Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 38

What did Jesus the Lord of the Sabbath , the same yesterday today and forever ever mean in Matthew 24 v 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter , neither on THE SABBATH Day: for then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the Beginning of the world to this time , no nor shall be be . ( does Jesus know something here ? Amen ! )

Dear Friends,

I write with deep concern because God's Word makes it plain that without rightly dividing the word of truth ( 2 Timothy 2:15), one cannot come to a clear and saving knowledge of Christ in this present dispensation of grace. Right division is not an optional study method; it is God's command for how His Word is to be understood. Failure to make the distinction between Israel's prophetic program and the mystery revealed to Paul for the Body of Christ leads only to confusion, and confusion in the gospel is eternally dangerous.

Paul makes a bold statement in Galatians 1:11-12, declaring that the gospel he preached was "not after man," but received by direct revelation of Jesus Christ. This message, summarized in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, is that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. This alone is the gospel of salvation today. Yet if we blend this with Israel's gospel of the kingdom, which involved repentance, water baptism, and looking for the Messiah's earthly reign, we pervert the truth and trust in a message God is not offering in this age.

Paul warned soberly that any who preach another gospel are accursed ( Galatians 1:8-9). That is why right division is vital-it protects us from confusing law with grace, earthly promises with heavenly, and faith plus works with faith alone in Christ's finished work. God has only one gospel today, the gospel of the grace of God ( Acts 20:24). To miss this truth, or to mix it with another program, is to miss salvation itself.

I urge all to believe the message Christ gave to Paul for us. Trust completely in His finished work on the cross, apart from anything you can add. Salvation is by grace through faith, not of works ( Ephesians 2:8-9). Without rightly dividing, the gospel becomes distorted, and distorted truth cannot save.

In Christ's grace...

GIGI,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Paul's apostleship carries a unique role in God's progressive revelation. While the twelve apostles were commissioned to Israel under the kingdom program ( Matt. 10:5-7; Gal. 2:9), Paul was called out "as one born out of due time" ( 1 Cor. 15:8) to be the apostle of the Gentiles ( Rom. 11:13). His background as a Jew with Roman citizenship and Greek education certainly equipped him, but dispensationally the real reason is that God purposed to reveal through Paul the "mystery" hidden from ages and generations ( Eph. 3:1-9; Col. 1:25-27). This mystery was not merely the repetition of the kingdom gospel, but the unveiling of the Body of Christ, a new creation where Jew and Gentile are united apart from the Law and Israel's covenants.

It is true that there is only one basis of salvation-Christ's finished work at Calvary. Yet dispensationalism distinguishes between the prophetic gospel of the kingdom (salvation through faith in Messiah and readiness for Israel's promised kingdom on earth) and the mystery gospel committed to Paul (salvation by grace through faith in the cross work of Christ, apart from Israel's law and covenants). That is why Galatians 1 is so strong-Paul guarded the distinct revelation entrusted to him. At Acts 15, the apostles agreed Paul's ministry to the uncircumcision was distinct from Peter's to the circumcision, not contradictory but part of God's unfolding plan.

Thus, while your reasons about Paul's background are practical and insightful, dispensationally we understand his calling as (divinely appointed to introduce a new dispensation). We thank God that through Paul we received the revelation of the mystery, the preaching of the cross in its fullness, and the assurance that salvation is now freely offered to all without distinction.

G&P

Hey Meek,

I appreciate your thoughts, and I agree with you that salvation has always been centered in Christ-"for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" ( Acts 4:12). Likewise, Paul rightly affirms that there is "one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" ( 1 Tim. 2:5). These truths are universal and unchanging.

However, dispensationalism recognizes that while the Person of salvation is the same, the message and audience differ according to God's progressive revelation. Peter and the Twelve ministered under the kingdom program, proclaiming Jesus as Israel's promised Messiah and King. Their call was "repent and be baptizedfor the remission of sins" ( Acts 2:38), looking for the restoration of Israel's kingdom on earth ( Acts 3:19-21).

Paul, in contrast, received from the risen, glorified Christ the "mystery" gospel-not revealed to the prophets nor known to the Twelve ( Eph. 3:1-9; Gal. 1:11-12). His commission was to the Gentiles, preaching "the gospel of the grace of God" ( Acts 20:24), centered in the finished cross-work of Christ and received apart from law or ordinances. While both messages rest on Christ, they represent different programs: Israel's prophetic hope versus the Body of Christ's heavenly calling.

Regarding Paul persecuting "the church" ( Acts 8:3), dispensationalists distinguish the kingdom church in Jerusalem from the Body of Christ later revealed to Paul. The prayers of those saints were answered when God, in His wisdom, raised up Paul for a new ministry-not to continue their message, but to unfold the revelation of grace.

So yes, Christ is the one Savior and mediator. Yet God's Word shows different stewardships: the gospel of the kingdom to Israel through the Twelve, and the gospel of grace to all nations through Paul. Recognizing these distinctions keeps us from blending programs and helps us "rightly divide the word of truth" ( 2 Tim. 2:15).

G&P

Thank you, Chris, for your help.

God Bless you.

To all that be in Christ,

True interpretation of Scripture comes only by the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that the Spirit would guide us into all truth ( John 16:13). That means God's Word must be understood within His order of revelation. If it is from the Spirit, it will align with the dispensational distinctions God has made-Israel under the Law and covenants, versus the Body of Christ under grace revealed through Paul. Paul declared that the "mystery" was hid until given to him ( Eph. 3:1-9). If we ignore that, we either make Paul a liar or accuse the Spirit of contradiction. The Spirit never contradicts Himself. He inspired all Scripture, but He also progressively revealed truth in its proper time and order. Therefore, Spirit-led interpretation recognizes Israel's promises, the church's heavenly calling, and the separation of prophecy from mystery. Any teaching that erases those boundaries is not from the Spirit. If it is truly of Him, it will be dispensational, because only then is Paul's testimony true.

G&P

Chris,

I appreciate your careful observations about James and the Law, but from a dispensational perspective we must carefully note both his audience and his program. James 1:1 makes it clear that his epistle is written "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad." That identifies his readership as Israel, not the Body of Christ. Paul confirms this distinction in Galatians 2:9, where James, Peter, and John agreed to minister to "the circumcision," while Paul was sent to the Gentiles. This is a vital dispensational boundary marker.

You are right that James uses the Law to show the seriousness of sin and the impossibility of keeping it perfectly. Yet his emphasis on "works" still reflects Israel's prophetic, kingdom program, where faith and obedience were tied together under covenant expectations. For example, Jesus in Matthew 5-7 taught that righteousness for Israel's kingdom hope must be lived out, not just professed. James echoes that when he insists that faith without works is dead ( James 2:20). These "works" were not simply the fruit of faith in the Pauline sense, but the evidences of a faith that endured under trial and proved covenant loyalty.

Paul, on the other hand, reveals the mystery program where justification is by grace alone through faith alone apart from works ( Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-10). For the Body of Christ, works follow salvation as fruit, not as a condition of proving faith for covenant standing. James does not lay out the finished cross-work as the sole basis of justification the way Paul does in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, because his focus is not on the revelation of the mystery but on exhorting Israel's believing remnant to live consistently with their kingdom calling.

Thus, while James highlights the vitality of true faith, dispensationally we must recognize he writes within Israel's program, not Paul's. Both are inspired, but they address distinct audiences under different dispensations-how anyone misses this is beyond me.

G&P

I get so blessed keeping the Sabbath At times , the LORDS day as always will be !

Greeting's

Job 8:20

"Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers:"

Blessings

In the penultimate para:

"Instead we have the week in place of day. The decree of his Father is given a body by the obedience of one man. It is on this basis we are annotating the following passages 2.5-25."

Following the line,"Instead we have the week in place of day" please read the rest, "and the father of lies has indeed created a great delusion in those who make a lie of the word of God. Blasphemy of the sects have so long made the decree to none effect."

Annotated Gen.2.1-3 Conclusion.

The Word circular is the Law so God a Spirit shall make all heaven and earth come under the fullness of his Son. This day I have begotten thee, for example is the decree.(Ps.2.7)

As case study take this passage Col.1.16-19 "all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible," are to be reconciled in one. The Word circular thus establish the ministry of reconciliation of Jesus. Another point is that heaven and the earth, visible and invisible aspects gives rise to the principle of Similitude, by which parables are preeminent for instruction in righteousness. "I an my Father are one' It is on this basis Jesus instituted sent forth doctrine of his Father. " He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me."(Mt.10.40; Lk 10.16) Three principles as the Word have three positions in the beginning.( Jn 1.1-2) Jesus on resurrection fills the role,'The same was in the beginning with God". By fulfilling the will of the Father became the fulfilment of the Law. In short the Covenant of seven days set forth in the beginning in 'heavenly places' has the head. Gen.1.2 refers to the heavenly places.The risen in Christ in glory now according to Col.1.16-19 is "the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."

Instead we have the week in place of day. The decree of his Father is given a body by the obedience of one man. It is on this basis we are annotating the following passages 2.5-25.

" Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned."(Rom.5.12,19)

As a general word of caution I would strongly suggest not being involved with this weekend's communion event in Washington DC or anything else that is occurring Oct 9-12 involving people steeped into NAR.

The other caution; of course is the whole ecumenical movement going around these days. I would make a further differentiation between a personal contact with someone who we may have a one on one time of fellowship or prayer that is searching for truth as opposed to involving ourselves in corporate worship with an apostate church.

I would also say that no matter how we view the concept of God's election in terms of our own "free will" that no attempt of man to bring together crowds will change how many ultimately come to faith; although I am not excluding some making genuine conversions; in general forced conversions or "decisional regeneration" are not scripturally sound processes. The greater warning of not carefully assessing and warning about those taking communion being true believers and more seriously if they aren't compromised in a lifestyle of continual patterns of sin puts a person in danger as Corinthians makes clear. Just how anyone can control that issue among a mile plus long mass of attendees at the Capitol is a mystery to me.

As to warning of various denominations being cults and or fallen from their original doctrines I don't see any value of risking being penalized for mentioning specifics. Overall deception is rife and in reality very few who are already in denial and embracing the agenda of the coming world religion will change their minds. There may be a few unaware of the influencers in the current political and religious state that is rapidly expanding. Suffice to say that we need to search the scriptures daily to see what is true; and heed warnings about a little leaven affecting the whole lump; and such parables as a mustard tree which apparently is beyond the natural size of the plant.

Let us endure to the end.

RHP

Correction:

In the penultimate para:

"But God blessed us in the Son so faith is to walk by faith than by sight.. "the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."

plead as follows"

But God blessed us in the Son so faith is to walk abiding in him than by sight.. "the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."

Annotated Gen.2.1-3

2.1" Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them."

The adverb 'thus' establishes this verse as a recap of what went before. The entire chapter 1 is set int envelope of divine Will where the Law of the Spirit sets out the relationship of Father Son from the world unseen to a world made to appear for which the Word is the animating Spirt.

The Word is truth and the Son,'I am the truth' The voice of the Lord is both sound and sign which has its own sequences so the we shall focus on the word circular. The Word was God has the Word was with God so the Lamb slain motif or the emblem in the Will have its embodiment as the Lamb of God; In the Fellowship of God with Man we have the word embodied by the Son so it is his humanity that he presents while the words keep his relationship with Father as before. So he would declare 'I and my Father are one'. Jesus of Nazareth was a sign predicted by Isaiah. In his death and resurrection the Law of the Spirit sets him as the Word, fulfilment of the Law. Thus the word circular has four positions, north south east west Jesus Christ is the same.(Heb.13.8)

The analogy of the toss of a coin whether it falls head or tail is the same Law which is eternal,

This Law is indicated bywhole number seven.Without understanding the word circular and the Law the book of the Revelation shall be a closed book. But God blessed us in the Son so faith is to walk by faith than by sight.. "the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."

v.2 " and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made." The coin spins and must come to rest at a point of time, is it not? The Word circular was in the motion where the holiness of the Father and the obedience of the Son, sanctifies the name of the Son above every other name. Our sanctification comes in his Son by faith we have entered into the God's rest,

The context of chapter 2 of James reads v 1 My brethren , have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ , the Lord of glory , with respect of persons . (And many other things ) let's keep things in perspective!

A very timely verse as I read it ! Thank you so much ! May the Lord bless you !

Annotated Gen.1.28-30

God commanded the light out of darkness and asks,"Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the Lord: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God.(Isa.66.8) Every believer has such treasures within and as with the claves it is listening to the voice of the Lord is the key. "hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ./But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.."Knowledge of the holy is understanding, The Law of the Spirit cuts off whosoever stops short of entering into the God's rest he has turned back having tasted the mercy of the Lord and the obedience of his Son as though were trifle.

At the end of each day we have the Law of the Spirit setting his seal of approval.

For those who believed the Word circular are in the loop from the Alpha and Omega aspect of his Son. The womb from which the dayspring shalll light upon them open so they grow from glory to glory. "The Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty./But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."(2 Cor.3.18) Those faces we came across earlier are the signs. God formed all hearts alike so no one excuse by pleading ignorance. Soul is a hold all by which His works are plain to them."For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"(Rom.1.19-20)

Those who have by faith allied themselves into this fellowship are blessed. The day six is not where you may stop short. Take heed the warning of Onan. Jesus also warned, "And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God

Hello Allen. Without going into a full commentary on these chapters you asked about, I can only given you a quick outline that should help keep this whole prophetical book in perspective.

The Book of Ezekiel is largely divided into several prophetical messages. The ones you were enquiring about fall under 'Prophecies against Judah and Jerusalem' (from Ezekiel 4:1 to 24:27). And under this heading, Ezekiel utters Prophecies through the use of Symbols (4:1 to 5:17); Prophecies through Sermons (6:1 to 7:27); and Prophecies through Visions (8:1 to 11:25).

And under this last category, Ezekiel prophesied about Wickedness in the Temple (8:1-18); of the Slaying of the inhabitants of Jerusalem (9:1-11); of the Burning of Jerusalem (10:1-22); and of Wicked Princes & departure of God's Glory (11:1-25).

So as you prayerfully read those chapters in question (chaps 8-10), keep these headings in mind as they relate to what Ezekiel saw in his visions, and that which would come to pass in the future. This should help you in understanding what is written, without going into overwhelming detail. However, if you still have a specific question, then we could help you with that. Blessings.

Where does Jesus say, "...fulfill the law"?

Page 2. Lbooth1955.

Therefore, James 2:24, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only", is not referencing anything to do with the Law, but that justification by faith would be spurious unless that faith produced resulting works. And James gives examples of such works: as in the treatment of impoverished believers, and of Abraham & Rahab, where in all cases the Law was absent but their works arose out of faith alone.

As James then summarizes, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" ( James 2:26): that faith alone saves, but if works is absent from that faith, then that faith is dead. And this very thing Paul also writes about (in Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 2:12); though I agree that both apostles were addressing different groups that needed to hear the message according to their understanding. Blessings.

Hi Lbooth1955. Thanks again for your reply, as I also read your replies to the others who responded to you.

If I could make a distinction here that might help us to progress: I realize that James does mention the Law (that Israel received) in James 2:9-11 & James 4:11); but James refers to the "Law" here to show that the Law was given to reveal sin and that breaking even one Command meant guilt to all the Law. And in 4:11, that those who judge another, set themselves up as judges of the Law and not a doer of the Law. In both these references, James is not advocating that obedience to the Law was a necessary part of faith that resulted in works (a part of "covenantal law-keeping faith"), but of "the perfect law of liberty" ( James 1:25), that contrasts with the Law that keeps man enslaved leading to punishment & death.

Rather, James' mention of "works" ( James 2:14-26 & James 3:13), indicate that he was not referring to the works from obedience to the Law but to the works produced by a real vibrant faith. For the works of the Law can have no application to the one in Christ, for it would only place him into bondage & judgement. So, if we can agree that the "works" written by James, refers to that which faith produces and not of the Law's demands, then we not only see James writing as he does to that particular readership, but he does so on the same basis as Paul. Onto Page 2.

Why Did Jesus Tell Mary not to touch him until he ascended back up to heaven

Amen.

John 16:33

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Blessings

Ronald I agree with your understanding. Jesus the cornerstone is Jewish the apostles the foundation is Jewish , at Pentecost far as I know they where Jewish , acts 2 3000 that where Jewish repented and believed and baptised in the Name of Jesus according to Peter's preaching . And more later as well here is a verse that makes it simple acts ch 2 v 47 Praising God , and having favour with all the people . AND THE LORD ADDED TO the CHURCH daily such as should be saved .

What is the meaning of Ezekiel Chapter 8,9,10. I am having a hard time understanding what it is really talking about.

Thanks Allen

Hey Lbooth1955,

I have not studied dispensationalism. I know a few things, but not the depth of it. I know they support the distinction between Israel and the Church. You have on several occasions said, "but from a dispensational perspective." To me, this is saying interpretation of Scripture must align with dispensationalism. Maybe I am wrong about what you are saying. It must be from the Holy Spirit.

What I have studied the Church began with the people of Israel in Acts 2:41-47. There is only one Church and one body of Christ that includes both Israelites and Gentiles. God's grace provides salvation for Gentiles as well as Israel by faith in Jesus, the same gospel.

Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Ephesians 3:5-6 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

We are fellow heirs of the kingdom of God, 2 Thessalonians 1:5. We will also reign with Christ here on earth, Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

These are the words of Paul, Acts 28:30-31 3 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

Your question: Why was there a need for Paul at all? Jealousy, Romans 11:11.

God bless,

RLW

Dear Lbooth,

Glad to know you are doing well after your surgery.

We have spoken in the past as to the dispensational view that there were two different gospels concerning salvation: one for the Jews and a different one for the Gentiles. I explained how I did not believe Scriptures teach this so I will not address that here.

What I want to speak to is your question as to why God may have called Paul to be an apostle.

Here are my thoughts:

1. perhaps because Paul was not from the Levant, rather from southern Asia Minor of the Roman Empire of the time. Maybe being a hellenized member of Israel, Paul had a first hand understanding of the Gentiles world even though he lived as a Jew.

2. perhaps because he was so well educated and was gifted with the skills to present Christian doctrinal tenets to both Jews and Gentiles he encountered in his outreach in the Roman world.

3. perhaps because Paul was not married and thus free to travel extensively as opposed to the apostles who were married and had family to support in Judea and Samaria.

4. perhaps because Paul was well able to enter intense discussions with non-Jews persuasively.

5. we may never know this side of heaven, but God ordained this of Paul from before the foundation of the world and we can be thankful for that.

6. I do not believe at all that God chose Paul to preach a gospel that differed from that of Jesus or the other apostles and disciples. I believe the NT attests that there is truly only one Gospel to preach and this was one of salvation by Jesus and His life, death, and resurrection that is received from God by grace through faith. Paul clearly anathematized anyone who preached a Gospel that was different from what he preached and what he preached was found to be the same as what the apostles preached at the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15.

Their message was the same . No other name under heaven where by men must be saved .

One mediator between God and man , the man Christ Jesus .

God only has one household.

Remember Paul was persecuting the church and their prayers were answered in Gods way . Paul was a learned man in the things of the law and was useful in teaching Gentiles that had very little knowledge of that I'm sure there is so much more could be said these are a few thoughts off the top of my head .

Hi Meek and Seek,

You are correct, God did ordain that we should walk in them. I.E. Good Works (after you have been saved, I.E. trusted in the finished work of Christ on the Cross and sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise. (Eph.1:13)

We must remember to whom Paul was writing... The Body of Christ, I.E. The Church.

G&P

Dear Friends in Christ,

A question worth serious thought is this: if the twelve apostles were preaching the same gospel that Paul proclaimed, why was there a need for Paul at all? The Lord did not raise up Paul by accident or redundancy. Christ specifically chose him as "the apostle of the Gentiles" ( Romans 11:13), entrusted with "the dispensation of the grace of God" ( Ephesians 3:2), and revealed to him "the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began" ( Romans 16:25).

The twelve, under Christ's earthly ministry, were commissioned to preach the gospel of the kingdom to Israel, calling for repentance and faith in the promised Messiah, with baptism and law-keeping still in view ( Matthew 10:5-7; Acts 2:38). Their focus remained on the restoration of Israel's kingdom, as foretold by the prophets ( Acts 1:6). Paul's commission, however, centered on the Body of Christ, a new creation in which Jew and Gentile are united by grace through faith alone, apart from works of the law ( Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 3:28).

If their message had been identical, Paul's calling would be unnecessary. Instead, his ministry highlights God's progressive revelation-moving from Israel's prophetic hope to the hidden program of grace now revealed. The need for Paul demonstrates that God was unveiling something new: a gospel not rooted in Israel's covenants, but in Christ's finished work at the cross, freely offered to all.

One must believe in Christ's finished work on the cross alone for salvation-nothing you do, add, or contribute can save you.

Trust only His death, burial, and resurrection for eternal life.

G&P