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Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Hebrews-Revelation: not about the Dispensation of Grace

Who were Hebrews through Revelation written to and about? Israel or the Church which is the Body of Christ? Most people are greatly offended when they are told that Matthew through John and Hebrews through Revelation are not written to and about them. They want the whole Bible (or at least the parts they like) to be all about them. If you tell them that Matthew through John and Hebrews through Revelation are not written to and about them, then they get angry and accuse you of taking the Bible away from them. In this post I want to focus on the plain statements in Hebrews through Revelation that show that they are not written to and about the Mystery Age of Grace and the Body of Christ church. Those epistles are written to and about the Jews and believers of the Gospel of the Kingdom during the time of Jacob's Trouble, Israel's last days. This can be dogmatically proven beyond any doubt if you allow them to be taken literally and "rightly divide" them (2 Tim. 2:7, 2:15). This is not to say that there are not doctrines in Hebrews through Revelation for us to follow, there are many doctrines that are the same in all ages. For instance, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" in 1 Peter 2:2 is true for all ages. Everyone needs to grow by the word of God (Matt. 4:4, Luke 4:4). But the doctrines of security/salvation/standing/state as compared in the Pauline epistles (Romans through Philemon) with Hebrews through Revelation contradict. Paul and James, Paul and Peter, Paul and John, and Paul and Jude contradict. Romans 3-5 and James 2 contradict. Hebrews 8:10 contradicts 1 Corinthians 12:13. As you will see in this post, the Pauline epistles and Hebrews through Revelation CANNOT be referring to the same people in the same dispensation, the doctrines set forth in those epistles contradict each other if they are referring to the same people. Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:13, 2:7, and 2:15 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus...Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things...Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth

The book of HEBREWS was written to and about the Hebrews, not the Body of Christ where there is neither Jew or Gentile (Gal. 3:26-28, 1 Cor. 12:13, Col. 3:11, Eph. 2:11-17). Hebrews was written "To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven" (Heb. 12:23). Who is the firstborn? It is Israel according to Exodus 4:22, Deuteronomy 14:1-2, 32:18, Isaiah 1:2, 66:8, Jeremiah 31:9, etc. The church of the firstborn is a Jewish Church, such as the Church in the wilderness (Acts 7:38). Hebrews is filled with Old Testament teaching such as that of Moses, priests, etc. and the audience is clearly the believing Jews that will receive a New Covenant with God as the Second Advent, "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:" (Heb. 8:8). Hebrews was written to "the house of Israel" (Heb. 8:8, 8:10).  The writer taught the audience to keep the Law which God put in their hearts by the Holy Ghost (8:10).

The book of James was written "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" (1:1). James taught Israel to keep the Law (1:25, 2:8-12, 4:11). Referring to the Old Testament writings/law, James said "receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (1:21-22), which was the Law plan of salvation according to Romans 10:5..."For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them".

First and Second Peter were written to "the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia", that would have to be scattered Jews of the dispersion (if he was writing to uncircumcised Gentiles then they would not be strangers of those places). Peter is clearly writing to priests and the nation of Israel: "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ", "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" (2:5, 2:9). Compare that with Exodus 19:5-6 and Isaiah 61:6. The Church which is the Body of Christ is not a nation nor a priesthood, we are not Israel. Further, look at 1 Pet. 2:10 which says "Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." If you cross reference that statement to Hosea 1:10, you will see that Peter is writing doctrinally about the nation of Israel AFTER the Dispensation of Grace. Hosea 1:9-10 says "Then said God, Call his name Lo-ammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God. Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God." In the Dispensation of Grace the Jews are not God's people (Rom. 9-11, 1 Thes. 2:14-16, Eph. 2:11-17), they are "Lo-ammi". But after God brings the present dispensation to a a fullness, He will resume dealing with Israel (Rom. 11:25-27). Therefore Peter is clearly writing doctrinally/prophetically to the nation of Israel after the present Dispensation of Grace.

We know that the apostle Paul was God's spokesman for the Gentiles and the Body of Christ.

Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Acts 22:19-21 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

Acts 26:15-17 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

Romans 15:15-16 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly 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.

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,

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
:

Ephesians 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Colossians 1:
[24] Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
[25] Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
[26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
[27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
[28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus
:

1 Timothy 2:7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

2 Timothy 2:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Further, we know that Peter (and the other 11 apostles) were apostles of the circumcision and in Acts 15 they promised that they would limit their ministry to the Circumcision, believing Jews.

Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration 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.

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
.

Therefore we can conclude that all of the writings outside of Paul's epistles are written to and about the Circumcision rather than the heathen (unbelievers). Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles (Rom. 11:13) and the Lord gave him the information of the doctrine and practices of the Church which is the Body of Christ.

Hebrews-Revelation are written about Israel in the future Daniel's 70th Week, Israel's last days. These epistles are plainly said to be about Israel and the last days when the Wicked One will be on the earth and the believers will have to endure to the end to be saved.

Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

James 5:3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

1 Peter 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

2 Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

1 John 2:13-14 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. [in accordance with the Lord's words regarding the end of the world in Matthew 24:3-5).

Jude 1:17-18 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, [the Body of Christ will not be on earth during the Day of Christ/Lord, we will be gathered unto Him and be in heaven according to 2 Thes. 2:1-7, 2 Cor. 1:12-14, 4:14-5:10, Phil. 3:20-21, etc.]

Also see http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/post-trib-rapture-lies-part-2.html

Now look at these verses from 1 Peter and Revelation, they are clearly written about a different age than the Age of Grace (Eph. 3:2-5), they are written about Daniel's 70th Week and what most people refer to as "the Antichrist".

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Revelation 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Revelation 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

Revelation 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Clearly Revelation 1-3 is written about a Dispensation when it is important to be a Jew (like Daniel's 70th Week!), else it would not be "blasphemy" to falsely claim to be a Jew. If someone came into the church that I attended and claimed they were a Jew, when they were really some other nationality, I would not care at all! Why would it matter if someone was a Jew or not IN THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE??? (Col. 3:11, 1 Cor. 12:13, Gal. 3:28)!

Also notice these phrases
"the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about"
"the synagogue of Satan"
"the devil shall cast some of you into prison"
"even where Satan's seat is"
"where Satan dwelleth"

During the Dispensation of Grace Satan is not on the earth and he is not making physical attacks on believers. These references are clearly aimed at the future when Satan will be cast down to the earth...

Revelation 12:
[7] And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
[8] And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
[9] And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
[10] And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
[11] And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
[12] Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time
.

Revelation 13:2  And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

Presently Satan is not walking around on the earth and his attacks are spiritual, not physical. Paul said to beware of seducing spirits and doctrines of devils (1 Tim. 4:1) and that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness in high places. Satan is the prince of the power of the air and is presently not walking around the earth.

Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Ephesians 6:11-12 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Another obvious reason that Hebrews through Revelation are written about the believing Jews in Daniel's 70th Week is the doctrine on salvation does not match the Pauline epistles.

1.) Salvation is spoken of in the future tense rather than present. Salvation of the soul will occur at the Second Advent.
  • Acts 3:19-25 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Hebrews 4:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; Hebrews 8:11-12 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. 1 Peter 1:5-13 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. In contrast, Paul continuously spoke of the salvation of member of the Body of Christ as being instantaneous and present tense. Paul said "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man 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 13:38-39), "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." (Rom. 1:16-17), "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 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 atonement." (Rom. 5:9-11), "(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)" (2 Cor. 6:2), "For 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) and there are dozens more references to present tense salvation and justification under Grace (Rom. 6:14). Paul clearly said that members of the Body of Christ are "now justified", "reconciled", and have "now received the atonement". 
  • Also see http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2015/07/when-will-israel-have-her-sins-blotted.html

2.) There is no eternal security.
  • In the following verses salvation is said to be kept by the godly attributes of the believer (love, good works, etc.): Hebrews 2:1-3, 3:6-14, 4:1, 4:11, 6:4-8, 10:38-39, 1 Peter 4:18, 2 Peter 2:20-21, James 2:14-26, 1 John 2:3-5, 1 John 2:9-11, 1 John 2:15-17, 1 John 2:22-24, 1 John 2:28, 1 John 3:4-10, 1 John 3:14-15, 1 John 3:24, 1 John 4:3, 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:12, 1 John 5:16, 2 John 1:9, Jude 21, Revelation 14:9-12. Peter plainly stated that people must save themselves and commanded works for salvation (Acts 2:37-38, 2:40), John said that one must keep himself (1 John 5:18), and Jude said that believers must keep themselves in the love of God unto eternal life (Jude 21). Which is why Peter made it clear that the righteous would scarcely be saved (1 Pet. 4:18). ["scarcely" means "hardly" and "with difficulty"] Salvation in Hebrews through Revelation is by works of righteousness done by the believer to keep himself saved (Acts 10:35 "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.") The writer of Hebrews said very plainly that one must live in holiness and peace or else he will not see God and fail of the grace of God. Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 10:38-39 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 12:14-15 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; However, in the Pauline epistles written to and about the Dispensation of Grace, salvation is by GRACE through faith instead of being by works. Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Timothy 1:9, Rom. 3:27, 4:4-5, 8:8, 10:4, Titus 3:4-7, and many other verses in the Pauline epistles state that salvation "under grace' (Rom. 6:14) is not of works lest any man should boast. Believers of the Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:24) have eternal security and nothing can separate them from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. The verses on eternal security of the believer under Grace are found in Romans 4:8-9, 5:9, 8:1, 8:29-39, 1 Corinthians 1:7-8, 5:5, 11:32, Galatians 3:3, Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 4:30-32, Colossians 2:10, 2:13, 3:13, Philippians 1:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, 2 Timothy 4:18, and others. Under Grace we are not saved nor kept saved by works of righteousness (Titus 3:5. In fact, we are not even kept saved by our own faith. A believer under Grace can draw back and quit believing and is still just as saved and accepted in the beloved as he ever was (Eph. 1:6-7). Under Grace we are justified by "the faith of Christ", not our own faith. When we believe on Christ we are made members of His Body and are justified by His faith. Christ is Faithful and it is by His faith that we are justified by (1 Cor. 1:9, 1 Thes. 5:23-24, 2 Thes. 3:3, 2 Tim. 2:13, Rom. 3:22, Gal. 2:16-20, 3:22, Eph. 3:12, Phil. 3:9). 2 Timothy 2:11-13 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. The Corinthian church is a perfect example of eternal security under Grace. The Corinthian church was very divisive, they were so divisive that Paul said it would be better for them to not assemble locally (1 Cor. 1:10-12, 3:3-4, 11:17-18) Division among brethren is something that God absolutely hates (Prov. 6:16-19). The Corinthian church also had members living in the worst type of fornication and the church itself was proud of it (1 Cor. 5:1-2). The Corinthian church had members suing each other before the law (1 Cor. 6:1-2). The Corinthian church had members that had been killed by God because of their abuse of the Lord's supper (1 Cor. 11:32). The Corinthian church also had members that had moved away from believing in the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12). In spite of all of these things, look what Paul said about the Corinthian church: "Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord." Despite all of the Corinthians problems, they were still a "church OF GOD", sanctified in Christ Jesus, enriched in everything by the grace of Christ, and in fellowship with Jesus Christ. God sent "grace and peace" unto them, not warnings of judgement. In fact, the man living in fornication was still saved and would remain saved in the Day of Christ even if he continued in fornication. His punishment would only be worldly, temporal, and physical. God would allow Satan to destroy the man's flesh (like Job) but the man's spirit was still saved from hell. (1 Cor. 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.). Those that God killed were only chastened of the Lord (as sons) and were not condemned with the world (1 Cor. 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.). Once someone has believed the Gospel of the Grace of God under Grace (Acts 20:24, Rom. 6:14), there is no sin or unbelief that can separate him from the love of God. This is in contrast to the standing of believers in Hebrews through Revelation, if those believers sin, God will turn against them. Revelation 2:4 says "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." in contrast with Romans 8:31-39 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

 3.) They do not teach present tense justification.
  • The words "justify" and "justified" are not used in Hebrews through Revelation to describe anybody's present condition. James 2 and Hebrews 10-11 teach a future and conditional justification based on faithful works rather than faith in Christ's finished work. James 2 teaches salvation as the same way it was under the Old Testament. That imputed righteousness happens before justification (under Grace this happens at the same time). In Hebrews-Revelation salvation is by an enduring faith made perfect and proven by works. Someones faith has to be fulfilled, this is plainly said to be identical to Old Testament salvation. James 2:14-26 "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."  Hebrews 10-11 teaches this same thing, that salvation in Hebrews through Revelation is identical to Old Testament salvation. Hebrews 10:38-11:9 "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:" This is not identical to salvation under Grace. The apostle Paul writing to the Body of Christ taught that salvation was instantaneous and that imputed righteousness and justification occur at the same time. Paul taught that our works have no part in our justification and that it was by faith in Christ's finished work, something that you will never read in Hebrews through Revelation. Romans 3:21-28 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Romans 4:1-8 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." Romans 4:21-5:1 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
 
4.) They do not teach that the audience is in the Body of Christ.
  • Being part of the house of God is conditional and future, "But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Wherefore take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." (Heb. 3:5-12) Paul said to the Body of Christ "ye are God's building" (1  Cor. 3:9), "know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God" (1 Cor. 6:19), and "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;" (Eph. 2:19) Paul told Timothy that he was in "the house of God, which is the church of the living God" (1 Tim. 3:15)
  • Being a partaker of Christ is conditional and future. "For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;" (Heb. 3:14). Paul said to the Body of Christ "For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread." (1 Cor. 10:17). Further Paul said that we are members of Christ's body, crucified/buried/risen/seated with Him (Rom. 6:3-4, 1 Cor. 12:12-18, Gal. 2:20, Col. 2:10-12, Eph. 2:6-7). Believers in the Dispensation of Grace are PRESENTLY partakers of Christ. 
--Eli Caldwell

2 comments:

  1. Amazing study !!! I love the constant precise use of the KJV rightly divided !
    Thanks.
    Brother

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh wow... I have been looking for years for this answer. Can you loose your salvation? scripture does not seem to sit only on one side of the fence. So on the fence I have sat until today. Rightly dividing holds the answer thank you.

    ReplyDelete

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