Paul’s Grace Message

a dispensational exposition

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:11-14

The great and overwhelming uniqueness of our positional security is the prime ingredient of salvation by grace through faith under the dispensation of the grace of God. How pathetic it is to observe those saints of God who do not recognize this incomparable blessing — those who concern themselves with pleading with God to grant this favor or that desire, and to “save them in the end”. There are so many who “hope” to enter into eternal rest, when they should be rejoicing in the assurance that they are already established for ever as heavenly citizens.

What will heaven be like? We do not know. But notice what we DO know! “When Christ, Who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory” (Col. 3:4). Is there something more to be desired?

“For our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body…” (Phil. 3:20, 21). Can anything more desirous be envisioned?

And while awaiting that glorious event, we have the assurance that Christ, Who is very God, governs our lives by the indwelling Holy Spirit of God, and that God “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Eph. 3:20).

How do we know these astounding expectations to be real and irreversible? By the very Word of God itself. “After that ye believed, YE WERE SEALED WITH THAT HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE, which is the earnest [the seal] of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.” THAT’S how we know! Instead of wringing our hands in despair and begging petty favors, we are to be “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity…” (Titus 2:13, 14).

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WHAT SAITH THE SCRIPTURE?

by Charles W. Wages

 Posted By Cecil & Connie Spivey

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a dispensational exposition

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:14-18

There are many references to various “mysteries” in the scriptures. Indeed, God Himself and all His wondrous works are one great mystery which is incomprehensible to the finite intellect. Which of the many mysteries do we define as THE mystery? Paul writes to the Ephesian church, “By revelation He [Christ] made known unto me THE MYSTERY” (Eph. 3:3). He even relates the manner in which the miraculous communication was established. He tells of how he “Was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” (II Cor. 12:4).

Some are confused in thinking that “the mystery” is that salvation will be offered to the Gentiles (Paul being identified as the apostle to the Gentiles) at an appropriate time. However, this is not the case for we read in the book of Hosea, “1 will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which are not my people. Thou art my people; and they shall say. Thou art my God” (Hos. 2:23).

Neither is “the mystery” a reversal from one chosen people to another chosen people. When Israel was still in favor with God, the only way for a Gentile to attain sanctification was by way of proselytism. A Gentile had to be converted to the Jewish religion in order to share their salvation. But today the Jew is not saved by conversion to a Gentile religion.

What then IS “THE mystery”? Paul tells us that it is “that the Gentiles should be FELLOWHEIRS, and of the same Body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel” (Eph. 3:6). This does not mean that we are to share the promise of an earthly kingdom, but that Jew and Gentile alike are to share a new promise. “That He might reconcile both unto God in ONE BODY by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby…For through Himwc BOTH have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” “For we arc members of His Body, of His flesh, and of His bones” (Eph. 5:30).

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a dispensational exposition

Scripture Reading: Galatians 3:22-24

“Noah ifound grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Gen. 6:8). “By faith, Noah…became heir of the righteousness which is by faith” (Heb. 11:7). “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Rom. 4:3). Both Noah and Abraham lived before the law of Moses was imposed.

“David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works” (Rom. 4:6). David lived under the law of Moses. Salvation, then, is proven to have always been by grace through faith. And yet we make a great distinction between the dispensations prior to the dispensation of the grace of God and the dispensation of the grace of God per se. Since we know that God has always dispensed grace, and righteousness has always been attained through faith apart from works — why the controversial issues regarding the distinctive dispensation of the grace of God?

The basic difference lies in the revelation of the risen Christ to the apostle Paul: the revelation of the mystery. Paul explains the contrasts between doctrines. He establishes the responsibilities and privileges of the believer in this present age. He defines the one true Church which is the Body of Christ and charges the members thereof in their work and witness.

God required works and ordinances, rituals and washings, ceremonies and sacrifices, tithings and offerings and the keeping of the law. All these things He demanded of previous generations — but not of the members of the Body. “The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.”

All that went before was in preparation for the completeness which was to be established by the finished work of Christ at Calvary. No longer does God impose the law and works upon His people. “And ye are complete in Him, Who is the head of all principality and power” (Col. 2:10). All works are now to be works of love, and the only law is the law of Christ.

Posted By – Cecil & Connie Spivey
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a dispensational exposition

Scripture Reading: I Timothy 2:5, 6

Petitioning God through a human intermediary is a persistent tendency of the penitent. This practice persists even to the extent of regarding such men as holy and addressing them as “Father”. And yet, Christ Himself (Who is very God) has said, “Call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven” (Matt. 23:9).

“There is ONE God, and ONE mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” The apostle Paul instructs us as to prayer. “We know not what to pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us…and He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Rom. 8:26, 27). If no man is to be called “Father” except God Himself, and if Christ is the only mediator between God and men, and if our intercessor is the Holy Spirit alone, then how can there be any possible role for a human agent in the process?

“Verily the FIRST covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people” (Heb. 9:1-3, 6, 7).

So much for the FIRST COVENANT! But what has that to do with you and me? “For by ONE OFFERING He [Christ] hath perfected FOREVER them that are sanctified” (Heb. 10:14). “He nccdcth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for His own sins, and then for the people’s: FOR THIS HE DID ONCE, WHEN HE OFFERED UP HIMSELF”
(Heb. 7:27).

Posted By – Cecil & Connie Spivey
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a dispensational exposition
Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:25-27

Those who contend that “Every promise in the Book is mine” cannot possibly know “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” to the extent that they would if they were truly aware of their position dispensationally. Where is the assurance, if one is continually frustrated with attempting to resolve apparent inconsistencies?

“Peter said unto Him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them…when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matt. 19:27, 28). How can anyone but the twelve apostles claim this promise? There will be only twelve thrones!

“And God said to Solomon,…! will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour.. (II Chron. 1:11,12). Who but King Solomon can claim THIS promise? And what of God’s promise to “make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones” (Isaiah 54:12)? Only the nation Israel can claim this one.

“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matt. 21:22). “Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or. What shall we drink? or. Wherewithal shall we be clothed?… For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things” (Matt. 6:31, 32). Were we to literally abide by these promises today, we would have no need of employment — or even the expenditure of sufficient energy to perform ordinary household duties.

The apostle Paul pled with the Lord three times to be relieved of his almost intolerable suffering. The Lord’s answer;”My grace is sufficient for thee”. And if we are not to be concerned with food and clothing, why does Paul affirm that “if any would not work, neither should he eat” (II Thess. 3:10)? Once again, we must rightly divide the Word of Truth!

Posted By – Cecil & Connie Spivey
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a dispensational exposition
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 1:16-20

Any valid covenant ever made between God and man, was made on God’s terms. We cannot “make deals” with God. When God makes a covenant. He establishes all the conditions. Agreement between God and man consists of man’s acceptance of God’s demands, not a compromise arranged through discussion. The only decision which rests with man is the choice of whether or not to submit to the will of God. We are not in a position to offer enticements or to barter with God.

How often have we heard well-intended believers relate how they have promised God that they would do this or that for Him, if He would only do this or that for them! And all too often the end of the story is said to be that God came through with His part of the “bargain”, thus proving Himself deserving of the recipient’s reciprocation.

When God spoke to iniquitous Judah regarding their waywardness. He said, “Come now, and let us reason together.” This did not mean that there was to be a mediation process wherein two opposing viewpoints were to be considered and moderated. God was instructing His people and warning them of the consequences of further misbehavior. They were being told that they must be reasonable — to listen to reason and heed the words of their Holy God.

The instruction: “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil.”
The terms: “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: FOR THE MOUTH OF THE LORD HATH SPOKEN IT.”

No provision here for counter-discussion! God ordains, man accepts or rejects and is rewarded or punished accordingly. This principal of operation has never changed. But God’s manner of dealing DOES change. And today He simply offers the free gift of His finished work, which we may accept or refuse. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life”
(Rom. 6:23).

Posted By – Cecil & Connie Spivey
Cspivey1953@gmail.com

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a dispensational exposition

Scripture Reading: Romans 6:16

The very crux of faith is obedience. The ultimate relationship with God is the product of faith in Him and the exercise of that faith. Obedience requires commitment, and commitment requires knowledge of that to which obedience is due. The broad term, “faith in God” has blinded many seekers of truth by the interpretation: “believe that God is”. It is essential that one should believe God, to believe that God’s Word is true. But there is one more step to the understanding that leads to the true faith which brings the peace that satisfies the hungry soul.

Miles Coverdale has said it well: “It shall greatly help ye to understand the Scripture if thou mark not only what is spoken or wrythen, but of whom and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goeth before and what followeth after.”

By the use of these guidelines we are well equipped to carry out the Lord’s own exhortation to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God…rightly dividing the Word of Truth” (II Tim. 2:15). Thus do we find how we are to be obedient. Paul clarifies the principle of proper obedience in our textual verse: “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”

By our rule of right division, we find that Paul is our apostle (Rom. 11:13). He further instructs us that we must emulate him as he directs in recognition of his spiritual authority (I Cor. 11:1). He reminds us of Christ’s obedience at Calvary (Phil. 2:8), and he commends those who obey his teaching: “Ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.”

Faith is manifested by obedience. The apostle affirms “the just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:17). Having been justified “freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:24), we are to live in obedience.

Posted By – Cecil & Connie Spivey
Cspivey1953@gmail.com

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Message Board « Calendar » Hey, Cecil Spivey, you have 0 messages, 0 are new. Aug 31, 2010, 5:46pm

Message Board :: Calendar December 2009January 2010February 2010March 2010April 2010May 2010June 2010July 2010August 2010September 2010October 2010November 2010December 2010January 2011 « July … August 2010 … September » Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 RIGHT DIVISION AND PRACTICAL LIVING R.B. Shiflet WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED? by Russell S. Miller   2 THE CHURCH by Charles Wages “Were Old Testaments Saints” Secure in Christ - Co   3 Without Money!- Tom M. Olsen LIVING TO THE GLORY OF GOD by Cornelius R. Stam   4 THE CROSS AND THE CHRISTIAN by Cornelius R. Stam BAPTISM by Charles Wages   5 My Dream! By - Connie Spivey “Were Old Testaments Saints” Secure in Christ - Co   6 Walking By Faith! By - Connie Spivey WHY CHRIST CAME by Cornelius R. Stam   7 My Dream By - Connie Spivey How Monkeys Loose Their Freedom! By - Connie Spive   8 My Dream!- Connie Spivey SALVATION by Charles Wages IS THE “Great Commission” FOR THIS AGE? By Dee L.   9 Walking By Faith! Connie Spivey Without Money By – Tom M. Olsen UNTIL WHEN? by Cornelius R. Stam   10 The Dispensations - By HAZEL I. BROWN What Saith the Scripture - Pastor Charles Wages   11 SAVED BY GRACE by Charles Wages THE CHURCH WHICH IS HIS BODY David Eroh THE LORD’S SUPPER by Charles Wages   12 “Shall Never Perish” By J. F. Strombeck UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE - Richard Jordan   13 A DATE WITH DESTINY! Roger G. Anderson ARE YOU READY? by Cornelius R. Stam   14 FAITH AND HEARING by Cornelius R. Stam The Just Shall Live By Faith - John Wilson   15 ETERNAL LIFE by Charles Wages JEHOVAH IS HIS NAME:   16 Israel’s Kingdom Hope! -John D. LaVier Paul’s Gospel! By - William R. Newell   17 “Were Old Testaments Saints” Secure in Christ - Co THE PROMISE GOD MADE TO HIMSELF- C. R. Stam   18 THE PERFECT WILL OF GOD by Charles Wage THE THREE L’s by Charles Wages   19 THE ABUNDANT MERCY OF GOD by Russell S. Miller My Dream!- Connie Spivey   20 WHY IS HEAVEN SILENT? By John D. LaVier IS WATER BAPTISM A TESTIMONY? by Cornelius R. Sta   21 ITS IN THE BOOK- by Robert Hanna … The Dispensations - By HAZEL I. BROWN   22 The Testimony of Connie Spivey Grace Bible Church! (Sermons Online   23 Accuracy in ‘Proclaiming the Gospel! - Lewis Sperr   24 THE NECESSITY OF KNOWING PAUL’S WRITINGS By – Win   25 The Dispensations - By HAZEL I. BROWN Paul’s Gospel! By - William R. Newell   26 RELIGIOUS BRIBERY – Ed Stevens   27 Walking By Faith! Connie Spivey   28 A LITTLE LEAVEN AND LOST BLESSING by Cornelius R.   29 IS WATER BAPTISM A TESTIMONY? by - C. R. Stam KNOWING CHRIST AS HE SHOULD BE KNOWN by C. R. Stam   30 “HE PROVED HE WAS GOD” Connie Spivey The Just Shall Live By Faith - John Wilson   TODAY WHAT’S BEHIND OUR MORAL DECLINE? by C.R. Stam           Forum Jump——————–» Home——————–» General——————–- General Board

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This is a great Bible study, a clear treatise on the truth of God for this age.

The author was one of America’s greatest Bible expositors.  It glories the

 Saviour as the author desired it to do.  It should be  read by every believer

in our Lord Jesus Christ.

  - Lewis Sperry Shafer

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