Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 59

Eph.4.13 "Unity of the faith"

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"

Unity of the faith has only one end: a body that fits the fulness of Christ, a template. God asks, Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?"(Isa.66.1).Isaiah vision of the temple in which tthe glory of God filled. It is what every heart carries, This spiritual space has a throne above and a door with lintel and two side-posts of which bear the blood of the Lamb so a child called to service is safe within. It is to him God asks,'where is my place of rest.' What shall be our answer.

By faith salvation has come within and unity of the faith is our obedience for the master-builder to work over us. So knowledge of the Son which the Word or the Law represents. Law of the Spirit has been on the rounds as the word of God went forth, preparing the ground.It shall never go back to him void. So what knowledge are we looking at? Each sect serves as a stumbling block ready to do the bidding of the devil. St Paul warns,"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"(v.14) By faith Christ dwells in us and the indwelling Spirit makes the light of the knowledge grow from glory to glory.(2 Cor.4.6;3.18) This supping with Christ is for growing 'unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.' This is called the Unity of the Spirit. We walk thus in our vile bodies, not by sight but by faith. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."(2.10) Faith and obedience to being worked over direct our paths and it leads the God's rest.

Hallelujah, praise be to our God and Father! Thank u in Jesus name. Love u

Col.1.20 "All things unto himself"

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven."

In the v.19 we have the fullness of God stated. It pleased God that in Jesus Christ Christ it should be; The Holy Spirit instructs of the house that Wisdom built. (Prov.9.1)It has seven pillars and it is to which the Covenant refers. This building made not with hands is the tabernacle awaiting us, a spiritual body we shall put on. Having settled his Son as the template, it pleased God the Father 'to reconcile all things unto himself by him'. In short when our earthly house is dissolved we have a house to go to. God asks 'And where is the place of my rest

In the covenant we have several separations which we shall understand were to make tabernacle of God among men after 'our image and after our likeness.For instance God divided the light from darkness. 'Heaven is my throne' becomes Throne of God and of the Lamb. God is the Father of lights. His Son whom he sent to the earth is the true Light. In the new heaven and new earth, the light is the light of the Lamb. Reconciling all things whether they are in earth or things in heaven is glorious iight!

This is what we see in the inaugural vision of St John. "and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength." (Rev.1.16)

Here the risen Christ is the embodiment of the Law of the Spirit. The House that Wisdom built comes to the full measure and stature of Jesus Christ.

God separated waters above from waters below. So the river flows from the east and does not break off and it is what Ezekiel saw in his vision. He took one full turn and saw this river of living waters. Now it is the river of pure water of life cleansed by the death of the Lamb of God. It marks out the mid-air for the God's rest.

There is an outer darkness where the mixed multitude of the heathens. Why do the heathens rage?

Amen Gigi!

I believe I do see what Lbooth1955 is trying to display.

If I'm not mistaking he's saying Israel in response to the future Kingdom Gospel a response of works is required to show the fruit of the Spirit of Christ as their conversion.

Their means of salvation will point back at the work of Christ on the Cross.

If their salvation required works and not faith they wouldn't have been broken off.

Israel works performed in the old testament exhibited belief in a future Kingdom but the death of Christ and fellow heirs with the Gentiles wasn't revealed to them even though it was preached.

They couldn't recieve it perhaps because the indwelling of the Spirit hadn't taken place yet.

Romans 11:20 states that Israel was broken off because of unbelief.

Their unbelief is due to blindness and if they weren't blinded salvation would have come under the Levitical priesthood which couldn't save.

There would be no cross.

There would be no ressurection.

There would be no baptism of any sort!

There would also be no grafting in of the Gentiles!

There would be no first fruit.

There would be no salvation!

Blessings and Goodnight.

Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

John 14:13 "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."

Blessings

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Blessins

Pt. 2

James does not teach that good works are necessary in order to gain salvation and Paul never teaches that good works are unnecessary after a person is saved. On the contrary, Paul agreed with James that for the person justified by faith, good works are essential ( Phil. 2:12-13; Titus 3:5-8; Eph. 2:8-10). Likewise, James agreed with Paul that the only condition for inheriting the kingdom was faith and faith alone (see James 2:5 and also Acts 15 where at the Jerusalem Council James never expressed disagreement over Paul's teaching that salvation was by faith and not by the works of the law).

So, there truly is no contradiction between James and Paul. It is only that they are addressing different problems among believers.

Hello again S. Spencer,

I agree with you that James is teaching that true faith/conversion is accompanied by good works that are wrought in us by the Holy Spirit. In James, he is warning against antinomianism, where believers would not seek godly living, especially in having compassion and showing mercy to those in need by supplying for their actual need with physical assistance. He is identifying "faith" that does not produce godly works is "dead" (of no salvific use) but faith that produces a lifestyle that grows in godliness and desire to become more and more conformed to the holy life of Christ is faith that has justified the sinner because it shows that the sinner has been born again and reoriented towards God's ways desiring to live in obedience to the working of the Holy Spirit within this person.

I think that Paul in Rom. 3:28 was teaching against the legalism of the Judaizers who said that one must obey the Mosaic Law to be justified. Paul is adamant in stating that it is by faith without trying to have our efforts to keep the Law as a means of justifying ourselves. He consistently teaches that salvation is apart from the Law and is by grace (a gift) from God who enables one to believe the Gospel and place ones trust in Jesus and His work, which alone justifies anyone brought to God through Christ.

There are other places in Paul's writing where He emphasizes living a godly life as a result of faith as James teaches.

Both writers mention "works." Paul teaches that works are unnecessary but James teaches that works are essential. This apparent contradiction is solved when we realize that Paul was speaking of those good works that an unsaved person tries to do in order to win God's favor or work his way to heaven. James on the other hand was referring to those good works that a saved person performs which gives evidence of a real, living, saving faith.



See pt. 2

Hi Lbooth1955.

Thanks for responding.

I believe I understood you correctly other than you calling me Chris.

However your replies came to my inbox so I'm sure I'm the recipient.

I agree on much you have said but I believe Paul in ( Eph. 3:1-9) includes all the Apostles in the knowledge of the mystery of Christ as seen in verse 5

"Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto HIS HOLY APOSTLES and prophets by the Spirit;

Also in Acts 15:7-11 at the counsel in Jerusalem Peter makes that clear.

In verse 11 Peter says something that suggests that stands out to me concerning future salvation requirements preached by the 11 for their audiences. (Jews)

Vs 11. "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

I believe what Peter is saying in the same way the gentiles is saved. We shall be saved in that same manner. faith.

The mystery is that God's plan of salvation now includes Gentiles as well as Jews, uniting them into one body, the Church. Yes I believe that is Paul's primary message to disperse but I believe that mystery was eventually revealed to all the Apostles.

John the baptist also introduced Christ to Israel in a way that he brings forth Christ as this mystery unfolding in John 1:7-9. also in John 1:11-13 and John 1:29.

On to James.

In James I believe he's saying faith is being exhibited by works as proof.

I don't believe he's saying works is required to be contributed to salvation.

That is what's meant in James 2:18.

"I will shew thee my faith by my works"

Blessings.

Greeting's

Psalms 119:32 "I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart."

Psalms 119:33 "HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end."

Psalms 119:34 "Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart."

John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

Luke 6:46 "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"

Blessings

17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

This verse seems to make the case that Jesus Christ was our (humanities') brother before the incarnation! That is truly a mind-boggling piece of theology.

As a parting advise,

let me assure you, In my 82+ years i have only done according to the grace given me. So let it not bother you, you have nothing in your armoury to teach me since truth is the perfect gift God has in his Son given me. Go in peace man,

PG 2

Let's look at the Old Testament and New Testament examples from the King James Bible, showing how God's truth unfolds step by step.

Old Testament Progressive Revelation

1. Genesis beginnings

* God reveals Himself as Creator ( Gen. 1:1).

* He promises a Redeemer after the fall ( Gen. 3:15).

2. Covenants with patriarchs

* Noah learns about God's covenant to preserve life ( Gen. 9:8-17).

* Abraham receives promises of land, seed, and blessing ( Gen. 12:1-3).

3. Law and priesthood

* At Sinai, Israel is given the Law, sacrifices, and priesthood ( Exod. 19-24; Lev. 16).

* This reveals God's holiness and points to the need for a perfect sacrifice ( Gal. 3:24).

4. Prophets and promises

* Isaiah foretells a virgin birth and a suffering servant ( Isa. 7:14; Isa. 53).

* Jeremiah announces a new covenant beyond the Mosaic Law ( Jer. 31:31-34).

New Testament Progressive Revelation

1. Christ's earthly ministry

* "Godhath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son" ( Heb. 1:1-2).

* Jesus reveals the Father ( John 14:9) but also withholds some truth until later ( John 16:12).

2. The Kingdom Gospel

* The twelve preach the gospel of the kingdom, offering Israel her promised Messiah ( Matt. 10:5-7; Acts 3:19-21).

3. Paul's unique revelation

* Paul declares "the mysterykept secret since the world began" but now revealed ( Rom. 16:25-26).

* This includes the Body of Christ, Jew and Gentile in one ( Eph. 3:1-9; Col. 1:25-27).

4. Future revelation

* John's Revelation unveils Christ's return, judgment, and the new heaven and new earth ( Rev. 21-22).

SummaryProgressive revelation in the KJV shows God's truth as a unfolding story: from promise in Genesis, to Law and prophecy, to Christ in the Gospels, to the hidden "mystery" revealed to Paul, and finally to the consummation in Revelation.

It's like a scroll unrolled across history-truth revealed as people were ready to receive it.

Grace and Peace.

To all that be in Christ,

It appears that the term progressive has ruffled a few feathers, so let me see if I can shed some clarity on it.

In the King James Bible, the term progressive revelation itself does not appear, but the concept is clearly seen throughout Scripture. In the same way the word Trinity is not in the Bible but the concept is there.

Progressive revelation simply means that God did not reveal all of His truth at once, but unfolded it gradually over time. Each stage of the Bible adds more light, building on what came before.

* Old Testament beginnings: God first revealed Himself to Adam and Eve, then expanded His promises to Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Law of Moses gave Israel knowledge of God's holiness and their need for atonement ( Deut. 29:29).

* Prophets and promises: Through the prophets, God progressively revealed details about the coming Messiah, His kingdom, and the new covenant ( Isa. 9:6-7; Jer. 31:31-34). Yet many truths were still hidden.

* Christ's earthly ministry: In the Gospels, Christ revealed the Father more fully ( John 1:18; Heb. 1:1-2). Still, some things were kept from His disciples until later ( John 16:12-13).

* Paul's writings: Paul speaks of "the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God" but was revealed to him for the Body of Christ ( Eph. 3:1-9; Col. 1:25-26). This shows God unfolding truths at the right time.

* So in the King James Bible, progressive revelation is the unfolding of God's plan across the ages-truths hinted at in earlier times, then revealed more fully later, especially concerning Christ and the mystery given to Paul.

Please see Pg 2

Rom.5.19 "By one man's disobedience' (2 of 2)

Adam's disobedience created many sinners created in his image and after his likeness. Genealogy of Adam as against generation of Jesus whose obedience made many righteous.(Gen.5.3) Creation of a new familial relationship is made manifest. Seth is a branch is after the likeness of the Son. Here we see how imposter churches have failed to interpret the Scripture since they are not reading with understanding. The sects after two millennia cannot distinguish between true and false.

Cain is also a son of Adam and he was cast off from his presence. What does Eccle 1.9 say?

"The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun." Adam was expelled from the garden for his disobedience and his son Cain the wicked one fares no better. It is thus sons of Adam for their diobedience has been scattered the nation of Israel, rotten figs, as God calls them, is scattered abroad. Without understanding the liars call it progressive revelation! All this dispersion shall send the rotten figs to the outer darkness. This has been stated clearly."He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end" Our heart is where God has set it. Our innerman is a sign therefore. The work of God can only be understood by believing in Jesus Christ. "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."( Jn 6.29)

Heaven sheweth the handiwork of God. This refers to the firmament. Here we have a reason why God named it heaven. God sent off Adam from the garden. This is where new heaven and new earth shall come to rest. (Rev.21-2)The God's rest is already determined.The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done.

S. Spencer,

A good thought to consider.

I know that God knows absolutely every person who is of the 12 tribes so He will accomplish all of His purposes for everyone He calls and saves.

Deuteronomy 4:2: "You shall not add to the word that I am commanding you, nor take away from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you."

Proverbs 30:5-6: "Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar."

Revelation 22:18-19: "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll."

These verses serve as a safeguard against human interference that could distort divine truth. They underscore the importance of preserving the integrity of God's Word and the consequences of tampering with its messages.

Praying for you and your family.

The two great commandments listed in Matt 22:37-40 are "Love the Lord with all thy heart all thy soul and all thy mine." The second great commandment is "Love your neighbor as yourself." God's ten commandments are hanging on those two. The first four, on the first table, tell us how to love God with all our heart. (Have no other Gods, not worship images, not take God's name in vain and remember His 7th day Sabbath to keep it holy.) The last six, on the second table deal with loving our neighbor as ourselves. (To honor our parents, not kill, not commit adultery, not steal, not lie, not covet.) Which one or ones of these commandments do you honor? Do you Love God with all your heart, soul and mine? Do you Love your neighbor as yourself?

Hello again, Chris

If you want some in depth Bible study on dispensationalism and have time to sit down and watch teachings generally ranging from 45 minutes to an hours long look up Grace ambassadors on YouTube. He has some wonderful teachings there.

Grace and Peace

Rom.5.19 "By one man" 1 of 2)

"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." We shall consider another example to explain there is nothing new under the heaven. God set Jacob for a testimony.God said, "Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed"(Gen.32.28) God named Jesus and set it above every other name so God made 'thy seed' meaning every name shall be new. This is what the risen Christ promised the church in Pergamos,"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."(Rev.2.17).' He that overcometh' is a new creation and by faith he has entered into the God's rest. In overcoming the world, victory of Christ is his, 'I.have overcome the world!'. Death has no fighting chance. By literalism these awful apologists for Israel a few fellows in this forum, more reptilian aspects still shake their tails, 'progressive revelation'. They are teachers of lies, are the tail,- of the red dragon. (Rev.12.4). These naming is by the Son. The inaugural vision of John showed the risen Christ as the Ancient of days. The seven stars in his right hand every one who has enetered into the rest has done so under the Covenant in seven days. Testimony of Jacob is good only as far as the heirs of promise go. Jesus declared,"He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad."( Jn 12.30) In rejecting Christ, who are the 12 tribes of Israel scattered abroad? Answer is tied up with this,'Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.' He belongs up there in heavenly places.

We shall recall the Jeremiah quote, the good figs "For I will set mine eyes upon them for good,"(Jer.24-6)

To all that be in Christ,

The Bible in its entirety is the Word of God, and every part of it is for us. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals God's nature, His righteousness, His dealings with mankind, and His unfolding plan through history. Paul reminds us in Romans 15:4 that "whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Likewise, 2 Timothy 3:16 affirms that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable." This makes the whole of the Bible essential for our instruction, encouragement, and understanding.

Yet, while the whole Bible is for us, not every portion is addressed directly to the Church, the Body of Christ. The Old Testament was primarily written to Israel under the covenants and the law. The Gospels show Christ ministering to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" ( Matthew 15:24). The early chapters of Acts continue that kingdom program, as Peter and the other apostles called Israel to repent so that God would send Jesus back to establish the promised kingdom ( Acts 3:19-21). These scriptures remain deeply valuable, but they are not written as direct marching orders for the Body of Christ in this present dispensation.

It is in Paul's thirteen epistles that we find teaching written to us-the Church, the Body of Christ. Paul was given the revelation of the mystery ( Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:25-27), truths not made known in other ages, specifically concerning Jew and Gentile united in one body through faith in Christ alone. In Romans through Philemon we see our doctrine, walk, and destiny laid out clearly. So while the whole Bible is for our benefit, we must recognize that only Paul's writings are directly addressed to us, giving us our distinct instructions in this age of grace.

Grace and Peace

Hello Benny,

I understand your words may have come from a place of frustration, but I want you to know I hold no ill will toward you. I'd rather extend kindness than let harshness take root. We may not agree, but I still wish you well and hope today brings you peace and strength.

Grace and Peace.

Hi Gigi.

One other thing to note before I plunge into this busy work day.

If the Church was the only means for Israel to enter the kingdom then there would be no 12 tribes to rule over.

Just a thought.

Blessings

pg2

Galatians 2:7-9 - Clear distinction: "the gospel of the circumcision" committed to Peter, "the gospel of the uncircumcision" committed to Paul.

In summary: James addresses believing Jews within the kingdom program, while Paul's epistles reveal the mystery program forming the Church, the Body of Christ. Two gospels, not contradictory, but distinct according to God's dispensational plan.

Grace and Peace

Chris,

Here's a more detailed breakdown for you.

. The Gospel of the Kingdom

Audience: Israel, under the covenants and promises.

Message: The long-promised kingdom, with Messiah reigning on David's throne, was "at hand."

Matthew 4:23 - "And Jesus went about preaching the gospel of the kingdom"

Matthew 10:5-7 - The Twelve were sent only to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" with this gospel.

Luke 22:29-30 - The apostles are promised to sit on twelve thrones judging Israel in that kingdom.

Acts 3:19-21 - Peter still offers the kingdom if Israel repents, showing this program was continuing post-cross.

This gospel was prophetic, rooted in promises made "since the world began" ( Luke 1:70; Acts 3:21).

2. The Gospel of the Grace of God (Paul's Gospel)

Audience: Jew and Gentile alike, apart from Israel's covenants.

Message: Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for sins, offering free justification by faith.

Acts 20:24 - Paul calls it "the gospel of the grace of God."

Romans 16:25 - This gospel was "according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began."

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 - The content: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again.

Galatians 1:11-12 - Paul received it by direct revelation from Christ, not from the Twelve.

This gospel creates the Body of Christ ( 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 3:6), uniting Jew and Gentile in one new man.

3. Jews Responding to Both Programs

Some Jews believed Peter and the Eleven's message of the kingdom ( Acts 2:41; Acts 4:4). James writes to these scattered tribes ( James 1:1), exhorting them in kingdom-related works and endurance.

Other Jews believed Paul's gospel of grace and became part of the Body ( Rom. 11:13-14; 1 Cor. 9:20-22).

4. Dispensational Distinction

Kingdom Gospel = Israel's prophetic hope on earth.

Grace Gospel = Body of Christ's heavenly hope, revealed through Paul.

Both have Christ as center, but their scope and promises differ.

see pg2

pg2

1. Audience and Dispensation

James 1:1 opens the letter: "To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad." This is not the Body of Christ but Israel in dispersion. Dispensationally, James is addressing Israel under their prophetic program, not the mystery revealed to Paul ( Eph. 3:1-9). That sets the framework.

2. Faith and Works in James

James 2:14-18 ties justification to works as a demonstration of faith: "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (v.24). For Israel under covenant, faith was expected to be shown by obedience and works of righteousness ( Lev. 18:5; Ezek. 18:9). This aligns with the kingdom program, where enduring faithfulness proved genuine belief ( Matt. 24:13).

3. Contrast with Paul's Gospel

Paul, writing to Gentiles and the Body of Christ, stresses that justification is "without works" ( Rom. 3:28; 4:5; Eph. 2:8-9). Works flow from salvation but never contribute to justification. The moment faith is placed in Christ's finished work ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4), the believer is declared righteous. Any later works are for reward, not for maintaining or proving justification ( 1 Cor. 3:13-15).

4. Why It Cannot Be the Same

If James meant only "works resulting from faith" in the Pauline sense, then his statement in 2:24 directly contradicts Paul. Instead, dispensationalism recognizes they were speaking to different groups under different revelations:

James = Israel's faith proven by works within kingdom promises.

Paul = the Body of Christ justified apart from works, living under grace.

Romans 11:6 settles the distinction: "If by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace." Mixing James' works-based proof with Paul's grace-alone gospel collapses the distinction God revealed.

Grace and Peace

Hello Chris,

Thanks for your reply, I'm thinking we agree on more than disagree, however regarding James there is a difference of opinion and that's ok. I'll share my thoughts on the matter...

You're statement here caught my attention..."James speaks about 'works' that result from faith ( James 2:14-18), and not faith plus the works of the Law."

James writes "to the twelve tribes scattered abroad" ( Jas. 1:1), placing his audience firmly in Israel's covenant program. In James 2:14-18, he insists that "faith without works is dead," concluding, "by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (2:24). This is consistent with Israel's kingdom hope, where obedience proved living faith (cf. Lev. 18:5; Matt. 24:13). In contrast, Paul reveals the "mystery" gospel for the Body of Christ, declaring "to him that worketh not, but believeth his faith is counted for righteousness" ( Rom. 4:5). Justification is by grace through faith alone, "not of works" ( Eph. 2:8-9). To merge James with Paul is to blur distinct programs. James requires works as evidence in Israel's prophetic dealings; Paul proclaims immediate justification apart from works under grace. Romans 11:6 makes clear that grace and works cannot mix. Different instructions, different audiences, no contradiction when rightly divided.

Grace and Peace

Please see next pg.

Hi Gigi Thanks for responding.

That could be true however there is a unique difference in the way Christ is presented to Lordship over the Church and Lordship in the Kingdom here on earth.

Christ Lordship is over our hearts without any written articles on tablets.

In the Kingdom Christ is ruling with a rod of iron.

In Revelation 12:5 we see the Israel presented as the woman and her children who shall rule the nations with a rod of iron. Christ.

The Church is never identified as the nations or inhabitants of the earth.

Deuteronomy 18:18-19 seems to fit Christ ruling here on earth with a rod of iron as presented in other scriptures and that is a fulfillment of the Davidic covenant.

"I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him."

Other passages;

Revelation 2:27.

Revelation 19:15.

Isaiah 65:16-25 has much to say about this economy.

This echoes Psalms 2:6-9.

"Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

Scripture says the Church shall reign with Christ.

Revelation 20:6.

2 Timothy 2:12.

Revelation 5:10.

Luke 22:28-30.

The reigning is not a present reality but a future hope for believers.

Blessings.

I realize Lbooth1955 that we have discussed this matter before, but thought to address a few points. Paul was called to share the Gospel with the Gentiles, just as the other apostles to Israel ( Galatians 2:7), but was their Gospel presentation any different where repentance, baptism and faith in Jesus was absolute for all men, without any compromise? I read your distinction between them, particularly that the message to the Jews was based on an earthly kingdom hope and Paul's to the Gentiles was on the revealed mystery of the union of Jew & Gentile in one Body, & Grace through Faith apart from the Law.

We aren't given much details of the apostles' ministries, but at least with Peter (that I can think of), if he hadn't realized it before, he certainly did in his encounter with Cornelius (Acts chap 10). The vision he received truly opened his eyes to the fact that not only the Jews, but that God had called Gentiles to be saved and become one together in Christ. At first Peter doubted the vision ( Acts 10:17); then he understood from it that Gentiles were not to be considered unclean (therefore, being prevented from hearing & receiving the Gospel) ( Acts 10:28,34,35); and finally, he saw the evidence of God's working, His outpouring of His Spirit on Gentiles ( Acts 10:44-46; Acts 11:15-18). This is the first instance as we read, that Peter understood that the Gentiles would also be saved, along with the Jews, incorporated in the one Body.

Regarding salvation by Grace alone, without the observance of the Law, I agree, that this was a problem. The Gentiles, it was decided, would be exempt ( Acts 15:5-20), though it seems ( Acts 21:18-21) that Jewish converts were still embracing the Law. When they matured in faith & knowledge I can't tell, as even today, some still believe in the keeping of the Law. But in the matter of James, in his epistle, I see no problem, as James speaks about 'works' that result from faith ( James 2:14-18), and not faith plus the works of the Law. GBU