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).

The Stages of Christ's Ascension and Return (Part 9)

Verses often do not provide timeline context

I'd like to draw your attention to an important concept before we get into the next stage of Christ's return. This concept will become relevant as we continue in this study.

It is crucial to understand that verses often do not provide timeline context. As we study and piece multiple scripture together, one would gain the information necessary to discover if there is, and if any, what the timeline is between verses. Let's have a look at what I'm referring to in our key verses,

1 Thess.4:16 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:  

1 Cor.15:51-52 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed [raptured], 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:

OBS: ACTS - Searching for Grace (Part 1 - Then was Saul certain days with the disciples)

OBS: ACTS, Searching for Grace (Part 1) ACTS is a book of transition, but it's not just a change in program, but a significant change in the 'Good News', and how men would now come into right standing with God.

Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he [Saul] had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

Then was Saul certain days with the disciples

OBS: God's Word is a Progressive Plan (Part.3)

OBS: God's Word is a Progressive Plan (Part.3)

This is Part 3 of the Series

Click here for Part 2

The huge gap between Jews and Gentiles

During the Old Testament and the Gospels, there was a HUGE gap (or difference) between the Jews and the Gentiles. The reason for this gap was not because the Jews were discriminatory but because it was God's command and part of His plan. God had a purpose for Israel and this we see very clearly if we look into the Bible from a 'big picture' or 'cover to cover' viewpoint.