Understanding the Gap: The Mystery Period in God’s Plan

Understanding the Gap: The Mystery Period in God’s Plan

Throughout history, biblical prophecy has painted a clear picture of God’s plan for Israel. From the coming of the Messiah to the promised kingdom, prophecy repeatedly highlighted the sequence of events that were expected to unfold. However, what was never foreseen or mentioned by the prophets was an intervening period—a hidden mystery revealed only through the Apostle Paul. This period, often referred to as the "gap," marks a unique dispensation in which the body of Christ operates under grace, distinct from Israel’s prophetic timeline.

The Gap: A Mystery Kept Secret

One of the most remarkable aspects of the gap period is its complete absence from Old Testament prophecy. If one studies scripture from Adam through the life of Jesus and even into the early chapters of Acts, there is no mention of this time period. The prophetic writings consistently detail Israel’s future, outlining the coming of their Messiah, a time of tribulation, and the eventual establishment of the millennial kingdom.

Had Israel accepted their Messiah, Jesus would have returned, the tribulation would have taken place, and the kingdom would have been established as prophesied (Isaiah 9:6-7; Daniel 9:26). In such a scenario, the grace period—the gap—would never have existed. Yet, because Israel rejected their Messiah, the fulfillment of prophecy was delayed (John 1:11; Luke 19:14). Because of Israel’s unbelief, God ushered in a completely unforeseen era: the mystery period, during which the body of Christ operates under grace (Romans 11:11; Acts 13:46). This grace dispensation was never revealed in prophecy but was kept secret by God (Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:3-5; Colossians 1:25-26). In this new dispensation, salvation was extended to the Gentiles apart from Israel’s prophetic program (Romans 11:25; Colossians 1:26).

Are you eagerly waiting for Jesus Christ’s second coming as prophesied in the Bible?

Are you eagerly waiting for Jesus Christ’s second coming as prophesied in the Bible?

QUESTION:

Are you eagerly waiting for Jesus Christ’s second coming as prophesied in the Bible?

RESPONSE:

ABSOLUTELY!!! Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus, come.

Who is judged by which gospel?

Who is judged by which gospel?

QUESTION:

Is Romans 2:16 only referring to those who denied the Paul's gospel during the dispensation of grace? That is my current understanding of Rom 2:16

ANSWER:

Consider the Kingdom gospel. It is based upon the precepts God gave to Israel. It required repentance based on their unbelief and it required water baptism based on the ordinance of washing applied to priests in the Mosaic law. It also required being filled with the Spirit according to the new covenant prophesied in Ezek.36 and Jer.31. So, this gospel had requirements and ordinances specific to Israel and their relationship with God under law.

Now consider Paul's gospel. To be justified by God, it simply required faith in God, and more specifically, faith in His Son. Paul writes,

What Does the Fulness of the Gentiles Mean?

Fulness of the Gentiles vs. Times of the Gentiles

As indicated by the post title, I will focus on what Paul meant when he said, "the fulness of the Gentiles". However, there is often confusion when one considers another phrase that Jesus mentioned in Luke 21, namely, "the times of the Gentiles", which I will also clarify in this post. Before we analyze these phrases, lets read the scripture passages to get the proper setting and context.

Luke 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. 21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. 24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Romans 11:24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? 25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

What will the gospel be in the tribulation?

The church at Galatia was severely affected by the false teachings of the Judaizers who wanted the believers in Galatia to follow the Law of Moses and be circumcised. Paul deals with their false doctrines and their attacks with instructions in his letter that speak boldly and with authority against these teachings, laying out sever consequences to those who skew the grace only message of the gospel. He writes,

Gal.1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

The song ‘Midnight Cry’ blends the the pretribulation rapture of the Body of Christ with the second coming of Jesus Christ making it doctrinally wrong!

The following is a slightly modified extract from an article posted at "Now the End Begins".

"I hear the sound Of a mighty rushing wind, And it's closer now than it's ever been. I can almost hear the trumpet, as Gabriel sounds the call; at the midnight cry we'll be going home!"

The incredibly beautiful and soul-stirring song 'Midnight Cry', sung by John Starnes, —from a spiritual perspective, is wonderful and one could never get tired of hearing it, but from a rightly dividing perspective it's a hot mess.

"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." Matthew 25:5,6 (KJB)

What are all the resurrections of the end times?

The Bible speaks of two types of resurrections: (1) The Resurrections of the Righteous and (2) the resurrection of the Unrighteous. Jesus and Paul plainly declared two basic resurrections:

John 5:28 "for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned."

Acts 24:15 having hope toward God, which they themselves also wait for, that there is about to be a rising again of the dead, both of righteous and unrighteous; (Also see: Daniel 12:2)

The New Jerusalem in the Millennial Kingdom

Many Christians believe that the New Jerusalem, the city of gold, will descend from heaven AFTER the Millennial Kingdom, and onto a new earth. Since Revelation 21 starts with these words, "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.", many bible students think that the timing here is the beginning of eternity, the beginning of the dispensation of the fulness of the times. But one might be surprised to learn that this is NOT the case. The New Jerusalem will descend to earth at the BEGINNING of the Millennial Kingdom.

Why is the World in such Chaos?

The world today, compared to pre-2020, has changed. This is a fact that is evident on so many levels as are listed below. For those who have some insights into Bible prophecy, and are aware of the signs, these things are pointing to an imminent change in dispensation, (Maranatha), but for the majority of humanity who sadly remain blindly uninformed, their responses are either one of ignorant support for a united world order who offer a false peace and safety, or one of fear due to ominous repercussions ahead.

The Bible has a lot to say about these 'last days'. If you know what the Bible predicts, you will see a clear and undeniable pattern of events occurring right before your eyes. These events are converging increasingly and their effects on the world and humanity are becoming more frequent and more intense.

An article worth reposting to get people's attention.

Why The Stage Is Set For The End Times

...no other time has seemed as close to the end times as right now. Why do I say this? Because, particularly in the past year, the geopolitical and economic stage has been set for the fulfillment of several end times prophecies. We now have several potential crises on the horizon. And those potential crises are the same ones the Bible says we’ll experience either in the Tribulation or the days immediately preceding the Tribulation. 

Below are just a few:  The Gog of Magog War, Global War Prospects, The Rising Mark of the Beast System, The Days of Noah and Lot, The Convergence of Signs…. 

See the full article here.

Glossary of Common End Times Terms

Abomination of Desolation:

When the Antichrist sits down in the rebuilt Jewish Temple and declares himself to be God, "The Great Tribulation" of 42 months will then begin. The Antichrist will demand worship worldwide (Rev. 13). This will be the abomination that leads to great desolation. God's judgments will bring desolation, or destruction, to all who participate in this terrible abomination (Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:15; Mk. 13:14; 2 Thes. 2:3-4). This worship system is based on the Antichrist (called the Beast) setting up an image (statue or idol) of himself in the Jerusalem temple. At the occurrence of this event, the Jews living in Israel are commanded to flee into the wilderness. All tribulation saints will know, from that day on, they must now wait 1260 days before the Lord returns. (Dan 9:27), (Mat 24:15-19)

Amillennialism:

(prefix "a," "no"). The belief that there is no literal 1000-year reign of Christ. Thus Revelation 20 is taken symbolically, not literally, by adherents of this view. Amillennialists generally believe that Israel has been permanently set aside for all time and that God's current plan of salvation involves only the Church.

Antichrist:

Often described as the most evil man that will ever live. He will arrive on the world scene and appear to be the world's saviour, but everyone on earth will soon learn his real mission will be one of destruction. Also called the man of lawlessness (or sin), Gog, the son of destruction (or perdition) (1 John 2:18) , (Rev 13:1-8)

The Stages of Christ's Ascension and Return (Part 12)

We are coming to the end of the details of the return of Jesus Christ. We have looked at the stages of His return and the order of how they mirror His ascension. We have also briefly previewed the events of Revelation that take place between the stages of Jesus multi-part return and how they progress throughout the end times. To wrap up with, I have a few more things to mention, but before I do, I'd like to remind you of the two primary points that glue this whole study together. They are as follows,

1. As with many other patterns, shadows, and types found in the Bible, the ascension of Jesus Christ can teach us of the stages of His return.
   
   
2. Paul's two 'famous' rapture scriptures, in 1Cor.15 and 1 Thess.4, express the event in general, (ie: they expound on the WHOLE coming of Christ, across the whole 7-year period of the tribulation, for all saints. The scriptures do NOT represent just the rapture of the Body of Christ.)
   

The Bible still has SECRETS!

The Bible still has SECRETS!

With regards to the gospel of our salvation, there is absolutely no doubts about the clarity of the message that we all need to hear and respond to. But, there are other parts of the bible that we will never fully understand. There will always be several interpretations, by several different persons, on certain passages of scripture. Which passages you might ask? That's easy to answer. Passages that deal with trans-dispensational events, and passages that deal with future events. Since these parts of scripture deal with happenings in the past or the future, there will never be perfect consensus on these, so we don't know exactly how things developed, or will play out. Anyone is welcome to dispute this (heeding the advice in 2 Tim.2:23), but for me, it is a fact that settles it.

Time Is Running Out

The events in the world at current, and the signs according to prophecy*, are indicators that the grace dispensation in God's timetable is soon to end. The next dispensation, after grace, will be one of tribulation and wrath. Time is running out, and if you have not yet heard and responded to the Gospel of Grace, you are still unredeemed, unsaved and will have no hope when you stand before your God. I encourage you to read through the linked posts below and respond to the good news that can save you.

"for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out —those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned."

(Jesus Christ, Jn.5:28-29)

A List of End Time Judgements

As the end of time draws near for this creation, (the time just before what Paul's refers to as the 'fullness of the times', Eph.1:10), every living being will be subject to judgement based on their individual motives and actions during their life and ultimately their faith in the existence of God and His Word. According to Hebrews 9 below, what one does during their life, their choices and actions, is what they will be held accountable for after they die. 

Heb.9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 

Let's list out the various judgements that will follow this age and provide a brief context of each.