Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 36

Annotated Gen.2.10-14 "Four river heads" (1 of 4)

"And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads." God framed the world by faith so the term face is how the Holy Spirit interfaces with man. He seals instructions for these faces so judgment meted out is not by hear say. God receives reports over Sodom and he tells Abraham thus," Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;/I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know."(Gen.18.20.21) Before God would judge Elam "And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD." God also sets north country for the purpose. "And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD."(Jer.49.38; ch.50) By the same token Eden is the name for the east So it is as though face of God is unto us for mercy. God ", who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:/According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world" and in the book of Numbers,'The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee." (Num.6.25)

The river went out of Eden or rather from the face. The opposite we have when Cain says," Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid."(4.14)

In this connection we have the face of the earth where nothing but tokens of divine favour." And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil."(2.9)

Eden is a microcosm of the word so it explains what it is to be a new creation. Man may be expelled for his disobedience. But His calling and gifts are without repentance.

Annotated Gen.2.8-10 The river ,the garden

Zech.6.1-7 In the vision of Zechariah the four spirits sent from the presence of God, "Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth."The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country." Nothing of east or west country, for a good reason. these are horses 'coming from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass'.

What we have in the book of Genesis is the river moving from the east country. Evidently we have heaven set in the vision of Zechariah and the formamanr named as Heaven set in the mid-air between heaven and the earth. In the gospel of St Matthew we have a reference to the east. " For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (Mt.24.27) East serves yet another face so the coming of the Son of man has the context in terms of heaven. In the book of Ezekiel we have a crucial clue, "Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God."(Ezek.28.13)

God blessed Adam even while Eve was yet to be created. "Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created."(Gen.5.2)

What the Holy Spirit sets down in 1.2 are two geneologies where the Spirit of God moves upon the face of the waters and the other is darkeness embodied by the covering cherub mentioned in the book of Ezekiel. One is a mountain of God and the other belongs to the cherub whose iniquity dubs king of Tyrus as the son of perdition.

In short the valley between two mountains of brass establishes judgment of God along north south. (Zech.6.1-7)

East west axis by the same token lays down the direction of Salvation. This face announces the Advent of the Son.

2 Peter 1.20 Needs to be understood!

Amen Lbooth1955.

Here's a simple definition of Dispensationalism

Dispensationalism is a Protestant system of biblical interpretation that views human history as divided into different "dispensations" or ages, each with a distinct way God administers His plan and relates to humanity.

It emphasizes a literal reading of scripture, particularly prophecy, and teaches that God has distinct peoples, Israel and the Church, with separate, though related, roles and future fulfillments of promises.

It doesn't take Darby or anyone to see this truth in scripture.

It's the literal teaching of scripture taking the Bible for what it says without the allegorical approach of "all scripture concerning the future restoration of Israel and heavenly destiny of the Church.

At takes a twisting of scripture or a lack of studying scripture to mis it!

Most non dispensationalists suggests there is no future earthly Millennial reign of Christ.

In doing so they're either ignoring a great deal of the old testament and parts of revelation!

This is where some get off track studying Google feeds of Christianity and diverse covenants and building their theology off these findings and not understanding how they connect to scripture.

Improper hermeneutics is the cause of most of this.

You and I may not agree on everything but I do believe you are further along with this study than I am.

In fact I don't go out and study it from any viewpoint.

I have studied covenant theology and Dispensational theology for arguments sake but I didn't set out to become neither.

I just build my theology off what the Old and New testament literally says in this area and it lines me up with a literal approach to the Bible and that's a Dispensational viewpoint.

Blessings.

I agree with most of what you say , but there can only be one Gospel . Didn't Paul say if any preach another gospel let them be accursed or something like that ? 2 john v 9,10 also indicates only one doctrine of Christ . Yes they all have a different ministry but only One Gospel . I recall Paul saying about Grace changing the subject , what shall I sin that grace may abound ? God forbid ! We are dead to sin and should be lead by the Spirit . The flesh cannot fulfill the law so by grace we are to learn how to live by the spirit , it's a learning process with many obstacles these days . It's a huge subject , and better to stick with the apostles teachings , Paul was a master of law and grace in my opinion.

Hi Giannis.

Great to hear from you!

Hope all is well with you Brother.

God bless you.

Giannis,

Thanks for your reply.

I am familiar with the economy aspect you spoke of in this post. The OT (testament meaning covenant) of Law and the NT of grace and faith in the Messiah and Savior Jesus. I think this is a proper division of Scripture even though grace has been the way to salvation from the beginning with Adam and Eve onward that is embraced by faith in the coming promised Savior/Messiah

I hope you can make time to post here at times but understand how life gets busy and so this may not be the place for you to spend a lot of your time involvement. I was wondering if you would come back here. And I am glad you are still with us in heart and spirit if not in conversation. I am keeping you in prayer and will continue to do so.

Sodom and Gomorrah's downfall came from a combination of sins-sexual perversion, pride, arrogance, selfishness, violence, and a willful rejection of God. Their example serves as a warning that God's judgment falls when a people not only sin but embrace sin proudly, rejecting His righteousness.

Justified by faith, works or both?

Abraham's justification must be understood in its two contexts. Paul states in Romans 4:2-3, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." That faith-alone moment in Genesis 15:6 shows Abraham's justification before God-apart from works.

For the Body of Christ today, Paul is clear: justification is a gift of grace through faith in Christ's finished work ( Rom. 3:28; Eph. 2:8-9). Works cannot be added, for salvation is secured by faith alone in this present dispensation. Is this true or not?

James, however, writes "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" ( James 1:1). He does not say he is writing to the Body of Christ, the Church revealed to Paul ( Eph. 3:3-6). There is no mention anywhere in James that these twelve tribes are part of the Church, the Body of Christ, it's just not there.

Instead, James presents justification as faith plus works, to whom? According to scripture it's not the body of Christ.

"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" ( James 2:21-24).

In Israel's prophetic program, justification included works as part of salvation. Faith that did not produce obedience was dead and could not save under covenant law (cf. Acts 2:38; Matt. 24:13).

Thus, Abraham illustrates both truths. Paul shows his faith justified him before God-pointing to our salvation today in Christ by grace alone.

James shows his works justified him before men, and in Israel's program, that was required for salvation. To conflate these is to erase the God-given distinction between the prophetic kingdom program and the mystery Body of Christ.

The Greek word for justification is (dikaisis), meaning the act of declaring righteous, a legal acquittal before God. Rooted in , "to justify, declare just."

G&P

Hello again GiGi

I think I have to make a correction to my last post because I think it may have led to a wrong understanding. What we call here "economy of grace" is not really the same as dispensation of grace. We simply divide history into two periods, the period of the OT which we also call it the "economy of the law" and NT which we also call it "the economy of grace". Some teach that this period of grace ends with the rapture of the church. They mean that many things after the rapture will not be the same as before. Since the Spirit goes with the church there will be no new birth, no Spirit baptism, no spiritual gifts, not a Spirit-led church. Believers will also have to be willing to deny the mark of the beast and die for Christ. So a new period will start which will not be the same as before. But grace, as the Blood of Christ, will be still available to people. As I said dispensationalism is not something we talk about here.

Hello GiGi

I am also glad to hear from you. I am on and off this site the past few months. To be honest I will try not to be on so often, because it takes me a long time to read and answer the posts and I have so many things (and problems) to do lately.

Dispensationalism is not something we talk about in my church, although some of us use those terms. And they say (those of us) that the dispensation of grace (or "economy of grace" as it is the term in my language) will end with the rapture of the church (pre-tribulation rupture). To be honest I don't realy know what is the exact truth. I read in Rev 7:14, "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.". So it seems that even in that 7 year period the Blood of Jesus will be still available to any who asks for it, for the remission of sins. So grace will be still present at that time. And how could it not be. Only the Blood of Jesus saves. Even in the OT the jews were saved by His Blood although they never knew and asked for Him. That is why they were placed by God, not in heaven but in the bosom of Abraham in Hades. And after Jesus was resurrected from the dead he brought them from down there to heaven under the altar, meaning under His sacrifice ( Rev 6:9).

Anyway we keep learning, aren't we. So we will talk again later. GBU

pg 2 Many Christians resist or don't accept dispensational truth for several overlapping reasons, continued...

4. Emotional and Cultural Resistance

For many, the idea that Israel and the Church are distinct feels threatening. Replacement theology (the Church inherits Israel's promises) is deeply embedded in hymns, preaching, and popular Christian books. Accepting dispensational truth requires humility to admit, "I've been reading this incorrectly." That's a hard pill for pastors, professors, or laypeople to swallow.

5. Spiritual Blindness and Pride

Paul warned that many would "turn away their ears from the truth" ( 2 Tim. 4:4). The natural man resists God's order, preferring human reasoning or traditions. Pride, denominational loyalty, and love of numbers or popularity often outweigh the cost of standing with the pure doctrine of grace.

In short: many Christians do not accept dispensational truth because of tradition, fear, blending programs, emotional resistance, and spiritual pride. But the Word still stands: God commands us to rightly divide, and truth will always divide ( Heb. 4:12).

Many Christians resist or don't accept dispensational truth for several overlapping reasons. Let me break it down clearly:

1. Tradition and Denominational Teaching

Most believers grow up under a denominational framework (Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, etc.). Each of these has long-standing theological traditions that don't emphasize "rightly dividing the word of truth" ( 2 Tim. 2:15). Once someone is trained to see the Bible through their denominational lens, it becomes very difficult to set those aside and allow Scripture to interpret itself. Old habits, creeds, and catechisms often weigh more heavily than the plain text.

2. Fear of "New" or Different Interpretations

Dispensational truth-especially Mid-Acts or Pauline distinctions-sounds "new" or even "sectarian" to those who are not familiar. Many assume that because it was not taught in their church tradition, it must be false or dangerous. Yet in reality, Paul himself spoke of a "mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God" ( Eph. 3:9). That hidden program for the Body of Christ will always appear radical to those accustomed only to Israel's prophetic program.

3. Mixing Prophecy and Mystery

Most non-dispensational Christians blend Israel's promises and the Church's calling together. They read the Sermon on the Mount, Acts 2, Paul's epistles, and Revelation as one continuous message-without recognizing the distinct "times and seasons" ( 1 Thess. 5:1). This blending produces confusion, contradictions, and theological compromise (faith + works, law + grace, church = Israel). To admit dispensational distinctions would force them to re-evaluate much of their theology.

pg 2

respondinging to part 2

Galatians 3:29 tells us, "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." From a dispensational view, this does not mean the Church has taken Israel's earthly promises. The promise goes back to Genesis 12:3-"in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." In Christ, that blessing is extended to Jew and Gentile alike in the Body of Christ. Our inheritance is heavenly and spiritual ( Eph. 1:3; Phil. 3:20), not Israel's land or her kingdom program.

In Galatians 4:28-31 Paul explains that we, like Isaac, are children of promise, contrasted with Ishmael, born after the flesh. But this does not make the Body of Christ "spiritual Israel." Romans 11 shows clearly that Israel as a nation remains distinct and that God's covenant promises to them are not cancelled but postponed until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. The Church is called a "new man" ( Eph. 2:15), a separate creation altogether, with a heavenly hope.

Much confusion comes from calling the Church the Bride. Scripture never uses that title for the Body of Christ. The Bride belongs to Israel ( Isa. 62:4-5; Rev. 21:2). We are the Body, already seated with Christ in heavenly places ( Eph. 2:6). Mixing these programs erases the difference between prophecy and the mystery.

Revelation 20:4 speaks of those beheaded in the Tribulation who will reign with Christ a thousand years. These are not the Church but saints who endure Israel's prophetic program. We, the Body, are delivered from wrath to come ( 1 Thess. 1:10) and caught up before that time ( 1 Thess. 4:16-17).

Thus, rightly dividing the Word ( 2 Tim. 2:15) means recognizing God's two distinct programs: Israel's earthly kingdom and the Church's heavenly calling. Both will be fulfilled in their proper place and order, to the glory of Christ.

This is not hard to understand!

G&P

When Paul speaks of "my gospel" ( Rom. 2:16; 16:25; 2 Tim. 2:8), he is not merely saying "the good news I happen to carry." He identifies it as a distinct revelation committed to him by the risen Christ. Galatians 1:11-12 makes it clear-he received it not from men but by direct revelation. Acts 21:21 shows the tension: Paul taught Jews among Gentiles not to continue in Moses. That is far different from Peter's Pentecostal preaching which required repentance, baptism, and participation in Israel's covenant program.

Peter's gospel ( Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19-21) looked to the restoration of Israel and the coming kingdom. Baptism was tied to remission of sins and receiving the Spirit. By contrast, Paul preached the cross as the power of God unto salvation for Jew and Gentile alike ( Rom. 1:16). In Paul's message, salvation is by grace through faith alone apart from works or rituals ( Rom. 3:28; Eph. 2:8-9). To blend Acts 2:38 with Paul's gospel is to confuse Israel's earthly promises with the Body's heavenly calling.

Regarding Israel, Romans 2:28-29 shows that outward circumcision alone is insufficient, but this does not mean the church has become "the true Israel." In Romans 9-11 Paul insists Israel remains nationally distinct, awaiting future restoration. Today, Jew and Gentile who believe are baptized by the Spirit into one Body, a "new man" ( Eph. 2:15), separate from Israel's covenants.

Finally, it is true that law revealed sin, and without law grace would not be needed. Yet Paul declares we are "not under the law, but under grace" ( Rom. 6:14). Grace does not abolish the law's purpose; it fulfills righteousness apart from the law through Christ's finished work.

Therefore, dispensational truth shows Peter's gospel of the kingdom and Paul's gospel of grace are not the same. Both are of God, but each serves a different purpose in His progressive revelation.

G&P

Lbooth , pt 2

Gal 3:29, "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

Heirs of what? Of the kingdom of Heaven.

Gal 4:28-31, "28Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.29But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.30Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.31So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free."

The children of promise are the church.

Israel is now considered the spiritual Israel which includes both Jews and gentiles who believe in Christ. Both are the Bride of Jesus. There is no other bride, there is no other Kingdom. On this earth there will be the 1000 year kingdom of Christ where both the saved jews and gentiles will reign together with Him. The church has inherited all the promises given by God to Israel. The only promise to israel (in flesh) left is that they will be saved when they will ask for Jesus during the tribulation by antichrist at the end.

Rev 20:4, "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."

Those beheaded mentioned above are not only Jews, are they?

Finally that "rightly dividing the word of God" simply means to put doctrines in their right place and order.

This is how as I see it.

GBU

Hi Lboot1. pt. 1

1. Paul is calling the gospel (meaning good news) as "his gospel" should be seen as "the good news he was bringing to gentiles" and not as a different gospel of his.

So lets see what Paul was teaching to the Jews abroad. Acts 21:21, "And they (the Jews in Jerusalem) are informed of thee, that thou (Paul) teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs."

2. Lets see what Peter preached on Pentecost. Acts 2:38, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

So where do you read about the restoration of Israel? Peter's message is the basis of the christian belief. One has to believe in Christ, then to repent, then to be baptized and finally receive the Holy Spirit. This is how grace is granted to someone.

3. Who is really Israel?

Rom 2:28-29, "28For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

29But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly(christian); and circumcision is that of the heart(new birth), in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."

Rom 4:11-12, "11And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:12And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised."

So the true Israelite has to walk on the steps of the faith of Abraham. Till Jesus' time it was the small remnant that Paul talks about in Romans. And after Christ the true Israel is the church which includes gentiles and jews.

See pt 2

Interesting topic I'm seeing here today, my friends in Christ, reading the Book of Hebrews, I think, is a great book that does a good job of explaining this balance, specifically when reading verses 8, 9, and 10.

Greeting's

Revelation 14:12

"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."

Blessings

My appreciation, Lbooth1955. Your reply is articulate and touches my own understanding and faith.

I wish you Grace and Peace, as well.

You cannot have Grace without law .

Without law there is no sin .

With no sin no Grace is needed .

Grace does not break the law either it establishes it .

A few simple thoughts , I hope this helps someone.

Apostle Paul explains this well I think through out the NT as well as the other apostles.

I found this extremely interesting in Isaiah ch 66 v 22 For as the new heavens and new earth, which shall remain before me , Saith the LORD , so shall your seed and your name remain . V 23 And it shall come to pass , that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me , Saith the LORD .

( this is all absolutely future! And the Sabbath is still the day of worship! , it makes sense the LORD is eternal , so is his Day)

To Everyone:

I love Psalms 67. I want to share it

with you today, praying that it comfort

your hearts and lift your spirits. God

continues to reign supreme.

Psalms 67:1 -7 KJV

1

(To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song.) God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.

2

That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.

3

Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

4

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.

5

Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

6

Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

7

God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.

Have s Bless-ed Day. Amen!

Dear Friends,

Paul's command (not a request) in 2 Timothy 2:15 - "rightly dividing the word of truth" - makes no sense if there is nothing to divide.

The Greek word translated "rightly divide" means to "cut straight" or "make a correct partition." Paul is instructing Timothy (and us) to handle God's Word carefully, recognizing distinctions God Himself has placed in it. The Bible is one unified revelation, but within it God deals with different people in different ways at different times (dispensations). For example:

Law vs. Grace: God gave Israel the Law through Moses ( Exodus 20), but through Paul He revealed salvation by grace apart from the Law ( Romans 6:14; Galatians 2:16). If we blur these, we end up mixing works with grace.

Israel vs. the Church: Israel was promised an earthly kingdom ( Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 19:28), while the Body of Christ has a heavenly calling ( Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 3:20). If we confuse these, we misapply promises and commands not meant for us.

Gospel of the Kingdom vs. Gospel of Grace: (yes, there is more than one Gospel in the NT) Jesus and the 12 preached "the gospel of the kingdom" to Israel ( Matthew 4:23; Galatians 2:7-9), while Paul was given "the gospel of the grace of God" ( Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Both are true, but they serve different purposes in God's plan.

So Paul's point is: don't blend everything together as if it all applies in the same way to everyone. To "rightly divide" is to discern God's progressive revelation - prophecy vs. mystery, Israel's promises vs. the Church's hope, law vs. grace. If you don't divide, you end up in contradictions and confusion.

G&P

Annotated Genesis-2.8-10

"As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far countr." Water refreshes a weary soul and whence did it begin is not the point by what does it to the soul. "For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground:"(Isa.44.3; Prov.25.25). The Spirit did not insert this verse but for a purpose. It has relevance here. When God blessed Adam He blessed Eve as well. He sends word through his prophet to Israel and it is heavenly Jerusalem, " I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring." God's good news has only one focus and the writer to the Hebrews refers to the time when God presented his first begotten Son he told all the angels thus, 'worship ye him.' From the vision of Zechariah we read the angel, "spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country."(Zech.6.8) God has chosen Zion and it is forever. Forever is a tag applied to his Jesus Christ who is the fulfilment of the Word, "For the LORD hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: Here will I dwell; for I have desired it."(Ps.132.13-14)

"And a river went out of Eden to water the garden." This river beginning from Eden flows till the very end of the God document. (Rev.22.1) The tree of life as seen by St John is makes the river make a one full turn.. So the garden is set as a microcosm of the world of the Spirit. Just as Jesus assures his disciples, "And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me."(Lk.22.29) . The Word circular makes one circuit and the throne of God and of the Lamb is a clear validation of the Lamb slain in his divine Will is the Law." for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."(Isa.2.3) River has a secondary meaning to give the divine quality of mercy its vividness. Daniel's vision illustrates heart of man has access to it. Dan.12.5-7

Dear Friends,

I want to share with you why it is not only unwise but dangerous to blur the distinction between Paul's message and the twelve apostles. God gave Paul a unique dispensation of grace, revealing the "mystery" of the Body of Christ, a truth hidden until his ministry ( Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:25-27). When we blend his message with the kingdom program preached by Peter and the others, we risk corrupting the gospel of grace.

Peter preached to Israel, offering the promised kingdom upon national repentance and baptism ( Acts 2:38; 3:19). Paul preached justification by faith alone apart from works of the law ( Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-9). To confuse these messages is to either add works to grace, or to remove Israel's kingdom promises. Paul warned that adding to his gospel of grace produces "another gospel" ( Galatians 1:6-9), and he pronounced a curse on anyone who preached such.

Blending also robs believers of assurance. If salvation depends partly on works, ordinances, or kingdom requirements, then we can never rest in the finished work of Christ. The beauty of Paul's message is that Christ did it all-our salvation is complete in Him ( Colossians 2:10). Mixing law and grace leaves Christians unstable, unsure if they have done enough, and strips the cross of its sufficiency.

Finally, confusion weakens the testimony of the Church. The Body of Christ is not Israel, nor is it inheriting an earthly kingdom. Our hope is heavenly ( Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 3:1-4). When we preach Israel's program as our own, we not only deny our identity but also cloud Israel's future promises, making God appear unfaithful.

For these reasons, we must carefully obey 2 Timothy 2:15: rightly divide the word of truth. Blending the programs corrupts the gospel, shakes assurance, and dishonors God's distinct plans.

If there is nothing to divide, why did Paul say to rightly divide the word of truth?

G&P

pg2

Therefore, Paul was not preaching another gospel of salvation, but he was entrusted with a new revelation-the mystery of the one Body and the heavenly calling of the church-distinct from Israel's earthly kingdom hope. Both messages center on Christ, but the programs differ: Israel's kingdom under Messiah versus the present grace dispensation where Jew and Gentile are united in Christ.

G&P

The question of whether Paul preached a different gospel than the other apostles must be handled with careful distinction. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Paul indeed affirms the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ as the heart of the gospel-truths that Peter and the other apostles also proclaimed. Verse 11 makes clear: "Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed." The core of salvation has always rested on Christ. In that sense, the content of the gospel concerning His person and work was the same.

However, the progressive revelation and the unique stewardship was given to Paul. Paul refers to "my gospel" ( Romans 16:25; 2 Timothy 2:8) and "the revelation of the mystery" hidden from ages past but now revealed ( Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:25-27). This mystery concerns the formation of the Body of Christ, composed of both Jew and Gentile without distinction, saved by grace through faith apart from works of the Law ( Ephesians 2:8-9). This was not the focus of Peter's message at Pentecost, where the emphasis was still the kingdom offer to Israel ( Acts 2-3), tied to repentance, baptism, and awaiting the promised restoration.

James, writing to the twelve tribes ( James 1:1), indeed addressed believing Jews struggling to live out their faith amid trial. His emphasis on works demonstrated the reality of faith within Israel's kingdom program. Paul, by contrast, ministered to Gentiles under the dispensation of grace, emphasizing justification apart from works ( Romans 3:28). The apparent tension between James 2 and Paul's letters resolves when we rightly divide the Word ( 2 Timothy 2:15), understanding different audiences and dispensational contexts.

see pg2

forbidding:

What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah? Thank you.

Hello Giannis,

I am so glad to see you back with us! I have missed you and your input here.

Thanks for you contribution to this discussion prompted by Lbooth insisting that there are two gospels.

The Council of Jerusalem ( Acts 15) clearly shows that both Paul and the 12 apostles preached the same gospel of salvation through grace by faith apart from depending on any works to justify any person.

Reading this account without the lens of dispensationalism brings us to understand that Paul and the other apostles agreed that all were preaching the one true gospel.