Paul's Theology #2 "Rightly divide"

[Johann]

Praise God!

Thank you for sharing @Johann.
In Christ Jesus
Chris

If you're interested-stop by Berean Bible Society Chris-some wonderful, Spirit filled material and sources to be found.
Stay strong.
Johann.

 

[Behold]

What if the purpose of the Bible is not to show "the world" their sins?

That is not the purpose of the Bible.
That is the purpose of the Holy Spirit, as its the Holy Spirit who reveals to you, your need of Christ.
Can this revelation happen, based on a Bible Text? Yes, but, most unbelievers are not reading their bible, and neither are they going around anyone who is preaching from a bible.

Rom. 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

"continuance" is a work you do, and Salvation that God provides is based on The Cross., as "the GIFT of Salvation"

Those are not the same.

A Gift from God, is not a work you do by "continuance".

Legalist's, never understand this.... they never do.

See......You can't work your way to heaven, and you can't continue to do works after you are saved, as the means to stay saved.

Salvation is based on the Cross of Christ.

= Nothing else.

 

[Johann]

3.) This Teacher has to be a devoted student of Paul's Theology, and if your "teacher" does not have this Theological core, then get another Teacher who does.

Paul, in his ministry, called himself the apostle, or teacher, or preacher, or minister, or the Lord’s prisoner. “to the Gentiles”, more than a dozen times. He mentioned himself in the first– person pronoun more than 1300 times. He was neither deluded, presumptuous nor egotistical. He had many revelations from the Lord. II Corinthians 12:1 to 12. He had a special deposit from the Lord. II Timothy 1:12 (Greek—“my deposit”). Christ sent him to preach riches to the Gentiles never hinted at in the Old Testament Scriptures (“unsearchable”—“not to be tracked”). Ephesians 3:8. He had committed unto him, “the Dispensation of the Grace of God, “the Dispensation of the Mystery” for the Gentiles. Ephesians 3:9. In his Prison Epistles “the Mystery” is mentioned twelve times.

Paul did not receive his “uncircumcision” gospel from Peter and the Eleven (apostles before him, Galatians 1:17). Neither did they give him any authority to go to the Gentiles. Christ gave him that authority. Unlike the Eleven, in the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19 and 20, Christ sent Paul, not to baptize. I Corinthians 1:17. Neither did Paul in his Prison Epistles tell any one to obey or preach the message of Mark 16:15 to 18.

In Acts 9:1 to 15, we have the record of Paul’s (Saul’s) conversion. Then what followed? He straightway preached Christ (Messiah) in the synagogue. Acts 9:20. Now, note carefully what he called this: “preached the faith which he once destroyed.” Galatians 1:23. Remember, Saul never persecuted Gentile Christians. He was turned to Christ before the door of salvation was opened to the Gentiles. Acts 14:27. Saul never preached to Gentiles in his “Grace of God” gospel what Christ preached to him, “Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins.” Acts 22:16. Paul went to Arabia; and after three years went up to Jerusalem, where he spent about two weeks with Peter and James the Lord’s brother. Galatians 1:17 to 24.

Fourteen years after, by revelation, Paul went again to Jerusalem and told them of a revelation he had received from the risen Christ, “the gospel of the uncircumcision”. Galatians 2:7. Note, the Twelve learned it from Paul and not from Christ. Let us not confuse the faith which Saul, the persecutor, destroyed, with the gospel of the uncircumcision about which he, nor the Twelve, knew nothing when he was persecuting the Church of God. Neither let us confuse the “gospel of the uncircumcision, foreseen in Abram’s call (Galatians 3:8) with the ministry of reconciliation. II Corinthians 5:16 to 21.

Now let us refer again to our subject, “When-How-Why and Where Did Paul Receive What?” and Search the Scriptures. But let us note this order:

The Faith Paul once destroyed.
The Gospel of the Uncircumcision.
The Dispensation of God.
he Ministry of Reconciliation.
The Dispensation of the Grace of God.
The Eternal Purpose of God in Christ.
The Dispensation of the Mystery.
Ephesians 3:1 and 2

“Far this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD which is given me to youward.”

Ephesians 3:8 and 9:

“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the DISPENSATION ‘OF THE MYSTERY, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.”

Galatians 1:11 and 12:

“But I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but BY THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST.”

Galatians 2:7:

“BUT CONTRARIWISE, when they saw that the GOSPEL OF THE UNCIRCUMCISION WAS COMMITTED UNTO ME, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter.”,

l Corinthians 9:16 and 17:

“For though I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, A DISPENSATION OF THE GOSPEL IS COMMITTED UNTO ME.”

Colossians 1:25 and 26:

“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the DISPENSATION OF GOD WHICH IS GIVEN TO ME FOR YOU, to fulfill the Word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints.”

I Timothy 1:11:

“According to the glorious Gospel of the blessed God, which was COMMITTED TO MY TRUST.”

Romans 15:16:

“That I SHOULD BE THE MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE GENTILES, ministering the Gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.”

II Timothy 1:9 to 12:

“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel:

WHEREUNTO I AM APPOINTED A PREACHER, AND AN APOSTLE, AND A TEACHER OF THE GENTILES. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep (my deposit)” (original).

Paul had a Divine deposit. How did he receive it? “By revelation”. Galatians 1:12; Ephesians 3:3. It was for Gentiles. He magnified his office as the Apostle to the Gentiles. Romans 11:13. The risen Lord instructed Paul to give the salvation message to Gentiles to provoke Israel to jealousy. Romans 11:11; Acts 13:46; Acts 18:6. Christ committed to Paul the gospel of the uncircumcision. Galatians 2:7.

The Twelve Apostles learned this fact when Christ sent Paul to Jerusalem by revelation (14 years after Galatians 1) Galatians 2:1. Paul revealed in Ephesians and Colossians, written several years after he wrote Galatians, deeper and higher truths concerning Christ and His Church than he revealed in Galatians Many of the glorious riches of the members of Christ’s Body, declared in Ephesians and Colossians, are not recorded in Paul’s messages written before he arrived at Rome as the prisoner of the Lord. As to when he received the revelation of these riches we have no Divine Record. But we surely have sufficient information to refute the assertion of some men of God that THE DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD, mentioned in Ephesians 3:1 and 2, was inaugurated by the risen Lord on the day of Pentecost, perhaps two years before Saul of Tarsus was converted.

Surely Acts 14:27 marks a very important beginning in Paul’s, Gospel to the Gentiles. Paul speaks of “my gospel” in Romans 2:16; Romans 16:25 and II Timothy 2:8. Here is the fact recorded in Acts 14:27: “How He (God) had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.” This was more than twelve years after Paul was converted. This opened door was because Israel had put it from them. Acts 13:46.

About fourteen years before Paul wrote his Second Epistle to the Corinthians he received an abundance of revelations. II Corinthians 12:1 to 12. Therefore, Paul received the revelations about 46 A.D.; about the same year of Acts 14:27, “the opened door”. As Saul of Tarsus, he was met by the resurrected Christ near Damascus, between 34 A.D. and 38 A.D., Acts 9:1 to 15. We will have to wait until we see Paul in glory before we know just what revelations he received when he was caught away to the third heavens. As we follow Paul, from Acts 9 to Acts 19, we learn there are two periods, of about five years each, during which no record is made of his travels and ministries. There were perhaps seven years between Acts 14 and Acts 16. It is by no means an easy task to trace his spiritual activities, from Acts 9 to Acts 19, and definitely fix the year when he began to minister under that DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD, mentioned in Ephesians 3:1 and 2.

But can we learn by tracing the spiritual activities of those “who were apostles before me ((Paul)” (Galatians 1:17), that they were not working under the DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD? They were labouring under a commission from Christ. Mark 16:16 to 18; Matthew 28:19 and 20. They had committed unto them the gospel of the circumcision. But about 41 A.D. (several years after Saul’s conversion) it was not lawful for them to go to Gentiles. Acts 10:28. The Lord made it lawful when Peter received that housetop “sheet” vision about 41 A.D.

Did the Lord in that vision introduce the DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD FOR GENTILES? Surely there is a great difference between Mark 16:16 to 18 and Ephesians 3:1 to 9. It is interesting to compare Peter’s words of Acts 15:7 with Paul’s words of Ephesians 3:1 and 2. Open your Bible and compare both of these Scriptures with Acts 14:27. From the Twelve the Lord chose that by Peter’s mouth the household of Cornelius should hear the gospel. Acts 15:7. Then for the first time God did something. Acts 15:14. And the disciples rejoiced because of this repentance unto life.

But surely there was good and sufficient Divine reason why the other eleven were not chosen to preach to Gentiles, and why there is no record in the Acts that the Twelve preached the gospel out of the land of the Jews, why there is no Acts record that Peter preached to any Gentiles except the household of Cornelius, and why the record of the spiritual activities of the Twelve suddenly ends with the declarations of Peter and James in Acts 15:7 to 22. God must needs have had Twelve Apostles, instead of eleven, from Acts 2:1 to Acts 11:18. Note that when Judas died a successor was chosen to bring the number to twelve. Acts 1:16 to 23. When James died (Acts 12:2) , that was the breaking-up of the Twelve. The date of the council at Jerusalem (Acts 15:1 to 22) after which Peter’s name is not mentioned in Acts is just about the same year when Peter and Paul agreed to their respective different ministries as mentioned in Galatians 2:9. In Acts 9:15 the Lord appointed Paul as a witness to the Gentiles; but it was more than fourteen years later before he was sent by revelation from the Lord, to Jerusalem to communicate the gospel of the uncircumcision for the uncircumcision. Peter had the gospel of the circumcision for the circumcision. Galatians 2:8. Some brethren tell us they had the same gospel and the same spiritual program. If so, strange language is Galatians 2:7 to 9.

There was grace in the message for Israel; but if the gospel of the circumcision for the circumcision is identical with the DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD for the Gentiles, then there was no need for such special revelations and a new commission to Paul. No “Berean” who searches the Scriptures will believe that Peter was intrusted with Paul’s message and ministry. God’s Word plainly declares that the DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD FOR GENTILES was committed to Paul.

But you know this.

 

[Behold]

But you know this.

Yes i know.

 

[Behold]

Many minimize that which the Word of God magnifies here. They insist upon following Peter

Because of the cult of Mary, about 2 Billion people are water baptized, and some are saved.
This is what happens when a water cult replaces Paul with Peter, regarding Soteriology.

Whereas, if the Pastor, Preacher, Minister, or similar, preaches what was given to Paul, that is designed for the "time of the Gentiles", then those who believe it have done what God requires = so that God can give them "the power of God unto Salvation"

And that is not water baptism.
And that is not continuance and well doing
And that is not trying to be like Christ.
And that is not enduing to the end.
And that is not commandment or Law keeping or doing works.

 

[Johann]

Because of the cult of Mary, about 2 Billion people are water baptized, and some are saved.
This is what happens when a water cult replaces Paul with Peter, regarding Soteriology.

Whereas, if the Pastor, Preacher, Minister, or similar, preaches what was given to Paul, that is designed for the "time of the Gentiles", then those who believe it have done what God requires = so that God can give them "the power of God unto Salvation"

And that is not water baptism.
And that is not continuance and well doing
And that is not trying to be like Christ.
And that is not enduing to the end.
And that is not commandment or Law keeping or doing works.

Disagree on a couple of points-but that's OK.

 

[Behold]

Disagree on a couple of points-but that's OK.

Consider, that a lot of people went to Hell today, yesterday and tomorrow, and many of them did all this..when they were alive.

= water baptism.
= continuance and well doing
= trying to be like Christ.
= enduing to the end.
= commandment or Law keeping or doing works.

So, if a person does all that and is still going to Hell today and tomorrow, then what is the problem?
The issue is...... Heaven only accepts the Born again, and being born again has nothing to do with that list.

That list is DISCIPLESHIP, being pursued, not Salvation, as Salvation is not pursued, its RECEIVED by Faith.

"All that come unto me, i GIVE unto you Eternal life".. Jesus Said.

Salvation is a GIFT.

 

[Johann]

Consider, that a lot of people went to Hell today, yesterday and tomorrow, and many of them did all this..when they were alive.

= water baptism.
= continuance and well doing
= trying to be like Christ.
= enduing to the end.
= commandment or Law keeping or doing works.

So, if a person does all that and is still going to Hell today and tomorrow, then what is the problem?
The issue is...... Heaven only accepts the Born again, and being born again has nothing to do with that list.

That list is DISCIPLESHIP, being pursued, not Salvation, as Salvation is not pursued, its RECEIVED by Faith.

"All that come unto me, i GIVE unto you Eternal life".. Jesus Said.

Salvation is a GIFT.

You keep on forgetting the Imperatives of Christ and the 13 Pauline epistles.

Seven "Abstains" - Abstain From:
1. Idols (ACTS 15:20)
2. Fornication (ACTS 15:20,29; 1.THESS 4:2-3)
3. Strangled meats (ACTS 15:20)
4. Eating blood (ACTS 15:20)
5. Meats offered to idols (ACTS 15:29)
6. All appearance of evil (1.THESS 5:22)
7. Fleshly lusts (1.PET 2:11)

Seven things to avoid:
1. Troublemakers (ROM 16:17)
2. Profane and vain babblings (1.TIM 6:20)
3. False science (1.TIM 6:20)
4. Unlearned questions (2.TIM 2:23)
5. Foolish questions (TIT 3:9)
6. Genealogies (TIT 3:9)
7. Arguments about the law (TIT 3:9)

Three "Asks":
1. Ask and ye shall receive (MATT 7:7)
2. Ask no return of goods (LK 6:30)
3. Ask life for backsliders (1.JN 5:16)
Two things to awake to:
1. Awake to righteousness (1.COR 15:34)
2. Awake to life (EPH 5:14)

Seventy-four "Be's":
1. Be exceeding glad (MATT 5:12)
2. Be reconciled to a brother (MATT 5:24)
3. Be perfect (MATT 5:48; 2.COR 13:11)
4. Be wise as serpents (MATT 10:16)
5. Be harmless as doves (MATT 10:16)
6. Be ready for Christ's coming (MATT 24:44;
LK 12:40)
7. Be content with your wages (LK 3:14)
8. Be merciful as God (LK 6:36)
9. Be like faithful servants (LK 12:36)
10. Be thankful (COL 3:15)
11. Be at peace among selves (1.THESS 5:13)
12. Be patient toward all people
(1.THESS 5:14; 2.TIM 2:24)
13. Be no partaker of sin (1.TIM 5:22)
14. Be sober and hope (1.PET 1:13)
15. Be sober and pray (1.PET 4:7)
16. Be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith,
charity, and patience (aged men, TIT 2:2)
17. Be sober, love husbands and children (young
women, TIT 2:4)
18. Be sober minded (young men, TIT 2:6)
19. Be in behaviour as becoming to saints (aged
women, TIT 2:3)
20. Be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good,
obedient (young women, TIT 2:5)
21. Be ready to give an answer of the hope that
is in you (1.PET 3:15)
22. Be of good cheer (JN 16:33)
23. Be baptized (ACTS 2:38)
24. Be converted (ACTS 3:19)
25. Be transformed (ROM 12:2)
26. Be kind of brotherly love one to another
(ROM 12:10; EPH 4:32)
27. Be fervent in spirit (ROM 12:11)
28. Be patient in tribulation (ROM 12:12)
29. Be given to hospitality (ROM 12:13)
30. Be afraid, if lawless (ROM 13:4)

31. Be no idolater (1.COR 10:7)
32. Be followers of Paul as he followed Christ
(1.COR 11:1; PHIL 3:17)
33. Be followers of God (EPH 5:1)
34. Be followers of the faithful and patient
(HEB 6:12)
35. Be not children in understanding
(1.COR 14:20)
36. Be men in understanding (1.COR 14:20)
37. Be steadfast (1.COR 15:58)
38. Be unmoveable (1.COR 15:58)
39. Be always abounding in God's work
(1.COR 15:58)
40. Be strong in the Lord (1.COR 16:13;
EPH 6:10; 2.TIM 2:1)
41. Be of good comfort (2.COR 13:11)
42. Be of one mind (ROM 12:16;
2.COR 13:11; PHIL 2:2; 1.PET 3:8)
43. Be separate from the unclean
(2.COR 6:17)
44. Be renewed in spirit (EPH 4:23)
45. Be angry and sin not (EPH 4:26)
46. Be tender-hearted one to another
(EPH 4:32)
47. Be filled with the Spirit (EPH 5:18)
48. Be likeminded (PHIL 2:2)
49. Be one of accord (PHIL 2:2)
50. Be anxious for nothing (PHIL 4:6)
51. Be an example to believers in word,
conversation, charity, spirit, faith, and purity
(1.TIM 4:12)
52. Be a partaker of Christian sufferings
(2.TIM 1:8; cp. 1.PET 4:1)
53. Be gentle to all people (2.TIM 2:24)
54. Be apt to teach (2.TIM 2:24)
55. Be instant in season, out of season
(2.TIM 4:2)
56. Be careful to maintain good works
(TIT 3:8,14; cp. MATT 5:16)
57. Be content with what you have (HEB 13:5)
58. Be doers of the Word (JAS 1:22)
59. Be afflicted and mourn (JAS 4:9)
60. Be patient till Christ comes (JAS 5:7-8)
61. Be holy in conversation (behaviour)
(1.PET 1:15-16)
62. Be pitiful (1.PET 3:8)
63. Be courteous (1.PET 3:8)
64. Be examples of the flock of God, not lord over
it (1.PET 5:3)
65. Be subject one to another (1.PET 5:5)
66. Be clothed with humility (1.PET 5:5)
67. Be sober (1.PET 5:8)
68. Be vigilant (1.PET 5:8)
69. Be mindful of prophecies and commandments (2.PET 3:2)
70. Be diligent to be found in peace (2.PET 3:14)
71. Be diligent to be without spot, and blameless
(2.PET 3:14)
72. Be faithful to death (REV 2:10)
73. Be watchful, strengthen self (REV 3:2)
74. Be zealous and repent (REV 3:19)

Thirty "Be Not's":
1. Be not like the hypocrites in prayer
(MATT 6:5)
2. Be not like the heathen in prayer
(MATT 6:8)
3. Be not as hypocrites in fasting
(MATT 6:16)
4. Be not called "Rabbi" (MATT 23:8)
5. Be not called "Master" (MATT 23:9)
6. Be not afraid of man (LK 12:4)
7. Be not of doubtful mind (LK 12:29)
8. Be not many teachers (JAS 3:1)
9. Be not afraid of terror (1.PET 3:14)
10. Be not troubled (1.PET 3:14)
11. Be not ignorant of time with God
(2.PET 3:8; cp. ISA 57:15)
12. Be not deceived: 10 classes not to inherit the
kingdom (1.COR 6:9-10)
13. Be not conformed to world (ROM 12:2)
14. Be not slothful in business (ROM 12:11)
15. Be not conceited (ROM 12:16)
16. Be not overcome of evil (ROM 12:21)
17. Be not mere servants of men (1.COR 7:23)
18. Be not children in understanding
(1.COR 14:20)
19. Be not deceived by evil companions
(1.COR 15:33)
20. Be not unequally yoked together with
unbelievers (2.COR 6:14-15)
21. Be not entangled again with keeping the law
(GAL 5:1. See ‘Eighty-five Old and New
Covenant Contrasts’)
22. Be not deceived: man will reap what he sows
(GAL 6:7-8)
23. Be not partakers with sinners (EPH 5:7)
24. Be not unwise about God's will (EPH 5:17)
25. Be not drunk with wine (EPH 5:18)
26. Be not weary in well doing (2.THESS 3:13)
27. Be not ashamed of God (2.TIM 1:8)
28. Be not slothful (HEB 6:12)
29. Be not forgetful of strangers (HEB 13:2)
30. Be not carried about with different strange
doctrines (HEB 13:9)

--and on we can go.

 

[Behold]

You keep on forgetting the Imperatives of Christ

You cut and posted your list of works.
That is all discipleship.

See, discipleship is what you do... its YOUR EFFORT..

Salvation is God's Gift., that has no demands placed on you to receive it, except for one.

You must BELIEVE.

So, if God will take a SINNER, "ungodly"... and Save them instantly, so that they are EQUAL in righteousness, as God's own..... and they have never ever done all that that you posted as your idea of Salvation, YET.... then you have to figure out why.
And once you do, you will have understood = "Grace through Faith".

 

[Johann]

You cut and posted your list of works.
That is all discipleship.

See, discipleship is what you do... its YOUR EFFORT..

Salvation is God's Gift., that has no demands placed on you to receive it, except for one.

You must BELIEVE.

So, if God will take a SINNER, "ungodly"... and Save them instantly, so that they are EQUAL in righteousness, as God's own..... and they have never ever done all that that you posted as your idea of Salvation, YET.... then you have to figure out why.
And once you do, you will have understood = "Grace through Faith".

“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 Cor. 14:37).

Many Christians have a fuzzy idea that when Christ ascended up from the Mount of Olives to heaven, He stopped speaking. But nothing could be further from the truth! Paul says that the things he wrote to the Corinthians, and to the Body of Christ as a whole, were the “commandments of the Lord”! Similarly, in his epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul says, “For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus” (1 Thes. 4:2).

After Christ ascended to heaven, Israel continued in her rebellion against God by rejecting the Holy Spirit’s ministry through the twelve. Thus, Israel was temporarily set aside by God (Acts 7). God then raised up a new apostle, and gave Him a message which had never before been revealed (Acts 9; Gal. 1:11,12). Christ spoke again!

From heaven the glorified Christ gave to the Apostle Paul a new revelation concerning His heavenly ministry to the Church, the Body of Christ. To Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles (Rom. 11:13), was given the commandments of Christ for the Body of Christ today. In Paul’s epistles, we have the will of God for our Christian lives during the dispensation of the grace of God. In Paul’s letters, we find the doctrines of grace that the Church is built upon and is to live by and share with the world.

Notice that Paul’s words, as revealed to Him by Christ, are spoken of as “commandments.” This is not a take-it-or-leave-it word. When a commandment is given by God, He expects us to obey and conform our wills to His will. In past dispensations, other commands were given which were valid at the time given, but are not for today, and are not for our obedience.

Take food for example (a topic close to my heart). The Bible commands man to eat only vegetables and fruit, then it allows for eating meat with fruit and veggies, then it commands only certain foods to be eaten, then it commands that all food can be eaten. It is impossible to obey all of these different commands at the same time.

There are many other issues in Scripture like this, so it’s imperative to determine which commands God would have us obey today. The answer is that Paul’s letters are the commandments of the Lord which are valid for today under grace. And Paul says we can eat all things (1 Tim. 4:3-5). It’s great to live under grace!

 

[Studyman]

That is not the purpose of the Bible.

I was responding to your sermon.

It is the Final Authority that was leading the world to God before you were born, and after they bury you or cremate you, the Bible will still be here, leading the World to God, and showing the world their SIN and their Unrighteousness.

That is why I said "What if the purpose of the Bible is not to show "the world" their sins?"

I'm not even sure what you are talking about now.

That is the purpose of the Holy Spirit, as its the Holy Spirit who reveals to you, your need of Christ.

Here is what Peter and the Apostles who walked with Jesus, said about the Holy Spirit.

Acts 5: 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to "them" that obey him.

So for me, this makes perfect sense, and aligns with the Christ's Words 100%.

John 17: 3 And this is life eternal, (The Jesus of the Bible should know, Yes?) that they might "know thee" the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

And again; Matt. 6: 33 But seek ye first the kingdom "of God", and "his" righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

So the Bible is for the purpose of showing us "God's" Righteousness, so we can turn to God and obey Him, and receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit, which shows us our Redeemer.

At least according to the Jesus of the Bible, and His Apostles.

Can this revelation happen, based on a Bible Text? Yes, but, most unbelievers are not reading their bible, and neither are they going around anyone who is preaching from a bible.

I am a huge fan of Scriptutres for almost 30 years. Not too keen on this world's "many" religions who come in Christ's Name though. I think we most certainly should trust the Holy Scriptures "for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness"

"continuance" is a work you do, and Salvation that God provides is based on The Cross., as "the GIFT of Salvation"

Those are not the same.

Well that is certainly a popular religious philosophy of this world I was born into, but you also said the Bible's purpose was to show this world it's sins. So although I appreciate your zeal, I'm sticking with the Words of the Jesus "of the Bible", and Paul and Peter, who this same Jesus chose to teach me.

2 Cor. 5: 9 Wherefore "we labour", that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to "that he hath done", whether it be good or bad.

A Gift from God, is not a work you do by "continuance".

I choose to believe what Paul has actually written, although the religious philosophy you promote is seductive, and I can see how it is become a great marketing strategy for this world's religious businesses. But it seems given all the warning of Christ and His apostles about the "many" deceivers who come in HIS Name, I advocate for listening to the Scriptures more, and this world's seductive religious philosophies less.

Rom. 11: 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity "of God": on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou "continue" in his (God's) goodness: otherwise thou "also" shalt be cut off.

And my Savior, the Jesus "of the bible" also speaks to this.

John 8: 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye "continue" in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

And Paul again;

1 Tim. 4: 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; "continue" in them: for in doing this thou shalt both "save thyself", and them that hear thee.

And one more, although there are so many to name them all would make the post too long.

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

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which "God" hath before ordained "that we should walk in them".

Legalist's, never understand this.... they never do.

See......You can't work your way to heaven, and you can't continue to do works after you are saved, as the means to stay saved.

Those Christians in Matt. 7:22 thought they could sail into heaven, without "Continuing in God's Goodness" as well. It seems Jesus knew I would be surrounded by these seductive religions who promote the rejection of so much of Jesus and Paul's teaching and gave me this story because HE saw them coming.

And I am Eternally Grateful that HE gave me HIS Word, and HIS Armor to resist the seductive woman. Yes, I will be called names, and so forth. But it's because I believe in the Jesus of the Bible. For me that's an honor.

Prov. 6: 23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction "are the way of life:"

24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.

Salvation is based on the Cross of Christ.

= Nothing else.

John 4: 21 Jesus (of the Bible) saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

 

[Complete]

Subject Heading:- Paul's Theology #2 "Rightly divide"​

And of course we all need to do that.​

​

And such is why I believe a yellow light of caution should be flashing when someone says I'm of Paul or Apollos. 1 Cor 3:4 I'd suggest Paul would be considering it carnal if someone put too much emphasis on him and not on the other Apostles as well.​

'All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works.'
(2Ti 3:16-17)

Hello @Rockson,

For some reason I have only now seen these entries of yours. You have probably moved on now, but I will respond.

I understand your reasoning (above), but though all scripture is 'for' us, (for our learning), not all is 'about' us. Paul recognised himself to be 'less than the least' of the apostles, in the flesh: but not in regard to the message He was called upon, by the risen Christ, to administer. No, in that regard, He magnified his office. His ministry was addressed, by divine instruction, to the Gentile, whereas Peter's ministry was to the Jew, God's chosen People. I believe it is for us to make that same distinction, and thereby recognise what is 'about' us, and what is not.

OK Complete now let's look at the Eph 3 passage,​

​

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 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; That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel: (Eph 3:1,6) ​

​

You can see here he said it was revealed unto God's holy Apostles (plural) All I'm saying let's not get into putting out an idea that one should only follow Paul as he follows Christ as another poster did. That would be like making Paul a Pope of Christianity. Paul wouldn't want people to be thinking of him that way. Paul recognized others received revelations too like Peter in Acts 10.​

* In Ephesians chapter three, Paul refers to two mysteries, 'The Mystery', and, 'The Mystery of Christ'. 'The mystery of Christ', had been made known to all the Apostles and Prophets of the NT, including Paul: It had been the subject of the Old Testament Prophets, and was therefore 'searchable'. 'The Mystery', however, had been divinely revealed to Paul alone, and was, 'unsearchable' (Eph. 3:9), not having been the subject of the Old Testament Scriptures, it having been 'hid in God' since the world began (Eph.3:9). Paul made it known, by word of mouth to those who visited him while in confinement at Rome, and by the epistles written from prison:- Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[civic]

mustérion: a mystery or secret doctrine

Original Word: μυστήριον, ου, τό
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Definition: a mystery or secret doctrine
Usage: a mystery, secret, of which initiation is necessary; in the NT: the counsels of God, once hidden but now revealed in the Gospel or some fact thereof; the Christian revelation generally; particular truths or details of the Christian revelation.

3466 mystḗrion (the root of the English term, "mystery") – mystery. In the Bible, a "mystery" (3466/mystḗrion) is not something unknowable. Rather, it is what can only be known through revelation, i.e. because God reveals it.

1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

Colossians 1:15-23
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Colossians 2:1-5
I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Colossians 2:9-10
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

Ephesians 3:1-12
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence..14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

A secret hidden doctrine in the O.T. revealed by His Spirit in the N.T. The great Mystery revealed in the N.T.- Christ

hope this helps !!!

 

[civic]

A “mystery” in the New Testament is something that had at one time been hidden but is now revealed to God’s people. Jesus spoke of “the mystery of the kingdom of God” (Mark 4:11, NAS) that He was at that point revealing to His disciples. The apostle Paul used the word mystery 21 times in his Epistles. In each case, the “mystery” involved a wonderful declaration of spiritual truth, revealed by God through divine inspiration. A mystery is that “which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 3:5).

The mystery of God’s will is that “which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ” (Ephesians 1:9–10; cf. 1 Corinthians 2:7; Revelation 10:7). The mystery of God is the consummation of God’s plan in bringing His kingdom in Christ to fulfillment. The kingdom had long been prophesied, but the how and the when and the by whom was not clear until the time of Christ. It is in Christ that God has been manifested to all of mankind. As Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

Paul said that he had been commissioned to preach “the word of God in its fullness—the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people” (Colossians 1:25–26). That is, it is through the apostles that we have been given the capstone of Scripture; their writings, all of which point to Christ—represent the final disclosure of God’s Word to mankind.

There is no understanding of God apart from a personal relationship with His Son (Matthew 12:50; John14:23; 2 John 1:6). Christ is the “mystery” revealed to those who believe—as is the mystery of “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). The key to having the “full riches of complete understanding” (Colossians 2:2) is to be born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. “The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10).

Paul tells us that, “beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great.” Then he records what may be an early hymn of the church: “He [Jesus] appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:16). In that short paragraph, the Bible reveals the heart of the gospel, the mystery of “true godliness.” The secret of being godly was hidden but is now revealed. It is to those who believe in Christ that the mystery is made known (1 Corinthians 2:7–14; Colossians 1:27). We come to learn that we of our own volition cannot please God; we must depend on Christ (2 Corinthians 3:5). As a man, Jesus lived a perfect life (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:21), and so He is a perfect example of how to live. As God, Jesus gives us the power to do what is right. It is possible to live a godly life—through the power of Christ (Philippians 4:13).

God has revealed His complete Word to His saints (Colossians 1:26) who have “heard and learned” the gospel (John 6:45; cf. Romans 10:17 and John 3:16–18), and it is they alone who fathom “the glorious riches of this mystery” (Colossians 1:27). In its fullest sense, the “mystery of God” is God’s plan of salvation through Jesus. We would never have been able to comprehend the way to eternal life without the coming of Jesus, His death and resurrection.Got?

hope this helps !!!

 

[Complete]

'Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him:
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened;
that ye may know what is the hope of His calling,
and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe,
according to the working of His mighty power,
Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead,
and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places,
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named,
not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
And hath put all things under His feet,
and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church,
Which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all.'
(Eph 1:15-23)

Praise God!

 

[Complete]

@civic said in reply#113:-
A secret hidden doctrine in the O.T. revealed by His Spirit in the N.T. The great Mystery revealed in the N.T.- Christ

Hello @civic,

'The Mystery' made known through the Apostle Paul in the letters written while in prison at Rome, was not the subject of the Old Testament Prophets, for it was, 'hid in God', since the world began, therefore 'unsearchable'. It was also not the subject of Paul's earlier epistles, or that of the general epistles, written by Peter, John, Jude and James, of the book of Revelation, or the Acts of the Apostles.

'Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given,
that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery,
which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God,
who created all things by Jesus Christ:
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places
might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,'
(Eph 3:8-10)

Whereas, 'The Mystery of Christ', was the subject of the Old Testament Prophets, and therefore, 'searchable'.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Diserner]

A “mystery” in the New Testament is something that had at one time been hidden but is now revealed to God’s people.

I know this gets repeated a lot, but there is no real Biblical basis for this.

When Paul says "the mystery has now been revealed" he would be saying "the revealed mystery is now revealed," which is redundant.

There are still unrevealed mysteries in the NT, and they are talked about.

 

[Diserner]

Whereas, 'The Mystery of Christ', was the subject of the Old Testament Prophets, and therefore, 'searchable'.

I would just see it as a further unfolding of the same mystery.

 

[civic]

Hello @civic,

'The Mystery' made known through the Apostle Paul in the letters written while in prison at Rome, was not the subject of the Old Testament Prophets, for it was, 'hid in God', since the world began. It was also not the subject of Paul's earlier epistles, or that of the general epistles, written by Peter, John, Jude and James, of the book of Revelation, or the Acts of the Apostles.

'Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given,
that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery,
which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God,
who created all things by Jesus Christ:
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places
might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,'
(Eph 3:8-10)

Whereas, 'The Mystery of Christ', was the subject of the Old Testament Prophets, and therefore, 'searchable'.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

It was hidden from them but it was there in the OT and revealed in the NT. God promised His Spirit ( Christ in you ) would dwell in man permanently in the future. And Christ was in the OT prophets. 1 Peter 1:11- the spirit of Christ in them pointing to the sufferings of the Messiah and the glory to follow.

See Psalm 19, 22 and Isaiah 53

 

[civic]

I know this gets repeated a lot, but there is no real Biblical basis for this.

When Paul says "the mystery has now been revealed" he would be saying "the revealed mystery is now revealed," which is redundant.

There are still unrevealed mysteries in the NT, and they are talked about.

Not true and I’ll get back to this later. Heading to our Saturday morning Mens discipleship then a garage sale at my daughter’s house. So illl be tied up for a while.