-out lie, contradicting other verses such as those found in Colossians chapter 1 and Ephesians chapter 3. (Since they attack dispensational precepts—the fundamentals of proper Bible study—these perverted modern English versions are dangerous and should be avoided! Friend, you should stick with the King James Bible!)

Notice the following English versions and how they handle Romans 16:26 in a most dishonest manner. They cause their readers to conclude that the Apostle Paul’s teachings were not at all special or formerly hid in God. These translators had no idea what they were doing, and have completely destroyed the original meaning of Romans 16:26:

  • Amplified Bible: “but now has been disclosed and through the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all the nations, according to the commandment of the eternal God, leading them to obedience to the faith,”
  • Contemporary English Version: “but now at last it has been told. The eternal God commanded his prophets to write about the good news, so that all nations would obey and have faith.”
  • Douay-Rheims American (Roman Catholic) Bible: “(Which now is made manifest by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the precept of the eternal God, for the obedience of faith,) known among all nations;”
  • English Standard Version: “but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—“
  • Holman Christian Standard Bible: “but now revealed and made known through the prophetic Scriptures, according to the command of the eternal God to advance the obedience of faith among all nations—”
  • Living Bible: “But now as the prophets foretold and as God commands, this message is being preached everywhere, so that people all around the world will have faith in Christ and obey him.
  • The Message: “as revealed in the mystery kept secret for so long but now an open book through the prophetic Scriptures. All the nations of the world can now know the truth and be brought into obedient belief,”
  • New Century Version: “It has been made clear through the writings of the prophets. And by the command of the eternal God it is made known to all nations that they might believe and obey.”
  • New International Version: “but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith—”
  • New Living Translation: “But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him.”
  • New Revised Standard Version: “but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—”
  • Revised Standard Version: “but is now disclosed and through the prophetic writings is made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—”

We read Romans 16:25-26 in the King James Bible again: “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith….”

It is important that we note “AND by the scriptures of the prophets” is the original and inspired reading. The mystery is not declared by the Old Testament prophets or by the “prophetic Scriptures.” We must understand that the mystery is revealed only by Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon (cf. Ephesians 3:1-11; Colossians 1:24-29). Romans 16:25-26 is saying that God desires to build us up with three elements: (1) Paul’s Gospel, (2) The preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery, and (3) The Scriptures of the prophets. It is important that we not misread Romans 16:25-26. Combining points 2 and 3 into one thought—namely, ignoring Paul’s special ministry—is the reason why there is confusion among Bible versions, translators, teachers, preachers, and students.

Also see:
» What is dispensational Bible study?
» Did Peter and Paul preach the same Gospel?
» Can you compare and contrast Peter’s ministry and Paul’s ministry?

Did Paul engage in “missionary journeys?”, DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY

Did Paul engage in “missionary journeys?”

DID PAUL ENGAGE IN “MISSIONARY JOURNEYS?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

You have surely seen them, friend. Christian literature, sermons, and Bible maps usually make reference to Paul’s “missionary journeys,” the four extensive ministry trips he undertook during the Book of Acts (#1—13:1–14:28; #2—15:39–18:22; #3—18:23–21:16; #4—27:1–28:16). Ninety-nine percent of the time, the adjective “missionary” is employed. Is this fair, or questionable?

Indeed, the English word “missionary” means “a person sent by a church into an area to carry on evangelism or other activities, as educational or hospital work.” But, the Bible never actually calls Paul a “missionary.” I know what people mean when they say it—to wit, that Paul was a “missionary” because he was sent out to the nations to preach the Gospel of Grace. For years, I used the phrase “Paul’s missionary journeys,” using that same definition. However, a judicious person long ago caused me to stop and think—“No, not missionary journeys, but apostolic journeys.” We need not water down what God Himself has exalted!

Indeed, the church at Antioch (Syria) sent out Saul/Paul and Barnabas, but this was not of their own idea or volition. Notice Acts 13:1-3: “[1] Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. [2] As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. [3] And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” It was the decision of the Holy Spirit, not men, to send Paul (and Barnabas) out to undertake those journeys. However, contrary to popular belief, Paul did not become an apostle here. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, back in chapter 9 of Acts, had ordained Paul as an apostle.

Paul was much more than a mere “missionary.” Again, he was first and foremost an “apostle,” literally, in Greek, “sent one.” The resurrected, ascended, and glorified Lord Jesus had told Saul of Tarsus (the Apostle Paul) on the road to Damascus shortly after his conversion: “Delivering thee from the people [Israel], and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee…” (Acts 26:17). Therefore, the Holy Spirit led Paul to write, “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office” (Romans 11:13). It was in cooperation with the words of Jesus Christ in Acts chapter 9 (although recorded in chapter 26) that the Holy Spirit caused the church at Antioch to send away Paul and Barnabas.

Furthermore, Paul began almost every epistle of his by declaring his apostleship:

  • Romans 1:1: “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God….”
  • 1 Corinthians 1:1: “Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God….”
  • 2 Corinthians 1:1: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God….”
  • Galatians 1:1: “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father….”
  • Ephesians 1:1: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God….”
  • Colossians 1:1: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God….”
  • 1 Timothy 1:1: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ….”
  • 2 Timothy 1:1: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God….”
  • Titus 1:1: “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ….”

Therefore, it is more appropriate to call them Paul’s trips his “apostolic journeys.” He is an apostle, not to be confused with modern-day missionaries whom men command to service. No manmade organization or denomination sent out Paul. It was God’s will, yea God’s commandment, that Paul become an apostle. Jesus Christ Himself directly commissioned Paul as an apostle in Acts chapter 9. The leadership of the church at Antioch (Syria) recognized it years later in Acts chapter 13—they did not establish it though.

People who deny Paul as an apostle will call him a “missionary,” relegating him to a status of inferiority to the 12 Apostles. They also may say that Paul is an “extension” of the 12’s ministry. It is all far from the truth, though. Church tradition is very hard to break from, indeed, but let us get into the habit of saying “Paul’s apostolic journeys” rather than “Paul’s missionary journeys.” Remember, the Holy Spirit placed great value on that apostolic office of Paul, and we should too. No, we are not exalting Paul the man. We are honoring and exalting the Lord Jesus Christ who established that special office!

“For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office” (Romans 11:13).

Also see:
» Does Acts 13:48 support Calvinism?
» Why was Saul’s name changed to Paul?
» Was the Apostle Paul a false prophet?

DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, SATAN AND HIS POLICY OF EVIL, Who are “the princes of this world” of 1 Corinthians 2:6-8?, Who are “the princes of this world” of 1 Corinthians 2:6-8?

Who are “the princes of this world” of 1 Corinthians 2:6-8?

WHO ARE “THE PRINCES OF THIS WORLD” OF 1 CORINTHIANS 2:6-8?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The Holy Scriptures tell us in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8: “[6] Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: [7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: [8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” When coming to this passage, the question is often asked, “Who are these ‘princes of this world?’” Are they human rulers, or some other group?

Dear friends, whenever we have a question about the meaning of Bible terms, it is important to try to stick as close to the Bible text as possible. Sure, it can be difficult, but we should not be discouraged. We will spend all of eternity learning more and more from God’s Word. Learning is a very slow process, the Bible can be a very heavy book at times, and we are facing more opposition than ever not to believe verses. Instead, religion encourages us to believe people’s commentary on the verses. Commentary is all well and good, provided, of course, there are pertinent verses to support it! Let me show you how we can take the Bible expression highlighted in this study, look for cross-references (other verses), and stitch together a sound definition for it. Whether this term, or any other, it is better to let the Bible define its own terms rather than seek theologians’ fallible speculations.

Our first line of evidence is as follows…. While “princes of this world” appears in the Bible only in 1 Corinthians 2:6 and 8, a similar term appears elsewhere in its canon. The Lord Jesus employed that phrase (singular form) on three occasions. Firstly, in John 12:31: “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.” Next, John 14:30: “Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” Finally, John 16:11: “Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” This “the prince [singular] of this world” is the leader of “the princes [plural] of this world.”

Now we move to the second line of evidence…. Thrice did Israel’s religious leaders accuse the Lord Jesus of collusion with Satan. Those three verses will now speak for themselves. Matthew 9:34: “But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.” Matthew 12:24: “But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.” Mark 3:22: “And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.” Here we have the language of one prince—“the prince”—leading a group of devils (evil spirits). There is operating in Israel a chief evil spirit, commanding an army of many, although less powerful, evil spirit beings.

Finally, the last line of evidence…. Twice in the Book of Ephesians we find the term “prince” as having, once again, a negative connotation. In fact, they are again used to name evil spirits. Notice Ephesians 2:2, Satan the chief evil spirit appearing: “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….” Ephesians 6:12 makes it the plainest: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Please pay attention to that word “principalities” here—they are realms over which princes rule. These are many evil “princes,” fallen angels, ruling in the heavenly places, even today.

While it is true that sinful Roman officials (men) and wicked Jewish officials (men) conspired to kill Jesus (Psalm 2:1-3 cf. Acts 4:24-28), another group assembled long before men did. Satan and his evil spirit servants first devised the death of God’s Son. For many, many centuries, the Scriptures had promised the Messiah-King would come to Israel. If Satan could fully destroy that King, there would be no godly kingdom on Earth, and his evil kingdom would remain unchallenged. After all, Satan was created as Lucifer, “full of wisdom and perfect in beauty” (Ezekiel 28:12). Lucifer was a genius, although after his fall it became evil ingenuity. Satan assumed he could outsmart God. The Devil’s angelic cohorts, much more intelligent than man but less intelligent than he, followed him. Of course, the omniscient Godhead foresaw that scheme, allowed the Son to die, and then used the shed blood to redeem two groups of people. Each group would be used of God to dispossess heaven and earth of Satan’s armies. We know these groups of saints as the Church the Body of Christ (heavenly) and the nation Israel (earthly).

By having Satan follow along with Calvary and the death of Jesus Christ, the Godhead allowed him and his minions to participate in their own defeat. Not only would God’s earthly kingdom be established, but also the heavenly kingdom (see Ephesians chapter 1 and Colossians chapter 1). Had Satan and his evil angelic allies known that Calvary would be their “death-blow” instead of God’s “death-blow,” they would have done everything to prevent Jesus Christ from going to that cross in the first place. Alas, God kept all of it secret, until long after it happened. By the time God revealed it to Paul, it was too late for Satan to undo! The “wise” Satan had been caught, outsmarted by the “God only wise” (Romans 16:27) who had “hidden wisdom” (1 Corinthians 2:7). Colossians 2:14-15 says in victory: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly [public embarrassment], triumphing over them in it.”

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

Also see:
» Should we use the word “demons?”
» What is “the foolishness of God” in 1 Corinthians 1:25?
» Why did Jesus select evil Judas Iscariot to be an apostle?

Can you summarize the Bible in three verses?, Can you summarize the Bible in three verses?, DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

Can you summarize the Bible in three verses?

HOW CAN WE SUMMARIZE THE BIBLE IN THREE VERSES?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130). All the complicated theological systems and arguments and denominations aside, the Holy Bible can be summarized with three simple verses!

Our King James Bible contains 66 books; 1,189 chapters; 31,101 verses; and 791,328 words. God has much to say, and “every word” is important (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4). However, the entire Bible can be summarized with three verses:

  1. “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him” (Ephesians 1:10). God the Father’s purpose in creation is to make everything subject unto His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The governments of heaven and earth are to glorify and bring honor to Jesus Christ’s name by valuing, believing, and carrying out His doctrine.
  2. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). There is an adversary, Satan, whose goal is to prevent #1 from being brought to fruition. Thus, the Bible contains accounts of Satan’s evil plan—man’s fall, the fall of angels, the antichrist, false teaching, et cetera—which is sinful rebellion against the Creator God.
  3. “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand” (Proverbs 19:21). Man has willingly sided with Satan’s policy of evil (#2) in hindering God’s purpose and plan for creation. Thus, Scripture is filled with innumerable accounts of murderers, liars, idolaters, blasphemers, thieves, fornicators and adulterers, conspirators, and so on. However, God’s Word is very clear—despite Satan and man’s unwavering opposition against their Creator’s will, God’s original purpose of creation will still come to pass. In eternity future, Jesus Christ will receive everlasting praise and glory in both heaven (through the Church the Body of Christ) and in the earth (through redeemed Israel).

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Also see:
» What is dispensational Bible study?
» Does it matter what Bible version I use?
» What is the Dispensation of Grace?

DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, How are we “known of God?”, How are we “known of God?”, THE CHURCH THE BODY OF CHRIST

How are we “known of God?”

HOW ARE WE “KNOWN OF GOD?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

“Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?” (Galatians 4:8-9). Not only do we in Christ know God. More importantly, God knows us!

Galatians 4:8-9 carries the thought mentioned throughout the previous chapter. While the one true God was dealing with the nation of Israel, preparing them to function as His earthly people, the nations—including the Gentiles in Galatia—“knew not God” and “did service unto them which by nature are no gods.” That is, in their heathen religious services, they worshipped various dead idols.

The Gentiles were doubly-severed from the one true God. They were not only dead in their trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1-3). They were also on the wrong side of the middle wall of partition that God had erected (Ephesians 2:11,12). The Israelites, not the Gentiles, were God’s chosen people. Having let the nations (Gentiles) go their way in spiritual ignorance at the Tower of Babel in Genesis chapter 11, God took Abraham and began to form His special nation in chapter 12. Romans chapter 1 shows us the nations’ blatant rejection of God’s clearly revealed will, and their subsequent spiritual ignorance. This was the former state of the Galatians in Galatians 4:8-9. It was also the lot of our Gentile ancestors in the centuries before Christ!

Did God not care about the Gentiles? Why, of course He did! God’s will was to take the nation Israel, convert them, fill them with His Word, so they, as His kingdom of priests, could then take that divine revelation to the nations (Genesis 12:1-3; Isaiah 2:1-3; Isaiah 60:1-3; Isaiah 61:6; Zechariah 8:20-23). Israel, as we all know, failed in that regard. But, God, in eternity past, devised another way to reach Gentiles until Israel’s national conversion. Galatians 4:8-9 provides a clue as to how He did it. We Gentile believers in Jesus Christ “have known God” and “are known of God.” Just what exactly does this mean? Let us search the Scriptures to find out!

Departing Moses admonishes Israel to remember she alone is God’s special people. Deuteronomy chapter 4: “[5] Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. [6] Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. [7] For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? [8] And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?”

Once Israel entered the Promised Land, Gentiles were to literally see their unique Law-keeping behavior and respond: “Our dead idols do nothing for us, but, LOOK!, an all-powerful, wise, loving God works mightily in Israel! Let us turn to that God and forget our superstitions and statues!”

Romans chapter 9 describes Israel’s privileges in “time past:” “[4] Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; [5] Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.” Israel was to be God’s “son-nation,” His earthly coworker-nation. They had His presence, His covenants, His Law (Word), His priesthood, His promises, and His earthly ministry (Matthew through John). Of the Gentiles like us during that time, Galatians 4:8-9 says, “[Y]e knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.” Thank God, we have moved from “time past” to “but now!”

Ephesians 2:11-13 lays out the Bible timeline: “[11] Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; [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: [13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

In “time past,” God dealt with mankind on the basis of physical circumcision (Jew) and physical uncircumcision (Gentile). He had separated unto Himself the nation Israel from the world (see Romans 9:4,5). Ephesians 2:11-12 says, during that time—Gentiles were “without Christ” (Christ’s earthly ministry was to Israel only; Matthew 15:24), Gentiles were “aliens from the commonwealth of Israel” (not members of Israel), Gentiles were “strangers from the covenants of promise” (God made covenants with Israel), Gentiles “ha[d] no hope” (no promises from God), and Gentiles were “without God” (no Levitical priesthood of God). This correlates to the first part of Galatians 4:8-9: “[W]hen ye [Gentiles] knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.”

Verse 13 of Ephesians chapter 2 says, “BUT…,” a contrast to our previous statements: “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off [Gentiles] are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” This links to the next part of Galatians 4:8-9: “But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God,….” In what Scripture calls “but now,” our present-day, God deals with all of mankind without distinguishing between Jew and Gentile. We proceed to show how this new way of God dealing with mankind began with the Apostle Paul’s salvation and commission.

While Israel had a special status before God in “time past” (Romans 9:4,5; Ephesians 2:11,12), she was unappreciative. She forgot that God had not chosen her as His special people because she was so lovely and loving, but rather because He, in His love, wanted to use her to reach all the nations on His behalf (Genesis 12:1-3). During Christ’s earthly ministry and early Acts, Israel demonstrated she was unwilling to be God’s channel of salvation and blessing to the Gentiles.

So, God turned to Gentiles without Israel. Israel fell before God—albeit temporarily. This is where the Apostle Paul enters. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote in Romans chapter 11: “[11] I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. [12] Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? [13] For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:”

If you read the latter part of the book of Acts—chapter 13 onward—you will cover the bulk of Paul’s ministry. While he did visit synagogues (Jewish places of worship) to warn Israelites of their nation’s temporary fall before God, he also ministered to people who were completely unaware of Israel’s God. None of these people had ever heard the name “Jesus Christ.” Rather, they had their idols of superstition, pagan education, Satanism, wood and stone, et cetera (see Acts 14:1-18, Acts 16:16-18, Acts 17:16-31, Acts 19:21-41, and Acts 28:1-8). This was where Paul found the Galatians (see Galatians 4:8-9). He preached to them the wonderful Gospel of the Grace of God. They came to know the one true God!

Today, it is very difficult to find someone who has never heard of “Jesus.” Contrariwise, when the Apostle Paul began his ministry, it was very difficult to find someone who had heard of “Jesus.” When JEHOVAH God’s apostle of the Gentiles, Paul, entered Athens, Galatia, Thessalonica, Lystra, Derbe, Philippi, Antioch, Berea, Ephesus, and innumerable other Gentile areas, it was His first attempt ever to directly reach those Gentiles. The nations that He had given over to Satan’s control back in Genesis chapter 11, He was now reaching down so they could reach Him.

In Acts chapter 14, Paul and Barnabas preached to the idolaters at Lystra: “[15] …[T]urn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: [16] Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.” Paul preached in Athens (chapter 17): “[23] For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. [24] God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; [25] Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;… [29] Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. [30] And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:”

Paul preached a similar message to the idolaters in Galatia (Galatians 4:8-9). It was via his Gospel message they could know God and He could know them! To the pagan Gentiles, Israel’s God was the “UNKNOWN GOD” (Acts 17:23). Dead in trespasses and sins, under Satan’s control, Gentiles had no relationship with Israel’s God (Ephesians 2:1-3,11,12). Once we move in the Bible from “time past” to “but now,” however, Israel’s God becomes “known” to the Gentiles. Israel’s God decided to reveal a secret He had kept to Himself for thousands of years. He chose Saul of Tarsus, His arch-nemesis, saved him by His grace, and sent him (made him an apostle) for a very special purpose. Paul would preach a worldwide Gospel message. “THE UNKNOWN GOD… him declare I unto you!” (Acts 17:23).

Paul’s own admission is 1 Timothy 2:5-7: “[5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; [6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. [7] Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.”

Israel’s rejected Messiah, Jesus, had become the Saviour of the world. Now, through Paul’s ministry, all people of all nations learn “Christ Jesus… gave himself a ransom for all.” This message was first preached by Paul (not Jesus in His earthly ministry, not Peter, not James, not John, et cetera). Through Christ’s shed blood, we have fellowship with Father God: “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). When we trust Jesus’ finished crosswork as sufficient payment for our sins, we “know” God intimately. And, more importantly, as a parent would commune with his or her child, He “knows” us.

There was a time—“time past”—when the idolaters of Galatia, nonmembers of Israel, did not know the one true God personally and intimately (Ephesians 2:11,12; cf. Romans 9:4,5). However, Paul wrote to the Galatians that that time had passed. Mankind was now living in “but now.”

Ephesians chapter 2 declares: “[13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ… [18] For through him [Jesus Christ] we both [Jew and Gentile] have access by one Spirit unto the Father. [19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; [20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; [21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: [22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

Through Paul’s Gospel—Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3,4)—we Gentiles have “access” to Father God. Furthermore, when we believe that Gospel of God’s Grace, He comes to live inside of us personally via the Holy Spirit. In His Word rightly divided, He has made known unto us His will. We need not revert to our former ways of spiritual ignorance. No need to return to works-religion (as the Galatians were doing in Galatians 4:8-9—using the Mosaic Law). Works-religion will only hinder God’s relationship with us, and ours with Him. He has already given us His grace, His Son, and His fellowship. We need give Him nothing but our trust.

The God of creation will be known of us, and, most importantly, we will be known of Him! 🙂

Also see:
» Can you explain 1 Corinthians chapter 8?
» Who are God’s family in heaven and on earth?
» Can you compare and contrast Peter’s ministry and Paul’s ministry?

DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, Does Jesus Christ save us or does the Gospel save us?, Does Jesus Christ save us or does the Gospel save us?, SOUL SALVATION FROM SINS

Does Jesus Christ save us or does the Gospel save us?

DOES JESUS CHRIST SAVE US, OR DOES THE GOSPEL SAVE US?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“Dear Brother Shawn, Your article is great! It really helped me in understanding difficult Biblical topics. Could you clarify this statement of yours? ‘God applies that forgiveness by faith when we trust the Gospel of Grace—that Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He was raised again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3,4).’ Do we have Scriptural basis in saying we have forgiveness by faith when we ‘trust’ the Gospel of Grace? Salvation comes from, through and by the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation does not come from the gospel. Can we find anywhere in the King James to ‘trust the gospel?’ I understand that 1 Corinthians 15:2 says ‘by this Gospel we were saved…’ but is it Biblical to conclude trusting this Gospel is what saves us? or trusting Jesus Christ saves us? We don’t trust the Gospel to save us but we trust Jesus Christ to save us and this Gospel of Grace is what we believe. Thank you so much. Waiting for your reply.”

“Hi Brother ____. Glad to be of service to you, friend! Thank you for allowing me to clarify. While I understand what you are saying, and I agree with you, please allow me to point out some things I think you have overlooked. I will try to make this as clear and as plain as possible. Since you are replying to our “Are lost people forgiven?” article, I trust that you have read it in full and you can refer to it again if needed. (https://forwhatsaiththescriptures.org/2014/12/07/are-lost-people-forgiven/)

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Faith is believing God’s Word to you. God’s Word to us, God’s Good News (“Gospel”), His message to us, is that His Son is the Saviour. While this is true, the Bible gives a more specific explanation. Faith needs to rest on a clear understanding of God’s Word. The clear understanding is established when we hear or read “Christ died for our sins…” (1 Corinthians 15:3). Without the Gospel message, we have no firm understanding of Jesus Christ (who He is and what He did).

While it is certainly true Jesus Christ is the Saviour, on what basis can He save? What did He do to be the Saviour? You cannot answer these questions without the Gospel. “Christ died for our sins…” (1 Corinthians 15:3).

While it is certainly true Jesus Christ is the Saviour, on what basis does He save? How does He save? You cannot answer these questions without the Gospel. “Christ died for our sins…” (1 Corinthians 15:3).

Why does a holy, righteous God want to have anything to do with us sinners? How can we go to heaven if our sin prohibits fellowship with God? Again, you cannot answer these questions without the Gospel. “Christ died for our sins…” (1 Corinthians 15:3).

Jesus Christ died, shed His blood, and paid for our sins in full. His blood is the atonement for sins. His blood covers our sins. We cannot cover or make up for our sins by performing religious works of any kind. Christ was buried to put away our sins (Hebrews 9:26). He was raised again (resurrected) to justify us (declare us righteous before God) (Romans 4:25). This is called “the Gospel of the Grace of God” (Acts 20:24). Grace is what God can do for us freely through the propitiation (fully satisfying payment) of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24-25). “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

As I pointed out in that article you read earlier, the Gospel is the means whereby God can “impute” (apply, reckon, or “count” in Romans 4:5) the merits of Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork to the believer. The finished crosswork of Jesus Christ is very valuable, but we do not know its true worth unless we know the Gospel that clearly communicates its value. Christ’s shed blood can provide forgiveness, but that forgiveness is not actually true of us as individuals until we as individuals believe the Gospel. “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:5).

The Lord Jesus Christ indeed does the saving from sins and hell, but what about Jesus must we believe in order to be saved? What must we do to have Christ’s righteousness imputed to us? “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). We are to rely on Jesus Christ as the propitiation, or sufficient payment, for our sins. Unless you know exactly what He did to save you, He cannot save you. The Gospel tells us how He saves us. He puts away our sins and gives us His righteousness in their place!

Romans 1:16 says: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” The “Gospel of Christ” is a message all about Jesus Christ. What specifically about Him? According to the King James Bible, the Gospel of Christ is “the power of God” that can “save” those who “believe.” What exactly do they believe? The Gospel of Christ. What is the Gospel of Christ? Chapters 3-5 of Romans will talk about His finished crosswork as the way to righteousness (justification) unto eternal life and heaven.

Ephesians 1:12-14 also says: “[12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. [13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, [14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” We heard “the word of truth,” “the gospel of [our] salvation.”

According to this passage, you have to first hear the Gospel, then you can trust in Christ, and finally you get the Holy Spirit. What is the Gospel of our salvation? Again, please refer to the first five chapters of Romans. We trust in Christ, definitely, but why trust in Him? Because there is saving power, cleansing power, in His shed blood, and that is most clearly expressed in the Gospel of Grace. “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Because the Gospel is the Word of God, it is just as powerful as anything else God does or speaks (just as powerful as Calvary’s cross).

By the way, concerning the “salvation” in 1 Corinthians 15:2, that is deliverance from misery/defeat rather than deliverance from sin (a common misunderstanding about the verse). You can see our study about that linked at the end of this study.

SUPPLEMENTAL – WHAT GOSPEL?

There is a common assumption that there is only one Gospel message in the Bible. This is a misconception. We can avoid it by understanding there are at least two basic Gospel messages in the Bible. (While there is only one Gospel message today, God did not reveal it until the Apostle Paul. God has other Gospel messages valid at other times in human history.)

We read in Matthew chapter 16: “[13] When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? [14] And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. [15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? [16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. [17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. [18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. [20] Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

“[21] From that time forth began Jesus to shew 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. [23] But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”

The 12 Apostles are often assumed to be preaching in the Four Gospels, “Jesus Christ will die for our sins, He will be buried, and He will rise again.” However, the 12 Apostles had no idea about Calvary. In fact, the only piece of information these Apostles were expected to know about Jesus was, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). In verse 17, Jesus approved of these words of Peter: Jesus did not censure Peter for not talking about Calvary since Calvary had not yet been revealed yet. Notice how Peter did not say, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God, who will die for our sins.” Peter was preaching “the Gospel,” but he was not preaching our Gospel. Peter’s Gospel message was that Jesus was Messiah/Christ/Son of God. There is nothing about Calvary in Peter’s confession. The Gospel of the Kingdom committed to Peter and the 11 involved who Jesus was (Christ/Messiah), not what He was going to do at Calvary (as in our Gospel of Grace). We must be careful to “study… rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Read in Matthew 16:21 how Jesus “began” to tell His disciples about how He was going to go to Jerusalem, and suffer, and be killed, and rise again the third day. This means that He had not mentioned Calvary to His disciples prior to Matthew 16:21!!!! Furthermore, when Peter learns of Jesus’ coming death, Peter denies it will happen! Matthew chapter 16 again: “[21] From that time forth began Jesus to shew 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. [23] But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”

Luke 18:31-34 is the parallel account: “[31] 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.” Calvary was hidden from the Apostles!!! They could not have been preaching our Gospel in Matthew through John! They were preaching “the Gospel of the Kingdom” (Matthew 4:17; Matthew 9:35; Matthew 24:14)—Jesus is Messiah/King/Christ. Hence, we say that when we believe the Gospel of the Grace of God, we have God’s righteousness imputed to us. It is not merely enough for us today to believe Jesus is Christ/Son of God (as in the Gospel of the Kingdom). We have to believe “Christ died for our sins” (1 Corinthians 15:3)—that distinguishes our Gospel message from the Gospel the 12 Apostles preached.

If we just say “Jesus saves us,” that is true in both the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of the Grace of God. That is too general a Gospel message, for why does Jesus save us? Not merely because He is Messiah/Christ (as in the Gospel of the Kingdom). But, when we say, “Christ died for our sins,” that is more specific and that is the Gospel message God through the Apostle Paul gave us (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day.” That is the Gospel message we should preach, the Gospel of the Grace of God. “Jesus saves” is too simplistic, and does not go into enough detail to serve as an adequate basis for faith today.

Also see:
» What does, “Saved, if you keep in memory,” in 1 Corinthians 15:2?
» What is a simple Grace Gospel to share with small children and teens?
» Is Acts 16:31 a sufficient Gospel message?