This analogy about God restoring His Kingdom, 'ROCKS'!!!

This analogy about God restoring His Kingdom, 'ROCKS'!!!

Here is some more real-time drama on "The Big Picture".

I wrote this analogy in about 10-minutes. I think I was somehow inspired when I did. LOL!! All glory to God. When I reread what I wrote, I was completely surprised at how well it explains things, —at least I hope it does. In context, it came about from a reaction someone had on the below paragraph I wrote.

My paragraph:

Paul's doctrine of the mystery is for all nations; both Jew and Gentile, to be saved by the cross work of Christ and to be joined together into the Body of Christ and inherit the heavens. This is separate from the Kingdom program that belongs to Israel only, who were (and will again be in the tribulation) saved by believing in Jesus Christ as their Messiah and King. They will inherit the earth and enter as the preeminent nation into the Millennial Kingdom. This is how we rightly divide, between the prophetic program and the Mystery program.

Did Paul ever teach the Kingdom Gospel?

Did Paul ever teach the Kingdom Gospel?

Yes! But only for a very short period of time.

Paul, blinded by the glory of Jesus Christ on the Damascus Road, was led into Damascus by his companions after his encounter. He spent 3 days without sight and sustenance. Then Ananias prayer for Saul’s sight and Saul was strengthened with food. Straightway after he gained his strength, Saul went to the Jewish synagogue and started to preach that Jesus is the Son of God. See Acts 9:19 in the image.

This is the only time when Paul preached the Kingdom gospel.

How do we know it was the Kingdom gospel? In verse 19 it says that Saul preached that Jesus is the Son of God. This was the key faith condition (and confession) for receiving salvation as per this gospel. A person had to believe that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah and confess Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God.

For confirmation of this, have a look at these examples of people being saved under the Kingdom gospel.

What is the role of good works in salvation according to the New Testament?

What is the role of good works in salvation according to the New Testament?

This is a great question! There are many who are so confused regarding good works and salvation in the New Testament. Let’s get into the Bible and find out exactly how good works and salvation should work together.

We must first start by recognizing that there are two dispensations in the New Testament. Simply read the book of Acts, where the apostle Luke leads us out of the Kingdom dispensation under Jesus and the 12-apostles and into the grace dispensation under the apostle Paul. I mention this because it is vitally important to understand that salvation and the context of good works both change between the two dispensations. 

GOOD WORKS IN THE KINGDOM DISPENSATION

In the Kingdom program, good works were necessary to prove one’s faith for salvation. Read James 2:17-26 to get an understanding that salvation depended upon the works that demonstrated one’s faith confession in the identity of Christ. Salvation began with a confession of Christ as in these examples,

If Peter did not preach Paul's grace gospel, why does he speak of grace, the cross, and of faith and hope in his epistles?

If Peter did not preach Paul's grace gospel, why does he speak of grace, the cross, and of faith and hope in his epistles?

QUESTION:

Read 1 Peter 1:10-12, 14-21. Within the first chapter of Peter’s first letter, he speaks of the grace of God that would come to them. Not only did He speak of this, but He also spoke of faith and hope they would have by being in God. He also referred to the cross of Christ when he said his recipients were redeemed with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

It sounds to me that Peter is preaching the grace gospel since he spoke of the grace that would come to the Jews and the blood of the cross being shed for them which is what Paul preached day to day.

Peter was the apostle to the circumcised and Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles, Galatians 2:8. This does not mean the gospels they preached were different, it only means their assignments were different.

Once again, these words were written by the apostle you said never preached the grace gospel of Paul. Please explain.

ANSWER:

Your questions are valid. I appreciate you asking. Let me take them one at a time and clarify with my perspective.

In Luke 20 you ask which gospel was Jesus' preaching.

The answer is that He was preaching the only gospel that existed at that time, the gospel of the kingdom that pertains to the Jews. Paul has not yet been saved, so God’s revelations concerning the grace gospel have not yet been made known.

False notions on how to follow Jesus

False notions on how to follow Jesus

COMMENT:

To follow the Lord there is more to it than just faith. It takes action to prove our compliance - to become a disciple it’s a requirement to be baptised, fully immersed with water. Think of how Jesus was baptised. Afterwards he set the standard - he said pick up your cross and follow me, meaning surrender your life to Jehovah. He spent his last 3 and a half years preaching and teaching.

He warned his disciples that false Prophets would emerges and teach false doctrine and said that we should avoid them. So, we need to be on the watch because Satan does use contaminated doctrine to delude us.

ANSWER to correct these false notions:

If you read James 1:1, you will see that James addresses his epistle to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad. This is in reference to the 12-tribes of Israel who were scattered, some years earlier due to the persecution initiated by Saul (Paul). Thus, the doctrine of this epistle, and that of all the other epistles from Hebrews onwards, is NOT addressed to, or for application by the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ has its own apostle, Paul, Rom 11:13, and its own doctrine, the 13-epistles of Paul.

In John 4:10, Jesus introduces the mystery doctrine

In John 4:10, Jesus introduces the mystery doctrine

COMMENT:

In the book of John 4:9 the Samaritan lady clearly describes the prophetic doctrine. And in John 4:10, Jesus introduces the mystery doctrine. And the lady goes further in John 4:12 and asks a distinguishing question that sets Jesus Christ as being mystery. In John 4:19, the message is clear about the prophetic doctrine and then, in the following verse John 4:21–26, the mystery doctrine begins.

ANSWER:

There is no doubt that Jesus reveals mysteries concerning the Kingdom program. In Matt 13:11 Jesus says, “Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.” These mysteries. however, were already prophesied and are not the same as the unsearchable secrets, Eph 3:8, which were revealed to Paul for the Body of Christ. You even point out in your comment that it was according to prophecy. What Jesus revealed were mysteries because the Jews were ignorant of these things recorded in the scriptures, and, unlike the prophets, who declared these things, but did not see them come to pass, Mat 13:17, the Jews were now seeing the incarnation of the scriptures being realized before their eyes. Thus, the mysteries that Jesus revealed were already prophesied; things ‘darkly’ announced in the Old Testament, and during all that period ‘darkly’ understood, but now being brought to light for those who had faith to see. 

Please provide a clear understanding of repentance within the grace program

Please provide a clear understanding of repentance within the grace program.

QUESTION:

You speak much about forgiveness, but what about repentance? I checked in the scripture and find most of it in the Gospels, Acts and Revelation, but also one in 2Cor 7:9-10 and another in 2Tim 2:25. So there is not much about repentance in Paul's writing. It looks like repentance for Jews is something they need to do, but for us, we just acknowledge that the body can fall in weakness, but the spirit is willing. Please provide a clear understanding of repentance within the grace program. TX.

ANSWER:

Thank you for your question.

Let’s define the proper meaning of the word ‘repentance’. It is to have a change of mind that takes action to correct one’s sins or errors after being exposed to truth. Repentance is not about emotions or feelings. It concerns the mind; it concerns making corrective choices to bring wayward thinking and actions back to a conforming of truth.

Is our gospel the same as that which Jesus and the 12-Apostles taught?

Is our gospel the same as that which Jesus and the 12-Apostles taught?

COMMENT (in response to an article teaching that there is more than one gospel):

Readers, please take a few minutes to read Galatians 1:6-12. It plainly says that there is one Gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Any time more than one Gospel is taught in scripture or by any teacher, by Biblical teachings, it is a different or false interpretation of scripture. Please read Acts 8:36-38, and Acts10:44-47. These Scriptures clearly say Gentiles are being baptized and receiving the Holy Spirit, and there are many more scriptures that describe the same things. Finally read Matthew 28:19-20 The Great Commission: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations (Gentiles) baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. We are commanded to reprove our teachers by what the scriptures actually say to be certain of the truth of our true Teacher, the Holy Spirit.

MY REPLY:

I’d like to point out that you conveniently use Paul’s writings to prove only one gospel, but then you send the read back to all the references of the Kingdom gospel which is for Israel, and completely discount all the rest of Paul's writings that clearly define his credentials as the apostle of the Gentiles, and who received a new gospel and mystery doctrine, revealed to him by the risen Christ.

The difference in salvation before and after the cross

STATEMENT/QUESTION:

Are you saying that how people get saved today is different from the Bible times? Was it different before Christ came or different before he died? Please explain how this ‘other salvation’ before Christ works?

My assertion is that there is no other salvation and there never was. From Genesis to Revelation salvation has always been through faith in the promised Messiah to come and take away our sins and set us free.

Agreed? Yes or no?

ANSWER:

Regarding your question on previous gospels:

I agree that every gospel is based on faith. If one does not place faith in believing God’s instructions to be saved, then one will not be saved, irrespective of works or not. Thus, irrespective of gospel, faith is required! However, God’s instructions for salvation did not remain the same over time. What God told Noah did not apply to Abraham. What God told Abraham to do did not apply to Peter, James, and John!

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these

STATEMENT:

Feed the hungry, clothe the needy, visit the sick, welcome the stranger, help the less fortunate. (Jesus words, Matt 25:35-40.) I’ve always thought it curious that Jesus makes the distinction between the righteous and the unrighteous based on this criteria. Curiously missing is “confessing and believing”, having correct theology, “sinners prayer”, etc. In fact, according to this passage some people will have been doing these things without even knowing Jesus or that they were doing it for him.

ANSWER:

The passage you quote in Matt 25 will occur throughout the 7-year Tribulation. It does not apply today because Jews are not the chosen and preeminent nation during this grace dispensation. In actual fact, both Jew and Gentile are equal in God’s eyes today, so feeding, clothing, visiting the sick and in prison, etc, of the Jews does not have the salvific value as it will in the Trib.

Who is the pearl of great price? (Matthew 13:45-46)

Who is the pearl of great price? (Matthew 13:45-46)

Not who. What. The pearl of great price is the Millennial Kingdom.

Let’s look at the scripture passage below.

Mat 13:43-46 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (44) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. (45) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: (46) Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

The pearl of great price is part of an extended lesson Jesus spoke in parables. Before the pearl, we have a treasure in a field. Jesus informs us that, just like the pearl, the treasure is the Kingdom, in verse 44. Before this parable is the parable of the weeds, in verses 36–43. This is where we learn that there will be good seed and bad seed sown and harvested. The tares are gathered at harvest and thrown into the fire, but the harvest of good seed will enjoy the kingdom of their Father.

Explain how the doctrine taught by Paul is different to that taught by Peter?

Explain how the doctrine taught by Paul is different to that taught by Peter?

QUESTION:

I don’t see how the doctrine Paul taught differed from Peter (as an example) except Paul preached to the Gentiles and Peter to the Jews (who knew the Torah). If you are claiming the doctrine that Paul taught supersedes or is the only way to “get off the milk” of a new believer, which verses would you specifically point to and why?

ANSWER:

The answer is too extensive to write in one reply as it concerns the whole of Paul’s revelation of the risen and glorified Christ, however, I can provide a few thought-provoking scriptures that you can read and consider.

You have two statements I can respond to (in very short summation),

1. I don’t see how the doctrine Paul taught differed from Peter (as an example) except Paul preached to the Gentile and Peter to the Jew (who knew the Torah).

The heavenly kingdom inheritance of Paul and all grace believers

The heavenly kingdom inheritance of Paul and all grace believers

There is no doubt that Paul was Jewish and a committed and fervent Pharisee in the nation of Israel (Phil.3:5-7), yet just before he is martyred, he writes to Timothy and says the following,

2Tim.4:18  And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

So, what is significant about this statement? Well, notice the location of the kingdom Paul confesses he belongs to. The heavenly kingdom. Is this strange? Yes, but also no.

A response to the article called: How do we live according to Christ?

A response to the article called: How do we live according to Christ?

RESPONSE

The Bible provides several explicit teachings on how to live like Christ. Here are some key principles and instructions:

Love God and love others: Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). This emphasis on love is foundational to living a Christ-like life.

Follow Jesus' example: Jesus is the perfect example of how to live a righteous and holy life. Believers are called to follow His footsteps, imitate His actions, and adopt His attitudes (1 Peter 2:21, Philippians 2:5-8).

The Two Programs in God's Plan of Redemption

The following post is in response to a person asking what the two different programs in the Bible are and provide scriptural references to distinguish them.

Let me answer this question by first stating that it is of great importance to know these two programs and keep them separate. Most of the false doctrine in church denominations today is in direct cause to ignoring these two programs or blending the two programs together to create skewed doctrine in the imagination of men.

The differences between the two ministries are found in the contradictory statements in Paul's letters versus scriptures in the rest of the bible. These contradictions are not inaccuracies in the bible as some suggest. They also do not disprove Paul's apostleship. They are simply two separate programs that God initiated within His greater plan of redemption of creation and humanity.

Building our faith with the correct doctrine

Building our faith with the correct doctrine

The blueprint for living the Christian life today is found in Paul’s epistles. It contains the instructions for laying the foundation, 1Co 3:10, as well as the materials for building up the Body of Christ. The problem why Christianity is in the shape it is, is because preachers and teachers are using the wrong ‘materials’. They proclaim that we must go by what Jesus said in His earthly ministry. Yes! You read that correctly! We operate by the doctrine revealed to Paul today, Rom.11:13,  not by the doctrine taught by Jesus in His earthly ministry. The materials for building the Body of Christ today are what we read in Paul’s epistles, not in the ‘red letters’ of the Gospels. Why? It’s because Jesus was ministering the Kingdom doctrine to Israel. The entire earthly ministry of Jesus was to prepare Israel to receive the Kingdom. We are not in the Kingdom program today! We are under new instructions in the Grace program, which, by the way, Jesus, in His heavenly ministry, revealed to Paul for us.

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)

Was Paul saved into the Kingdom or the Grace Program?

Before we tackle this question, let's just define the Kingdom and the Grace programs so as to maintain context through the rest of this post.

• The Kingdom program belongs to the Jews who believe that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. Those saved into this law program have a future hope of an earthly inheritance, the Millennial Kingdom. Those who have died will be resurrected at the 2nd Coming of Christ. The remnant who are alive at Jesus 2nd coming will enter, together with those who were resurrected, into this 1000-year period of Christs reign.
  
  
• The Grace program belongs to ALL who believe in the grace gospel of Christ's death, burial and resurrection. Those saved into this grace program experience a current and assured salvation, and have a heavenly inheritance, and eternal destination. Those who have died are already present with the Lord. Those who are alive, at the end of this dispensation, will be silently raptured into the heavens and into Christ's presence. After this rapture, the Grace program ends and the 7-year tribulation begins.

So, our question remains if Paul was saved into the Kingdom or Grace program. Let me share with you my conviction of this interesting question. 

How the Gospels Transitioned through ACTS (Part 3)

How the Gospels Transitioned through ACTS

(Part 3 --- The Gospel of the Kingdom)

Where do we find the Kingdom Gospel?

The gospel of the Kingdom of God (or the Kingdom of Heaven, which can be understood as the gospel of the Kingdom which is from heaven), is proclaimed by different individuals throughout the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The message proclaimed in this Kingdom gospel is unique to these four books and to the period of time from John the Baptist to the cross of Christ. 

How the Gospels Transitioned through ACTS (Part 2)

How the Gospels Transitioned through ACTS

(Part 2 --- Clearing up the gospel confusion)

Browse around on the internet and you will find that everyone has a different view on the gospel. It is so sad to say, but there is such confusion regarding the gospel today. The gospel is the message that has the power to save us, but if everyone has their own views and interpretations, WHO IS RIGHT?