(John 1:11) This Statement In the Light of Romans 5:10 and 11 and Romans 11:30 and 15.

In Romans 5:10 we read that we were RECONCILED to God by the death of His Son. God sent not His Son into the WORLD to condemn the WORLD; but that the WORLD through Him might be saved. (John 3:17). If God wanted the WORLD to be saved while His Son was on earth, as Jesus of Nazareth, why did that Son say, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the House of Israel?” (Matthew 15:24). The lost sheep of the House of Israel were a small part of the WORLD. The Gentiles were in the majority and surely the Gentiles were a part of the WORLD that God loved; but in very plain language the Lord Jesus Christ instructed His twelve apostles, “Go not into the way of the Gentiles.” (Matthew 10:5 and 6). When those twelve messengers had the opportunity to preach the gospel to a Gentile, while Christ was in the flesh, they said to Christ, “send her away.” (Matthew 15:23). This was not because of Jewish prejudice, but because of a positive command from Christ. Christ Himself said to this Gentile, “let the children (Israel) FIRST BE FILLED.” (Mark 7:24 to 30). In Acts 13:23 we read that Christ was born of David’s Seed, to be ISRAEL’S Saviour. In Acts 5:29 to 32 we read that Christ was raised from the dead to be ISRAEL’S Saviour. Christ was of ISRAEL, God over all, blessed forever; the Seed of Abraham. (Romans 9:4 to 6 . . . Hebrews 2:16 and 17). Christ was made under the law; a Minister of the circumcision. (Galatians 4:4 and Romans 15:8). Christ was dedicated according to the law, after He had been circumcised. (Luke 2:39 and 2:21). It was the custom of Christ to go to ISRAEL’S synagogue on ISRAEL’S Sabbath. (Luke 4:16). He commanded His people to obey the law, including the ceremonial law. (Matthew 23:1 to 3 and Matthew 8:3 to 6).
Christ called ISRAEL, believers and unbelievers, “the children of the kingdom.” (Matthew 8:12). Years later the Holy Spirit spoke of ISRAEL as the natural branches and of the Gentiles as the wild olive tree. (Romans 11:17 to 23). Christ called ISRAEL, “the children”; and the Gentiles, “dogs.” (Mark 7:24 to 30 . . . Matthew 15:21 to 28). Seven or eight years after the death of Christ Eleven of the Twelve apostles condemned Peter for preaching to a splendid, religious Gentile, who gave money to ISRAEL and prayed to ISRAEL’S God, a devout, God﷓fearing, just Gentile. (Acts 11:1 to 4 . . . Acts 10:2 and 22). The disciples of the resurrected Christ, for some years after the death of Christ, preached God’s Word “to none but Jews only.” (Acts 11:19). They even declared that it was unlawful to go to Gentiles seven years after the risen Christ said, “disciple all nations.” (Acts 10:28 and Matthew 28:19 and 20).
After Christ told ISRAEL, in Luke 19:43 to 46, that they did not know the things that belonged to their peace, and did not know the time of their visitation, they crucified Him. (I Thessalonians 2:14 to 16). In the hour of His death Christ prayed for His murderers, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). So God knew that ISRAEL, in ignorance, had killed the Prince of Life, Whose death was inevitable. (Acts 3:14 to 18 . . . Acts 2:22 and 23 . . . I Peter 1:18 to 20 . . . John 12:27 to 33 . . John 3:13 and 14 . . . Acts 13:27 to 30). Therefore, 3,000 of Christ’s ISRAEL were saved on the day of Pentecost. But John wrote years afterward that Christ’s Own received Him not. In John 2:11, John 2:22 and 23, John 7:31, John 8:30, John 10:42, John 12:11 and 42 we read that many ISRAELITES believed on Jesus. And yet the statement in John 1:11 is, “His Own received Him not.” In Acts 4:4 we read that 5,000 believed on Him. These were Jews. In Acts 9:42 and Acts 11:21 we read of many that believed. They were Israelites and received Christ. But His OWN received Him not.

THE REMNANT AND THE REST OF ISRAEL

Some years later the Holy Spirit, by the pen of the apostle Paul, wrote concerning ISRAEL: “At this present time also (about 60 A.D.) there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” “Israel hath not obtained that which He seeketh for; but the election hath obtained and THE REST WERE BLINDED.” (Romans 11:5 to 7). God blinded them. (Romans 11:8 and 9). That blindness from God upon Israel is to continue until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. (Romans 11:25). In this same Eleventh Chapter of Romans where we learn of Israel’s blindness, we read of Israel’s unbelief, Israel’s fall and Israel as being cast away. With every one of these terrible things that happened to Israel we read that God’s judgment upon Israel brought to the Gentiles the most wonderful blessing that the Nations of the earth ever received, “Salvation,” “Reconciliation” and “Divine Mercy.” (Romans 11:11 . . . Romans 11:15 and Romans 11:30).
Christ’s OWN received Christ not, in incarnation, that Christ might go to Calvary and put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (Acts 3:18 . . . Acts 2:23 . . . Matthew 26:24 . . . John 12:27 to 33). God’s OWN received Him not, in resurrection; that God might conclude all in unbelief; “THAT HE MIGHT HAVE MERCY UPON ALL.” (Romans 11:32).
Thus we learn why Christ’s OWN received Him not. This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. (Matthew 21:42 and Acts 4:24 to 29). “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33). The Greek “PAST FINDING OUT” is the same Greek word, translated, in Ephesians 3:8, “UNSEARCHABLE,” referring to the “UNTRACEABLE” Riches of Christ for Gentiles, when and because of Israel’s unbelief, blindness and fall.

GOD’S UNPROPHESIED GRACE PROGRAM

All through the Old Testament Scriptures God’s inspired prophets foretold wonderful blessings for all NATIONS, through the one NATION, ISRAEL, blessings spiritual and physical. These blessings were to come upon the other NATIONS when the one NATION is enjoying the prophesied KINGDOM blessings of God. For this reason this message is called, in the Bible, “THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM.” In connection with the UNSEARCHABLE Riches of Christ for Gentiles, the apostle Paul wrote of the MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL. (Ephesians 6:19 and 20). The Gospel for the NATIONS, mentioned in Romans 16:25 and 26, is according to the revelation of the mystery, but not so the prophesied GOSPEL of the KINGDOM.
Now let us again read and believe Romans 11:30, that the Gentiles, who in times past did not believe God, received mercy BECAUSE OF ISRAEL’S UNBELIEF. There is, perhaps, no more important verse of Scripture to teach us the dispensational aspect of God’s message and program of grace. Certainly there is nothing in the so﷓called ‘great commission’ of Matthew 28:19 and 20, “disciple all nations,” that contemplated such a message and program; namely, that God’s mercy would not be extended to the other nations until the mutual rejection of God and Israel should first take place, and then, by the fall of Israel, salvation would come to the Gentiles to provoke Israel to jealousy; when and because God would cast away Israel, reconciliation would be offered the WORLD. (Romans 11:11 and Romans 11:15). Surely we see how very important it is to understand the Eleventh Chapter of Romans before we can understand Paul’s words in Ephesians 3:1 to 11, in which verses we are told that Christ, by revelation, made known unto him “the dispensation of the grace of God for Gentiles,” “the unsearchable riches of Christ for Gentiles,” “the fellowship (dispensation) of the mystery hid in God from before the foundation of the world,” “God’s eternal purpose in Christ.” We are never ready to receive the “mystery” of Ephesians 3:1 to 11 until we understand the “mystery” of Romans 11:25, “that a blindness in part is happened unto Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”
As we think of the statement of John 1:11, “Christ came unto His own and His own received him not,” in the light of the Eleventh Chapter of Romans, let us also think of Paul’s all﷓important statement to Israel, in Acts 13:46: “it was necessary that the Word of God should FIRST have been spoken to you (ISRAEL); but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we TURN TO THE GENTILES.” More than twelve years before this declaration the resurrected Christ instructed the apostles to disciple ALL NATIONS. (Matthew 28:19 and 20). But in God’s eternal purpose the Gentiles were not to receive the GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD (Acts 20:24) until Israel rejected Christ, in resurrection (Acts 13:30 to 37 . . . Acts 5:31), as they had rejected Him, in incarnation. Therefore, after the resurrection of Christ, Peter and the Eleven said unto Israel, “you FIRST” (Acts 3:26); and Paul said unto Israel, “you FIRST.” (Acts 13:46 . . . Acts 18:5 and 6).

CAST﷓AWAY ISRAEL—RECONCILED GENTILES

Then followed the truth that all spiritual, intelligent students of the Bible believe; truth that they must understand, if they are to obey Ephesians 3:9 and know how to be “GRACE” evangelists or “GRACE” Bible﷓teachers . . . “The casting away of them (ISRAEL) the RECONCILING OF THE WORLD.” (Romans 11:15).
As we have learned that for two reasons the Gentiles obtained mercy from God; because of Christ’s death on the cross, and because of the unbelief of Israel, we learn in Romans 5:10 and 11 and Romans 11:15 the two reasons why RECONCILIATION was preached unto the Gentiles. Let us carefully note Romans 5:10 and 11 and Romans 11 :15:
“For if, when we were enemies, we were RECONCILED to God by the DEATH OF HIS SON, much more, being RECONCILED, we shall be saved by His life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom we have now received the RECONCILIATION.”
“For if the casting away of them (ISRAEL) be the RECONCILING of the WORLD.”
The Gentiles then were RECONCILED because of the DEATH of Christ; and also when and because ISRAEL was cast away. This ISRAEL’S Old Testament prophets never contemplated. The Gentiles obtained MERCY because of ISRAEL’S unbelief. (Romans 11:30). This suggests the question, what would have happened to the Gentiles, if Israel had believed, if Israel had not been cast away? Do we believe Romans 11:26, that when the fulness of the GENTILES be come in, “ISRAEL SHALL BE SAVED.” At that time where will the Gentiles be, the Gentiles who are now being saved by grace and made members of the Body of Christ? After ISRAEL SHALL BE SAVED what about the millions of Gentiles, the heathen, who will be living on this earth? Surely this age of grace is not the last age when God will be dealing with ISRAEL and the GENTILES. Many times the future earthly glory of Israel is guaranteed in God’s sure Word of Prophecy. (II Peter 1:19). The Bible speaks of ISRAEL as the HEAD and ISRAEL as the TAIL; the RISE and FALL of ISRAEL. (Deuteronomy 28:13— Deuteronomy 28:44). When ISRAEL is the HEAD the saved Gentiles are in subjection to Israel. But today we are living in “THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES,” both politically and spiritually. ISRAEL is now the TAIL. Politically, “THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES” began about 600 B.C. in the days of Nebuchadnezzar. (The last chapters of Jeremiah and 2 Kings). Spiritually, “THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES” began when God blinded ISRAEL after He elected the remnant. So we read in Luke 21:24 that “THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES WILL BE FULFILLED,” and we read in Romans 11:25, “THE FULNESS OF THE GENTILES BE COME IN”; one refers to the end of the political subjugation of the Jews and the other to their spiritual subjugation. This marks the end of God’s special favor for the Gentiles, known as “THE DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD FOR GENTILES.” (Ephesians 3:1 to 4). This will end with the UNITY and PERFECT MAN of Ephesians 4:13. Then follows God’s Kingdom age on earth—ISRAEL will RISE and again be HEAD.
So we say that all intelligent, spiritual students of the Scriptures believe that ISRAEL’S FALL brought God’s reign and dispensation of grace for Gentiles. And it is so important that we know that this FALL of ISRAEL had not taken place when Peter preached to Israel, in Acts 2, or when he preached to Cornelius, the Gentile, in Acts 10. Peter certainly did not preach to Cornelius to provoke Israel to jealousy. Cornelius did not receive God’s mercy, because of Israel’s unbelief. This new program was not inaugurated until God sent Barnabas and Saul and they warned ISRAEL of the impending judgment, which had not yet fallen. (Acts 13:2 and Acts 13:40 and 41).
In the ministry of Peter and the Eleven, from Israel’s Pentecost until the Twelve, some years later, rejoiced in the salvation of the household of Cornelius (Acts 11:18), we have a pattern of God’s “KINGDOM OF HEAVEN” program, which is to be after the close of this present economy and program of GRACE.
Two of the most important Scriptures for the understanding of the beginning and end of the dispensation of grace, we repeat, are John 1:11 and Romans 11:30 . . . “Christ came unto His OWN and His OWN received Him not.” Because they received Him not, in resurrection as well as in incarnation, because of ISRAEL’S UNBELIEF the Gentiles obtained mercy. Because ISRAEL was cast away RECONCILIATION was preached to ALIENATED HEATHEN (Ephesians 4:18 . . . Colossians 1:21). They experienced something a little different from the new birth: they were made A NEW CREATION. (Galatians 6:15 . . . Ephesians 2:10 . . . II Corinthians 5:17). ALIENATION in Adam. RECONCILIATION and the NEW CREATION in Christ. (II Corinthians 5:16 to 21).

Posted by Cecil Spivey at 5:49 AM

The comparison of two prayers for boldness, as recorded in Acts 4:29-30 and Ephesians 6:18-20, presents an interesting and profitable study. The former was uttered by the company of believers in Jerusalem, with the twelve apostles, at the time when Israel was still God’s commonwealth (Eph. 2:12; Rom. 3:1-2; 9:4-5). They were citizens of God’s Nation. The latter was uttered by Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, some thirty years later, after salvation had come unto the Gentiles through the fall of Israel (Rom. 11:11). Paul’s prayer is the prayer of an ambassador in a foreign land.

Let us note the prayer in Acts 4:29-30, reading with it verse 31: “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done in the name of thy holy child (or servant) Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness.” Certainly their prayer was quickly answered.

Peter and John had already demonstrated boldness as recorded in Acts 4:13: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus”—that is, with Jesus in resurrection. This fourth chapter of Acts records the beginning of persecution against the believers in Jerusalem by Israel’s rulers, and tells of the first experience of Peter and John in jail for preaching Jesus as the resurrected Messiah of Israel.

All Christians today certainly need boldness to speak the Word of God. We need to be much in prayer for such boldness. But have we the Scriptural right to pray the same prayer recorded in Acts 4? Some Christians will say “No,” but when asked “Why not?” they remain mute. Others seek to duplicate those signs and the result is a system of pseudo-signs and fanaticism.

The other prayer, or request for prayer, for our comparison is found in Ephesians 6:18-20: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Isn’t it strange that Paul, also an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and a prisoner in Rome, did not pray as did Peter, John and the others that the Lord should give him boldness by stretching forth His hand to heal and that signs and wonders might be done in the Name of the Lord Jesus? In fact, he did not ask for prayer for miraculous deliverance from his bonds, but declared emphatically that he was an ambassador in bonds.

Paul, in one of his earliest epistles, had spoken of boldness. In I Thessalonians 2:2 we read, “But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you (Gentiles) the gospel of God with much contention.”

There had been a time when Paul’s ministry, too, had been accompanied with signs. Read Acts 14:3, “Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the Word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” These signs were not a part of that ministry, but only accompanied it to prove his apostleship and to provoke Israel to jealousy (II Cor. 12:12; Rom. 11:11; I Cor. 14:18-22). But in just the previous chapter Paul had waxed bold to declare something which was most unusual. “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, it was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46). In the next chapter he declared that the Lord had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27).

Paul also used the word “boldly” in a very important sense in Romans 15:15-16, “Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly (see verse 4) unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.” He was bold to go to the Gentiles through the “fall” or “stumbling” of Israel, and to write that which was not according to the prophetic Word. He was bold because he had received his commission through the revelation of Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:1,11-12; 2:2,7-9; Eph. 3:1-9; Col. 1:24-29).

Between the prayer of the disciples in Acts 4 and the request for prayer by Paul in Ephesians 6 there had elapsed a period of time of about thirty years. These were very important years, as the foregoing Scriptures have revealed.

The Lord had permitted Israel to “diminish” and to “fall” (Rom. 11:11-15). He had concluded them all in unbelief that He might have mercy upon all, so that there might be reconciliation for all the world by the blood of the Cross in the Body of Christ which is the true Church.

While the Lord was still in relationship to Israel as a nation He gave the disciples signs which they had a right to expect (Acts 2:19). They were not then called ambassadors in the sense in which Paul is called one, but were in the midst of their own nation, which was still God’s Nation. He had answered the prayer of His Son on the Cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Webster’s dictionary defines an ambassador as “an accredited representative of a sovereign or state at the court of another.” With the setting aside of Israel and its alienation from God with all the rest of the world, Paul became a true ambassador for Jesus Christ. Every believer today as a member of the Church, which is the Body of Christ, is also an ambassador (II Cor. 5:14-21).

We certainly need boldness as a representative of Him in the court of another. Satan is the god of this world (II Cor. 4:4). But being blessed with “all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Christ” surely transcends “all signs and wonders” to give us boldness to speak the mystery of Christ. Surely Paul’s petition for boldness should be ours. And we can expect the same treatment Paul received in a hostile world. But how much greater was the two-fold boldness of Paul to that of the twelve! His boldness was two-fold in that first he was bold in the face of even prison and death, and second that he was bold to preach that which was not prophesied in the Old Testament Scriptures, but was revealed by the risen, but rejected Christ to him. Let us all pray for his boldness “to make all men see what is the [dispensation] of the Mystery, which from the beginning of the [ages] hath been hid in God.”

Posted by Cecil & Connie Spivey

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Paul’s Gospel!
William R. Newell

There are two great revelators, or unfolders of Divine Truth in the Bible—Moses in the Old Testament, and Paul in the New.

Someone may say, “Is not Christ the Great Teacher?” In a sense this is true; but in a real sense Christ is the Person taught about, rather than teaching, in the Gospels. The law and the prophets pointed forward to Christ; the Epistles point back to Him; and the Book of Revelation points to His second coming, and those things connected with it. The Four Gospels tell the story how He was revealed to men, and rejected by them. Christ, Himself, therefore is the theme of the Bible. Moses in the Law reveals God’s holiness, and thus by means of the Law reveals human sin, and the utter hopelessness and helplessness of man. Paul in his great Epistles reveals Christ as our Righteousness, Sanctification, Redemption, and All in All.

The twelve Apostles (Matthias by Divine appointment taking the place of Judas) were to be the “witnesses” (Acts 1:22) of Christ’s resurrection—that is, of the fact of it. They were not to unfold fully the doctrine of it, as Paul was. The twelve were with Jesus personally, and knew Him as a man; and when He died they saw it. When He was buried, they knew it personally, as eye-witnesses. And when He was raised, they found it out experimentally, visiting His actual tomb, and seeing that it was empty. They were also to see and handle the physical, risen body of our Lord. And it was with them that our Lord abode on earth forty days after His resurrection, “showing Himself alive (physically, in a body) by many “infallible proofs” (Acts 1:3).

This great fact—that is, that the Person that the Jews themselves well knew they had crucified and buried, was risen from the dead and ascended to heaven—this tremendous fact the twelve Apostles witnessed to Israel at Jerusalem, and everywhere else. Thus we find the opening chapters of the Book of Acts filled with the single testimony that Jesus of Nazareth had risen from the dead; and that remission of sins was through Him.

But unto none of these twelve Apostles did God reveal the great body of doctrine for this age. Just as God chose Moses to be the revelator of Israel for the Ten Commandments, and all connected with the Law dispensation; so God chose Saul of Tarsus to be the revelator and unfolder of those mighty truths connected with our Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection, and His ascended Person. And all the “mysteries” or “secrets” revealed to God’s people in this dispensation by the Holy Spirit are revealed by Paul. Finally, Paul is the unfolder of the great company of God’s elect, called the Church, the Body of Christ, the individuals of which body are called members of the Body of Christ—members of Christ Himself.

No other Apostle speaks of these things. Peter himself had to learn them from Paul (2 Pet 3:15-16). When Paul finishes his thirteen great Epistles (Romans to Philemon) those which belong to the Church, God indeed permits him to give a message then to the Hebrews. This is not part of the Church’s doctrine, but is simply explaining to Hebrew Christians the character, the real application, the typical meaning, of their Levitical system—that is, how it pointed forward to Christ.

James addresses his Epistle to “the twelve tribes”—that is, his Epistle has special reference to the Jewish Christians in the early days, and to such throughout the dispensation, for that matter. Peter writes to “the strangers who are sojourners of the Dispersion,” that is, to the dispersed Jews who acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah.

In  Galatians 2, we are distinctly told by Paul, that James, Cephas and John were to go to the circumcision, while Paul tells us that his message was to the Gentiles. Since then the testimony by the Jewish Apostles to the Jews was duly given, there is now no distinction between Jews and Gentiles; and Paul’s message holds good for the world, both Jews and Gentiles. So that we find Paul finally sets the Jewish nation aside in the last chapter of the Book of Acts, and opens his great Epistle to the Galatians at the center of the world with the statement that “there is no difference” between men; for “all have sinned;” and that there is again “no difference,” for “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved;” since the same Lord is “Lord of all” (Rom 3:22-23 and Rom 10:12).

God does as He pleases, and it pleased Him to choose—first to save people in this dispensation through “the foolishness of preaching,” or the “preached thing”—that is, through the message about the Cross, and what was done there (See 1 Cor 1:21). And second, it pleased Him to choose Paul to be the great proclaimer and revealer of just what the Gospel is for this dispensation.

You can judge any man’s preaching or teaching by this rule—Is he Pauline? Does his doctrine start and finish according to those statements of Christian doctrine uttered by the Apostle Paul?

No matter how wonderful a man may seem in his gifts and apparent consecration— if his Gospel is not Pauline, it is not the Gospel; and we might as well get our minds settled at once as to that. Paul calls down the anathema—that is the curse of God Himself—upon anyone who preaches any other Gospel than that which he declared (Galatians 1).

Not for one moment are we to believe that James, Peter and John were at variance with Paul—not in the least. They were given certain things by the Spirit, to say to certain classes of people. They do not conflict with Paul. And their words are included in the statement that “All Scripture is profitable” (2 Tim 3:16).

But, nevertheless, Paul is the declarer and revealer of the Gospel to us. Take Romans to Philemon out of the Bible and you are bereft of Christian doctrine. For instance, if you were to take Paul’s Epistles out of the Bible, you cannot find anything about the Church, the Body of Christ, for no other Apostle mentions the Body of Christ. You cannot find one of the great mysteries, such as the Rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4; 1 Corinthians 15) or the mystery of the present hardening of Israel (Romans 11). No other Apostle speaks of any of those mysteries. Paul alone reveals them—the great doctrines such as Justification, Redemption, Sanctification. And what is perhaps the most tremendous fact of every real Christian’s life, that of his personal union to the Lord in glory. Paul is the great divinely–chosen opener to us of truth for this age.

The great doctrines that Paul reveals may be outlined as follows—

1. The unrighteousness before God of all men.

2. The impossibility of justification by works before God—that is, of any man’s attaining a standing of righteousness before God, by anything done by him. Do what a man may, he is a condemned sinner still.

3. The fact and the scripturalness of righteousness on the free gift principle—that is, of a Divine righteousness, separate from all man’s doings, conferred upon man as a free gift from God.

4. Propitiation. That satisfaction of God’s Holy nature and law for man’s sins rendered by Christ’s blood.

5. Reconciliation. The removal, by Christ’s death for man, of that obstacle to righteousness which man’s sin had set up between God and man.

6. The plan of the actual conferring of the gift of righteousness upon all who believe, without any distinction. This change of a sinner’s standing before God, from one of condemnation to one of righteousness, is called Justification. Negatively, it is deliverance from guilt on account of Christ’s shed blood, and deliverance out of the old creation, by identification in death with Christ on the Cross. Positively, it is a new standing in the risen Christ before God.

7. Redemption. The buying back of the soul through the blood of Christ from sin; from the curse of the law—even death, involving exclusion from God, under penalty; from the “power of death,” which involves the hand of the enemy; and from all iniquity.

8. Forgiveness. The going forth of Divine tenderness in remitting penalty for sin, in view of the blood of Christ trusted in; and in complacency and fellowship, to creatures who before were necessarily under Divine judgment.

9. Remission of sins. That is, the actual removing of transgressions or trespasses from the sinner, so that for all time and eternity his sins shall not again be upon him.

10. Identification (see above, Justification). The great fact that those who are in Christ were united with Him at the Cross, by God’s sovereign inscrutable act; were crucified with Christ and buried with Him; so that their history is now ended before God; and when Christ was raised up as the First-born of the new creation, they also were raised up with Him, and their history began as new creatures in God’s sight, in Christ, the Last Adam.

Of course, in the experience of the Christian, there comes a time when he is actually made partaker of this new life—that point of time when he is, as we say, saved, or converted, or born again, etc. Nevertheless, the life that is in every Christian came up out of the tomb, and it is in Christ Jesus that a man is created anew.

11. Incorporation. This tremendous doctrine Paul alone mentions, and he makes it practically the foundation of all his exhortations to the saints with regard to their conduct and life. By “incorporation” we mean the fact that all those who are really saved and are new creatures in Christ Jesus become members of one organism, which is more real than the very earth we tread upon, called “the Body of Christ”—Christ Himself in heaven being the Head of this Body, and every real Christian a member of it. So that believers are thus members of Christ in heaven, and also members one of another here on earth. No wonder Paul is able to exhort the saints to love one another when they are members one of another! (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4).

12. Inhabitation. The wonderful fact that the Body of Christ and each member of it individually is inhabited, indwelt, by the Holy Spirit Himself, and not only so, but that the Church is being “built together” as a great temple of God so that in the future God’s actual eternal dwelling place will be this wonderful, mysterious company built into a building called “a holy habitation of God in the Spirit.”

This mystery is a great and marvelous one, the fact that we are saved, are partakers now of the life of the Lord in glory, that the Holy Spirit indwells us.

13. Divine Exhibition. That is, that through the Church, in the ages to come, is to be made known that which God counts His “riches,” even His Grace (Eph 2:7; 3:10).

The failure or refusal to discern the Pauline Gospel as a separate and new revelation and not a “development from Judaism,” accounts for two-thirds of the confusion in many people’s minds today as regards just what the Gospel is. Paul’s Gospel will suffer no admixture with works on the one hand or religious pretensions and performances on the other. It is as simple and clear as the sunlight from heaven. The end of man is where God begins in Romans 3, at what might be called the opening of the Pauline Revelation. Most unsaved people today believe in their hearts that the reason they are not saved is because of something they have not yet done, some step that remains for them to take before God will accept them. But this is absolutely untrue.*** When Christ said, “It is finished,” He meant that He had, then and there, paid the debt for the whole human race. “He gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Tim 2:6).

Now Paul in his wonderful revelation declares that God has reconciled the world to Himself; that God was in Christ (at the Cross) reconciling the world to Himself;

(2 Cor 5:19). Men do not know this, but they conceive that something stands between them and God, before God will accept or forgive them. If you tell a man that God is demanding no good works of him whatsoever, no religious observances or church ordinances, that God is not asking him to undertake any duties at all, but that God invites him to believe a glad message that his sins have already been dealt with at the Cross, and that God expects him to believe this good news and be exceedingly happy about it—if you tell an unsaved man such a story as this, he is astonished and overwhelmed—yet this is the Gospel!

Would that we had grace just as vigorously to defend his great message today, whether from its enemies or its real friends who do not see it clearly as yet; or who, like Peter (Galatians 2), through fear of others, are ready to compromise and tone down the Gospel of God.

Believing Christ died, that’s HISTORY.

Believing Christ died for YOUR sins and rose again, that’s SALVATION.

Read: Acts 16:31 and 1. Cor. 15:1-4

If this Bible study has been a blessing to you let us know.

CSpivey1953@Gmail.Com

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From Adam To Moses
(Romans 5:12 to 14)

FROM MOSES AND SINAI TO CHRIST AND CALVARY. (Galatians 3:19)

In John 1:17 we read, that the LAW was given by Moses; but GRACE and truth came by Jesus Christ. In Romans 8:1 to 4 we learn that Christ, by GRACE, did for sinners what Moses and the LAW could not do. We have often heard the statement, “what the LAW (the Ten Commandments) demanded (righteousness) GRACE provides.” “By Jesus Christ all who believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the LAW of Moses.” (Acts 13:39).
In Romans 5:12 we read, “by one man (Adam) SIN entered into the world.” “In Romans 5:20 we learn that the LAW entered, that the SIN (that entered by Adam) might abound. GRACE came by Jesus Christ. So in the fifth chapter of Romans we read of “SIN,” “LAW” and “GRACE.” SIN, by Adam; LAW, by Moses; GRACE, by JESUS CHRIST. By Moses is the LAW; and by the LAW is the knowledge of SIN. (Romans 3:20). The LAW was added because of transgression, that SIN might be exceeding sinful, and that all the world might become guilty before God. (Romans 3:19 . . . 7:13 and Galatians 3:19). Let us read how “SIN,” “LAW” and “GRACE” are mentioned in Romans 5:19 to 21:
“For as by one man’s (Adam’s) disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One (Jesus Christ) shall many be made righteous. Moreover the LAW entered that the OFFENCE (SIN) might abound. But where SIN abounded GRACE did MUCH MORE (over)abound: That as SIN hath reigned unto DEATH, even so might GRACE reign through righteousness unto eternal life by jesus Christ our Lord.”
No human being has ever heard more startling and important news than is published in these three verses of Scripture. GRACE provides for the vilest and guiltiest sinner a sure remedy for SIN and teaches the sinner that salvation from the penalty of sin, the eternal, righteous wrath of God, is NOT BY WHAT MAN DOES FOR GOD, or can do, but BY WHAT GOD, IN GRACE, DOES FOR MAN. This GRACE reigns through and by Jesus Christ. The most respectable, religious, moral, cultured child of Adam needs this same GRACE; for there is no difference, “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). This glory of God has been revealed in God’s perfect LAW, the TEN COMMANDMENTS, and God’s perfect SON, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. SIN is the transgression of the LAW. (I John 3:4). Then note the SIN of not believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 16:7 to 10). “Whosoever committeth SIN transgresseth also the LAW; for SIN is the transgression of the LAW.” (I John 3:4).
In my judgment the truth of the fifth chapter of Romans is one of the very first messages to be given to the DEAD SINNER and also the very first Bible truth to be taught to the LIVING SAINT, as a babe in Christ. (I Peter 2:1). Let us never fail to get this simple, but all﷓important, truth from the Bible; that the men and women of this world are divided into just two groups, “DEAD SINNERS” and “LIVING SAINTS.” The Bible does tell us that LIVING SAINTS are divided into carnal saints and spiritual saints. (I Corinthians 2:15 to 3:5). In this same (I Corinthians 6:9 to 12) we learn, as we do in Ephesians 2:1 to 10 and Titus 3:4 to 8, how God, the Father, Son and Holy; Spirit, makes LIVING SAINTS out of DEAD SINNERS, without man’s works, religious ceremonies, or church activities. God expects the worship, praise, devotion and faithful services of LIVING SAINTS, but He will have none of this from DEAD SINNERS; for they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:8). Until condemned sinners receive from God through Jesus Christ, eternal life, “by grace” “through faith” (Ephesians 2:8), God will neither reward nor recognize anything that man offers Him. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the NAME of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks unto God, the Father, by Him.” (Colossians 3:17). (I Corinthians 3:14 and 15). “He that believeth on the Son is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the Name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18).

WHEN DID THE LAW ENTER?

As we read Galatians 3:19, “the law was added because of transgression,” and Romans 5:20, “the law entered,” let us also read Jeremiah 31:31 to 35 and learn that the law was added, the law entered, at the time that God took Israel by the hand to lead Israel out of the land of Egypt. At that time Moses was 80 years old. (Exodus 7:7). The LAW was given by Moses; but that LAW was written on tables of stone by the finger of God. (Exodus 31:18). God entered into the LAW contract with Israel at Sinai. The Divine Record is found in the nineteenth and twentieth chapters of Exodus. At that time Israel had been in Egypt for more than 200 years. Israel went down to Egypt about 1700 B.C. and came up out of Egypt about 1500 B. C.. SIN entered, by Adam, in the Garden of Eden. The LAW entered by Moses about 2500 years after SIN entered by Adam. More than 1500 years after the LAW of Moses entered, that the SIN that entered by Adam might abound, GRACE came by Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was made under the LAW to redeem them that were under the LAW. (Galatians 4:4). Thus we learn that, By Adam is the ENTRANCE of SIN; By Moses is the KNOWLEDGE OF SIN (Romans 3:20); and By Jesus Christ is the FORGIVENESS of SIN. (Acts 13:38).
A very important truth for every person to learn is the fact that when God tells us, in Galatians 3:19, the LAW was added to the covenant of promise till the SEED of Abraham (Christ) came, He wants us to understand that the (OLD) COVENANT was added to the ABRAHAMIC COVENANT (THE GOSPEL WHICH GOD PREACHED TO ABRAM) till Christ was made a curse on the tree. (Galatians 3:8—Galatians 3:13 to 17). Therefore, the OLD COVENANT was both temporary and parenthetical, and according to II Corinthians 3:9 to 16, it has been abolished or made useless. It has vanished away. (Hebrews 8:13). But the Abrahamic Covenant has not been done away, and the LAW of SIN and DEATH, that entered by Adam, is still in full force and effect. Christ was made a curse on the tree to deliver Israel from the curse of the LAW. (Galatians 3:13). Up to that time the LAW was Israel’s SCHOOLMASTER (tyrannical child﷓trainer) to bring Israel to Christ for justification by faith. (Galatians 3:24 and 25). We conclude that a man is justified by faith, without the deeds of the LAW; and if righteousness come by the LAW, Christ died for naught. (Romans 3:28 and Galatians 2:21).

RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH—WITHOUT THE LAW.

How wonderful it would be, if every person in this world would permit the Holy Spirit to teach him the truth of Romans 9:30 to 32! Hear this all﷓important truth from almighty God:
“What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the LAW of righteousness, hath not attained to the LAW of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the LAW. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone.”
More than ninety per cent of the members of our human race stumble at this stumblingstone. Because most of these members are incurably religious, because the human heart of unbelief is desperately wicked and deceitful, and because the infinite, marvelous, matchless, superabounding grace of the God of all grace is too much for the wisdom or imagination of the human mind and heart, it is almost impossible to teach the children of Adam, religious and otherwise, that RIGHTEOUSNESS is not a human attainment, but a Divine gift. Christ on the cross was made sin for us, that we might be made the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM. (II Corinthians 5:21). “With the heart man believeth unto RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Romans 10:9 to 11). “Christ is our RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (I Corinthians 1:29 to 32). “To him that WORKETH NOT, but BELIEVETH on HIM that justifieth the ungodly, his FAITH IS COUNTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Romans 4:5). Hear it! Receive it at full face value! Believe it with all your heart! Claim it with all your soul! God demands RIGHTEOUSNESS for entrance into the glories of heaven. The natural man is destitute and devoid of any righteousness except that which is called in God’s Book, “filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6) The righteous deeds of the natural, unregenerated man displease God. (Ezekiel 33:13 . . . Romans 4:4 . . . Acts 8:20 and 21 . . . Romans 8:7 and I Corinthians 2:14).
When we read, in Romans 10:4, that Christ is the end of the LAW FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS to everyone that believeth, and in Romans 8:2, that the LAW of the Spirit of LIFE in Christ Jesus makes the believer free from the LAW OF SIN AND DEATH, let us get it clearly fixed in our minds and hearts—and this will have to be by faith in God’s Word—that Our RIGHTEOUSNESS is not by a LAW that we keep, but by the LAW which Christ established in His perfect LIFE, His perfect SACRIFICE and His victory over death, after He had perfectly kept God’s perfect LAW. The LAW of the Spirit of LIFE in Christ Jesus, and the GRACE of the God of all GRACE, enable and teach the LIVING SAINTS how to behave as becometh saints and to fulfill the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE LAW, by walking in the Spirit. (Romans 8:4 . . . II Corinthians 9:8 . . . Titus 2:11 to 14). DEAD SINNERS do not become LIVING SAINTS by behaving; but by believing. “By GRACE were ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; not of works, lest any man should boast; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8 to 10). DEAD SINNERS are saved without works. LIVING SAINTS will be rewarded for good works.
Most assuredly, if the justified Israelites were no longer under the SCHOOLMASTER after they received the crucified and resurrected Christ, the justified Gentiles, who were justified freely by God’s grace, through the redemption in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24 to 26), were not under the LAW. (Romans 6:14). (Galatians 3:25). By His death on the cross Christ abolished the LAW of COMMANDMENTS that stood between Israel and the Gentiles. (Ephesians 2:15). Concerning this LAW, we read in II Corinthians 3:7 to 18, it was “done away,” “abolished,” “done away in Christ.” “THAT WHICH IS ABOLISHED.” (verse 13). So the LAW of Moses, which was God’s holy, just, perfect, spiritual, good LAW, came in and passed away. God had to get it out of the way before He could deal with Adam’s children in full.

THE REIGN AND GOSPEL OF GRACE

There was much grace manifested by God before the reign of LAW and during the reign of LAW, in any and all former dispensations, but we should understand and appreciate the difference between GRACE IN A DISPENSATION and “THE DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD” committed to the apostle Paul by special revelation. (Ephesians 3:1 to 3).
Yes, there was GRACE “FROM ADAM TO MOSES,” “WHEN THERE IS NO LAW.” (Romans 5:12 to 14). Certainly Abel, Noah and Abram found GRACE in the sight of God. There surely was much GRACE in Israel’s blood﷓sprinkled MERCY SEAT. (Exodus 25:22 . . . Leviticus 16:15). Surely Jesus of Nazareth, under the LAW, manifested GRACE in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, to the adulterous women He met, to the thief an the cross, and to many, many sinners; but at that time He told His own disciples to respect the seat of Moses and go not to the Gentile dogs. (Matthew 23:1 to 3 . . . Mark 7:24 to 30 . . . Matthew 10:5 to 8). Thus we cannot find the DISPENSATION and FULL REIGN OF GRACE until after God’s KINGDOM NATION (ISRAEL) was set aside. (Romans 11:30).
By the LAW of Sinai all Israelites were condemned. (II Corinthians 3:9 and Acts 15:10 . . . Romans 4:15). That ministration of condemnation passed away. But another LAW, by which all the children of Adam are condemned, never passed away. (Romans 5:17 to 19). By that LAW OF SIN AND DEATH, which is universal and in full force and effect, judgment unto condemnation and death, spiritual, physical and eternal, has passed upon all men. DEATH reigned from Adam to Moses, before the LAW was given by Moses. (Romans 5:12 to 14). It reigned for 1500 years from Sinai to Calvary; and it is still reigning. However, there is a sense in which the SIN question became the SON question when Christ died on the cross. (John 8:24 . . . John 3:7 to 19. . . . John 3:36 . . . John 16:7 to 11).
Thus we have two “DEATH” LAWS . . . The LAW of SIN AND DEATH, that entered by Adam, and the MINISTRATION OF DEATH, the LAW that entered by Moses. (Romans 8:2 . . . Romans 7:10 . . . II Corinthians 3:7). But while in the midst of LIFE there is DEATH, by the GRACE of God, reigning through RIGHTEOUSNESS unto ETERNAL LIFE through JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, in the midst of DEATH there is LIFE, through this Divine LAW of the Spirit of LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS, which frees the believing sinner from the LAW of SIN AND DEATH: something the TEN COMMANDMENTS could not do. (Romans 8:2 to 4). Yes, the LAW of the Spirit of LIFE in Christ Jesus sets the believing sinner free from the LAW of SIN and DEATH and causes the Holy Spirit to indwell that believer, and, if the Holy Spirit is permitted to control, that believer will fulfill the righteousness of the LAW. (Romans 8:2 to 4). The LAW of Moses could not deliver the believer from the LAW of SIN and DEATH; but could only cause him to cry, “O wretched man that I am . . . who shall deliver me from the body of this DEATH?” (Romans 7:24).

FOOLISH CHRISTIANS

Why did the apostle Paul call the Christians in Galatia, “Foolish Galatians?” (Galatians 3:1 to 3). Because those foolish Galatians thought they had to add the LAW of Moses to the LAW of the Spirit of LIFE in Christ Jesus to be delivered from the LAW of SIN and DEATH.
Sinners, in Ephesians 2:1 to 6, are said to be DEAD in trespasses and SINS, by nature the children of wrath. In Ephesians 4:18, they are said to be alienated from the LIFE of God. Therefore, nothing that nature can do for man can take him out of DEATH. How foolish to believe that a DEAD man struggling with the TEN COMMANDMENTS, which God calls the MINISTRATION OF DEATH, can thereby find LIFE. The free gift of God is eternal LIFE through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23); for GRACE reigns through righteousness unto eternal LIFE by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:21). GOD is not a merchant offering eternal life and righteousness for sale. Who could pay the price demanded? Only Christ, His only begotten Son could—Christ did pay the price. Now God can be both just and the justifier of any and all who receive His grace and His Son. (Romans 3:24 to 26). The Lord Jesus was both the holy ark of the covenant and the blood﷓sprinkled mercy﷓seat. He is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. (I John 2:2). Because of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ believing Jews and believing Gentiles receive God’s mercy. But one of the most important truths of the Bible has been overlooked by more than ninety﷓nine per cent of Christians and this is the truth we shall present in our Lesson Number Two—We simply mention it here—Hear it! Receive it! Believe it—In no other way can you understand and appreciate the truth of Ephesians 3:1 to 3 concerning “THE DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD” for Gentiles and thus rightly divide the Word of Truth, in obedience to II Timothy 2:15.
“For as ye (Gentiles) in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their (Israel’s) unbelief.” (Romans 11:30).
Tell yourself what this means. It is certainly a simple statement—But so important. In the GRACE message, which Christ revealed to and through the apostle Paul, there were two reasons why the Gentiles received mercy from God, first because of the redemptive work of Christ and second, because of Israel’s unbelief. Hold on to this as we go to our next lesson.

Posted by Cecil Spivey at 5:50 AM

In these Scriptures we learn that the first man whom God created is called, “the first man” and “the first Adam,” and that the Lord Jesus Christ is called, “the second Man from heaven,” “the last Adam”.

We learn that the history of the human race is told in the words “in Adam” and “in Christ.” The history of the human race is the story of the first man and the second Man.
By the first man came death. By the Second Man came the resurrection of the dead. (I Corinthians 15:20 to 22).
In Adam all die. Note how this is told in Romans 5:12: “Wherefore as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
In John 5:24 we have the words of the Lord Jesus: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My Word, and believeth in Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
This is the way this same truth is stated in Colossians 2:13 and in Ephesians 2:5 and 6: “And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He made alive together with Him (Christ), having forgiven you all trespasses.” “Even when we were dead in sins, hath made us alive us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved), And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus.”
This is the confirmation of the words of the Lord Jesus Christ in John 11:25 and 26: “I am the resurrection and the life, He that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.”
This refers to the believer’s spiritual resurrection right here and now, and to His bodily resurrection when the Lord Jesus Christ comes for His saints, as described in I Thessalonians 4:13 to 18.
Out of Adam into Christ means out of death into life, out of darkness into light, out of the world into the Body of Christ. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away: behold, all things are become new.” (II Corinthians 5:17). “Baptized by one Spirit into one Body.” (I Corinthians 12:13).
“In Christ” is the place of eternal life, security, Divine blessing, yea, all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies. (Ephesians 1:3). In His Epistles the apostle Paul used the words “in Christ” or the equivalent, about eighty times.
The believer is God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:10). He has been made alive. (Ephesians 2:5 - Colossians 2:13). He is alive from the dead. (Romans 6:13).
The believer, already alive spiritually, is to be made alive at the coming of the second Man. (I Corinthians 15:20 to 23). This has reference to the believer’s resurrection body.
Christ, in His resurrection, was the Firstfruits of them that slept. (I Corinthians 15:20). He is the believer’s Forerunner, entered into heaven. (Hebrews 6:19 and 20). They that are Christ’s, redeemed by His precious blood, will be made alive at His coming. (I Corinthians 15:21 to 23 - I Corinthians 15:51 to 54).
Note the believer’s testimony in I John 3:1 to 3: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He (Christ) shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And. every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
As Adam was disobedient unto death, and brought alienation, condemnation, unrighteousness and death, so Christ was obedient unto death and brought reconciliation, justification, righteousness and eternal life. (Romans 5:12 to 21 - Philippians 2:5 to 9).
Adam brought the curse and the thorns. Christ bore the curse when He wore the thorns.

Posted by Cecil Spivey at 6:22 AM

We are told in Galatians 3:14 and Ephesians 1:13 that Christ died on the cross that believers might receive the Holy Spirit by faith. “After that ye believed” in Ephesians 1:13 is the Greek participle (pisteusantes) and should be translated “believing.” ‘‘Believing, ye received the Holy Spirit.”
Note the questions in Galatians 3:2 and 3: “ . . Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you foolish? having begun in the Spirit are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”
The Holy Spirit, like eternal life, salvation and God’s righteousness, is God’s free gift to any believing sinner who will receive God’s grace and God’s Son.
It is sad, but true, that there are many really saved people who say that they do not know if they have, or have not, received the Holy Spirit. Some Christians misinterpret the question of Paul in Acts 19:2, “believing, received ye the Holy Spirit” and doubt whether the Holy Spirit is given to any who do not obey Luke 24:49, and tarry for the Holy Spirit. “Since ye believed” in Acts 19:2, is also from the Greek “pisteusantes”, “believing:”
In this age and dispensation of grace Ephesians 2:8 to 10 is altogether true, salvation is by grace without works, religious or otherwise, without praying or agonizing. Also we should believe Ephesians 1:3 and 1:19 and 20. Note these statements: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath blessed us with ALL spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ.” “And what is the exceeding greatness of HIS POWER TO USWARD who believe, according to the working of His mighty power; “Which He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenlies.”
If the believer, saved by grace, is blessed with ALL spiritual blessings in the heavenlies, and the MIGHTY POWER OR GOD is his, because he is a believer, then with ALL blessings, why seek a second blessing? If too the believer is provided with ALL POWER and all grace (II Corinthians 9:8), why seek for more? Let us not seek a second blessing until we exhaust the ALL blessings. God’s way is: “Be it unto you according to your faith.” Unlimited spiritual resources are on deposit for the believer who is in Christ. All believers are in Christ, So, spiritually, the believer in Christ is a multimillionaire and can never exhaust his riches and blessings and power and grace in Christ. Christ’s riches are the believer’s riches.
In this age of grace believers do not receive the Holy Spirit and Holy Spirit baptism on the installment plan. A Christian is a “Christ one” - one anointed and sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption, (II Corinthians 1:21 to 23) (Ephesians 1:14 - 4:30).
There are no short cuts to the Spirit - filled life. Walk in the Spirit is God’s instruction. (Galatians 5:24 and 25 - Romans 8:4).
What is necessary for the development of the physical man? Good Food - Good Water - Good Air - Good Exercise - Good Rest.
What is necessary for the believer who would be filled with the Holy Spirit? Regular and systematic Holy Spirit Bible Study. Much Prayer. Do not pray or tarry or agonize for more of the Holy Spirit Who is a Person, but that the Holy Spirit may have more of you as you obey Romans 8:4. Real Holy Spirit worship. Remember Mary and Martha. Mary chose the better part. Worship first and then service - (I Thessalonians 1:19 and 10). Assembling with other saints for public worship. Walking in the good works of Ephesians 2:10. Witnessing, walking and waiting for God’s Son from heaven, as we walk in the Spirit and manifest the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16 to 26).
You cannot be filled with the Holy Spirit by responding to altar calls, or second blessings calls, unless that response means obedience to God’s spiritual laws. Development from childhood to manhood, whether physical or spiritual, is gradual and unceasing obedience to certain laws or rules.

Posted by Cecil Spivey at 6:23 AM

Many Christians have been much confused as to the meaning of Christ’s words in Luke 16:16 - “The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.”
Some Bible teachers have tried to prove from this verse two errors, which they have taught; first, that the reign of law ceased when John the Baptist began his public ministry and then and there the reign of grace and the kingdom of God, which is the Body of Christ, began.
We learn from Luke 2:39 that, before John the Baptist came out from the wilderness, what was done for the Holy Child Jesus was in accordance with the law of Moses. But after John announced his mission and preached to Israel, we read in Luke 4:16: “And He (Christ) came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.”
Then, we note, in Christ’s ministry to Israel, the truth of Matthew 8:4 - Matthew 5:24 and Matthew 23:1 to 3: “Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.” “Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to His disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”
From these, and other Scriptures, we get something of the meaning of the words of Christ, in Matthew 5:17, and the words concerning Christ, in Galatians 4:4 - “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, under the law.”
Jesus Christ was made under the law. He and His twelve apostles lived and ministered under the law, while He was on earth as the minister of the circumcision (Romans 15:8). Christ, on earth, did not instruct either saved or unsaved Israelites to abandon the feasts of - Jehovah (Leviticus 23) or the sacrifice of animals. The truth of John 4:23 and 24 was not understood until after the beginning of the reign of grace. In Matthew 23:1 to 3 Christ told His apostles to respect the “law” seat of Moses. In Colossians 2:14 we read when the law was taken out of the way. “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross.”
Therefore, when Christ preached the Sermon on the Mount the law had not been blotted out and the Golden Rule is the very essence of the law; (Matthew 7:12); and so is Matthew 6:14 and 15. Concerning the Golden Rule, Christ said, “This is the law.” Matthew 7:12. Note 6:14 and 15: “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14 and 15.
Even the messenger whom God sent to Saul of Tarsus, after Calvary, was a devout man according to the law (Acts 22:12). The transition from “under the law” to “under grace” was after Christ died and became the end of the law for righteousness, and even then it was gradual and not sudden. And surely the Body of Christ did not begin in the days of John the Baptist.

Posted by Cecil Spivey at 6:24 AM

Whether or not this lesson is of great interest to you, it is one of the most important lessons in all the Bible for those who would know God’s past, present and future dealings with Jews and Gentiles. We should know that the Jew is one of the important keys to the Bible.
In our Scripture reading we note, 1. For Jehovah’s SAKE. 2. For the Gentiles’ SAKE. 3. For the fathers’ (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) SAKE. 4. For Christ’s SAKE.
Now let us read prayerfully and spiritually Ezekiel 36:21 , 22, 24, 28, and 32: “But I had pity for Mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.” “Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; I do not this for your SAKES, O house of Israel, but for Mine holy name’s SAKE which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.” “For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.” “And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.” “Not for your SAKES do I this, saith the Lord God, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel.” Now Romans 11:26 to 29, “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written. There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for YOUR SAKES: but as touching the election they are beloved for THE FATHERS’ SAKE. FOR THE GIFTS AND CALLING OF GOD ARE WITHOUT REPENTANCE.”
Now let us compare Ephesians 4:32 and Matthew 6:15: “And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ’s SAKE hath forgiven you.” “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Here we have the difference between “grace” forgiveness and “law” forgiveness.
The above Scripture should be self-explanatory. Let us emphasize Romans 11:29: “FOR THE GIFTS AND THE CALLING OF GOD ARE WITHOUT REPENTANCE.”
When the Holy Spirit said, “All Israel shall be saved” (Romans 11:26), He did not mean that the individual Israelites, who reject Christ and His gospel in this age and dispensation of grace, or those who died before in sin and unbelief, will be saved; for in this same chapter we read of the severity and goodness of God; goodness with a condition, (Romans 11:22 and 23). Israel, as a nation, is to be restored. (Isaiah 62:1 to 4 - Amos 9:11 to 15). But the eternal wrath of God against lost Jews is told in Romans 2.
God has a future glorious program for this earth, and Israel is to have a prominent place in that program. Israel committed four great sins and God set them aside temporarily: 1. Israel killed the prophets. 2. Israel killed the Prince of Life. 3. Israel blasphemed and resisted the Holy Spirit. 4. Israel forbade the apostles to preach to Gentiles. (Matthew 23:31 to 33 - Matthew 21:34 to 40 - Acts 7:51 to 55 - Acts 18:5 - I Thessalonians 2:14 and 15).
Then Israel fell under God’s judgment of blindness, and they became enemies of the gospel for the Gentiles’ sake. (Romans 11:28).
How much time have you spent studying Romans 11:28 to 30? What have you done for the Jews, in obedience to Romans 11:31 ?
Then the Gentiles obtained mercy because of Israel’s unbelief, blindness and fall. (Romans 11:8 to 11 - 26 and Romans 11:30).
With Israel’s disobedience unbelief, blindness and fall began the reign of grace, The alienated heathen were forgiven all their sins FOR CHRIST’S SAKE. (Ephesians 2:1 to 9 - Ephesians 4:32 - Colossians 2:13).
When God again saves Israel it will be FOR THE FATHERS’ SAKE (Romans 11:27 to 29). It will be for Jehovah’s SAKE. (Ezekiel 36:22 and 32). So we want to cry with Paul Romans 11:33 and 34 - Read it: And believe Ephesians 1:11. As you read of God’s free gift in Romans 6:23, remember “without repentance.”

Posted by Cecil Spivey at 6:25 AM

In Romans 8:2 to 4 we read of the three great laws of the Bible:

1. The law of sin and death. 2. The law given at Sinai. 3. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
Let us read Romans 5:18 - II Corinthians 3:9 and John 3:18: “Therefore as by the offence of one (Adam) judgment came upon all men to CONDEMNATION; even so by the righteousness of one (Christ) the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.” “For if the ministration of CONDEMNATION be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.” “He that believeth on Him (Christ) is not condemned: but he that believeth not is CONDEMNED already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
Here we learn that the people to whom Peter preached on the day of Pentecost were thrice condemned.
1. They were condemned in Adam.
2. They were condemned by the Ten Commandments.
3. They were condemned because they rejected Jesus Christ as Saviour.
In and by and through Adam the whole world is ruined and guilty before God, condemned, unrighteous, alienated and dead in trespasses and sins. There is no hope for the worst or the best person who remains in Adam. By Adam sin entered - death entered - death passed upon all men. (Romans 5:12). By Adam “the entrance of sin.” The law entered by Moses that the offence that entered by Adam might abound (Romans 5:20). By the deeds of the law no flesh can be justified in God’s sight. By the law (Moses) “the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:19 and 20).
The law was Israel’s schoolmaster to bring them to Christ that they might be justified by faith; and justified, they were no longer under the schoolmaster (the law). (Galatians 3:24 and 25). Members of Christ’s Body are under grace; not under the law. (Romans 6:14).
Now hear the good news in Christ Jesus: “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:4). “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:21). “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man (Christ) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13:38 and 39). Dwell on this blessed and glorious good news. The heathen to whom Paul preached were not under the law before they were saved by grace, and certainly not thereafter. (I Corinthians 9:20 to 25).
1. By Adam is the entrance of sin.
2. By Moses is the knowledge of sin.
3. By Christ Jesus is the forgiveness of sin.
Upon the human race sin and death reign by Adam and Moses, the law of sin and death and the law of the Ten Commandments, the ministration of death, ordained unto death. (II Corinthians 3:7 and Romans 7:10).
But there is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1), because of the efficacy, value and power of the law of life in Christ Jesus, in accordance with Romans 8:3 - John 10:17 and 18 and 28 - and II Timothy 1:10.
“For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did: by the which we draw nigh unto God.” (Hebrews 7:19). “What the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh”, Christ did do. (Romans 8:3). “Now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13). Which is better “in Christ” or “under the law”? (Romans 6:14).

Posted by Cecil Spivey at 7:53 AM

In II Timothy 2:1 , the servant of the Lord is exhorted to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
In II Timothy 2:3 the servant of the Lord is exhorted to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
In II Timothy 2:15 the servant of the Lord is expected to study to show himself approved unto God and rightly divide the Word of truth.
In II Timothy 2:19 the servant of the Lord is exhorted to depart from iniquity.
In II Timothy 4:2 and 5 the servant of the Lord is told to preach the Word and to do the work of an evangelist.
If the servant of the Lord will faithfully obey these exhortations, he will be a vessel unto honor, sanctified and meet for the Master’s use, prepared unto every good work. (II Timothy 2:21).
Every member of the Body of Christ is a vessel in a House (a great House). (I1 Timothy 2:20).
In I Timothy 3:15 the servant of the Lord is told how he should behave in the House of God which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. Those same instructions are stated in different language in Ephesians 4:1: “That ye walk worthy of the calling wherewith ye are called.”
It is beyond human imagination what the Church of the living God, as the pillar and ground of the truth, could do, if members of that Church would be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, if they would endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, if they would rightly divide the Word of truth, if they would depart from iniquity.
Members of the Church of the living God, Which He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28), are certainly vessels in a great House. Think of the price that was paid for this House and the glorious future of this House: “ . . . Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word. That He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that is should be holy and without blemish.”
Surely every Christian should desire to be a vessel of honor in this great House, sanctified and easily used for the Lord Jesus Christ, Who said, “if any man serve Me, him will My Father honor.” (John 12:26).
We read concerning Christ as the Chief Corner Stone in this great House, “In Whom all the Building fitly framed (joined) together groweth unto an Holy Temple in the Lord. In Whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:21 and 22). “The Household of God.” (Ephesians 2:20). What an honour to be in this Household, this Temple, this Building! To be “in Christ” in this age of grace, means to be a member of. God’s Family, a child of God, an heir of God and a joint-heir with Christ. (Romans 8:15 and 16).
It is possible to be saved so as by fire and not be a vessel of honour in this great House, sanctified and meet for the Master’s use. (I Corinthians 3:15). But why not have the very best that God has for us?
Reader, if you feel that you have been a failure and consider your case about hopeless, read Jeremiah’s visit to the potter’s house in Jeremiah 18:1 to 6 and see how God’s prophet saw the potter “re-make” the marred vessel. Then read God’s word; that He could do the same with a marred sinner. Turn from this scene to Judas and the potter’s field in Matthew 27:3 to 10. God is the Great Potter. We are the vessels. If you are a sinner, let God save you, by His grace and His Son. If you are a saint, let God use you. “Purge yourself from these.” Be a vessel of honour in God’s Great House. Remember I Corinthians 15:58 and I Corinthians 3:13 to 15. God is a Great God. He gives eternal life to receivers. Then He pays well for service.

Posted by Cecil Spivey at 7:54 AM