ITS IN THE BOOK- by Robert Hanna …
… a dispensational exposition
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 30:5, 6
How often do we hear defense of a doctrine or an interpretation in the declaration, “THE BIBLE SAYS”. And how frequently do we encounter those who justify their denominational stand with, “Every promise in the Book is mine”. By the same token, how staunchly do these same zealots affirm, “We obey every commandment of God”. One cannot help but wonder at the number of various and sundry and divergent sectarian divisions. For if all of the above convictions are valid, why need there be but one persuasion — that of total compliance with every instruction to be found in the entire body of scripture?
“Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him. Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Prov. 30:5, 6). What shall we do, then, with: “HEAL THE SICK, CLEANSE THE LEPERS, RAISE THE DEAD, CAST OUT DEVILS…” (Matt. 10:8)? And how shall we regard the instruction to “MAKE THEE AN ARK OF GOPHER WOOD; ROOMS SHALT THOU MAKE IN THE ARK, AND SHALT PITCH IT WITHIN AND WITHOUT WITH PITCH” (Gen. 6:14)? The obvious answer of course, is that in neither example was God commanding you and me to do these things.
In the first instance referred to above, Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry [”I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 15:24).], was dispatching His twelve disciples to perform a miraculous ministry for which He was empowering them and equipping them specifically. And the other instruction was given to Noah exclusively and related only to the circumstances of Noah’s generation.
What is the significance, then, of that terribly frightening word -DISPENSATIONAL1SM’? It simply defines the application of God’s own instruction to His saints: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH” (II Tim. 2:15). Detractors will do well to heed God’s admonition rather than the shackles of tradition!
KEEPING THE SABBATH
Scripture Reading; Exodus 31:16, 17
“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Ex. 20:8). Obedience to this commandment of God is the hub and focal point of more than one religious denomination claiming the truth of Holy Scripture as their doctrine. Truly, this is a direct commandment — a stern and severe declaration. “…Whosoever doeth work therein SHALL BE PUT TODEATH. Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day” (Ex. 35:2b, 3).
How uncomfortable this would be in the winter time. “See, for the Lord hath given you the sabbath…abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day” (Ex. 16:29). Confined to quarters with no heat, and non-compliance to be punishable by death! “Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth ANY WORK in the sabbath day, he shall SURELY be put to death” (Ex. 31:15).
Indeed, this would appear to be quite a predicament. However, it becomes even more confusing when we read elsewhere in the Word of God: “Let no man judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, OR OF THE SABBATH DAYS” (Col. 2:16). Does God contradict Himself? Is God inconsistent? Does the Psalmist lead us astray? “The law of the Lord is perfect…The testimony of the Lord is sure…The statutes of the Lord are right …The commandment of the Lord is pure…” (Ps. 19:7, 8).
By what means can our strict religionist friends find verification of their deep-seated conviction regarding the keeping of the sabbath? Shall they abide by “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy”? Or shall they observe the admonition to “Let no man judge you in respect of the sabbath days”? There is but one solution to such a dilemma. He must resolve the seeming contradiction by “Rightly dividing the Word of truth”. In giving the commandment. God said, “THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL shall keep the sabbath, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign BETWEEN ME AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL
for ever.”
HOW MANY BAPTISMS?
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:5
Should the Christian believer be sprinkled or immersed? Should the ceremony be performed as a means to salvation or as a testimony for Christ or to “follow Christ’s example?” Should the water be drawn from a tap or imported from the river Jordan for the sake of authenticity? Such questions have been the source of much contention and conflict among and between church organizations for centuries. It is one of the most divisive issues in the history of Christianity. John the Baptist baptized the Lord Jesus Christ in water. The apostle Peter declared, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).
But another apostle spoke of water baptism. To a congregation of saints of God, he declared, “Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel” (I Cor. 1:17). Shall we be disobedient to Peter and refuse water baptism? Or shall we ignore the statement of Paul, minimizing the significance of the practice, and submit to it?
In considering the instruction by Peter to “be baptized every one of you”, let us ask ourselves whether we are members of the house of Israel who “dwell at Jerusalem”. Were we present in Jerusalem “when the day of Pentecost was fully come” and “that which was spoken by the prophet Joel” was miraculously fulfilled in part? Of course, we were not. Therefore, Peter was not speaking to you and to me.
On the other hand, the apostle Paul made his statement as “the apostle of the Gentiles” (Rom. 11:13). He explained his ministry as being “according to MY GOSPEL, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY, which was kept secret since the world began” (Rom. 16:25).
Peter did not mislead the Jews at Pentecost. Paul was faithful in his words of instruction to his hearers who were not of the house of Israel but were saved under the dispensation of grace, even as you and I.
ONE BAPTISM — WATER OR SPIRIT?
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:13
Having been accepted in the Beloved One, and knowing that we are members of the Body of Christ, we are assured by our apostle (Paul) that we are “of His flesh, and of His bones” (Eph. 5:30). “For by ONE Spirit are we all BAPTIZED into ONE body.” Can this be water baptism? “Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). Can this be water baptism? “One Lord, one faith, ONE BAPTISM” (Eph. 4:5). Can the ONE baptism by the ONE Spirit into ONE body — can this be water baptism? Surely this was not accomplished by a humanly-ordained human minister of the gospel in the sanctuary of a human church organization!
Paul besought the Galatians to “Stand fast therefore in the liberty where-with Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Gal. 5:1). Every shackle has been struck from our limbs. Every fetter has been loosened and cast aside. We cannot work to obtain salvation. We cannot work to retain salvation. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:5-7). Can this washing be that of physical baptism in water?
Under the law there were many washings. But — “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Rom. 10:4). “If by grace, then is it no more of works” (Rom. 11:6). It is the human tendency to want to “do something” in our own strength. But under the dispensation of the grace of God there is no provision for this self-indulgent approach. “For BY GRACE are ye saved…NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8, 9). Our freedom was bought — purchased in blood by the suffering of the living God. Enjoy it!
WHY MATTHIAS — WHY NOT PAUL?
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:21, 22
The distinctive ministry of the apostle Paul has been much misunderstood by laymen and theologians alike. Many insist that Paul should have replaced Judas as the twelfth apostle, that the choice of Matthias was man-made and that Paul preached the same message as did the Twelve. That a replacement for Judas must be appointed was prophetically established. “Let another take his office” (Ps. 109:8). However, the choice was governed by specific qualifications.
Selection of candidates was made according to these qualifications, namely, that they “have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us.” Note that the chosen replacement “must be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection.” Paul later makes reference to the fact that “He rose again the third day…and was seen OF THE TWELVE” (I Cor. 15:4, 5). This would indicate completeness of the twelve, including Matthias.
While both of the candidates (Justus and Matthias) were fully qualified, Paul was not. Paul had not been among the company of apostles at any time, much less for the entire duration of Christ’s ministry from baptism to ascension.
The ministry of the Twelve was based upon the instruction directly received from Christ as He walked with them in the flesh. Paul’s ministry was a message revealed only to Him from the risen Christ when Paul “was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” (II Cor. 12:4).
That Paul’s message was different from that of the Twelve, is evident from his own report. “And I went up [to Jerusalem) by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles…When they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter…(Gal. 2:2, 9).
“GREAT” OR “GRACE” COMMISSION?
Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 5:18, 19
On every hand we hear the admonition by pastors, teachers and layman to obey “The Great Commissiort”. By definition, “The Great Commission” is the instruction by Jesus Christ toHis eleven (later restored to twelve) apostles immediately prior to His ascension.
“And He said unto them. Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:15-18).
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and / teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” (Matt. 28:18-20).
Supposing that you or I were to witness to an unbeliever and that individual were to become saved. Shall we then expect that he will thereupon cure the insane, suddenly become fluent in some language other than his own and heal sick people by the touch of his hand? And shall we then insturct the new convert according to all the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ to His apostles when He walked the shores of Galilee?
Many, many evangelistic witnesses for Jesus Christ expect these very things to occur. And when (notice, WHEN — not IF) the anticipated miracles do not take place, there is great disappointment and self recrimination.
How shall we resolve the dilemma? By RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH, of course. Through our own apostle we know that OUR “Great Commission is THE WORD OF RECONCILIATION, which we are to minister and teach as a pure work of grace.
THE END OF THE LAW-CURSE
Scripture Reading: Romans 10:4
Those professing Christians who today live under the law, have failed to understand and/or accept the significance of Calvary. Such was the condition in the church at Galatia when the apostle Paul was moved to upbraid them for their faithless behavior. “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written. Cursed is every one that con-tinueth not in all the things which are written in the book of the law to do them…Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse FOR US: for it is written. Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (Gal. 3:10, 13).
The attempt to “follow Christ” by striving to emulate His earthly walk, is a totally futile effort. He did not minister to us at that time, but to Israel. And He said to them (the Jews) at that time, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law…I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” He was born under the law, He lived under total obedience to the law. He ministered the law. This is not the Christ that we know in this present dispensation of grace. “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”
When ministering to Israel, He admonished them, “One jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matt. 5:18). But through the apostle Paul, the risen, heavenly seated Christ declared to the Church which is His Body, that He has “forgiven you all trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross” (Col. 2:13, 14).
Like the foolish Galatians, untoM numbers of Christians still labor under the law, thinking to please God. But He has told us, “By GRACE are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8, 9). “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Gal. 5:1).
FORGIVEN FOREVER
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:3-7
Paul, our apostle, has exhorted us to “Pray without ceasing” (I Thess. 5:17). And he has diligently set the example for us. “Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers” (Rom. 1:9). “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith…” (I Thess. 1:2,3). “…Without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers…” (II Tim. 1:3). But never do we find Paul praying for forgiveness of sin; never do we find him instructing us to pray for forgiveness of sin. And yet he continually enjoins us to live spiritually, to be continually thankful for all things — even for our suffering.
To most praying saints, the focal point of their petition is to beg God to forgive them for their sins. It would shock and dismay many such devoted and faithful ones, were they to be advised that this is not honoring to God. Why should we not plead with God to be forgiven of our sins? The apostle answers this question frequently throughout his epistles. A notable example is this exhortation: “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as GOD FOR CHRIST’S SAKE HATH FORGIVEN YOU” (Eph. 4:32). Past tense! God HATH forgiven you!
When one is saved by God’s grace, one’s position is one of completeness. “For in Him [Christ] dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. AND YE ARE COMPLETE IN HIM, Who is the Head of all principality and power” (Col. 2:9, 10). Complete in Christ, “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree…” (I Peter 2:24). He suffered, He bled, He died. And as He died, the last words He uttered were “IT IS FINISHED” (John 19:30).
We do not pray to God for forgiveness, because we are already forgiven! “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who HATH blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies…HATH chosen us in Him…HATH made us accepted in the Beloved One. In Whom we HAVE redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”
OBEDIENCE — STRONGHOLD OF FAITH
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.
COVENANTS ARE OF GOD
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).
PAUL HAS THE LAST WORD
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!
THERE IS ONE MEDIATOR
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).
GRACE — THEN AND NOW
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.
WHAT IS THE MYSTERY?
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).
EARNEST OF THE PROMISE
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).
SUFFERING FOR CHRIST
Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:29
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (II Tim. 2:12, 13).
Our manner of suffering in the dispensation of the grace of God may not be the same as that of ages past, but is just as inevitable a provision of service. The proclamation is unequivocal: We SHALL suffer persecution! True witness and faithful testimony carry the price tag of personal loss. Paul said, “1 have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him…” (Phil. 3, 8b, 9a).
More than that, the apostle goes so far as to affirm, “[I] now REJOICE in my sufferings…” (Col. 1:24). “1 take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake…” (II Cor. 12:10). And he congratulates the saints at Thessalonica, saying, “Ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the Word IN MUCH AFFLICTION, WITH JOY of the Holy Ghost” (1 Thess. 1:6).
To the unregenerate it is inconceivable that there can be joy in connection with suffering. But those who are sanctified know that the pain is overshadowed by the ever-deepening relationship with Christ which results from faithfulness despite affliction. Paul prayed for the saints, “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord…strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, UNTO ALL PATIENCE AND LONG-SUFFERING WITH JOYFULNESS, GIVING THANKS UNTO THE FATHER…” (Col. 1:10-12).
Note that the apostle encourages us to “Rejoice in the Lord ALWAY” (Phil. 4:4). “Always” must necessarily include times of tribulation. No matter what our trials and abuses, we are to face them with unflinching confidence in His strength to see us through, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”
THE DOCTRINE OF PURE GRACE
Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:4-8
The entire concept of salvation by grace through faith in the dispensation of grace and the spiritual significance of that miracle of God, is one which cannot be exaggerated as to its total divorcement from religious legality. As we are saved by grace, so must we walk in grace. As the law has no place in our relationship to God, so must it remain entirely apart from our code of behavior. Hence the absolute necessity of receiving and observing the instruction of the apostle Paul, through whose teachings alone is made known the gospel of the grace of God.
We are daily exposed to the dangers of false teaching, the temptations of evil influence, the tendency of the natural man toward religiosity and countless other snares and delusions at enmity with the will of God. “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:15-17).
As members of the Church which is Christ’s Body, we have but one source of behavioral admonition duly authorized by God: the pen of the apostle Paul, who testifies to his peculiar and distinctive ordination. “1 was made a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power…that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, Who created all things by Jesus Christ” (Eph. 3:7-9).
“Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:19, 20). “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.”
TEACHING AND PREACHING “GRACE”
Scripture Reading: II Timothy 3:16—4:4
Down through the ages, and throughout generations and dispensations. God has spoken to His people in many different ways. He has appeared in miraculous form, spoken audibly without manifestation, delivered commandments through chosen messengers. And the instruction has varied’in each instance according to His manner of dealing with the hearers of His Word.
But miraculous visions and thundering commands are not today the order of God’s communication to the church. Instead, we have the written instructions from on high as penned by the apostle Paul. “Whereof 1 [Paul] am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to COMPLETE the Word of God; Even the mystery which hath -been hid from ages and from generations…” (Col. 1:25, 26). Jesus Christ finished His work of redemption, arose from the dead and ascended to the right hand of the Father in the glory.
And from thence comes the revelation of the mystery, directly to and through the great apostle.
Thus do we learn of our message and our ministry. “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the ministry of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ…” (II Cor. 5:19, 20). Paul admonishes us to “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
TEACHING and admonishing one another…” (Col. 3:16). And he exhorts us, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway WITH GRACE, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Col. 4:5, 6).
Paul’s instructions to Timothy are just as appropriate for us as to the young pastor. “The things that thou hast heard of me…the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to TEACH OTHERS also” (II Tim. 2:2). “PREACH THE WORD; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” May we rise to the task and reap the reward!
WHOM THE LORD LOVETH
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:6-9
“The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, 0 Lord, and teachest him out of Thy law” (Psalms 94:11, 12). Man has always required correction, discipline and punishment because by nature he is disobedient and rebellious. Adam was clearly instructed by God: “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Gen. 2:17). But Adam disobeyed and God punished him.
God specificially instructed Moses and Aaron regarding the tabernacle furnishings and all materials related thereto: “And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: BUT THEY SHALL NOT TOUCH ANY HOLY THING, LEST THEY DIE” (Num. 4:15). This instruction was just as valid when David set about to bring the ark to Jerusalem from Gibeah.
“And when they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; AND THERE HE DIED by the ark of God” (II Sam. 6:6, 7).
The apostolic church required by holy mandate that all possessions of the members of the congregation were to be equally shared. “Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold” (Acts 4:34). But a man and his wife (Ananias and Sapphira) sold their property and contributed to the church only a portion of their gain. For this, both were struck dead.
In this present dispensation God does not inflict punishment in the manner of these examples. But we are even more responsible than our predecessors. God chastens us day by day and moment by moment as we are pricked by conscience, knowing full well that we continually fall short in serving the God of love.
ABUNDANCE OF GRACE
Scripture Reading: Romans 5:17-21
In no previous dispensation has God so lavishly poured out the blessings of the Spirit as in this dispensation of His grace. He manifests to the church today such love, such mercy, such grace as to completely overwhelm the saints. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath blessed us with ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). “God, Who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us…hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:4, 6). “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think…” (Eph. 3:20).
He supplies our every need. “God….will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13). “0 unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that 1 am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death? 0 thank God! — He will! through Jesus Christ…” (Rom. 7:24, 25 — A.N.T.). “1 can do all things through Christ Who strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13). “My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (11 Cor. 12:9).
God has not promised a life of ease and comfort. Neither has He relieved us of the responsibilities of the secular world in which we live. “If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (I Tim. 5:8). “…If any would not work, neither should he eat…We command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread” (II Thess. 3:10b, 12b).
But for each requirement He has provided the enablement by which we are equipped to endure and conquer. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:10, 11).
A NEW CREATION
Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 5:17
“Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Rom. 6:14) “[Christ] His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness” (I Pet. 2:24). “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures” (I Cor. 15:3). “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). Such is our great and priceless possession under the dispensation of the grace of God. As the beloved old hymn declares, “Jesus paid it all!”
Thus we are free from the PENALTY of sin. But we are not free from the TEMPTATION of sin.
“What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid” (Rom. 6:15). “…Seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him” (Col. 3:9, 10).
“If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” But the new creation must co-exist with the old as long as we remain in this present world, “…Until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:14). “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory” (Col. 3:3, 4). Until that great day comes, we are bound by our own spiritual determination to live pleasing unto God as becomes the new man.
We have assurance never enjoyed by any previous dispensation. We are the finished product of Christ’s completed work. Our position is firmly established and our destination confirmed. We anticipate and expect the fulfilment of eternal joy and perfection in glory. “We ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body” (Rom. 8:23). But while we wait, we are admonished to “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind… neither give place to the devil” (Eph. 4:23, 27).
CIRCUMCISION UNDER GRACE
Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:10, 11; 3:11
According to Jewish law, circumcision is an absolute requirement as a religious rite. Even under the Abrahamic covenant, circumcision was performed as a seal of confirmation. “And God said unto Abraham…This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised…And the uncir-cumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant” (Gen. 17:9, 10, 14).
When circumcision was neglected during the wilderness wanderings of Israel, “At that time the Lord said unto Joshua, make thee sharp knives and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. And Joshua made him sharp knives and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins” (Josh. 5:2, 3).
The life of Jesus was impeccably governed by all Jewish law and commandments because, as He affirmed in the 17th and 18th verses of the fifth chapter of the book of Matthew: “Think not that 1 am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you. Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” When Jesus was born. He was immediately subject to the law. “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child. His name was called Jesus” (Luke 2:21).
But then we find the apostle Paul and his coworker Barnabas being called to testify before the council at Jerusalem in opposition to the legalistic teaching: “Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1). Their testimony was effective, even the apostles and elders being convinced that Gentile believers were not to be burdened with circumcision or keeping the law. In this dispensation of grace “Ye are complete in Him, in Whom ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands.”
BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:18-20
In former dispensations the child of God had to “wait upon the Lord” for instruction, or “watch for a sign” or “put out a fleece”. God made specific covenants and required that particular commitments be honored. The Holy Spirit “was upon” or “descended” as determined by the Lord for His purpose at the appropriate time. Unique to the dispensation of the grace of God, is the indwelling Holy Spirit. Likewise, to no prior dispensation was the believer “in Christ” and Christ in the believer.
The “unity of the Spirit” is peculiar to the Church which is Christ’s Body, and the following passage may well be defined as the doctrinal statement of that Church (which today is THE Church). “There is ONE body, and ONE Spirit, even as you are called in ONE hope of your calling; ONE Lord, ONE faith, ONE baptism, ONE God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, AND IN YOU ALL” (Eph. 4:4-6). Paul-identifies himself as the revelator of “this mystery…which is CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY” (Col. 1:27).
This unity creates a heretofore unknown condition of constancy and certainty which is the consistent governor of all our behavior as saints of God. Hence the many unqualified admonitions such as: “In EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Phil. 4:6). “In EVERYTHING give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess. 5:18). “And WHATSOEVER ye do in word or deed, do ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him” (Col. 3:17).
Notice, we are to be “Giving thanks ALWAYS FOR ALL THINGS unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we are to be thankful for ALL THINGS, then we must include pain and suffering and adversity. Whatever our portion, we are to praise Him for it with thanksgiving! “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts…and be ye thankful” Col. 3:15.
HE THAT IS SPIRITUAL
Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 2:14, 15
“The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual discerneth all things, yet he himself is discerned of no man.”
Only the Holy Spirit can interpret for us the Word of God, and the unregenerate do not have the Holy Spirit. God reveals in His Holy Word all that He would have us to know. But before we can understand, we must first receive the gift of salvation by grace through faith. We thus acquire the Holy Spirit as om interpreter. No degree of human intellect can substitute for the Holy Spirit. No level of mortal esteem or code of morals or good intentions will qualify as a means to comprehending the things of God.
Even some who are saved by God’s grace unto life eternal may never become mature in the knowledge of the scriptures. Salvation alone will not bring understanding. The Holy Spirit interprets, but He does not force-feed. There must be a willingness to learn, a desire to grow in the faith. This is the problem that Paul had with the Corinthian church. “And 1, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able” (I Cor. 3:1, 2).
We can offer instruction in the Word of God but we cannot compel the hearer to comprehend. It is not our responsibility as ambassadors for Christ to overpower an audience, but to present the truth clearly and in love. Conviction and submission are the work of the Holy Spirit.
Like our apostle himself, it is our responsibility to attempt to “Make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, Who created all things by Jesus Christ” (Eph. 3:9).
But only by way of expounding the truth; discernment will be governed by the Holy Spirit alone.
THAT BLESSED HOPE
Scripture Reading: Titus 2:11-14
In his letter to the church at Colosse, the apostle Paul speaks of “the hope which is laid up for you in heaven” and “Christ in you, the hope of glory”. To the world, the word ‘hope’ means nothing more than a dream or a desire — something desirable but unreachable or, at the least, doubtful of acquisition. And to many Christians it is a yearning only: “1 hope the Lord will save me in the end and take me to heaven.”
But the member of the Church the Body of Christ who rightly divides the Word of truth, knows differently. He knows that the believer’s hope is an accomplished possession — a realization. Paul refers to the Body members as the “purchased possession” (Eph. 1:14) and a “peculiar people” (Titus 2:14), which is literally defined ‘God’s own possession’.
Our hope is a Person, the embodiment of flawless perfection in whom we are positioned and with whom we are identified. In his first epistle to Timothy, Paul’s salutation reads, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, WHO IS OUR HOPE”. And his prayer for the saints at Ephesus was that they might fully comprehend their treausre. “…That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is THE HOPE OF HIS CALLING, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints…” (Eph. 1:17, 18).
As joint-heirs with Christ we have already come into our inheritance. We need not wish or long for some remote and uncertain bequest from a fickle benefactor; “He HATH RAISED US UP TOGETHER, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:6). And now we live in anticipation of final fulfilment as we are “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ!”
BUT NOW…MADE NIGH
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:11-14
The miracle of the mystery, revealed by the apostle Paul, is perhaps the most mind boggling of all scriptural expositions. The nation Israel, as God’s chosen people, had theretofore held the spotlight in all matters religious and spiritual. If a Gentile sought to be acceptable in God’s sight, he was required to comply with the traditions of Jewish orthodoxy. Paul reminded the Ephesian church of the Gentile’s position in former days.
“Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.”
Even as Christ ministered on earth. He gave no quarter in this regard. “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying. Go not into the way of the Gentiles…But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 10:5, 6). “We know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22). “And, behold, a woman of Canaan…cried unto Him, saying. Have mercy on me, 0 Lord, thou son of David…But He answered and said, 1 am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel…It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and cast it to the dogs” (Matt. 15:22, 24, 26).
The apostle continues, BUT NOW in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. What a reversal was this! And how could it happen? Paul explains: “For He is our peace. Who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between Us [Jew and Gentile]; having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make of Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that He might reconcile both unto God in one Body by the cross… For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”
NO OTHER GOSPEL
Scripture Reading: Galatians 1:6-9
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them…Now to Him that is of power to stablish you ACCORDING TO MY GOSPEL and the preaching of Jesus Christ, ACCORDING TO THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY, which was kept secret since the world began” (Rom. 16:17, 25). “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake” (Tit. 1:10, 11).
Paul continually warned against the teaching of human wisdom and false doctrine. He constantly reiterated the purity and verity of his own instruction as empowered by the Holy Spirit of God and the authority of his apostleship. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (I Cor. 2:12, 13).
Even young Timothy was cautioned by the apostle to beware of spoilers of the truth. “0 Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: which some professing have erred concerning the faith” (I Tim. 6:20, 21). “Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (II Tim. 3:13, 14).
Particularly emphatic were Paul’s admonitions to the church at Galatia. “There be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed!”
HIS GREAT LOVE
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:4, 5
Throughout God’s relationship and dealings with man, the consistent theme is the manifestation of His love. He has proclaimed His love, pledged His love and proved His love. He has dedicated, dispensed and demonstrated His love. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His son to be the propitiation for our sins” (I John 4:10).
The magnitude of God’s love is beyond the comprehension of the finite mind. “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for-a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US” (Rom. 5:7, 8).
Paul prayed that the saints might “know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Eph. 3:19). He further encourages us, “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” (Eph. 5:2). “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another” (1 Thess. 4:9).
Paul’s personal testimony is perhaps no more exemplary of his dedication than in these words: “1 am crucified with Christ:nevertheless 1 live; yet not 1, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh 1 live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).
“Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth…” (I Cor. 13:4-6). In short — “GOD IS LOVE” (1 John 4:8).
Posted By – Cecil & Connir Spivey
Cspivey1953@gmail.com
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