Gospels and Raptures (Christ - Part 22): Summary

The Gospels and their Raptures (Christ - Part 22)

Summary

Below is a summary of the details discussed in the preceding lesson parts of this gospel (the gospel of Christ), as well as additional points that highlight its unique standing in relation to the other gospels in this study. The table will also be a useful means to run comparisons with the other gospels to really get a grasp on the differences and transitions that occurred within each.

Gospel	Gospel of the Christ (To the Jew first) AKA: The Gospel of the Uncircumcision, MY Gospel Gal.2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 15:29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 10:14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: Galatians 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 1 Thessalonians 3:2And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
Message	The salvation message was proved from scripture. It was a mystery hid in scripture. The key message of this gospel was that Christ died for the sins of humanity and was resurrected again as confirming proof that God accepted His sacrifice and that by believing in the the redeeming work of Christ one would be justified before God without the need of Israel. This gospel did not require, was not connected to, any Jewish customs, traditions or observances barring those ordinances agreed upon at the council meeting to keep the peace between the Jews and the Greeks in the church, Acts 15:28-31.
Revelation	Mystery
Main Messengers	Paul
System	Grace
Bible Scope	Acts; 1 & 2 Thess.; Gal.; 1 & 2 Cor.; Rom.
Conditions	Believe in the Gospel; the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Romans 4:24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 1 Corinthians 15:2-4 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
Works	There are no works needed to add to this gospel. The work of Christ was all sufficient.  At this point however, during this transitional period and due to the mixed cultures of the Jew and Greek in the church, there were observances that were necessary to maintain, not for salvation but to keep peace and acceptance within the members of the church, Acts 15:28-31; Rom.14; 1 Cor.8.
Participants	Jews, and some Greeks (Gentiles who attended the synagogues and were allies and supporters of the Jews) Acts 13:16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. Acts 13:26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you [that] feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
Signs	Signs were still happening during this time. Since we still had Jews in the church the signs were to validate the message of Paul. Healings, tongues, casting out devils, raising the dead, a myriad of other signs occur during Paul's Acts ministry. These signs however would start to diminish during this time until a point where they were not at all in operation anymore. Romans 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Identifiers and Key Points of Doctrine	Message still bound: Throughout this period of the gospel of Christ, Paul was mostly free to travel and proclaim this gospel. The message of the gospel however, was bound. Paul was not yet at liberty by the Spirit to fully divulge the entire message in all its glory, as seen in the two verses below, and as opposed to 2 Timothy 2:9. Acts 20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 2 Corinthians 12:3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Diminishing signs and miracles: still around to validate the messenger and the message No more water or Spirit baptism, but rather baptism BY the Holy Spirit: at salvation as the Holy Spirit immersed one into the Body of Christ, 1 Corinthians 12:13. Ordinances: None except what was agreed upon to keep the peace  Forgiveness: Forgiveness in not conditional. One is ALREADY forgiven by the work of Christ. Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Spiritual circumcision: Colossians 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: To Jews but also to some Greeks (Gentile allies): Acts 13:16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. Jews not yet cast away: Paul still believed they could be saved during his early ministry, however, this was diminishing throughout his ministry to the point that their program ended and there was no distinction between Jew and Gentile. Cross of Christ: A boast (Gal.6:14), not something to be ashamed about (Rom.1:16), the cross was the gospel message (1 Cor.15:1-4)
Inheritance	Although these believers were the fledgling body of Christ, it is interesting to note that had Israel believed and the Kingdom were to come, these believers were still associated with the promises of Abraham and were connected in part to Israel. They would have been saved by Israel if the Kingdom came (Isa.49). They were part of the Israel of God under Abrahams promises. As members of the body of Christ these believers become part of the heavenly calling and will inherit the heavens with all the rest of the believers throughout the grace gospel period.
Transition	Started at Paul's salvation on the Damascus road and although the gospel of Christ transitioned to the Grace gospel, and aspects of this period , like the peace keeping ordinances were dropped, this gospel became the grace gospel when Paul turned entirely to the 'far hence' Gentiles after Acts 28.

Part 23 will continue with the 'origin' of the Gospel of Grace.