"The birth of the church of Christ was A.D. 33 the Day of Pentecost. How were they saved?
Which church is Mr. Finnel talking about? Israel was Christ's church in the Old Testament (Acts 7:38) and the words "church" and "congregation" are used synonymously in the Bible (Heb. 2:12 with Ps. 22:22-28).
Then there are local churches, such as "the church of God which is at Corinth" (1 Cor. 1:2).
But then there is Christ's spiritual church of believers assembled in Him, "the church which is His body", by the Holy Spirit baptizing people into Him (1 Cor. 12:12-13, Col. 2:10-12, Gal. 3:26-28, Rom. 12:5, Eph. 1:22-23). This church is assembled in Christ in heavenly places according to Ephesians 2:6 and should not be confused with a local assembly or denomination on earth. This church was made possible by Christ's shed blood (Eph. 2:11-17, Col. 1:20-22). Also, the members of this body are neither Jew, Greek, male, female, bond, or free...for Christ is in all of them and made up of all of them (1 Cor. 12:12-14, Gal. 3:26-28, Col. 3:10-11). This fellowship of Jew and Gentile in one body is called the "fellowship of the mystery" and it was "hid in God" from the beginning of the world until Christ made it known to Paul in the dispensation of grace....
Ephesians 3:
[1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
[2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward:
[3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
[4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
[5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
[6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
[7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
[8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
[9] And to make all men 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:
Christ's relationship to this church was also a great mystery...
1 Corinthians 6:
[15] Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
[16] What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
[17] But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
Ephesians 5:
[22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
[23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
[24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
[26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
[27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
[28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
[29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
[30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
[31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
[32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Because of these mysteries that were part of the dispensation that Christ gave to Paul, he is referred to as a steward of the mysteries of God. 1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Because Paul was the one that first found out about the doctrines of the body of Christ, the rapture of the body, the gospel of the grace of God, and the blindness of Israel, he is referred to as "the apostle of the Gentiles" in Romans 11:13.
Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
For these reasons, Paul is also referred to as our "pattern".
1 Timothy 1:
[11] According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
[12] And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
[13] Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
[14] And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
[15] This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
[16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
It is for these reasons that Christ told us in His word to "follow" Paul (1 Cor. 4:16, 11:1, Phil. 3:17), if we do this, we will have a good chance of understanding our Bibles dispensationally--rightly divided....
2 Timothy 1:9-11
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
So there are different churches in the Bible and we must be careful as to which one we are in and what doctrines Christ has delivered to our church to keep. The body of Christ follows Christ "according to the revelation of the mystery...Romans 16:25 "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" and we also follow the appointed apostle and spokesman for the Gentiles, which is Paul. Romans 11:13 "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:". 1 Corinthians 11:1 "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
It would be unwise to strictly follow Christ's teaching in His earthly ministry (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) because those books were written to confirm Old Testament prophecy concerning Israel, that is what His ministry was about.
Matthew 10:
[5] These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
[6] But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matthew 15:
[22] And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
[23] But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
[24] But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
[25] Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
[26] But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.
Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
Only following and reading Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John is very unwise and it is not studying to show ourselves approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). We need to follow Christ's doctrine as He gave it to the GENTILES through Paul.
Think about this: Christ's earthly ministry was to ISRAEL, for ISRAEL, and about ISRAEL....but in this dispensation Israel is blinded and is not God's people, they fell. This will be true until the rapture of the church (Romans 11:25--see chapters 9-11 of Romans). So where does that put Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John....dispensationally speaking??? Not written directly to us!
We also must be careful and not follow the apostle Peter, for he had to learn from the revelation that Christ gave to Paul. If you look at Acts chapter 10, you will see what I mean.
Acts 10:
[9] On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
[10] And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
[11] And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
[12] Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
[13] And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
[14] But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
[15] And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
[16] This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
[17] Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
Did you see how Peter did not know that he could eat anything he wanted, even food that was banned under the Law of Moses? God told him three times that it was now clean, yet Peter still would not eat it! The doctrine of NOT being under the law of Moses is a Pauline doctrine only--Christ did not reveal it to Peter.
Look what Paul by inspiration of God...
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Ephesians 2:
[11] 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;
[12] 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:
[13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
[14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
[15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
[16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
[17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
Colossians 2:
[13] And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
[14] 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;
[15] And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
[16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
[17] Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
1 Timothy 4:
[1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
[2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
[3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
[4] For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
[5] For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Peter had not learned those doctrines, even by Acts 10. Those were things that Christ revealed to Paul to be the apostle to the Gentiles.
There is also an even more important reason to follow Paul, the apostles of the Gentiles, rather than Peter.
They preached different gospels!
Galatians 2:
[1] Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
[2] And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
[3] But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
[4] And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
[5] To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
[6] But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
[7] But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
[8] (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
[9] And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Paul was given the gospel of the uncircumcision and Peter was given the gospel of the circumcision. That is two separate gospels, one pertaining to the Jews and another pertaining to the Gentiles. The gospel of the uncircumcision was a distinct gospel revealed to Paul--not the twelve apostles. That is why Paul calls the gospel "my gospel".
"And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles,...." (Galatians 2:2)
"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, " (Romans 16:25)
"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Galatians 1:11-12
"In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."
Romans 2:16
"Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:"
2 Timothy 2:8
"According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust."
1 Timothy 1:11
Paul's gospel is defined as the sacrificial death of Christ, His burial, and His resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-4). Yet the 12 apostles did not even know of this until after it happened (Mark 9:32, Luke 9:45, Luke 18:34). Paul's gospel includes full and complete atonement presently based on the death of Christ (Acts 13:38-39, Rom. 5:9-11), but Peter's gospel only included full atonement at the 2nd coming of Christ (Acts 3:19, 1 Pet. 1:5-10, Jer. 31:31-34, Jer. 32:37-42, Ezek. 36:18-33).
--Eli "Hoss" Caldwell
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