Gospels and Raptures (Grace - Part 26): Participants

The Gospels and their Raptures (Grace - Part 26)

Participants

Although the participants of this grace gospel were 'all people', ie: both Jew and Gentile,

Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

... the primary candidates were the 'far hence' Gentiles.

Ephesians 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Paul wrote to these participants who had been cut off from Israel and the Jews. These were the people who were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise. They were not associated with Israel, unlike the Greeks who had chosen to adopt the faith of the Jews and who would gather in the synagogues to hear the reading of the scriptures. The Gentiles being referred to here had NO hope and, if it were not for the grace gospel delivered by Paul, were eternally lost and unsalvageable, being without God in this world.

It is no doubt that we, as believers today, saved by grace, can appreciate this gospel which serves as a reminder how GREAT and complete was the cross-work of Christ and how utterly gracious was God to reach out and save us, simply because He chose to; without the use of Israel, without the need of covenants and law, without the requirements of ordinances. This work is solely by the character and love of God in Christ. To God be the glory in Jesus Christ!

Part 27 will continue with the 'destination' of the Gospel of Grace.