The Acts 28ers claim that those of us who are Mid-Acts have to take things pertaining to the revelation of mystery and the body of Christ out of Colossians and Ephesians and drag it into the Acts epistles. The Acts 28ers believe that we (Mid-Acts) would not know anything about the revelation of the mystery without Ephesians and Colossians. We would be missing a lot, we would not have a complete Bible, but we would know a good bit of Paul and his distinct ministry and the revelation of the mystery.
Prison epistles (post Acts)
Ephesians
Colossians
Philippians
I Timothy
II Timothy
Titus
Philemon
___________________________________________________________________________________
Acts epistles.
Romans
I Corinthians
II Corinthians
Galatians
I Thessalonians
II Thessalonians
Again, Acts 28ers claim the post Acts epistles and say that we would not know anything about mystery age doctrine without the post Acts books. I will shew you what all we would know on just the Acts epistles.
But first, here are some things you need to know about "the mystery".
Here is the definition. (in bold)
Ephesians 3:
[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:
How do you get in that body?
By a spiritual baptism "through the faith of the operation of God".
Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
What class/race/sect is in the body? None.
Colossians 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
How was this body made possible?
Ephesians 2:
[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:
Those are all things we would know from Acts epistles. In fact, here is a list of "mystery age truth" we would know without Ephesians and Colossians.
1. We would know that Paul's gospel was kept secret since the world began, that he received his gospel according to the revelation of the mystery by revelation of Jesus Christ.
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,
Galatians 1:
[11] But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
[12] For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
2. We would know that we are in the Body of Christ made possible by His blood and the cross.
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.
1 Corinthians 10:
[16] The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
[17] For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
(That "bread" being the body and blood of Christ on the cross)
1 Corinthians 12:
[12] For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
[18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
[27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Romans 12:
[5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
3. We would know that there is no Jew or Greek in the body and that we are spiritually baptized into it.
Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Galatians 3:
[26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
[27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
[28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
The list goes on and on.....we do not have to have Ephesians and Colossians to know about the mystery revealed through Paul.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
The Acts 28er lied (Part 2).
In one of my previous post I exposed the Acts 28ers for the liars that a lot of them seem to be. They say that the only time Paul talks about "a" Body of Christ in the Acts epistles is in the context of spiritual gifts. I told you that this was lie due to 1 Corinthians 10:17 "For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread".
BUT, there is actually a reference to the Body of Christ before that one, 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"
ACTS 28 POSITION REFUTED.
BUT, there is actually a reference to the Body of Christ before that one, 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"
ACTS 28 POSITION REFUTED.
Friday, March 21, 2014
The Acts 28er lied.
As I said in my last post, one of my new goals in life is to completely refute the Acts 28 position. One thing you need to know is this, to be a good Acts 28er you have to be a good liar. Which is not surprising, if you teach a false teaching as bad as the Acts 28 position your going to have to lie your way through the Book to avoid complications. Not all Acts 28ers are liars, just the Acts 28 teachers. There are people who get deceived into it that have no intention of being a liar.
The lie is this: Paul only talks about believers being "one body" in the context of spiritual gifts, never anywhere else.
I was told that in those exact words. That is 100% lie to cover up the bad teaching of the Acts 28 position. The very first time Paul mentions believers being "one body" in any epistle it is talking about the believers partaking of the crucified body of Christ and His shed blood which lines up with Ephesians.
Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
1 Corinthians 10:
[16] The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
[17] For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
Ouch! That's gotta hurt! Notice how after Paul mentions this "one body" he starts contrasting what Israel and the Gentiles do. As you know, there is neither Jew nor Gentile in the "one body".
[18] Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the alter?
[19] What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
[20] But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
[21] Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
The lie is this: Paul only talks about believers being "one body" in the context of spiritual gifts, never anywhere else.
I was told that in those exact words. That is 100% lie to cover up the bad teaching of the Acts 28 position. The very first time Paul mentions believers being "one body" in any epistle it is talking about the believers partaking of the crucified body of Christ and His shed blood which lines up with Ephesians.
Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
1 Corinthians 10:
[16] The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
[17] For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
Ouch! That's gotta hurt! Notice how after Paul mentions this "one body" he starts contrasting what Israel and the Gentiles do. As you know, there is neither Jew nor Gentile in the "one body".
[18] Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the alter?
[19] What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
[20] But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
[21] Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
I do not know where the Acts 28er got his intelligence at, but I hope he kept the receipt!
Also, do not be intimidated when the Acts 28ers tell you that the context of the "one body" in 1 Corinthians 12 is spiritual gifts. The context is spiritual gifts, but it reveals other truth as well. Paul says those believers were the "body of Christ" (1 Cor. 12:27) and there is only one body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4). Check out my other refutes that explain this more thoroughly.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
1 Corinthains 10 and 11, refuting Acts 28er teaching.
Well I have been posting biblical refutes to the Acts 28 position for awhile now because I recently corresponded with an Acts 28er whose arguments sounded very convincing for a little while. Then I talked to a fellow M.A.D. man and then I did my "homework" and now I am even more grounded in Mid-Acts Dispensationalism than I was before, but I have also gained a passion for refuting the Acts 28 position. There is just something particularly despicable about it. I am an anti-Acts 28er, in the since of it is one of my desires to completely refute it with the King James Bible RIGHTLY divided.
1 Corinthians 10 and 11 are passages that Mid-Acts and 28ers get goofed up on. To understand the passage we just need to let it say what it says and be careful not insert or takeout anything and just let it stand in context. (which is the key to understanding any passage in the Bible)
1 Corinthians 10:
[1] Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
[2] And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
[3] And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
[4] And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
[5] But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
[6] Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
Verse 6 is a problem for a lot of people, Mid-Acts or 28er. They say that this could not be talking to the body of Christ because God does not physically chasten us. I have no idea how you got that idea, but I know it was not out of a King James Bible. You may have got it from Chuck Belch (Charles Whelch), but you did not get it out of the Bible. All these "Pauline nuts" get there mind so fixed on "right" division that they forget about the things that are true in every age. There are some verses I do not care where they are at and who they are written to because they are just as true in this age as they were when they were written. Here is one of those things that are completely true for any dispensation.
Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
I do not care how "Pauline" you are or what age you live in, if God loves you and you are one of His sons then He is going to chasten you. Don't try and tell me there ain't chastening in this dispensation, Paul taught it in other places than this.
Galatians 6:
[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
[8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
[9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Verse 8 is exactly what Paul is teaching in 1 Corinthians 10. In fact, Galatians 6 is probably the best cross reference to this there is in Paul's epistles.
Galatians 6:
[1] Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
[2] Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
[3] For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
1 Corinthians 10 lines right up with that.
[6] Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
[7] Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
[8] Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
[9] Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
[10] Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
[11] Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
[12] Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
[13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who 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.
[14] Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Paul is teaching that those Hebrew people received chastening from God and that "all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition". Then in verses 12,13, and 14 Paul is saying that you need to be careful because you could backslide yourself, that is how I take "let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall". But Paul goes on to say that God is faithful and we can overcome any temptation and to flee from sin. That's not my opinion, that is just what the passage says.
[15] I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
[16] The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
[17] For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
That should have shut up the Acts 28ers right there. The Acts 28ers claim that what we call "The Lord's Supper" is actually some type of Jewish passover meal that is to be done till the 2nd advent, but that is a lie. It is a communion of the body and blood of Christ and Paul clearly says in verse 17 that we are "one bread, and one body". Paul is talking about something for the body of Christ.
[18] Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the alter?
[19] What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
[20] But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
[21] Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
[22] Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
That section talks about how we in the "one body" do not sacrifice like the Jews and we do not offer anything to idols like the Gentiles, but rather we "drink the cup of the Lord" and we cannot do that and drink "the cup of devils" at the same time. One of the things Paul is trying to get across is "flee idolatry" (see verse 14).
[23] All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
[24] Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
[25] Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
[26] For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
[27] If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
[28] But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
[29] Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?
[30] For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
[31] Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
[32] Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
[33] Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
That is self explanatory. Read the previous chapter for good cross references.
1 Corinthians 9:
[19] For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
[20] And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
[21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
[22] To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
[23] And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
Now we move into chapter 11. I already showed you that Paul is talking to those believers in the body of Christ, I showed you that God does chasten us, and I touched on what "communion" for the body of Christ represents.
1 Corinthians 11:
[1] Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
[2] Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
[3] But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
[4] Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
[5] But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
[6] For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
[7] For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
[8] For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
[9] Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
[10] For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
[11] Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
[12] For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of god.
[13] Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
[14] Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
[15] But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
[16] But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
That was self explanatory, look in the mirror and see if need to visit the barber shop.
[17] Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
[18] For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
[19] For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
[20] When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
[21] For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
[22] What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
That sets the stage for this section of the passage. The Corinthians were abusing the Lord's Supper and they were being divisive. In doing that, it was like they were taking the body and blood of Jesus Christ lightly.
[23] For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
[24] And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
[25] After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
[26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
This could not be the passover meal as the Acts 28ers suppose because Paul said "I have received of the Lord", Paul already knew about the passover because he was a "Hebrew of the Hebrews" (Phil. 3:) so what he received was something new. Not only was it new, but it was for the body of Christ (See 10:17).
Also, verse 26 shows that you do not have to have communion at a certain time, but whenever the church decides. This will show the Lord's death "till he come", which is found in chapter 15.
[27] Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
[28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
[29] For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
That is just how serious the Lord's Supper is and why there is strong chastening.
[30] For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
[31] For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
[32] But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
[33] Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
[34] And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
That is strong chastening, but it is a strong offense to take the body and blood of Christ that saved you lightly and getting drunk, etc.
Acts 28ers do not like it and some fellow Mid-Acts brothers do not like it, but Paul told saved people that you reap what you sow and to fear God.
2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
Galatians 6:
[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
[8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
[9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
1 Corinthians 10 and 11 are passages that Mid-Acts and 28ers get goofed up on. To understand the passage we just need to let it say what it says and be careful not insert or takeout anything and just let it stand in context. (which is the key to understanding any passage in the Bible)
1 Corinthians 10:
[1] Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
[2] And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
[3] And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
[4] And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
[5] But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
[6] Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
Verse 6 is a problem for a lot of people, Mid-Acts or 28er. They say that this could not be talking to the body of Christ because God does not physically chasten us. I have no idea how you got that idea, but I know it was not out of a King James Bible. You may have got it from Chuck Belch (Charles Whelch), but you did not get it out of the Bible. All these "Pauline nuts" get there mind so fixed on "right" division that they forget about the things that are true in every age. There are some verses I do not care where they are at and who they are written to because they are just as true in this age as they were when they were written. Here is one of those things that are completely true for any dispensation.
Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
I do not care how "Pauline" you are or what age you live in, if God loves you and you are one of His sons then He is going to chasten you. Don't try and tell me there ain't chastening in this dispensation, Paul taught it in other places than this.
Galatians 6:
[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
[8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
[9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Verse 8 is exactly what Paul is teaching in 1 Corinthians 10. In fact, Galatians 6 is probably the best cross reference to this there is in Paul's epistles.
Galatians 6:
[1] Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
[2] Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
[3] For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
1 Corinthians 10 lines right up with that.
[6] Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
[7] Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
[8] Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
[9] Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
[10] Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
[11] Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
[12] Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
[13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who 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.
[14] Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Paul is teaching that those Hebrew people received chastening from God and that "all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition". Then in verses 12,13, and 14 Paul is saying that you need to be careful because you could backslide yourself, that is how I take "let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall". But Paul goes on to say that God is faithful and we can overcome any temptation and to flee from sin. That's not my opinion, that is just what the passage says.
[15] I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
[16] The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
[17] For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
That should have shut up the Acts 28ers right there. The Acts 28ers claim that what we call "The Lord's Supper" is actually some type of Jewish passover meal that is to be done till the 2nd advent, but that is a lie. It is a communion of the body and blood of Christ and Paul clearly says in verse 17 that we are "one bread, and one body". Paul is talking about something for the body of Christ.
[18] Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the alter?
[19] What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
[20] But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
[21] Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
[22] Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
That section talks about how we in the "one body" do not sacrifice like the Jews and we do not offer anything to idols like the Gentiles, but rather we "drink the cup of the Lord" and we cannot do that and drink "the cup of devils" at the same time. One of the things Paul is trying to get across is "flee idolatry" (see verse 14).
[23] All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
[24] Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
[25] Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
[26] For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
[27] If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
[28] But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
[29] Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?
[30] For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
[31] Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
[32] Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
[33] Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
That is self explanatory. Read the previous chapter for good cross references.
1 Corinthians 9:
[19] For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
[20] And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
[21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
[22] To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
[23] And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
Now we move into chapter 11. I already showed you that Paul is talking to those believers in the body of Christ, I showed you that God does chasten us, and I touched on what "communion" for the body of Christ represents.
1 Corinthians 11:
[1] Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
[2] Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
[3] But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
[4] Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
[5] But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
[6] For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
[7] For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
[8] For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
[9] Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
[10] For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
[11] Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
[12] For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of god.
[13] Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
[14] Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
[15] But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
[16] But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
That was self explanatory, look in the mirror and see if need to visit the barber shop.
[17] Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
[18] For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
[19] For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
[20] When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
[21] For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
[22] What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
That sets the stage for this section of the passage. The Corinthians were abusing the Lord's Supper and they were being divisive. In doing that, it was like they were taking the body and blood of Jesus Christ lightly.
[23] For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
[24] And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
[25] After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
[26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
This could not be the passover meal as the Acts 28ers suppose because Paul said "I have received of the Lord", Paul already knew about the passover because he was a "Hebrew of the Hebrews" (Phil. 3:) so what he received was something new. Not only was it new, but it was for the body of Christ (See 10:17).
Also, verse 26 shows that you do not have to have communion at a certain time, but whenever the church decides. This will show the Lord's death "till he come", which is found in chapter 15.
[27] Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
[28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
[29] For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
That is just how serious the Lord's Supper is and why there is strong chastening.
[30] For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
[31] For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
[32] But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
[33] Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
[34] And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
That is strong chastening, but it is a strong offense to take the body and blood of Christ that saved you lightly and getting drunk, etc.
Acts 28ers do not like it and some fellow Mid-Acts brothers do not like it, but Paul told saved people that you reap what you sow and to fear God.
2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
Galatians 6:
[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
[8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
[9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Our blessed hope and the Acts 28ers.
The Acts 28ers raise a stink about what Mid-Acts calls "the rapture". They say it is some kind of thing found in the Old Testament with some kind of "feast of trumpets" and it is at the 2nd coming of Christ and all sorts of things that fall under the category I call "the logic of goofball".
Why do I know that my "rapture" is not in the Old Testament?
1 Corinthians 15:
[51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
[52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
[53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
[54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
[55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
[56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
[57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
[58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:
[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
[15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
The reason I know that the "rapture" is not found in the Old Testament is because if Paul got a "mystery" and he got it "by the word of the Lord" then I know it cannot be the big, well known and expected, heavily taught, expounded, and looked forward to resurrection of Jewish saints found in the OT. A mystery Paul got by the word of the Lord can only be a mystery he got by the word of the Lord. Which, all this is a little to deep for an Acts 28er.
The Acts 28ers say that because of 1 Corinthians 15:54 then it has to be from the OT (completely ignoring "mystery" "by the word of the Lord). Let's look at the verse.
[54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
[55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The Acts 28ers do not like Paul using the "saying" that is "written" about victory over death that is found in the OT. If you read the passage, it is clear that Paul is only using a "saying" to apply to our victory over death, if not, why call it a "mystery" and why only use the OT for when he is talking about victory over death? The Acts 28ers strain at a gnat and swallow a camel there.
The Acts 28ers say that Christ's "coming" of 1 Thes. 4:15 and 1 Cor. 15 is different from what Paul says in his post Acts epistles because in the post Acts epistles Paul uses the word "appearing" rather than coming. (but Paul is talking about the same thing)
1 Timothy 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 Timothy 4:
[1] I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
[8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Again, this is all common since, but that is something the Acts 28ers cannot seem to grasp. Acts 28ers say that the coming and appearing are different and cannot be the same thing and that the Body of Christ has the blessed hope of the "appearing" and not the "coming". (That's what I call Larry, Curly, and Moe theology)
If the Body of Christ has the blessed hope of the "appearing" and not the "coming", then how could we look forward to Christ "appearing" (Titus 2:13) if we never knew that He was coming! How can we love Christ's "appearing" (2 Tim. 2:4) if we don't know he is coming? These are all problems that arise from Larry, Curly, and Moe theology.
Study the King James Bible, RIGHTLY divided.
Why do I know that my "rapture" is not in the Old Testament?
1 Corinthians 15:
[51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
[52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
[53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
[54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
[55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
[56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
[57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
[58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:
[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
[15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
The reason I know that the "rapture" is not found in the Old Testament is because if Paul got a "mystery" and he got it "by the word of the Lord" then I know it cannot be the big, well known and expected, heavily taught, expounded, and looked forward to resurrection of Jewish saints found in the OT. A mystery Paul got by the word of the Lord can only be a mystery he got by the word of the Lord. Which, all this is a little to deep for an Acts 28er.
The Acts 28ers say that because of 1 Corinthians 15:54 then it has to be from the OT (completely ignoring "mystery" "by the word of the Lord). Let's look at the verse.
[54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
[55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The Acts 28ers do not like Paul using the "saying" that is "written" about victory over death that is found in the OT. If you read the passage, it is clear that Paul is only using a "saying" to apply to our victory over death, if not, why call it a "mystery" and why only use the OT for when he is talking about victory over death? The Acts 28ers strain at a gnat and swallow a camel there.
The Acts 28ers say that Christ's "coming" of 1 Thes. 4:15 and 1 Cor. 15 is different from what Paul says in his post Acts epistles because in the post Acts epistles Paul uses the word "appearing" rather than coming. (but Paul is talking about the same thing)
1 Timothy 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 Timothy 4:
[1] I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
[8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Again, this is all common since, but that is something the Acts 28ers cannot seem to grasp. Acts 28ers say that the coming and appearing are different and cannot be the same thing and that the Body of Christ has the blessed hope of the "appearing" and not the "coming". (That's what I call Larry, Curly, and Moe theology)
If the Body of Christ has the blessed hope of the "appearing" and not the "coming", then how could we look forward to Christ "appearing" (Titus 2:13) if we never knew that He was coming! How can we love Christ's "appearing" (2 Tim. 2:4) if we don't know he is coming? These are all problems that arise from Larry, Curly, and Moe theology.
Study the King James Bible, RIGHTLY divided.
Galatians 3 and 4: Shutting up the Acts 28ers.
The book of Galatians is a dispensational battle ground in the Mid-Acts vs Acts 28er debate. If you are going to refute the Acts 28 position it is necessary to get Galatians 3-4 right. The Acts 28ers say that Galatians 3-4 reveal that Paul was looking forward to inheriting earthly blessings that had to do with nations like Abraham. That is wrong and you will see why.
(I commented on all the things Acts 28ers do not like)
Galatians 3:
[1] O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
[2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
[3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
[4] Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
[5] He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Those verses set the stage for the passage and it reveals what the passage will be about. Contrary to Acts 28 teaching, this passage is not about Gentiles receiving earthly blessings with Abraham. The theme of the passage is clearly "Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
........He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"
That is the theme of the passage, Paul is talking about us in the Body of Christ receiving the Spirit by faith. Justification by faith.
[6] Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
[7] Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Acts 28ers do not like being being "children of Abraham" so they say that Paul must be talking about some type of Jewish prophecy and hope rather than to the Body of Christ. There is a problem with that, we in the Body of Christ are Abraham's seed. There is no problem here that a little bit of King James Bible can't fix. If the Acts 28ers would read the whole passage they would understand "children of Abraham". See the end of the passage.
[26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
[27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
[28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
[29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
At verse 26 we see that we are children of God "by faith in Christ Jesus", kind of like how Abraham had faith in God and it was "accounted to him for righteousness".
At verses 27 and 28 we see that Paul could not be talking about Old Testament earthly blessings with Israel because the only way anyone inherits the earthly blessings is by being a Jew or a Gentile proselyte to Judaism, but here, these believers have been "baptized into Christ" and there is no "Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (also see 1 Corinthians 12:13).
Then here is what we are looking for that answers the "children of Abraham" problem, "if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise". Christ was of Abraham's seed, and we are in Christ so we are Abraham's seed.
[8] And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
The meaning of "In thee shall all nations be blessed" is clearly stated "the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith". The entire chapter is about justification by faith. (see verses 15 and 16 and comments)
[9] So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
There is where the Acts 28ers get hung up, they say "the Body of Christ does not get blessed with Abraham and his earthly blessings so this cannot be written to the Body of Christ". (they say the same thing about verse 29 "heirs according to the promise")
My response to this is WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT "EARTHLY BLESSINGS". The Acts 28ers see "blessed with" and jump to a conclusion that they pre-determined would be the outcome of this passage. What does this blessed/bless/blessing with faithful Abraham mean? Keep reading and we will see.
[10] For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
[11] But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
[12] And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
[13] 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:
[14] That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Here is the answer to verses 9 and 29 (in regards to "they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham"). The answer is that the blessing is not an earthly one, it is a blessing through Christ that we receive the "promise of the Spirit through faith".
[15] Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
[16] Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
All nations can be blessed in Abraham because Christ was Abraham's seed and all nations can be in Christ where there is neither Jew nor Greek. (see verse 8 and comments)
[17] And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
[18] For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
[19] Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
[20] Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
[21] Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
[22] But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
[23] But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
[24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
[25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
[26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
[27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
[28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
[29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
There are no further comments needed. This is self explanatory and I think my previous comments covered these.
Moving on to chapter 4.
Galatians 4:
[1] Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
[2] But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
[3] Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
[4] But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
[5] To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
[6] And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
[7] Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
[8] Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
[9] But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
[10] Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
[11] I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
[12] Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
[13] Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
[14] And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
[15] Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
[16] Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
[17] They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
[18] But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
[19] My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
[20] I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
[21] Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
Illustration begins (actually "allegory").
[22] For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
[23] But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
[24] Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
[25] For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
[26] But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
[27] For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
[28] Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
[29] But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
[30] Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
[31] So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
All that should have been self explanatory. Paul said all that as illustration to see that we are not under the law but under grace, "brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free", that goes back to verse 21 to say that we are not under the law.
Doesn't that make since? Do you see anything in Galatians 3 and 4 that would make you think Paul only knows Old Testament prophecy and that he knew nothing about the mystery before Acts 28? Nope.
Keep studying the King James Bible, RIGHTLY divided.
(I commented on all the things Acts 28ers do not like)
Galatians 3:
[1] O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
[2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
[3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
[4] Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
[5] He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Those verses set the stage for the passage and it reveals what the passage will be about. Contrary to Acts 28 teaching, this passage is not about Gentiles receiving earthly blessings with Abraham. The theme of the passage is clearly "Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
........He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"
That is the theme of the passage, Paul is talking about us in the Body of Christ receiving the Spirit by faith. Justification by faith.
[6] Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
[7] Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Acts 28ers do not like being being "children of Abraham" so they say that Paul must be talking about some type of Jewish prophecy and hope rather than to the Body of Christ. There is a problem with that, we in the Body of Christ are Abraham's seed. There is no problem here that a little bit of King James Bible can't fix. If the Acts 28ers would read the whole passage they would understand "children of Abraham". See the end of the passage.
[26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
[27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
[28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
[29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
At verse 26 we see that we are children of God "by faith in Christ Jesus", kind of like how Abraham had faith in God and it was "accounted to him for righteousness".
At verses 27 and 28 we see that Paul could not be talking about Old Testament earthly blessings with Israel because the only way anyone inherits the earthly blessings is by being a Jew or a Gentile proselyte to Judaism, but here, these believers have been "baptized into Christ" and there is no "Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (also see 1 Corinthians 12:13).
Then here is what we are looking for that answers the "children of Abraham" problem, "if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise". Christ was of Abraham's seed, and we are in Christ so we are Abraham's seed.
[8] And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
The meaning of "In thee shall all nations be blessed" is clearly stated "the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith". The entire chapter is about justification by faith. (see verses 15 and 16 and comments)
[9] So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
There is where the Acts 28ers get hung up, they say "the Body of Christ does not get blessed with Abraham and his earthly blessings so this cannot be written to the Body of Christ". (they say the same thing about verse 29 "heirs according to the promise")
My response to this is WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT "EARTHLY BLESSINGS". The Acts 28ers see "blessed with" and jump to a conclusion that they pre-determined would be the outcome of this passage. What does this blessed/bless/blessing with faithful Abraham mean? Keep reading and we will see.
[10] For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
[11] But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
[12] And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
[13] 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:
[14] That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Here is the answer to verses 9 and 29 (in regards to "they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham"). The answer is that the blessing is not an earthly one, it is a blessing through Christ that we receive the "promise of the Spirit through faith".
[15] Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
[16] Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
All nations can be blessed in Abraham because Christ was Abraham's seed and all nations can be in Christ where there is neither Jew nor Greek. (see verse 8 and comments)
[17] And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
[18] For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
[19] Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
[20] Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
[21] Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
[22] But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
[23] But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
[24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
[25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
[26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
[27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
[28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
[29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
There are no further comments needed. This is self explanatory and I think my previous comments covered these.
Moving on to chapter 4.
Galatians 4:
[1] Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
[2] But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
[3] Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
[4] But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
[5] To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
[6] And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
[7] Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
[8] Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
[9] But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
[10] Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
[11] I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
[12] Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
[13] Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
[14] And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
[15] Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
[16] Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
[17] They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
[18] But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
[19] My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
[20] I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
[21] Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
Illustration begins (actually "allegory").
[22] For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
[23] But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
[24] Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
[25] For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
[26] But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
[27] For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
[28] Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
[29] But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
[30] Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
[31] So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
All that should have been self explanatory. Paul said all that as illustration to see that we are not under the law but under grace, "brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free", that goes back to verse 21 to say that we are not under the law.
Doesn't that make since? Do you see anything in Galatians 3 and 4 that would make you think Paul only knows Old Testament prophecy and that he knew nothing about the mystery before Acts 28? Nope.
Keep studying the King James Bible, RIGHTLY divided.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Problems with the Acts 28 position (part 2)
Below are the words of an Acts 28er.
"Supernatural gifts could not be used to edify the body of Christ, supernatural gifts are from the foundation of the world [drinking water is from the foundation of the world but we still do that! I do not base my doctrine on who or when somebody has done it, but rather I go by what the Bible says about it.] and we find them in the Israel, earthly program as follows.
1. Supernatural gifts were given in the Exodus to build the tabernacle and its vessels, and to make the garments of the high priest. See Ex.28:1-3 and 31:1-7.
2. Supernatural gifts were given to judge and rule in Israel, see Numbers 11:11-17, 24-25. And so the Corinthians were to judge.
3. Supernatural gifts were given to the Kings of Israel, see 1Sam.10:6 and 16:13.
4. Supernatural gifts were a sign to Israel. 1Sam10:6-7, 1Cor.14:22.
4. Supernatural gifts were a sign to Israel. 1Sam10:6-7, 1Cor.14:22.
5. Supernatural gifts were prophesied for the earthly kingdom, Is.11 The Spirit upon Israel's King of Kings, Is.32:15, 44:3, Ez.39:29, Joel 2:28 and Paul quotes Joel in Roms.10. He quotes Is.11 in Roms.15
6. The gift of tongues was used on the day of Pentecost, a Jewish Feast, when Peter preached to Israel. They were a sign to and to edify Israel into believing into their Messiah.
Thus the gifts were not there to edify our church which has nothing to do with prophesy."
That sounds nice, to bad that contradicts the Bible. He is actually contradicting two post Acts epistles.
Paul says that the prophets edified the Body of Christ.
Ephesians 4
[11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
What do prophets do? They make prophecies. Who were these prophets to edify?
[12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
That's funny, Paul was supposed to say Israel, not "the body of Christ". (verse 11-12 parallel with 1 Cor. 14 as seen here http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/p/the-acts-28ers-believe-that-mystery-of.html )
But Ephesians was written write after Acts ended, maybe Paul was still a little confused about prophecies edifying the body of Christ, Paul probably corrects himself later on. Let's look in some later on post Acts epistles and see what he says about prophecies.
I Timothy 1:
[18] This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
"Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." - I Timothy 4:14
Huh, that's embarrassing. If prophecies/gifts only edified Israel and never had anything to do with the Body of Christ, then why would Timothy be told not to neglect them if they were of no use to the Body of Christ? Somebody's in trouble.
The big issues with the Acts 28 position are as following:
1. They say that the body of Christ had not started in Acts. Paul said that it did (1 Cor. 12).
2. They say Paul knew nothing about the mystery. Paul said he did (Romans 16:25-26)
3. They say that the sign gifts had nothing to do with the body of Christ. Paul says they did (Ephesians 4:11-12, I Timothy 1:18 and 4:14)
The Acts 28ers also believe that Paul told the Romans that their hope was found in the Old Testament. Here is an Acts 28ers exact words.
The hope they held was the things written aforetime, the Scriptures of the Prophets. The Scriptures which contained the promises made to the fathers, and Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God to CONFIRM those promises. The promises which were the hope of the Gentiles during Acts."
Three words friend, OUT OF CONTEXT. Did you notice that the Acts 28er did not start at the beginning of the chapter, but he also skipper from verse 4 to verse 8 to put a different spin on verse 4. (you have to be real slippery to be an Acts 28er) Let's look at the context starting with verse 1.
There is the context of the passage. Paul says that we should not please ourselves but rather bear the infirmities of the weak for his edification.
[3] For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
Now Paul says that Christ did not seek to please himself but that he bore our reproaches. Paul is saying Christ took other peoples reproaches and did not try and please himself. (notice he got this from the OT)
[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Here is what gives the Acts 28er fits, "we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope". It is obvious what Paul is saying, that "as it is written" Jesus took away others approaches and that we have comfort in that and hope in that.
[5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
Our God is the God of "patience and consolation" and we "learn" that from scripture "written aforetime" and that we should be the same was as Christ was, which would be comforting others. That is the context if you look at verses 1-2.
I did not "explain that passage away" or twist anything, I just told you what it was saying. Those are not the only problems with the Acts 28 position. If Paul taught that we are to follow Christ in all the earthly kingdom doctrine that He taught, shouldn't Paul have told others to "sell all" and have all things "common"?
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Luke 12:
[22] And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
[23] The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
[24] Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
[25] And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
[26] If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
[27] Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
[28] If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
[29] And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
[30] For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
[31] But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you
Luke 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Acts 2:
[44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
[45] And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Should not Paul have taught those things if the kingdom was at hand all through Acts and if the 2nd coming of Christ is what Paul was hoping for? He would have to teach that, but he did not! Look what Paul did teach, that does not look like he thinks the kingdom is at hand.
1 Thessalonians 4:
The Acts 28ers also believe that Paul told the Romans that their hope was found in the Old Testament. Here is an Acts 28ers exact words.
"In Romans 15 Paul told the Romans their hope was the OT hope, here it is;
Rom 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Rom 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:
Rom 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
Rom 15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
Rom 15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
Rom 15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
Rom 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Rom 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Rom 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:
Rom 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
Rom 15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
Rom 15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
Rom 15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
Rom 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
The hope they held was the things written aforetime, the Scriptures of the Prophets. The Scriptures which contained the promises made to the fathers, and Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God to CONFIRM those promises. The promises which were the hope of the Gentiles during Acts."
Three words friend, OUT OF CONTEXT. Did you notice that the Acts 28er did not start at the beginning of the chapter, but he also skipper from verse 4 to verse 8 to put a different spin on verse 4. (you have to be real slippery to be an Acts 28er) Let's look at the context starting with verse 1.
Romans 1:
[1] We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
[2] Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
[2] Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
There is the context of the passage. Paul says that we should not please ourselves but rather bear the infirmities of the weak for his edification.
[3] For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
Now Paul says that Christ did not seek to please himself but that he bore our reproaches. Paul is saying Christ took other peoples reproaches and did not try and please himself. (notice he got this from the OT)
[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Here is what gives the Acts 28er fits, "we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope". It is obvious what Paul is saying, that "as it is written" Jesus took away others approaches and that we have comfort in that and hope in that.
[5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
[6] That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[7] Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
[7] Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Our God is the God of "patience and consolation" and we "learn" that from scripture "written aforetime" and that we should be the same was as Christ was, which would be comforting others. That is the context if you look at verses 1-2.
I did not "explain that passage away" or twist anything, I just told you what it was saying. Those are not the only problems with the Acts 28 position. If Paul taught that we are to follow Christ in all the earthly kingdom doctrine that He taught, shouldn't Paul have told others to "sell all" and have all things "common"?
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Luke 12:
[22] And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
[23] The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
[24] Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
[25] And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
[26] If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
[27] Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
[28] If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
[29] And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
[30] For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
[31] But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you
Luke 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Acts 2:
[44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
[45] And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Should not Paul have taught those things if the kingdom was at hand all through Acts and if the 2nd coming of Christ is what Paul was hoping for? He would have to teach that, but he did not! Look what Paul did teach, that does not look like he thinks the kingdom is at hand.
1 Thessalonians 4:
[11] And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
[12] That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
2 Thessalonians 3:
[10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
[11] For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
[12] Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
Did Paul just not know about "Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body"?
These are all problems with the Acts 28 Position, all I can say is, stay M.A.D.
Keep studying the KJB, rightly divided.
[12] That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
2 Thessalonians 3:
[10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
[11] For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
[12] Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
Did Paul just not know about "Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body"?
These are all problems with the Acts 28 Position, all I can say is, stay M.A.D.
Keep studying the KJB, rightly divided.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Problems with the Acts 28 Position (part 1)
The "Acts 28ers" believe that the mystery of this age of grace and the mystery had not been revealed to Paul until Acts chapter 28 and that he knew nothing about the Body of Christ and it's heavenly calling and the fact that it was a mystery.
They believe anything Paul preached before Acts 28 was prophecy and that they did not have a heavenly hope. Below is how they sort out scripture written by Paul.
_______________________________________________________
Scriptures written to the Body of Christ:
Ephesians
Colossians
Philippians
I Timothy
II Timothy
Titus
Philemon
___________________________________________________________________________________
Scriptures written to some type of remnant that is completely according to prophecy with an earthly hope.
Romans
I Corinthians
II Corinthians
Galatians
I Thessalonians
II Thessalonians
___________________________________________________________________________________
Problems with the Acts 28 position: Below I will point out all the times Paul talks about "post Acts revelation" in his Acts epistles.
1.) In II Corinthians 4:14-18 and II Corinthians 5:1-21 we read about a saved person having an "inward man" and an "outward man" and being a "new creature" in Christ., which matches Colossians 3. Also, II Corinthians 5 matches Colossians 3:1-4 when Paul talks about when Christ appears and we will appear with Him in a new glorified body. That also matches the mystery of the rapture of the Body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 15.
2.) Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:15 "your bodies are the members of Christ" and that we are "joined unto the Lord" in verse 17. In first 1 Corinthians 12:1-27 we read that the Corinthians "were Gentiles", but now have been baptized by one Spirit into one body where there is neither Jew nor Greek and that they are all "members in particular" of the "body of Christ". Also, Romans 12:5 says that the believers are "one body in Christ" and "members one of another".
This has to be the same "body of Christ" as Ephesians 1:22-23 and Colossians 1:18 because there is only "one Spirit", "one baptism", and "one body" (Ephesians 4:5-6).
3.) Paul says that the Colossians knew about their heavenly hope when they heard the gospel, which was during Acts. (Colossians 1:5-6)
4.) Paul told the Ephesians that the prophets God gave them during Acts were for the "edifying of the body of Christ". (Ephesians 4:11-13) This is in accordance to 1 Corinthians 14.
[1] Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
[2] For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
[3] But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
[4] He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
[5] I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
[6] Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
God made the mystery known to Paul first, (Ephesians 3:3), but He also made it known to other apostles and prophets after He revealed it to Paul (Ephesians 3:5, 1 Timothy 1:18 ). God apparently gave the spiritual gifts to the Gentiles to "provoke" Israel (Romans 11:11, 11:14), but also to "edify" the body of Christ and reveal new grace age, mystery truth (1 Corinthians 14:6, 2 Corinthians 12:1). Paul new these things would cease when we got the full revelation and knowledge of all grace age doctrine in the mystery age.
1 Corinthians 13:
[8] Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
[9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
[10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
[11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
[12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
We no longer see "through a glass darkly" because "that which is perfect is come" and we have the full revelation of the mystery and there is no need for "that which is in part", which is the spiritual gifts.
How could these prophecies "edify" the body of Christ in Acts if the body of Christ did not exist, especially if the prophecies did not pertain to the body of Christ (like the Acts 28ers suggest). Prophecies/prophets in Acts could not "edify" the body of Christ if the body of Christ did not exist and the prophecies did not pertain to the body of Christ.
5.) How can a believer be a "new creature in Christ", "joined unto the Lord" with an "inward man" and being "baptized by one Spirit into one body where there is neither Jew nor Greek" and also be referred to as "the body of Christ" and it is also said that they are the "temple of the Holy Ghost", "Christ liveth in me" [referring to Paul], and that their "bodies are members of Christ" yet some how not be in the body of Christ of Ephesians and Colossians?
( II Corinthians 4:14-18, II Corinthians 5:1-21, 1 Corinthians 6:15-17, 1 Corinthians 12:1-27, Romans 12:5, Galatians 2:20)
6.) Paul received his gospel not after man, but by revelation of Christ.
Galatians 1
[11] But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
[12] For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Paul's gospel that he received by revelation is according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began.
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,
[26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
The Acts 28ers do not like the "But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets" part. They say this means it was not a mystery. Paul could make known "his gospel", which is "the preaching of Jesus Christ" using the Old Testament prophets.
What is Paul's gospel?
1 Corinthians 15:
[1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
[2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
[3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
[4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
That is Paul's gospel, which is the preaching of Jesus Christ. What about Christ? That He died, was buried, and rose again; all that is in the Old Testament. We see for the first time Paul preaching his gospel that he received by revelation in Acts 13, and guess what? He makes the preaching of Jesus Christ manifest by using the Old Testament prophets.
Acts 13
[28] And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
[29] And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
There's the death of Christ, and Paul says "fulfilled all that was written of him".
[30] But God raised him from the dead:
[31] And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
[32] And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
[33] God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
[34] And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
[35] Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
[36] For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
[37] But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
And there is the burial and resurrection with OT scripture.
[38] Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
[39] And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
THE PREACHING OF JESUS CHRIST......BUT NOW IS MADE MANIFEST, AND BY THE SCRIPTURES OF THE PROPHETS.
Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Those are just a few of the problems with the Acts 28 Position.
Keep studying the KJB, RIGHTLY divided.
They believe anything Paul preached before Acts 28 was prophecy and that they did not have a heavenly hope. Below is how they sort out scripture written by Paul.
_______________________________________________________
Scriptures written to the Body of Christ:
Ephesians
Colossians
Philippians
I Timothy
II Timothy
Titus
Philemon
___________________________________________________________________________________
Scriptures written to some type of remnant that is completely according to prophecy with an earthly hope.
Romans
I Corinthians
II Corinthians
Galatians
I Thessalonians
II Thessalonians
___________________________________________________________________________________
Problems with the Acts 28 position: Below I will point out all the times Paul talks about "post Acts revelation" in his Acts epistles.
1.) In II Corinthians 4:14-18 and II Corinthians 5:1-21 we read about a saved person having an "inward man" and an "outward man" and being a "new creature" in Christ., which matches Colossians 3. Also, II Corinthians 5 matches Colossians 3:1-4 when Paul talks about when Christ appears and we will appear with Him in a new glorified body. That also matches the mystery of the rapture of the Body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 15.
2.) Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:15 "your bodies are the members of Christ" and that we are "joined unto the Lord" in verse 17. In first 1 Corinthians 12:1-27 we read that the Corinthians "were Gentiles", but now have been baptized by one Spirit into one body where there is neither Jew nor Greek and that they are all "members in particular" of the "body of Christ". Also, Romans 12:5 says that the believers are "one body in Christ" and "members one of another".
This has to be the same "body of Christ" as Ephesians 1:22-23 and Colossians 1:18 because there is only "one Spirit", "one baptism", and "one body" (Ephesians 4:5-6).
3.) Paul says that the Colossians knew about their heavenly hope when they heard the gospel, which was during Acts. (Colossians 1:5-6)
4.) Paul told the Ephesians that the prophets God gave them during Acts were for the "edifying of the body of Christ". (Ephesians 4:11-13) This is in accordance to 1 Corinthians 14.
[1] Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
[2] For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
[3] But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
[4] He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
[5] I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
[6] Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
God made the mystery known to Paul first, (Ephesians 3:3), but He also made it known to other apostles and prophets after He revealed it to Paul (Ephesians 3:5, 1 Timothy 1:18 ). God apparently gave the spiritual gifts to the Gentiles to "provoke" Israel (Romans 11:11, 11:14), but also to "edify" the body of Christ and reveal new grace age, mystery truth (1 Corinthians 14:6, 2 Corinthians 12:1). Paul new these things would cease when we got the full revelation and knowledge of all grace age doctrine in the mystery age.
1 Corinthians 13:
[8] Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
[9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
[10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
[11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
[12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
We no longer see "through a glass darkly" because "that which is perfect is come" and we have the full revelation of the mystery and there is no need for "that which is in part", which is the spiritual gifts.
How could these prophecies "edify" the body of Christ in Acts if the body of Christ did not exist, especially if the prophecies did not pertain to the body of Christ (like the Acts 28ers suggest). Prophecies/prophets in Acts could not "edify" the body of Christ if the body of Christ did not exist and the prophecies did not pertain to the body of Christ.
5.) How can a believer be a "new creature in Christ", "joined unto the Lord" with an "inward man" and being "baptized by one Spirit into one body where there is neither Jew nor Greek" and also be referred to as "the body of Christ" and it is also said that they are the "temple of the Holy Ghost", "Christ liveth in me" [referring to Paul], and that their "bodies are members of Christ" yet some how not be in the body of Christ of Ephesians and Colossians?
( II Corinthians 4:14-18, II Corinthians 5:1-21, 1 Corinthians 6:15-17, 1 Corinthians 12:1-27, Romans 12:5, Galatians 2:20)
6.) Paul received his gospel not after man, but by revelation of Christ.
Galatians 1
[11] But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
[12] For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Paul's gospel that he received by revelation is according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began.
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,
[26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
The Acts 28ers do not like the "But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets" part. They say this means it was not a mystery. Paul could make known "his gospel", which is "the preaching of Jesus Christ" using the Old Testament prophets.
What is Paul's gospel?
1 Corinthians 15:
[1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
[2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
[3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
[4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
That is Paul's gospel, which is the preaching of Jesus Christ. What about Christ? That He died, was buried, and rose again; all that is in the Old Testament. We see for the first time Paul preaching his gospel that he received by revelation in Acts 13, and guess what? He makes the preaching of Jesus Christ manifest by using the Old Testament prophets.
Acts 13
[28] And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
[29] And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
There's the death of Christ, and Paul says "fulfilled all that was written of him".
[30] But God raised him from the dead:
[31] And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
[32] And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
[33] God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
[34] And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
[35] Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
[36] For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
[37] But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
And there is the burial and resurrection with OT scripture.
[38] Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
[39] And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
THE PREACHING OF JESUS CHRIST......BUT NOW IS MADE MANIFEST, AND BY THE SCRIPTURES OF THE PROPHETS.
Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Those are just a few of the problems with the Acts 28 Position.
Keep studying the KJB, RIGHTLY divided.
Bible believers bulletin. (Ruckman on White)
http://av1611godsword.yuku.com/topic/940/Classic-Ruckman-on-White#.UyCQV6ZfAdV
There is a link to the old Bible Believers Bulletin where Dr. Ruckman ripped James White to shreds on the seven supposed "errors" in the KJB. (James White is the author of the King James Only Controversy)
Enjoy!
There is a link to the old Bible Believers Bulletin where Dr. Ruckman ripped James White to shreds on the seven supposed "errors" in the KJB. (James White is the author of the King James Only Controversy)
Enjoy!
Monday, March 3, 2014
Acts 28er's: Jesus Christ and the headless horseman.
There is a heresy out there called "the Acts 28 position". It is an extreme take on "right division", however, it is actually wrong division. Someone who takes the "Acts 28 position" means that they believe that the body of Christ started in Acts chapter 28. These people who take this position believe that during the book of Acts, Paul preached the New Covenant and that he knew nothing about the "mystery", the "grace age", and that everything he taught can be found in the Old Testament. Therefore, the Acts 28er's reject 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans as scripture written directly TO the body of Christ.
Now I am what is called a King James Bible believing M.A.D. man, (M.A.D. = Mid-Acts Dispensational) I believe the body of Christ started in about the "middle" of Acts (chapter 9 with Saul's conversion). "Mid-Acts" is not numerically correct obviously, but that is what it is called.
Let's examine the Acts 28 position by looking in Paul's Acts epistles and see if he is only teaching the Old Testament prophecies about the New Covenant.
The Acts 28er's life verse is Acts 26:23, "Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:"
The Acts 28er's say that Paul admits he has never spoken anything other than the Old Testament. Some 28ers have said, "I realize some say that Paul's statement only refers to resurrection, but we must take it as it stands". REALLY? You can NOT snatch whatever verse of scripture you like and just do what you want with it, READ THE NEXT VERSE MAN!
Acts 26:24 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
That is what the "prophets and Moses said should come"! I have no respect for VERSE SNATCHERS that know better.
Next, Paul said in plain English that he preached the gospel "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,
OOPS! Somebodies in trouble........what does that look like to you? That does not sound like the "New Covenant" to me! The Acts 28ers say, "Oh yeah, well look at the next verse. It says that Paul's gospel is in the Old Testament".
WHERE DO YOU SEE THAT AT???
[26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
[27] To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Verse 26 says, "But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God". Okay, let's put all this together.
"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, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:"
And what is Paul's gospel (i.e. "the preaching of Jesus Christ")
1 Corinthians 15
[1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
[2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
[3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
[4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Guess what? You can "make that manifest" by the Old testament scripture. In fact, Paul does that in Acts 13:16-47 when he preaches the gospel of the grace of God for the first time on record. He used the Old Testament scripture to prove to the Jews that were present at his revival meeting that Jesus was God, the seed of David, and that He died, was buried, and rose again. Even in a POST ACTS epistle, Paul says that we are built on the foundation of the the apostles, prophets, and Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2
[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
[21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
[22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Paul also said that he wrote about the "mystery" to the Ephesians BEFORE.
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)
The Acts 28ers say that "the mystery" can only be found in post Acts epistles. Is that so? Let's look at the definition of "the mystery" and see if it is in Paul's Acts epistles.
Ephesians 3
[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.
The "mystery" is defined in verse 6, that the Gentiles are fellowheirs and of the same BODY. So when did this body start?
Well you don't have to go far, look at Ephesians chapter 4.
[11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
[12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
[13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Huh, apostles and prophets work signs, miracles, and prophecy. That all ceased at Acts 28:28, so this could not be something post Acts, it has to be something during Acts. (also note verse 11:"HE GAVE", that would be previously) Why did God give these things during Acts? "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:", the apostles and prophets could not edify the body of Christ in Acts if it was not present. Therefore, the body of Christ started BEFORE Acts ended. Can we find that in Paul's Acts epistles? We sure can.
Romans 12:
[4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
[5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
The Acts 28ers say that "one body in Christ" is not the same as the body of Christ. Let's keep going.
1 Corinthians 12
[12] For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
[18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
[19] And if they were all one member, where were the body?
[20] But now are they many members, yet but one body.
[27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
The Acts 28ers say that the context of both passages is spiritual gifts and this is talking about a "body of gifts" and that "this is obviously not the body of Christ of Ephesians and Colossians because members are the head parts whereas the church which is His body has Christ as the Head" .
REALLY, now you start worrying about context huh? The "body" is NOT a "body of spiritual gifts", Paul clearly says the members are the body of Christ. There has only ever been ONE body of Christ.
[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
The members get into the body of Christ by being baptized BY the Holy Spirit. Not baptized WITH the Holy Ghost by Christ. (see Matthew 3:11)
[14] For the body is not one member, but many.
[15] If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
[16] And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
[17] If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
[18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
[19] And if they were all one member, where were the body?
[20] But now are they many members, yet but one body.
[21] And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
[22] Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
[23] And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
[24] For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
[25] That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
[26] And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
[27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
There is only ONE baptism by ONE Spirit that puts you in ONE body of Christ. The Acts 28ers create two of each, accept the result of one of the bodies of Christ is a headless horseman!
Do not get sucked into WRONGLY DIVIDING the word of truth. The Acts 28ers throw out the doctrine of hell and they deny the absolute final authority in all matters of faith and practice, which is the King James Bible. They create their own system of "theology" that allows them to believe whatever they want as long as it is in the name of "right division" (falsely so called).
Now I am what is called a King James Bible believing M.A.D. man, (M.A.D. = Mid-Acts Dispensational) I believe the body of Christ started in about the "middle" of Acts (chapter 9 with Saul's conversion). "Mid-Acts" is not numerically correct obviously, but that is what it is called.
Let's examine the Acts 28 position by looking in Paul's Acts epistles and see if he is only teaching the Old Testament prophecies about the New Covenant.
The Acts 28er's life verse is Acts 26:23, "Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:"
The Acts 28er's say that Paul admits he has never spoken anything other than the Old Testament. Some 28ers have said, "I realize some say that Paul's statement only refers to resurrection, but we must take it as it stands". REALLY? You can NOT snatch whatever verse of scripture you like and just do what you want with it, READ THE NEXT VERSE MAN!
Acts 26:24 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
That is what the "prophets and Moses said should come"! I have no respect for VERSE SNATCHERS that know better.
Next, Paul said in plain English that he preached the gospel "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,
OOPS! Somebodies in trouble........what does that look like to you? That does not sound like the "New Covenant" to me! The Acts 28ers say, "Oh yeah, well look at the next verse. It says that Paul's gospel is in the Old Testament".
WHERE DO YOU SEE THAT AT???
[26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
[27] To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Verse 26 says, "But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God". Okay, let's put all this together.
"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, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:"
And what is Paul's gospel (i.e. "the preaching of Jesus Christ")
1 Corinthians 15
[1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
[2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
[3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
[4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Guess what? You can "make that manifest" by the Old testament scripture. In fact, Paul does that in Acts 13:16-47 when he preaches the gospel of the grace of God for the first time on record. He used the Old Testament scripture to prove to the Jews that were present at his revival meeting that Jesus was God, the seed of David, and that He died, was buried, and rose again. Even in a POST ACTS epistle, Paul says that we are built on the foundation of the the apostles, prophets, and Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2
[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
[21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
[22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Paul also said that he wrote about the "mystery" to the Ephesians BEFORE.
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)
The Acts 28ers say that "the mystery" can only be found in post Acts epistles. Is that so? Let's look at the definition of "the mystery" and see if it is in Paul's Acts epistles.
Ephesians 3
[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.
The "mystery" is defined in verse 6, that the Gentiles are fellowheirs and of the same BODY. So when did this body start?
Well you don't have to go far, look at Ephesians chapter 4.
[11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
[12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
[13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Huh, apostles and prophets work signs, miracles, and prophecy. That all ceased at Acts 28:28, so this could not be something post Acts, it has to be something during Acts. (also note verse 11:"HE GAVE", that would be previously) Why did God give these things during Acts? "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:", the apostles and prophets could not edify the body of Christ in Acts if it was not present. Therefore, the body of Christ started BEFORE Acts ended. Can we find that in Paul's Acts epistles? We sure can.
Romans 12:
[4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
[5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
The Acts 28ers say that "one body in Christ" is not the same as the body of Christ. Let's keep going.
1 Corinthians 12
[12] For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
[18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
[19] And if they were all one member, where were the body?
[20] But now are they many members, yet but one body.
[27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
The Acts 28ers say that the context of both passages is spiritual gifts and this is talking about a "body of gifts" and that "this is obviously not the body of Christ of Ephesians and Colossians because members are the head parts whereas the church which is His body has Christ as the Head" .
REALLY, now you start worrying about context huh? The "body" is NOT a "body of spiritual gifts", Paul clearly says the members are the body of Christ. There has only ever been ONE body of Christ.
[12] For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
Paul says that as the [human] body is one body, but has different members, so also is Christ one body with many members. How did the members get there?
[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
The members get into the body of Christ by being baptized BY the Holy Spirit. Not baptized WITH the Holy Ghost by Christ. (see Matthew 3:11)
[14] For the body is not one member, but many.
[15] If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
[16] And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
[17] If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
Verses 15-17 are an illustration of there being "one body" but with "many members". Paul is making an illustration for verse 14. When Paul says "eyes" or "ears" and all that, he is making illustration. This is a spiritual body, it does not have literal "eyes".
Just like there is no literal "joints" as mentioned in Col. 2:19.
[18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
[19] And if they were all one member, where were the body?
[20] But now are they many members, yet but one body.
[21] And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
[22] Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
[23] And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
[24] For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
[25] That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
[26] And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
[27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Okay, Paul says, "ye are THE BODY of Christ". There is no getting around that. Even though Paul is talking about spiritual gifts, that does not mean the passage can't contain other truths.
The Acts 28ers say that there are two bodies of Christ, one is supposedly just a "body of spiritual gifts" and the other is the church that is the body of Christ with Jesus as the Head. That is in direct contradiction with Ephesians 4, and as a matter of fact, you can see a lot of Ephesians 4 in 1 Corinthians 12.
1 Corinthians 12
[1] Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
[2] Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
[3] Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
[4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
[5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
[6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
[1] Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
[2] Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
[3] Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
[4] Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
[5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
[6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
Ephesians 4
[1] I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
[2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
[3] Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
[4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
[5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
[6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
[7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
[1] I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
[2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
[3] Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
[4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
[5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
[6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
[7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
PUT THAT TOGETHER AND.......
[4] There is one body [1 Cor. 12:12], and one Spirit [1 Cor. 12:4], even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
[5] One Lord [1 Cor. 12:5] , one faith, one baptism [1 Cor. 12:13],
[6] One God and Father of all [1 Cor. 12:6], who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
[5] One Lord [1 Cor. 12:5] , one faith, one baptism [1 Cor. 12:13],
[6] One God and Father of all [1 Cor. 12:6], who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
There is only ONE baptism by ONE Spirit that puts you in ONE body of Christ. The Acts 28ers create two of each, accept the result of one of the bodies of Christ is a headless horseman!
Do not get sucked into WRONGLY DIVIDING the word of truth. The Acts 28ers throw out the doctrine of hell and they deny the absolute final authority in all matters of faith and practice, which is the King James Bible. They create their own system of "theology" that allows them to believe whatever they want as long as it is in the name of "right division" (falsely so called).
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