Bible Contradictions (ever heard this one before from skeptics?)

[jeremiah1five]

Yes, jeremiah. Today, during the dispensation of grace, God is extending His grace to all of humanity.
Haven't you read 1 Timothy 2:3-4?

Which "book" of the Old Testament is written to non-Hebrew Gentiles?
None.
Words like "all men" or "the world" or similar statements can only be interpreted in light to WHOM God's Word through the prophets is given or sent to - the children of Israel.
The same is true of the New Covenant letters. The New Covenant applies to the House of Israel (ten northern kingdom tribes), and the House of Judah (two southern kingdom tribes.) It was written by Jews and they discuss, interpret, explain the New Covenant to fellow Jews and Jewish Christians.
At Jesus' last Passover there were twelve Jewish men who also represented the twelve tribes of Israel. There were NO GENTILES at this meal because it is strictly a Hebrew observance and instruction and command. No Gentiles were present at Jesus' last Passover and thus there were no Gentiles that Jesus said, "my body and blood is given FOR YOU" - meaning the twelve tribes of Israel, the exact people that have been in constant covenant with God.

If God's grace was meant for "all humanity" then why did Jesus as High Priest NOT pray for the world (as opposed to all Hebrews who are identified as "them" in John 17?)

If God's grace is for all humanity then why does God hate "the world" in 1 John 2:15-16?

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1 John 2:15–16.

God is not a hypocrite. He does not love "the world" (as wrongly interpreted in John 3:16), and command His people to 'not love the world' (unbelievers), and then turn and "love the world' Himself?

The whole of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation is a love letter from God to Israel, NOT Gentiles. If Gentiles a.k.a. "the world" were to be included in God's grace then they should have been included in God's covenant promises in the Abrahamic Covenant, the Mosaic Covenant, and the New Covenant, but they are not. Saul would not say...

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Galatians 4:4–5.

...IF Gentiles were included in the redemption God has given to Abraham and his seed. Gentiles do not come from Abraham's seed or his loins. They come from Ham and Japheth.
Abraham married Sarai, his half-sister. His father and her father were brothers from the family of Eber, from which the word and name "Hebrew" derives. You cannot birth a non-Hebrew Gentile if both parents are Hebrew. It is biologically impossible.

If non-Hebrew Gentiles have ever been included in the grace of God, then God would have included them in His covenants and then you end up with the false doctrine of Universalism - both Jew and Gentiles are saved. There are only two groups of people in the "world" (planet), and they are Jew and non-Jew Gentiles.

Under the Law the animal was sacrificed to a yearly atonement of the sins of the children of Israel. Jesus didn't change the Law, He said He came to fulfill it. This means that as the lamb OF GOD He was sent to die a substitutionary death in place of the animal who was slain and whose blood was sprinkled on the Mercy Seat of the Hebrew Ark of the Covenant. So, to teach that Jesus died for "everybody" or "the world of Gentiles" is to teach Jesus did not fulfill the Law but changed it, which is impossible for any change would effectively destroy the Law and rendered unreliable for all things having to do with faith and reason. Not even God can change the Law He gave Moses for the children of Israel. So, why do you teach Jesus changed the Law and His death also covers non-Hebrew Gentiles? Were Gentiles ever under the Law to begin with?
When you read words like the ones you mention above about "the world" you run into a contradiction.
The "all men God wanted to save" are the Hebrew people. And if you're going to be strict and say it refers to Gentiles, you would be wrong for it says only "all MEN" - so what about the women?
The context is Israel in the Holy Bible. God so loved the world of Jews, not Gentiles for in 1 John 2:15-16 God says we are not to love the "world" of unsaved people. Not even God casts His pearls to swine, nor gives that which is Holy (His love) to dogs (unsaved, uncircumcised, non-covenant Gentiles.)

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved,
and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

The "all men" are Jews. Because if "all men" refers to Gentiles then why did Jesus refuse and not pray for "the world" (John 17:9), right before He was to offer Himself for sins? The time to pray for the "world" would have been right then and there, but He doesn't, which means the "world" do not have a prayer in the world to their benefit.
Saul writes to Timothy, and the "all men" God wants to save are Jews, not Gentiles. Be careful when you read such words. Otherwise, we have to interpret this as meaning everyone in Israel including the Sanhedrin:

5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. Mark 1:5.

Clearly the "all" in this verse refers to everyone in Judaea and Jerusalem including the Pharisees and Sadducees, right?

You're in Paul's epistles, his audience is to the Gentiles. Israel fell in Acts 7, the middle wall of partition that separated Jew from Gentile had then been removed, hence God saving Saul of Tarsus in Acts 9 by His grace, & sending him to the Gentiles.

The middle wall separated Jew from mixed-race Jew. These are identified as Samaritans as well as mixed-race Jews who are the offspring of the two southern tribes (Judah and Benjamin.) By the way, where are they identified in the New Testament? The gospels identify Samaritans who are the offspring of Jews of the Diaspora of the ten northern kingdom tribes with Manasseh and Ephraim, but where are the two southern kingdom tribes of Judah and Benjamin? Did they all die out? Where are they identified in the NT?

"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; 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: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both [Jew & Gentile alike] unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:" Ephesians 2:11-16

It is because you want to insert "Gentile" as the "both" in this passage that you claim Gentile salvation. But why aren't they included in the Mosaic Covenant? Did the high priest after offering sacrifices from Israel leave and go to Gentiles and offer lambs for their sins? Where in the Bible is that?

Gentiles in time past were dogs, w/out hope, & God in the world. Paul is addressing the Gentiles "aka" heathen.

This is what us Dispensationalists believe, absolutely.

I don't think you understand the mystery Paul was given at all.

The Law/Grace debate became a thing b/c of legalism. Those saved over the past 2,000+ years are saved the same exact way, both Jew & Gentile alike. God concluded ALL under sin, not just the Jews. Again, Paul is the apostle of the Gentiles. Israel doesn't presently hold a superior position over the rest of the nations.

"But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe" Galatians 3:22

If we're saved during God's dispensation of grace, our ethnicity/gender/status doesn't mean a thing.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female:
for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28

Greek is not the same as Gentile. The word "Greek" is "hellens" and it refers to Hellenized Jews, not Gentiles. But let read it again and see if Saul is referring to Jews or Gentiles in what he wrote:

23 But before faith came, we [JEWS] were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our [JEWS] schoolmaster to bring us [JEWS] unto Christ, that we [JEWS] might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we [JEWS] are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26 For ye [JEWS] are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you [JEWS] as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye [JEWS] are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye [JEWS] be Christ’s, then are ye [Still JEWS and] Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:23–29.

Were Gentiles ever an heir to Abraham's promises? No, they went to his Hebrew son, Isaac, and then to his Hebrew grandson, Jacob. Gentiles were never under the Law so how can they be heirs of Abraham's or Moses promises?
The reason why Saul wrote those passages (23-29) is because there were Jews who were followers of Christ and as Abraham's seed were concerned with their standing in the Abrahamic promises, Following Jesus was a new thing to the Jews. There was only Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and Moses. Gentiles were never under a "schoolmaster" (the Law), right?The letters of the New Testament were written by Jews to Jews and Jewish Christians and in them is discussion, explanation, of the New Covenant era Israel found herself in with the coming of the Holy Spirit of Promise PROMISED TO ISRAEL by one of their prophets, Joel.
Where in the Old Testament did God ever promise His Spirit to non-Hebrew Gentiles? Show me the Scripture.

Christ becomes our new identity. If you're saved today, you, as a Jew in the flesh, won't be part of the new covenant God will make w/ the house of Israel, & the house of Judah. When you study Paul's epistles, you'll see he explains the BoC is eternal in the heavens, not in the kingdom on the earth.

Also, there's a huge difference between a New Testament, & a New Covenant. One is a Will, the other a Contract. No where does Paul mention the BoC being in a Contract w/ God, past or future tense. Gentiles become fellow heirs of His Will, our inheritance is in the heavens. The blessings, & promises made to Israel, & Israel alone, will solely be theirs in the future.

What does "Christ" mean? Define the word, please.

 

[FreeInChrist]

Which "book" of the Old Testament is written to non-Hebrew Gentiles?
None.

Wrong....


The Book of Jonah is the Old Testament book whose prophetic message is directly addressed to non-Hebrew Gentiles—specifically, the people of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.

Unlike other prophetic books, which primarily deliver oracles to Israel or Judah (or occasionally include judgments against foreign nations as warnings to God's people), Jonah uniquely features God commissioning the prophet Jonah to proclaim a message of judgment (and potential repentance) straight to a Gentile city: "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it" (Jonah 1:2; 3:2). The Ninevites respond by repenting, and God relents from destroying them (Jonah 3:5–10).

This makes Jonah exceptional among the prophetic books, as its core narrative and divine command target non-Israelites. Other books contain oracles against foreign nations (e.g., Nahum against Nineveh, Obadiah against Edom, or sections in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel), but those are framed within messages to Israel. Jonah stands alone in being sent to Gentiles with a call for their repentance.

The book's audience likely includes both the historical Ninevites (as recipients of the preached message) and later Israelite readers, to demonstrate God's mercy extending beyond Israel.

NEXT?

 

[Jim]

Which saves us, Jim? They can't both be true simultaneously.

God, and only God, saves us. God's choice of whom He saves is made based upon conditions that He has prescribed. There is more than one condition.

Paul is the apostle of the Gentiles (Romans 11:13; Galatians 2:8; 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11)

I find no contradiction in those verses.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9

James is the apostle of the twelve tribes [James 1:1]

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only...
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James 2:24; 26

There is no contradiction. Paul never says that salvation is by faith only. Paul is not speaking of works, generally; rather, when he says salvation is not by works, he is speaking of works of the Law (Rom 3:20; 28; GAL 2:16; 3:2,5,10). Paul devoted nearly the whole of the first three chapters in Romans to make that perfectly clear. Paul never says that we do not have to do anything to be saved. The premier work that we must do to be saved is to believe (Rom 4:3, 23-25). But that is not the only work that we must do (Rom 10:8-10). That is in complete harmony with Jesus' own words in John 6:29.

In addition, Paul makes numerous statements concerning the need for obedience which in any interpretation consists of both words and deeds. In fact, both Paul and Peter speak to the condemnation of those who do not obey the gospel, in which case clearly implies the salvation which comes to those who obey the gospel (Rom10:16; 2 Thess 1:8)1 Pet 4:17).;

Which scripture(s) do you feel doesn't contradict from the list?

Read and correctly understood, there are no contradictions in the Bible. At the very least, we know that to be the case with the original text.

Paul said he was sent not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel.

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words,
lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1 Corinthians 1:17

That does not contradict passages that speak to the connection of baptism and salvation. In that particular passage, Paul is condemning those who claim some special benefit from being baptized by one of the more prominent apostles or teachers. Nothing there speaks against baptism. He is saying that it does not matter who the baptizer is, it only matters who is being baptized.

 

[TedT]

Yes, jeremiah. Today, during the dispensation of grace, God is extending His grace to all of humanity.

Since some people are condemned already, Jn 3:18, and others elected to salvation before the foundation of the world, Ephesians 1:4, it seems most logical to accept that the time of all of creation being offered grace and salvation was when HE made HIS proclamation to every creature under heaven, ie, to all of creation, of HIS gospel, Col 1:23, (which must have included the possible results of our reply to this proclamation, election or condemnation for rejecting it as lies and therefore accepting YHWH to be a fase god).

For those who are condemned already ie, those who will not / cannot answer the call of grace, the call to salvation is over because this life is where we work out our previous replies to HIS proclamation as the sinful elect or the as the reprobate who are outside of HIS loving grace forever as condemned already.

So, why call those who cannot answer because they have already been condemned for their rebuke of HIM as their Lord and Saviour? It is not a call to actually save those condemned already but to prove to the sinful elect that the reprobate cannot repent and someday will be fully leavened in evil because, by postponing the judgment day to have them living with us, Matt 13:27-29, it helps us to hurry up our repentance so we come out from among them which ends the postponement of the judgement day. We speed the coming of the day of judgement by our godliness and holiness, 2 Peter 3:11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness 12 as you anticipate and hasten, (speed up) the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat.

 

[FreeInChrist]

Since some people are condemned already, Jn 3:18, and others elected to salvation before the foundation of the world, Ephesians 1:4, it seems most logical to accept that the time of all of creation being offered grace and salvation was when HE made HIS proclamation to every creature under heaven, ie, to all of creation, of HIS gospel, Col 1:23, (which must have included the possible results of our reply to this proclamation, election or condemnation for rejecting it as lies and therefore accepting YHWH to be a fase god).

For those who are condemned already ie, those who will not / cannot answer the call of grace, the call to salvation is over because this life is where we work out our previous replies to HIS proclamation as the sinful elect or the as the reprobate who are outside of HIS loving grace forever as condemned already.

So, why call those who cannot answer because they have already been condemned for their rebuke of HIM as their Lord and Saviour? It is not a call to actually save those condemned already but to prove to the sinful elect that the reprobate cannot repent and someday will be fully leavened in evil because, by postponing the judgment day to have them living with us, Matt 13:27-29, it helps us to hurry up our repentance so we come out from among them which ends the postponement of the judgement day. We speed the coming of the day of judgement by our godliness and holiness, 2 Peter 3:11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness 12 as you anticipate and hasten, (speed up) the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat.

 

[Victoria]

God, and only God, saves us.

Amen!

God's choice of whom He saves is made based upon conditions that He has prescribed. There is more than one condition.

And is it...

1) Paul, an apostle of the Gentiles, said it's by grace through faith, & not of works?

or...

2) James, an apostle of the twelve tribes scattered, said faith w/out works is dead?

I find no contradiction in those verses.

There is no contradiction. Paul never says that salvation is by faith only.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9

Paul is not speaking of works, generally; rather, when he says salvation is not by works, he is speaking of works of the Law (Rom 3:20; 28; GAL 2:16; 3:2,5,10). Paul devoted nearly the whole of the first three chapters in Romans to make that perfectly clear. Paul never says that we do not have to do anything to be saved. The premier work that we must do to be saved is to believe (Rom 4:3, 23-25). But that is not the only work that we must do (Rom 10:8-10). That is in complete harmony with Jesus' own words in John 6:29.

Believing is not a work, Jim. Like w/ anything else we believe throughout out lives, we either believe something to be true, or we don't. For example, I either have faith that the chair I'm sitting on won't collaspe, or not. I don't need to work myself into believing that.

In addition, Paul makes numerous statements concerning the need for obedience which in any interpretation consists of both words and deeds. In fact, both Paul and Peter speak to the condemnation of those who do not obey the gospel, in which case clearly implies the salvation which comes to those who obey the gospel (Rom10:16; 2 Thess 1:8)1 Pet 4:17).;

Paul refers to "obeying the Gospel" as understanding, & following the specific teachings meant for different groups in the Bible. Rightly dividing the Word of truth means distinguishing which parts of scripture apply to us today, & which were intended for others, ensuring we follow the correct doctrines, particularly those he preached to the Gentiles.

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Romans 2:16

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

Read and correctly understood, there are no contradictions in the Bible. At the very least, we know that to be the case with the original text.

This only becomes an issue when a believer places themselves in the wrong audience.

That does not contradict passages that speak to the connection of baptism and salvation. In that particular passage, Paul is condemning those who claim some special benefit from being baptized by one of the more prominent apostles or teachers. Nothing there speaks against baptism. He is saying that it does not matter who the baptizer is, it only matters who is being baptized.

Certainly it does. Water baptism is a prerequisite for Israel before they're qualified to become a royal priesthood, an holy nation.
This does not apply to the Body of Christ.

 

[jeremiah1five]

Wrong....


The Book of Jonah is the Old Testament book whose prophetic message is directly addressed to non-Hebrew Gentiles—specifically, the people of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.

No, you are wrong.
Unlike most prophetic books, Jonah is not mainly a collection of sermons or prophecies. Instead, it is a narrative about the prophet himself - his calling, his resistance, and God’s dealings with him.

God sends Jonah to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria—an enemy of Israel. Jonah’s reluctance reflects Israel’s historical hostility toward Assyria and his struggle with God’s mercy toward non-Israelites. The book of Jonah emphasizes God’s control over nature: the storm, the great fish, the plant, the worm, and the wind all obey Him. Nineveh responds to Jonah’s simple warning with repentance, from the king down to the people—and even the animals are included in the fast. The final chapter reveals Jonah’s heart problem: he is angry that God spared Nineveh. The book ends with God teaching Jonah (and the reader) about compassion. If Jonah's ministry was a focus AT non-Hebrew Gentiles, it would not be included in a Hebrew "book." But Jonah is still a Hebrew prophet who God did also send to Israel. Jonah is in the Hebrew Bible not because his message was to Nineveh, but because God’s message was for Israel. Jonah is written in Hebrew and so was a message to the northern kingdom (Israel.)

Unlike other prophetic books, which primarily deliver oracles to Israel or Judah (or occasionally include judgments against foreign nations as warnings to God's people), Jonah uniquely features God commissioning the prophet Jonah to proclaim a message of judgment (and potential repentance) straight to a Gentile city: "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it" (Jonah 1:2; 3:2). The Ninevites respond by repenting, and God relents from destroying them (Jonah 3:5–10).

Jonah's ministry to Israel (and Assyria) takes place during the reign of Jeroboam II, king of Israel. Jeroboam II reigned approximately 793–753 BC. Nineveh at this time was the capital of Assyria, which was rising in power but had not yet destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel (that would occur in 722 BC). This historical setting explains Jonah’s fear and anger—Assyria would later become God’s instrument of judgment against Israel. This places Jonah writing his narratives between 760-740 BC, before Assyria would later destroy Israel (722 BC) and take away hundred and thousands to Assyria, who would remain there for over 700 years (about 29-35 generations) of Jews who grew up Gentile heavily influenced by Greek culture. These would be the people Saul addresses in Ephesians 2:11-13.

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. Ephesians 2:11–13.

While Jonah was sent to Nineveh, Amos and Hosea were sent to Israel and these three messages complement each other for in a couple of decades both would be found going head-to-head against each other. So, was Nineveh's repentance truly sincere? No, it wasn't. Jonah's ministry to Nineveh reflected a message that indirectly judged Israel for Isaiah and Micah along with Amos, and Hosea also brought about an insincere repentance (Isaiah 58.)

Assyria first receives mercy, then becomes accountable, then is judged for cruelty and pride (722 BC.)
Although Nineveh did repent it was not a sincere repentance, and it could not be a sincere repentance for these foundational facts:

1. No covenant
2. No sacrifices
3. No law given
4. No promise of inheritance
5. No Messiah revealed to them

Although Jonah's message was one of acceptance, it was NOT one of approval of God.

This makes Jonah exceptional among the prophetic books, as its core narrative and divine command target non-Israelites. Other books contain oracles against foreign nations (e.g., Nahum against Nineveh, Obadiah against Edom, or sections in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel), but those are framed within messages to Israel. Jonah stands alone in being sent to Gentiles with a call for their repentance.

The book's audience likely includes both the historical Ninevites (as recipients of the preached message) and later Israelite readers, to demonstrate God's mercy extending beyond Israel.

NEXT?

God used Assyria as a judgment tool against Israel, Nineveh did not truly repent for in 2-3 generations God would judge Assyria and they would be destroyed by Babylon in 612 BC.
One more thing, although Jonah was sent to Nineveh, the other places in Assyria did not receive this message and is not part of what took place in Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. The rest of Assyria did not repent and soon repentance was replaced with vicious intent against Israel. No non-Hebrew Gentile nation or people ever received from God:
1. No covenant
2. No sacrifices
3. No law given
4. No promise of inheritance
5. No Messiah revealed to them

Today, God had destroyed Assyria to such a point that in order to locate where Nineveh originally had been situated one has to dig deep into the ground/sand.

 

[Jim]

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9

The word "only" or "alone" is not in that passage, either directly or by inference.

Believing is not a work, Jim.

Jesus said that believing in God is a work (John 6:28), Jesus said that in response to the crowd for their question of what they should be doing, Their question was in response to Jesus statement that they should not work for food that perishes but they should work for the food that endures to eternal life. All of that is speaking about the thing or things that you should do in order to receive the gift of eternal life. Doing is work. That work is not always work(s) of the Law. Whenever Paul said that eternal life was not by works, He always meant works of the Law. Many times he said "works of the Law" those times where he omitted "of the Law", it is clear that it was "works of the Law" that he intended.

Like w/ anything else we believe throughout out lives, we either believe something to be true, or we don't. For example, I either have faith that the chair I'm sitting on won't collaspe, or not. I don't need to work myself into believing that.

No offense intended, but that is simply not true. It is not about "working yourself into believing the chair won't collapse". It is about your knowledge and experience with similar constructions for sitting. You wouldn't have faith in a flimsy paper chair, because of what you know.

Paul refers to "obeying the Gospel" as understanding, & following the specific teachings meant for different groups in the Bible. Rightly dividing the Word of truth means distinguishing which parts of scripture apply to us today, & which were intended for others, ensuring we follow the correct doctrines, particularly those he preached to the Gentiles.

In order to obey the gospel, you first need to know and understand what the gospel is. There can be no question whatsoever that obeying the gospel requires the doing of something. Again, doing is work. That work is not always work(s) of the Law.

And where do you get that nonsense about different groups in the Bible. There is one gospel. There is one body of Christ, there is "neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female" (Gal 3:28)

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Romans 2:16

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

This only becomes an issue when a believer places themselves in the wrong audience.

What does that mean? What is the wrong audience?

Certainly it does. Water baptism is a prerequisite for Israel before they're qualified to become a royal priesthood, an holy nation.
This does not apply to the Body of Christ.

Of course it applies to those seeking to become a member in the Body of Christ. Peter learned in his meeting with Cornelius that water baptism is a prerequisite for any, Jew or Gentile, who seek salvation.

 

[FreeInChrist]

Amen!



For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Not exactly a contradiction @Victoria but something I feel people either ignore or unaware of about Eph 2: 8-9

I feel it important to always bear in mind about Eph 2:8-9​

This key verse: Ephesians 2:8​

“For by grace you have been saved through faith…” (Eph 2:8)

The Greek structure is:

χάριτί ἐστε σεσῳσμένοι διὰ πίστεως
chariti este sesōsmenoi dia pisteōs

The key word is διὰ (dia).

And What does​

διὰ with the genitive case (as here) commonly means:

• through
• by means of
• because of
• on account of
• by reason of


This is not debated Greek grammar — it’s standard.

Examples where​

Matthew 27:18
“He knew that because of (διὰ) envy they had delivered Him.”


Romans 4:25
“Who was delivered because of (διὰ) our transgressions.”


John 12:9
“A large crowd came because of (διὰ) Jesus.”


No one translates those as a physical pathway.
The meaning is causal, not mechanical.

​

Applying that to Ephesians 2:8​

So grammatically, this is legitimate:

“You have been saved by grace because of faith”


Faith is not the saving power — grace is.
Faith is the reason / condition / response God graciously saves.


That fits Paul’s theology everywhere else.

Scripture confirms this meaning elsewhere​

Romans 5:1​

“Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God…”

Faith is consistently the basis God responds to, not the force that saves.

Hebrews 11:6​

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him…”

Faith is the condition, not the merit.

​

Acts 15:9​

“He made no distinction… cleansing their hearts by faith”


Faith is the reason God cleanses — not a work, not a cause that earns.


The most important thing is to avoid common theological errors.

If “through faith” is taken as a mechanical instrument, people often slide into:

• faith as a work
• faith as a saving power
• faith as something that obligates God


The very truth of the matter is that Scripture never says faith saves.
It says:

...God saves
...Grace saves
...Christ saves
...Faith pleases God and receives what grace provides


So biblically we can rest assured that

---

“Through” can mean “because of” .....Greek grammar fully allows it..... and Scripture uses dia this way repeatedly

Faith is the condition God responds to, not the saving force.

Grace remains 100% the source of salvation.

Believing is not a work, Jim. Like w/ anything else we believe throughout out lives, we either believe something to be true, or we don't. For example, I either have faith that the chair I'm sitting on won't collaspe, or not. I don't need to work myself into believing that.

Paul refers to "obeying the Gospel" as understanding, & following the specific teachings meant for different groups in the Bible. Rightly dividing the Word of truth means distinguishing which parts of scripture apply to us today, & which were intended for others, ensuring we follow the correct doctrines, particularly those he preached to the Gentiles.

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Romans 2:16

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

This only becomes an issue when a believer places themselves in the wrong audience.

Certainly it does. Water baptism is a prerequisite for Israel before they're qualified to become a royal priesthood, an holy nation.
This does not apply to the Body of Christ.

 

[FreeInChrist]

No, you are wrong.
Unlike most prophetic books, Jonah is not mainly a collection of sermons or prophecies. Instead, it is a narrative about the prophet himself - his calling, his resistance, and God’s dealings with him.

Whatever you reasoning... you remain wrong because you asked Which "book" of the Old Testament is written to non-Hebrew Gentiles?

And you asked without qualifiers....

So
The Book of Jonah is the Old Testament book whose prophetic message is directly addressed to non-Hebrew Gentiles—specifically, the people of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.

Does what you asked.

 

[FreeInChrist]

No, you are wrong.

You are ....

You are the one who said... without qualifications... reply #21

jeremiah1five said:

Which "book" of the Old Testament is written to non-Hebrew Gentiles?
None.

Yes, Nineveh was primarily inhabited by non-Hebrew Gentiles, specifically the Assyrians, who were known for their polytheistic beliefs and were often in conflict with the Hebrew people. The city is notably mentioned in the Bible as a place where the prophet Jonah preached to its people, who repented and turned to God.


The Book of Jonah is unique among the Old Testament books as it is primarily addressed to non-Hebrew Gentiles, specifically the people of Nineveh, calling them to repentance. This narrative emphasizes God's mercy and willingness to forgive even those outside of Israel. Wikipedia
Yes, Nineveh was primarily inhabited by non-Hebrew Gentiles, specifically the Assyrians, who were known for their polytheistic beliefs and were often in conflict with the Hebrew people. The city is notably mentioned in the Bible as a place where the prophet Jonah preached to its people, who repented and turned to God.

Book of Jonah​

The Book of Jonah is one of the twelve minor prophets of the Nevi'im in the Hebrew Bible, and an individual book in the Old Testament where it has four chapters. The book tells of a Hebrew prophet named Jonah, son of Amittai, who is sent by God to prophesy the destruction of Nineveh, but attempts to escape his divine mission. The story has a long interpretive history and has become well known through popular children's stories. In Judaism, it is the Haftarah portion read during the afternoon of Yom Kippur to instill reflection on God's willingness to forgive those who repent, and it remains a popular story among Christians. The story is also retold in the Quran. Mainstream Bible scholars generally regard the story of the Book of Jonah as fictional, and often at least partially satirical. Most scholars consider the Book of Jonah to have been composed long after the events it describes due to its use of words and motifs exclusive to postexilic Aramaic sources Continued in Wikipedia.....

 

[Victoria]

The word "only" or "alone" is not in that passage, either directly or by inference.

Jesus said that believing in God is a work (John 6:28), Jesus said that in response to the crowd for their question of what they should be doing, Their question was in response to Jesus statement that they should not work for food that perishes but they should work for the food that endures to eternal life. All of that is speaking about the thing or things that you should do in order to receive the gift of eternal life. Doing is work. That work is not always work(s) of the Law. Whenever Paul said that eternal life was not by works, He always meant works of the Law. Many times he said "works of the Law" those times where he omitted "of the Law", it is clear that it was "works of the Law" that he intended.

In order to obey the gospel, you first need to know and understand what the gospel is. There can be no question whatsoever that obeying the gospel requires the doing of something. Again, doing is work. That work is not always work(s) of the Law.

And where do you get that nonsense about different groups in the Bible. There is one gospel. There is one body of Christ, there is "neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female" (Gal 3:28)

What does that mean? What is the wrong audience?

Of course it applies to those seeking to become a member in the Body of Christ. Peter learned in his meeting with Cornelius that water baptism is a prerequisite for any, Jew or Gentile, who seek salvation.

The Difference Between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of Grace

Ever noticed how Jesus preached one message, Paul another—yet we treat them like interchangeable parts in a theological vending machine? Here’s the uncomfortable truth: the “gospel of the kingdom” Jesus announced to Israel isn’t the same as the “gospel of grace” Paul unpacked for the rest of us. Mix them up, and you’ll end up with a spiritual identity crisis—or worse, a works-based faith that leaves you exhausted.

The Kingdom Gospel: Israel’s National Promise

Picture this: Jesus walks into Galilee shouting, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 4:17). Was He offering free passes to heaven? Nope. He was announcing the long-awaited earthly kingdom promised to Israel—the one where wolves chill with lambs and swords get recycled into plows (Isaiah 11:6-9). This was covenant stuff. The Messiah had arrived to restore David’s throne, and Israel’s repentance was the RSVP.

But here’s the kicker: that kingdom got postponed. Why? They rejected the King. The religious elites traded a coronation for a crucifixion, and the kingdom offer got shelved—temporarily. Jesus even pivoted to parables because the nation wasn’t ready (Matthew 13:10-13).

Grace Gospel: Your Ticket to the Heaven You Didn’t Earn

Fast-forward to Paul. While Peter and the gang were still preaching repentance and baptism to Jews (Acts 2:38), Jesus blindsided Saul on the Damascus Road and handed him a new message: “By grace you’ve been saved through faith—not of works” (Ephesians 2:8-9). No kingdom conditions. No national repentance. Just a crucified Christ as the sole basis for righteousness.

This wasn’t Plan B. It was the mystery “kept secret since the world began” (Romans 16:25). Gentiles? Justified freely. Sinners? Declared righteous apart from the Law. No temple, no sacrifices, no tribal lineage required. Just raw, scandalous grace.

Why Mixing Them Up Leads to Spiritual Whiplash

Ever heard someone preach, “Live like Jesus!” while quoting the Sermon on the Mount to guilt-trip you into poverty-level generosity? That’s kingdom ethics slapped onto grace believers. Jesus’ earthly ministry was laser-focused on Israel under the Law (Matthew 15:24). Paul’s letters? They’re your mail.

Kingdom Gospel says: “Sell all you have” (Luke 12:33).
Grace Gospel says: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

One was a radical demand for kingdom readiness; the other’s an invitation to give freely because you’re already secure. Spot the difference?

The Deadly Doctrine of Blended Gospels

Some folks smash these messages together like theological Play-Doh. Result? A Frankenstein faith where salvation’s “free,” but you’d better prove it with works—or else. They’ll quote James (“faith without works is dead”) to anxiety-wracked believers while ignoring Paul’s thunderclap: “To him who does not work but believes… his faith is counted as righteousness” (Romans 4:5).

Newsflash: James was writing to Jewish believers scattered in the diaspora (James 1:1), still under the shadow of the kingdom’s imminent return. Paul? He’s your guy for the dispensation of grace (Ephesians 3:2).

How to Rightly Divide Without Losing Your Sanity

Context is king. When Jesus talks about cutting off hands (Matthew 5:30), He’s preaching Law-fulfillment to Israel. When Paul says “there’s no condemnation” (Romans 8:1), he’s talking to you.
Timeline matters. Prophecy paused at Acts 7 (Stephen’s stoning). The mystery of grace took center stage.
Rest in finished work. Kingdom preaching demanded action; grace proclaims what’s already done.

Grace Isn’t a License—It’s a Lifeline

Let’s shut down the myth: grace believers aren’t antinomian rebels. We’re just honest about human nature. The Law exposed sin but couldn’t fix it (Romans 3:20). Grace? It empowers what it demands. You love because you’re loved (1 John 4:19). You obey from acceptance, not for it.

So next time someone hits you with “But Jesus said…” in a guilt trip, smile and ask: “Which covenant are we under?” The answer changes everything.


By: Ezra Shepherd

The Difference Between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of Grace

 

[Jim]

The Difference Between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of Grace

Ever noticed how Jesus preached one message, Paul another—yet we treat them like interchangeable parts in a theological vending machine? Here’s the uncomfortable truth: the “gospel of the kingdom” Jesus announced to Israel isn’t the same as the “gospel of grace” Paul unpacked for the rest of us. Mix them up, and you’ll end up with a spiritual identity crisis—or worse, a works-based faith that leaves you exhausted.

The message is the same. The only difference was that Jesus was still living and teaching under the Old Covenant. The New Covenant had not yet been initiated. Paul did not preach a different gospel than Jesus.

The Kingdom Gospel: Israel’s National Promise

Picture this: Jesus walks into Galilee shouting, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 4:17). Was He offering free passes to heaven? Nope. He was announcing the long-awaited earthly kingdom promised to Israel—the one where wolves chill with lambs and swords get recycled into plows (Isaiah 11:6-9). This was covenant stuff. The Messiah had arrived to restore David’s throne, and Israel’s repentance was the RSVP.

Oh my, oh my, oh my.

Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

From Albert Barnes:

The kingdom of heaven is at hand - The phrases kingdom of heaven, kingdom of Christ, kingdom of God, are of frequent occurrence in the Bible. They all refer to the same thing. The expectation of such a kingdom was taken from the Old Testament, and especially from Daniel, Dan_7:13-14. The prophets had told of a successor to David that should sit on his throne 1Ki_2:4; 1Ki_8:25; Jer_33:17. The Jews expected a great national deliverer. They supposed that when the Messiah should appear, all the dead would be raised; that the judgment would take place; and that the enemies of the Jews would be destroyed, and that they themselves would be advanced to great national dignity and honor.

The language in which they were accustomed to describe this event was retained by our Saviour and his apostles. Yet they early attempted to correct the common notions respecting his reign. This was one design, doubtless, of John in preaching repentance. Instead of summoning them to military exercises, and collecting an army, which would have been in accordance with the expectations of the nation, he called them to a change of life; to the doctrine of repentance - a state of things far more accordant with the approach of a kingdom of purity.

The phrases “kingdom of God” and “kingdom of heaven” have been supposed to have a considerable variety of meaning. Some have supposed that they refer to the state of things in heaven; others, to the personal reign of Christ on earth; others, that they mean the church, or the reign of Christ in the hearts of his people. There can be no doubt that there is reference in the words to the condition of things in heaven after this life. But the church of God is a preparatory state to that beyond the grave - a state in which Christ pre-eminently rules and reigns and there is no doubt that the phrases sometimes refer to the state of things in the church; and that they may refer, therefore, to the state of things which the Messiah was to set up his spiritual reign begun in the church on earth and completed in heaven.

The expression “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” would be best translated, “the reign of God draws near.” We do not say commonly of a kingdom that it is movable, or that it approaches. A reign may be said to be at hand; and it may be said with propriety that the time when Christ would reign was at hand. In this sense it is meant that the time when Christ should reign, or set up his kingdom, or begin his dominion on earth, under the Christian economy, was about to commence. The phrase, then, should not be confined to any period of that reign, but includes his whole dominion over his people on earth and in heaven.
In the passage here it clearly means that the coming of the Messiah was near, or that the time of the reign of God which the Jews had expected was coming.

The word “heaven,” or “heavens,” as it is in the original, means sometimes the place so called; and sometimes it is, by a figure of speech, put for the Great Being whose residence is there, as in Dan_4:26; “the Heavens do rule.” See also Mar_11:30; Luk_15:18. As that kingdom was one of purity, it was proper that the people should prepare themselves for it by turning from their sins, and by bringing their hearts into a state suitable to his reign.

The kingdom of heaven that the Jews had expected was an earthly national kingdom. They were wrong.

But here’s the kicker: that kingdom got postponed. Why? They rejected the King. The religious elites traded a coronation for a crucifixion, and the kingdom offer got shelved—temporarily. Jesus even pivoted to parables because the nation wasn’t ready (Matthew 13:10-13).

The kicker is that the kingdom that the Jews anticipated didn't get postponed. It was never the intended kingdom. The nation Israel was chosen for the service to God of bringing Jesus Christ to world as savior to the world. The ethnic nation Israel was never chosen for salvation. Salvation was, is, and always will be by grace through faith.

Rom 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness."

Abraham believed God and he was saved. To have his belief, his faith in God, counted to him as righteousness was to be justified, i.e., saved.

Grace Gospel: Your Ticket to the Heaven You Didn’t Earn

Fast-forward to Paul. While Peter and the gang were still preaching repentance and baptism to Jews (Acts 2:38), Jesus blindsided Saul on the Damascus Road and handed him a new message: “By grace you’ve been saved through faith—not of works” (Ephesians 2:8-9). No kingdom conditions. No national repentance. Just a crucified Christ as the sole basis for righteousness.

This wasn’t Plan B. It was the mystery “kept secret since the world began” (Romans 16:25). Gentiles? Justified freely. Sinners? Declared righteous apart from the Law. No temple, no sacrifices, no tribal lineage required. Just raw, scandalous grace.

Why Mixing Them Up Leads to Spiritual Whiplash

Ever heard someone preach, “Live like Jesus!” while quoting the Sermon on the Mount to guilt-trip you into poverty-level generosity? That’s kingdom ethics slapped onto grace believers. Jesus’ earthly ministry was laser-focused on Israel under the Law (Matthew 15:24). Paul’s letters? They’re your mail.

Kingdom Gospel says: “Sell all you have” (Luke 12:33).
Grace Gospel says: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

One was a radical demand for kingdom readiness; the other’s an invitation to give freely because you’re already secure. Spot the difference?

The Deadly Doctrine of Blended Gospels

Some folks smash these messages together like theological Play-Doh. Result? A Frankenstein faith where salvation’s “free,” but you’d better prove it with works—or else. They’ll quote James (“faith without works is dead”) to anxiety-wracked believers while ignoring Paul’s thunderclap: “To him who does not work but believes… his faith is counted as righteousness” (Romans 4:5).

Newsflash: James was writing to Jewish believers scattered in the diaspora (James 1:1), still under the shadow of the kingdom’s imminent return. Paul? He’s your guy for the dispensation of grace (Ephesians 3:2).

How to Rightly Divide Without Losing Your Sanity

Context is king. When Jesus talks about cutting off hands (Matthew 5:30), He’s preaching Law-fulfillment to Israel. When Paul says “there’s no condemnation” (Romans 8:1), he’s talking to you.
Timeline matters. Prophecy paused at Acts 7 (Stephen’s stoning). The mystery of grace took center stage.
Rest in finished work. Kingdom preaching demanded action; grace proclaims what’s already done.

Grace Isn’t a License—It’s a Lifeline

Let’s shut down the myth: grace believers aren’t antinomian rebels. We’re just honest about human nature. The Law exposed sin but couldn’t fix it (Romans 3:20). Grace? It empowers what it demands. You love because you’re loved (1 John 4:19). You obey from acceptance, not for it.

So next time someone hits you with “But Jesus said…” in a guilt trip, smile and ask: “Which covenant are we under?” The answer changes everything.


By: Ezra Shepherd

The Difference Between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of Grace

All of that is the false doctrine of dispensations. The Jews are now under the exact same covenant as the rest of the world.

Gal 3:23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.

 

[jeremiah1five]

Whatever you reasoning... you remain wrong because you asked Which "book" of the Old Testament is written to non-Hebrew Gentiles?

The book of Jonah is written in Hebrew. Gentiles do not speak or write Hebrew.
The book of Jonah is about Jonah, not Nineveh or Assyria. They are merely the subject upon which Jonah's behavior and attitudes are written about.
Still, since the boom of Jonah is written in Hebrew it is most definitely a book to and for the Hebrew people.

And you asked without qualifiers....

So
The Book of Jonah is the Old Testament book whose prophetic message is directly addressed to non-Hebrew Gentiles—specifically, the people of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.

Does what you asked.

It is addressed to Israel, not Gentiles. It is written in Hebrew, which we all know is the language of the Hebrew people.
If you were paying attention to what Jonah wrote you'd see that the narrative is mostly about Jonah and his attitudes and this informs the Hebrew people that God is Sovereign over all nations - including Gentile nations, which to the Jew is comforting because by being God's Chosen people no matter what difficulties the Jewish people may be involved in, God is Sovereign and His Promises to the Jews will all be fulfilled, and in the end they will be a people that will overcome all their enemies.

Nineveh's so-called repentance was anything but since in one hundred years or more they will be used of God to punish Israel, but they themselves will be punished by God by the Babylonians. Their repentance did not have any covenant promises, no sacrifices for sins, and no Savior.
Besides this, while Nineveh was given a message of judgment the rest of Assyria didn't and in 2-3 generations later God destroyed the Assyrians never to rise again.

 

[jeremiah1five]

You are ....

You are the one who said... without qualifications... reply #21

jeremiah1five said:

Yes, Nineveh was primarily inhabited by non-Hebrew Gentiles, specifically the Assyrians, who were known for their polytheistic beliefs and were often in conflict with the Hebrew people. The city is notably mentioned in the Bible as a place where the prophet Jonah preached to its people, who repented and turned to God.

They didn't turn to God. There is no Scripture that says this. You are again adding to the Bible.
The book of Jonah was written in Hebrew. Thus, the narrative may be about a non-Hebrew Gentile nation and enemy of Israel, the instruction is to and for the Hebrew people.
Their "repentance" was insincere and while the city of Nineveh repented the rest of the country remained in sin and was judged by God and destroyed by Babylon in 612 BC.

The Book of Jonah is unique among the Old Testament books as it is primarily addressed to non-Hebrew Gentiles, specifically the people of Nineveh, calling them to repentance. This narrative emphasizes God's mercy and willingness to forgive even those outside of Israel. Wikipedia

Jonah was sent to Nineveh, but the book and the lessons are in Hebrew for the Hebrew people. Assyrians do not read or write Hebrew. How can this be a message to the Assyrians when they wouldn't be able to understand anything since the book is written in Hebrew?

Yes, Nineveh was primarily inhabited by non-Hebrew Gentiles, specifically the Assyrians, who were known for their polytheistic beliefs and were often in conflict with the Hebrew people. The city is notably mentioned in the Bible as a place where the prophet Jonah preached to its people, who repented and turned to God.

God threatened Assyria with destruction unless they repented. They received a message of repentance under threat of judgment more than when Joshua was commanded to enter Canaan and destroy the Gentiles living there and they received no call to repentance. For the most part everyone in Canaan was afraid of the God of the Israelites after hearing what their God did to the Egyptians.
Their repentance only delayed their destruction for in 2-3 generations God destroyed Assyria never to rise again.
Their repentance did not come with covenant or sacrifices to God or offer of a Savior.

The Book of Jonah is one of the twelve minor prophets of the Nevi'im in the Hebrew Bible, and an individual book in the Old Testament where it has four chapters. The book tells of a Hebrew prophet named Jonah, son of Amittai, who is sent by God to prophesy the destruction of Nineveh, but attempts to escape his divine mission. The story has a long interpretive history and has become well known through popular children's stories. In Judaism, it is the Haftarah portion read during the afternoon of Yom Kippur to instill reflection on God's willingness to forgive those who repent, and it remains a popular story among Christians. The story is also retold in the Quran. Mainstream Bible scholars generally regard the story of the Book of Jonah as fictional, and often at least partially satirical. Most scholars consider the Book of Jonah to have been composed long after the events it describes due to its use of words and motifs exclusive to postexilic Aramaic sources Continued in Wikipedia.....

That's what you get when you rely on a godless group of people who reject the Holy Word of God and the Holy God of the Bible.
Stop following men and repent and serve the God, you say you follow.
The message of Jonah is also meant for you.

 

[FreeInChrist]

The Difference Between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of Grace

Ever noticed how Jesus preached one message, Paul another—yet we treat them like interchangeable parts in a theological vending machine? Here’s the uncomfortable truth: the “gospel of the kingdom” Jesus announced to Israel isn’t the same as the “gospel of grace” Paul unpacked for the rest of us. Mix them up, and you’ll end up with a spiritual identity crisis—or worse, a works-based faith that leaves you exhausted.

The Kingdom Gospel: Israel’s National Promise

Picture this: Jesus walks into Galilee shouting, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 4:17). Was He offering free passes to heaven? Nope. He was announcing the long-awaited earthly kingdom promised to Israel—the one where wolves chill with lambs and swords get recycled into plows (Isaiah 11:6-9). This was covenant stuff. The Messiah had arrived to restore David’s throne, and Israel’s repentance was the RSVP.

But here’s the kicker: that kingdom got postponed. Why? They rejected the King. The religious elites traded a coronation for a crucifixion, and the kingdom offer got shelved—temporarily. Jesus even pivoted to parables because the nation wasn’t ready (Matthew 13:10-13).

Grace Gospel: Your Ticket to the Heaven You Didn’t Earn

Fast-forward to Paul. While Peter and the gang were still preaching repentance and baptism to Jews (Acts 2:38), Jesus blindsided Saul on the Damascus Road and handed him a new message: “By grace you’ve been saved through faith—not of works” (Ephesians 2:8-9). No kingdom conditions. No national repentance. Just a crucified Christ as the sole basis for righteousness.

This wasn’t Plan B. It was the mystery “kept secret since the world began” (Romans 16:25). Gentiles? Justified freely. Sinners? Declared righteous apart from the Law. No temple, no sacrifices, no tribal lineage required. Just raw, scandalous grace.

Why Mixing Them Up Leads to Spiritual Whiplash

Ever heard someone preach, “Live like Jesus!” while quoting the Sermon on the Mount to guilt-trip you into poverty-level generosity? That’s kingdom ethics slapped onto grace believers. Jesus’ earthly ministry was laser-focused on Israel under the Law (Matthew 15:24). Paul’s letters? They’re your mail.

Kingdom Gospel says: “Sell all you have” (Luke 12:33).
Grace Gospel says: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

One was a radical demand for kingdom readiness; the other’s an invitation to give freely because you’re already secure. Spot the difference?

The Deadly Doctrine of Blended Gospels

Some folks smash these messages together like theological Play-Doh. Result? A Frankenstein faith where salvation’s “free,” but you’d better prove it with works—or else. They’ll quote James (“faith without works is dead”) to anxiety-wracked believers while ignoring Paul’s thunderclap: “To him who does not work but believes… his faith is counted as righteousness” (Romans 4:5).

Newsflash: James was writing to Jewish believers scattered in the diaspora (James 1:1), still under the shadow of the kingdom’s imminent return. Paul? He’s your guy for the dispensation of grace (Ephesians 3:2).

How to Rightly Divide Without Losing Your Sanity

Context is king. When Jesus talks about cutting off hands (Matthew 5:30), He’s preaching Law-fulfillment to Israel. When Paul says “there’s no condemnation” (Romans 8:1), he’s talking to you.
Timeline matters. Prophecy paused at Acts 7 (Stephen’s stoning). The mystery of grace took center stage.
Rest in finished work. Kingdom preaching demanded action; grace proclaims what’s already done.

Grace Isn’t a License—It’s a Lifeline

Let’s shut down the myth: grace believers aren’t antinomian rebels. We’re just honest about human nature. The Law exposed sin but couldn’t fix it (Romans 3:20). Grace? It empowers what it demands. You love because you’re loved (1 John 4:19). You obey from acceptance, not for it.

So next time someone hits you with “But Jesus said…” in a guilt trip, smile and ask: “Which covenant are we under?” The answer changes everything.


By: Ezra Shepherd

The Difference Between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of Grace

This is very well stated and totally understandable to anyone who can read and is willing to accept.

I might briefly expand this statement....

Grace Isn’t a License—It’s a Lifeline
to say
Grace is the gift; faith is the means of receiving it.
If faith were irresistibly given only to the predestined, the phrase “through faith” would be meaningless.
Therefore grace fully saves, while faith remains a real, non-meritorious human response.

 

[FreeInChrist]

They didn't turn to God. There is no Scripture that says this. You are again adding to the Bible.
The book of Jonah was written in Hebrew. Thus, the narrative may be about a non-Hebrew Gentile nation and enemy of Israel, the instruction is to and for the Hebrew people.
Their "repentance" was insincere and while the city of Nineveh repented the rest of the country remained in sin and was judged by God and destroyed by Babylon in 612 BC.

Jonah was sent to Nineveh, but the book and the lessons are in Hebrew for the Hebrew people. Assyrians do not read or write Hebrew. How can this be a message to the Assyrians when they wouldn't be able to understand anything since the book is written in Hebrew?


God threatened Assyria with destruction unless they repented. They received a message of repentance under threat of judgment more than when Joshua was commanded to enter Canaan and destroy the Gentiles living there and they received no call to repentance. For the most part everyone in Canaan was afraid of the God of the Israelites after hearing what their God did to the Egyptians.
Their repentance only delayed their destruction for in 2-3 generations God destroyed Assyria never to rise again.
Their repentance did not come with covenant or sacrifices to God or offer of a Savior.

That's what you get when you rely on a godless group of people who reject the Holy Word of God and the Holy God of the Bible.
Stop following men and repent and serve the God, you say you follow.
The message of Jonah is also meant for you.

YOU have already told me I cannot..... you may have forgotten but I have it in writing.

So quit telling me what to do. I reject nothing and the Holy Spirit is keeping me in line.... something you have never experienced.
Too bad.

You are so misinterpreting all that you read.... are you being coached by a rabbi or are you merely self-interpreting.... ?

Either way is not good when it ccomes to things of the Holy Father and his Son whom he referred to as God.

 

[jeremiah1five]

This is very well stated and totally understandable to anyone who can read and is willing to accept.

I might briefly expand this statement....

Grace Isn’t a License—It’s a Lifeline
to say
Grace is the gift; faith is the means of receiving it.
If faith were irresistibly given only to the predestined, the phrase “through faith” would be meaningless.
Therefore grace fully saves, while faith remains a real, non-meritorious human response.

Why are you all 'locked up' on faith?
Israel is in a covenant relationship with God for the salvation of ALL their souls, which is why Saul, for one, said, "And ALL Israel shall be saved." The New Covenant does not have "faith" as a requirement or a term for their salvation. Nowhere in Jeremiah's prophecy does he include faith as a requirement, he merely states their salvation (forgiveness) as a fact that God forgives the House of Israel and the House of Judah as per HIS PROMISES TO SAVE.

All those Gentile theology books have you twisted.

God began His promise to save Abraham and his seed, also known as the children of Israel or twelve tribes.
God then makes a covenant through Moses in which He establishes substitutional sacrifice for the atonement, however temporary, of their sins. Then God sends His only begotten Son to die in the place of the paschal animal and suffers the penalty for their sins which is death, is resurrected and a New Covenant in His blood is established between God and the Hebrew people. Faith is never required by God in any of the three above covenants. God started these covenants, and God is the one to finish it. Jesus said from the cross, "IT IS FINISHED!" Meaning the salvation of Abraham and his seed is accomplished and this prompts Saul to say, "And ALL Israel shall be saved."
Today, all Israel is saved. That's it. That's all. Why do you both keep arguing about faith when faith has nothing to do with the salvation of ALL Israel?

 

[jeremiah1five]

YOU have already told me I cannot..... you may have forgotten but I have it in writing.

So quit telling me what to do. I reject nothing and the Holy Spirit is keeping me in line.... something you have never experienced.
Too bad.

You are so misinterpreting all that you read.... are you being coached by a rabbi or are you merely self-interpreting.... ?

Either way is not good when it ccomes to things of the Holy Father and his Son whom he referred to as God.

As I said elsewhere, Saul said, "and ALL ISRAEL shall be saved."
Why do you keep rejecting the Word of God and keep adding to the Bible and to the Lord's salvation of the Hebrew people things that and not part of their covenants?
Saul doesn't say, "and all Gentiles will be saved," He says, ALL ISRAEL SHALL BE SAVED!"
Read: SHALL!
Those Gentile theology books got all of you twisted up.

 

[FreeInChrist]

As I said elsewhere, Saul said, "and ALL ISRAEL shall be saved."
Why do you keep rejecting the Word of God and keep adding to the Bible and to the Lord's salvation of the Hebrew people things that and not part of their covenants?
Saul doesn't say, "and all Gentiles will be saved," He says, ALL ISRAEL SHALL BE SAVED!"
Read: SHALL!
Those Gentile theology books got all of you twisted up.

I am not Israel. None of my blood goes that way.

You know this.

I am not one of God's chosen.

Yes. My Gentile Bible took me down the path of faith.

It is difficult to turn your back on 7 decades of reading.

I no longer grab the bible to read... especially when many things I have been taught are wrong...

But that is from another forum and has nothing to do with
what your beliefs are.

Just for your information... When I speak of faith...and salvation... and mention
something from the OT it is only and always not a Trinity mention nor a
belief other then the great I am who will save Israel. and those who fell by the
wayside are those that the Son of the Great I AM was sent to. The lost sheep of
Israel.

The facts of the matter are I never asked to be born. I have every reason to believe
I was an accident. I could not, at any time in my life have changed my WASP background
though I sure did want to.

But there is some reason that in the New Testament there is so much about belief and
faith.. WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?

Well I have said enough. Too much... but you do tend to pull that out of me.... makes me thing
you might be a psychiatrist orsome such.

I promise to God that I wont answer another of your threads.... EVER