Friday, June 28, 2013
If Paul was saved under the Acts Kingdom program, how did he change over into the church which is his body with a resurrection into the heavenly places?
Brian Kelson answers:
Paul was given the new dispensation by direct visitation from the descended Lord (Eph.4 might not refer to the Gospel descent but to that descent and appearing to Paul for the revelation of the previously hidden program). Yes, Paul's hope during Acts was the same as the 12 tribes, Acts 26:6-7 but, whereas his doxology of Roms.11 was straight out of Is.40, the doxology of Eph.1:3 was out of his mouth by inspiration. So yes, Paul did cross over and embrace the new truth but how many followed him? Who knows, but we know many turned away from him including those in Asia; 2T.1:15, which was the Ephesians and Colossians; they sought not the things of Christ, Phils.2:21.
Are all those saved in the Acts Period then resurrected into Israel's earthly Kingdom?
Are all those saved in
the Acts Period then resurrected into Israel's earthly Kingdom? Are
they considered to be the little flock? Or are they
transitioned into the church which is his body and resurrected into the heavenly places?
Brian Kelson answers:
These words were spoken by the Lord, a minister of the circumcision, in a specific and I believe, limited context. I'm not sure these words can be expanded to include all those saved up until Acts 28. If this is the case, then why didn't Paul use the term? The little flock in Lk.12:32 is determined by that context and after the parable about the rich man gathering into his barns, the Lord spoke directly to the disciples and called them a term of endearment; the little flock. It appears to me that the little flock was His disciples and no further use of that term can be found in Scripture. Yes, Paul did speak of the flock in Acts 20:28-29 as did Peter in 1Pet.5:2-3 where he referred to the Lord as the chief shepherd, see Ex.34, Zech.13:7 and. Jn.10:11.
In the end, does it matter if they were the little flock or not? The hope, the inheritance of the OT promises and prophesy were the basis of their future, up to Acts 28, whether we read the Gospels, Paul or Peter or any other Acts period writer for that matter. Once we start separating into different groups simply because different terms are used to describe them, we create problems all over the shop.
If there were different terms used, I fail to see how this meant there were multiple groups in view during Acts. Let us turn to Paul and consider his terms.
There are numerous terms of Paul used to describe the believers; the justified Jews and Gentiles of the Acts period. He refers to them as children of Abraham, sons of God, Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise, joint heirs with Christ and the Israel of God. Does this mean all these related to little sub groups? The family relationship terms used by Paul are important. Abraham was their father, The Jerusalem from above was their mother, and they were typified in Isaac as children of promise. I know you can find these references. Again, does this mean there were fragmented groups everywhere with different inheritances and hopes? No.
Romans was written late in the Acts period and Paul is emphatic regarding both the Jews and Gentiles of faith. Abraham is their father, Roms.4. They were no longer in Adam but In Christ and thus married to another, Roms.7. In 2Cor.11, Paul refers to them as chaste virgins. See how many terms exist to describe the relationships between the believers of the Acts and the Father? Yet they were all the same group of believers.
In Roms.9 Paul refers to the called believers as the remnant of prophesy; vessels of mercy.
Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Rom 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
The even us, includes Paul and he continues with this remnant term in chapter 11 Rom 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Rom 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
How can the apostle then turn around in chapter 12 and use the word body in any way shape or form to mean the church which is His Body? He doesn't. Roms.12:6 says "one body in Christ" in relationship to the supernatural gifts, which is the same in 1Cor.12. The Acts period believers were the elect remnant of prophesy.
Paul includes himself in the elect remnant of grace during Acts, and that election included the believing Jews and Gentiles and that would include Peter. The remnant was a preserving one btw, the example of Elijah significant. A nation rejecting the Lord but a remnant being faithful to Him.
There was not transition during Acts, it was never a progressive revelation or transition period. It was the earthly program postponed at Acts 28. Now, what happened to them all when the dispensational boundary happened? The Lord knows them that are His, but in Paul we find a forgetting of things behind and an embracing of the things before him and the prize of the high calling. We also find that incredible prayer in Eph.1:15-2:8. Paul wanted those to whom he had preached the earthly kingdom program to know the HOPE, which had changed. To know the inheritance, which had changed. And to know the power, which now raised them to the heavenly places.
Brian Kelson answers:
These words were spoken by the Lord, a minister of the circumcision, in a specific and I believe, limited context. I'm not sure these words can be expanded to include all those saved up until Acts 28. If this is the case, then why didn't Paul use the term? The little flock in Lk.12:32 is determined by that context and after the parable about the rich man gathering into his barns, the Lord spoke directly to the disciples and called them a term of endearment; the little flock. It appears to me that the little flock was His disciples and no further use of that term can be found in Scripture. Yes, Paul did speak of the flock in Acts 20:28-29 as did Peter in 1Pet.5:2-3 where he referred to the Lord as the chief shepherd, see Ex.34, Zech.13:7 and. Jn.10:11.
In the end, does it matter if they were the little flock or not? The hope, the inheritance of the OT promises and prophesy were the basis of their future, up to Acts 28, whether we read the Gospels, Paul or Peter or any other Acts period writer for that matter. Once we start separating into different groups simply because different terms are used to describe them, we create problems all over the shop.
If there were different terms used, I fail to see how this meant there were multiple groups in view during Acts. Let us turn to Paul and consider his terms.
There are numerous terms of Paul used to describe the believers; the justified Jews and Gentiles of the Acts period. He refers to them as children of Abraham, sons of God, Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise, joint heirs with Christ and the Israel of God. Does this mean all these related to little sub groups? The family relationship terms used by Paul are important. Abraham was their father, The Jerusalem from above was their mother, and they were typified in Isaac as children of promise. I know you can find these references. Again, does this mean there were fragmented groups everywhere with different inheritances and hopes? No.
Romans was written late in the Acts period and Paul is emphatic regarding both the Jews and Gentiles of faith. Abraham is their father, Roms.4. They were no longer in Adam but In Christ and thus married to another, Roms.7. In 2Cor.11, Paul refers to them as chaste virgins. See how many terms exist to describe the relationships between the believers of the Acts and the Father? Yet they were all the same group of believers.
In Roms.9 Paul refers to the called believers as the remnant of prophesy; vessels of mercy.
Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Rom 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
The even us, includes Paul and he continues with this remnant term in chapter 11 Rom 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Rom 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
How can the apostle then turn around in chapter 12 and use the word body in any way shape or form to mean the church which is His Body? He doesn't. Roms.12:6 says "one body in Christ" in relationship to the supernatural gifts, which is the same in 1Cor.12. The Acts period believers were the elect remnant of prophesy.
Paul includes himself in the elect remnant of grace during Acts, and that election included the believing Jews and Gentiles and that would include Peter. The remnant was a preserving one btw, the example of Elijah significant. A nation rejecting the Lord but a remnant being faithful to Him.
There was not transition during Acts, it was never a progressive revelation or transition period. It was the earthly program postponed at Acts 28. Now, what happened to them all when the dispensational boundary happened? The Lord knows them that are His, but in Paul we find a forgetting of things behind and an embracing of the things before him and the prize of the high calling. We also find that incredible prayer in Eph.1:15-2:8. Paul wanted those to whom he had preached the earthly kingdom program to know the HOPE, which had changed. To know the inheritance, which had changed. And to know the power, which now raised them to the heavenly places.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Did Israel blaspheme the Holy Spirit by stoning Stephen?
Did Israel blaspheme the Holy Spirit by stoning Stephen?
Brian Kelson answers:
Brian Kelson answers:
Blaspheming
the Holy Spirit is not rejecting God's messengers. Blaspheming the Holy
Spirit is crediting the miraculous to Satan or his minions. See
Matt.12:24-32, Mk 3:20-30. Paul never blasphemed the Holy Spirit btw,
such claims are based upon ignorance. Israel nationally did not
blaspheme the Holy Spirit, certain individuals might've.
With
God there is no such thing as three strikes and you're out, this is a
humanist idea. Besides which, rejecting Stephen was no less than they
had done previously with his Lord and the prophets before that. If we
count the individual prophets we are way past three ROFL.
MA
has made Acts 7 more than it is, they needed to do this to prop up
their view that Paul brought in the dispensation of grace during Acts.
Thus they have to get rid of Israel nationally. This they are not able
to do from Scripture which clearly says Israel remained God's people, to
whom God was stretching forth His hands all the way to Acts 28 where
they were finally put aside for a season and the imminent return was
postponed.
Here
is the main problem. The timing of the cross. IF we have the Lord
crucified at the 69th week of Daniel 9, then there are only 7 years
left. This is so tight that some MA teachers find it necessary to add a
year. But if it was the 69th year, how could Paul write that Israel were
not cast aside many, many years later? The answer is a simple one,
Christ was not crucified at the 69th week, this is impossible.
Most eschatologists are agreed that Rome was the legs of iron in Neb.,s dream. The antimessiah does not come from Rome.
Daniel
8:8-11 clearly says the antimessiah will come from one of the
(northern) divisions of Alexander the Great's kingdom which NEVER
included Rome. So we have a huge problem. If Christ was crucified at the
69th week, then the antiChrist should have been (practically in
Jerusalem) to sign the peace treaty with Israel at the beginning of the
last week or 7 years, but there wasn't a power strong enough to take on
Rome at that time. Rome does not produce the antimessiah. So the
crucifixion was not at the 69th week.
I
think we can assume angels can do math, and Gabriel told Daniel that
Messiah would be cut off at the 62nd week. If the angel forgot to add
the 7 and we do it for him, we are giving our opinion and adding to
Scripture, but if we leave the 7 out of the 70 then the cross was the
62nd week and we have 8 weeks left or 56 years to the end.
All
the nonsense of adding a week because of the parable of Lk.13 is crazy
stuff. Adding a week to what? There is no need to add a week because
Israel were never to be cut off at the Cross, Messiah was cut off but
not for Himself. There is nothing in prophesy which says Israel would be
cut off when Christ was. As I said in the last email, Passover was the
beginning of Israel's national deliverance, not the point where they
were judged and to be cut off because they rejected God's love. Passover
is the FIRST step, not the last.
Continuing
on,,,,,,MA teaches that, instead of returning in wrath, Christ returned
in Grace, sharing the Mystery Program with Paul on the Road to
Damascus, perhaps not just then, but in the general time vicinity.
Oh
so now they are taking a literal return for Israel and exchanging it
for a non-literal return in grace? This is borderline ridiculous as
well. Did the Lord's feet didn't touch the Mount of Olives in Acts 9.
Christ
didn't return on the road to Damascus, He spoke from heaven, which was
all OT and Gospels. When we take the literal return of Christ and
adulterate it with an idea discarding the literal return, we are sure
out of line with Scripture. The Lord had spoken from heaven practically
all of Israel's history. Apart from this, Paul writes Israel were not
cast aside, the Gentiles were included according to prophesy, not the
mystery, and there to provoke Israel. Paul promote his own apostleship
to provoke Israel, what for if he is preaching the one new man creation?
Israel has no place in the new post Acts program. Christ didn't give
Paul the mystery in Acts 9, if he did, Paul kept it to himself for many
years. These MA ideas are based upon their confused view of the Acts.
The return of Christ will be visible, and very dramatic. His return is
not only in wrath, but to save all Israel. More of this shortly.
Nothing
happened at the stoning of Stephen other than the ministry moved out of
Jerusalem. The disciples had been instructed to begin their ministry
there, Lk.24:47. After Acts 7 and the rejection of the message in the
capital city, the message went into Judea, and then Samaria where Paul
began his labors, Acts 9. Nothing nationally took place at the death of
Stephen, it was the close of the witness in Jerusalem though Paul did
return there after Damascus.
The
book of Acts follows the Lord's instructions. The testimony begins in
Jerusalem, the Judea, then Samaria, then moves out to the scattered Jews
in the world. In Chapter 12 we have another death, namely James. This
terminates the testimony in Israel and the disciples are scattered
outside the land and the witness goes with them.
So
again, if God did not set Israel aside until Acts 28, which I now
believe, Praise the Lord, what was it about that particular point of
time or the particular event of the stoning of Stephen or just WHAT,
exactly, caused Christ to postpone his descent way back in Acts 7??
Now
we can see that Acts 7 is nowhere near the time frame of the last weeks
of Daniel's 70. But why didn't the Lord return? Why was it postponed?
This is a very easy question to answer.
John
the Baptist wasn't Elijah (Mal.4:5) but he could have been, how?
Matt.11:14 and 17:10-13 explains that it was dependent on Israel's
acceptance of him.
The
establishment of the Kingdom at Christ's return was dependent on
Israel's acceptance of Jesus of Nazareth as their Messiah. This is why
Christ did not return. Let us see Peter's words again;
Act
3:13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our
fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied
him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.
Act 3:14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
Act 3:15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
Act
3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong,
whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him
this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Act 3:17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
Act
3:18 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all
his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
Act 3:19
1. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,
2. when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
1. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,
2. when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
Act
3:21 Whom the heaven must receive UNTIL the times of restitution of
all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets
since the world began.
The
return of the Lord was conditional upon Israel's repentance and
conversion. Convert means to turn back for they had turned away from the
Lord. Here are the words of Moses;Deu 30:1
And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee,
the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt
call them to mind among all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath driven thee,
Deu 30:2 And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul; Deu 30:3 That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.
Deu 30:4 If any of thine be driven out unto the outmost parts of heaven, from thence will the LORD thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee:
Deu 30:5 And the LORD thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers.
Deu 30:6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
Deu 30:7 And the LORD thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee.
Deu 30:8 And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the LORD, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day.
Deu 30:2 And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul; Deu 30:3 That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.
Deu 30:4 If any of thine be driven out unto the outmost parts of heaven, from thence will the LORD thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee:
Deu 30:5 And the LORD thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers.
Deu 30:6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
Deu 30:7 And the LORD thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee.
Deu 30:8 And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the LORD, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day.
Here are the words of those who remembered this, and the prophets calling Israel to turn back to the Lord;Neh
1:7 We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the
commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou
commandedst thy servant Moses.
Neh 1:8 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:
Neh 1:9 But if
ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there
were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.
Jer
29:10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be
accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word
toward you, in causing you to return to this place.
Jer 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD,
thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jer 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Jer
29:14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away
your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from
all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will
bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away
captive.
Isa 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Isa
55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his
thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon
him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Hos 14:1 O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.
Hos 14:2 Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.
Joe 2:12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
Joe 2:13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
Joe 2:14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
Zec 1:3
Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye
unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the
LORD of hosts.
Zec
1:4 Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have
cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil
ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD.
The
Scriptures are very clear, Israel was to turn back to the Lord, THEN He
would turn back to them. Is it any wonder Paul wanted so desperately to
save his kinsmen according to the flesh. Provocation was to get Israel
to repent and turn back, which is why the great doxology of Romans
11(:34) includes Isaiah 40.
The
book of Acts is the history of God stretching forth His hands to a
disobedient and gainsaying people, but instead of changing their hearts
and turning back to God, they continued in rejection up until the last
witness in Rome to the scattered Israelites there. They like their
countrymen everywhere else remained non-committed and Paul pronounced
the judgment prophesy of Is.6 against the entire nation and they were
set aside.
So here is a summary.
Christ was never going to descend at Acts 7, there remained many years of Daniel's prophesy to run. The abomination of desolation wasn't in the Temple at Acts 7, Paul went in for a lawful service in Acts 21 which he would never have done if the antimessiah was in control of the Temple.
Christ was never going to descend at Acts 7, there remained many years of Daniel's prophesy to run. The abomination of desolation wasn't in the Temple at Acts 7, Paul went in for a lawful service in Acts 21 which he would never have done if the antimessiah was in control of the Temple.
Christ
did not postpone His descent at any time during Acts, it was the end of
the ages yes, but not the close of them. It was the last hour, but not
the end. The closing events of Matt.24 were yet to be seen, Jerusalem
was not surrounded by the armies of the antimessiah Lk.21, which again,
is not Rome. Paul could not write many years after Acts 7 that the night
was far spent if Christ was supposed to return at Acts 7. Paul would
not write to the Thessalonians that the Day of the Lord would not
overtake them as a thief if it was to have taken place in Acts 7. Acts 7
was just the rejection in the city of Jerusalem, after which the
message widened. Israel remained God's people when Romans was written.
Paul's hope was the hope of Israel which the 12 tribes also hoped to
come, Acts 26:6-7.
Christ did not return in Acts 9. He spoke from heaven as He had always done for Israel.
According
to the Lord's instructions, the witness went out in Jerusalem then
Judea first, then Samaria, then, after another martydom; James, out to
the scattered Israelites in the world. In all areas of witness, the
testimony was refused. The book of Acts covers nearly 40 years, the
number of probation. Israel failed, the Lord didn't change his mind
Candy, Israel refused to change theirs and what could have been, did not
happen.
The
bringing in of the Kingdom during Acts was conditional upon Israel's
repentance and conversion; that is turning back to the Lord, then He
would turn back to them. This they refused to do despite the incredible
confirmations accompanying the Word.
When
the Lord returns he comes in wrath and mercy. Wrath upon those who
suppressed the truth but in mercy upon others, there is only one Coming
of the Lord. Paul refers to Moses in Romans 12:19 that the believers
were not to seek vengeance, for it was the Lord's right. Paul has no
idea that the Lord was supposed to come in Acts 7 when he wrote Romans.
What does the Lord "standing" in Acts 7 really mean?
Mid Acts teaches that the Lord was seen by Stephen as "standing on the right hand of God," which according to Mid Acts teachers is a position of impending judgment, meaning the wrath of God was about to fall on Israel and the world. Is this the correct interpretation?
Brian Kelson answers:
Brian Kelson answers:
First
up, lets nail the Gospels and Acts period as to time. It was the end of
the ages, not the beginning of anything. This humungous list might seem
over the top, but how can we understand Acts 7 without setting the time
context. Here are some verses written of events during that time, before
and AFTER Acts 7;
Mat 10:23
But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for
verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel,
till the Son of man be come.
Mat
16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall
not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. (Because Trumpets also signaled the Jubilee when all property was re-distributed, that's why they sold everything and laid it at the apostles; feet in Acts, including up until Acts 7)
Mat 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. (Because Trumpets also signaled the Jubilee when all property was re-distributed, that's why they sold everything and laid it at the apostles; feet in Acts, including up until Acts 7)
Mat 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Joh 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
Act 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Act 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Act 3:20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
1Co 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
1Co 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1Co 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Co 7:29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
1Co 7:29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
1Co
7:30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that
rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they
possessed not;
1Co 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (not THEY, in the future)
1Th 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (not THEY, in the future)
1Th 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
1Th 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
1Th 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. 1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
1Th 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. 1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
1Th
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:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and
remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the
Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
2Th 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
2Th 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
2Th
1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and
that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Heb
9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the
world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away
sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Heb 10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Jas 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. .....
Jas 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
1Pe 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1Pe 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Jas 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. .....
Jas 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
1Pe 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1Pe 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night;
1Jn 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever (literally, (UNTO THE AGE).
1Jn 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever (literally, (UNTO THE AGE).
1Jn 2:18
Little children, it is the last time (hour): and as ye have heard that
antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we
know that it is the last time (hour). Jud 1:18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
Rev 1:1
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto
his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and
signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Rev 1:2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
How
exciting these passages become when we read them as they read them way
back then, in the last days, at the ends of the ages. That following
Christ obediently meant they would live forever, that is UNTO the age.
Paul said we, that is them back then including Paul, would not all die,
but would be alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord. Paul wrote
these things after Stephen's vision so Stephen's vision could not
possible imply Christ had judged Israel and put them aside, for the
Trumpet coming was one of Israel's Feasts about to be fulfilled in their
lifetime, after the vision. Paul wasn't even converted at Stephen's
vision and many years afterwards Paul wrote of the coming of the Lord TO
Israel.
The
fact that Christ was raised and at the Father's right was well known,
but only UNTIL the times of restoration. the Vision must be understood
in this context, that the Lord was only in heaven briefly, until
repentance and thus all Israel was to be saved at the (imminent) return.
Act
3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of
all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets
since the world began.
It was also recorded of the Lord back in the gospel times that He would return almost immediately;
Mat
24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be
darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall
fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
Mat
24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and
then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son
of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Mat
24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet,
and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one
end of heaven to the other. Mat 24:33 So likewise YE (not THEM in 2000 years), when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
Mat 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Mat 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
The
Lord told the 12 they would see these things and thus His words to them
were understood, even the prayer He taught them was for the ends of the
ages upon them.
Stephen
saw what the entire nation of Israel was about to see. Stephen's vision
was a vision of the Lord's coming. He saw Christ at the Father's right
hand, the sign of Matt.24.
Does James also create problems when he wrote of Christ standing;
Jas 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
Jas 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
Let us place the verse in its context again;
Jas 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
Jas 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
Jas 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
Jas 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
The
coming of the Lord in James has Christ standing. In Revelations, which
is about the coming of the Lord, this word translated standeth appears
many times, but see 3:20, 5:6, 14:1.
The fact that the Lord was standing can't mean anything other than Stephen saw Him standing in relation to His coming.
If
those who think it meant the opening of the 1st seal, they might be
correct but how does this concern us as Acts 28ers, it only establishes
our position, and certainly destroys the God has put Israel aside at
Acts 7 position. Especially since it is only tradition which puts the
book of Revelation 150 years after the NT era. If John wrote it was the
last hour, then very likely the events of Revelation were beginning to
happen, especially since Revelation contains reference to the church at
Ephesus and Laodicea. Now how can Revelation be written after the post
Acts letters of Paul? Did the Ephesians hear the kingdom message by Paul
during Acts, then the above heavenly kingdom after Acts, then go back
to the earthly kingdom message when Revelation was written, supposedly
150 years after Acts? it's a nonsense, the events of Revelation were
well known by all, including Paul who spoke of such things in 2Cor.12.
Thus
the Scriptures clarify this for us my dear friend. Stephen saw a vision
of the imminent return of the Lord. Stephen saw what all were about to
see. His eye anticipated the every eye of Ex.19:11 and here
Rev 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds (tribes) of the earth (land) shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Matt.24:30
Rev 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds (tribes) of the earth (land) shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Matt.24:30
Every
miracle and vision of the Acts period relates to the Acts period which
was the Kingdom imminent, Israel not nationally cast aside.
Oh,
and YES, Christ was coming in wrath to those who had rejected Him but
not in wrath to those who had believed into Him. They were saved from
the wrath to come, but this doesn't mean any pre-trib rapture right?
Christ prayed, Father forgive them, but Stephen prayed,
lay not this sin to their charge. But even so, this does not mean Israel
were not cast aside because of Christ's prayer or Stephen's because
Passover was the BEGINNING of Israel's national deliverance, not the
point where they were to be cut off. Passover was in Egypt when they
were taken out, not judged, only the enemy and false god's were judged
at Passover, not Israel, they were preserved by the blood. Thus the
nonsense that God gave Israel an extra year because of the parable of
Lk.13 is ridiculous. Israel was never to be cut off at Passover, no
extra year was needed.
This Mid Acts belief about Acts 7 is a problem created by ideas about it which are baseless. MA have created a heap of ideas about it which fit their position, but not the facts, IMHO.
This Mid Acts belief about Acts 7 is a problem created by ideas about it which are baseless. MA have created a heap of ideas about it which fit their position, but not the facts, IMHO.
The
fact that Stephen saw Christ standing at the right of the Father
doesn't indicate anything other than it was consistent with the visions
and supernatural of the Acts period.
There
is no position of Daniel's 70 weeks at that point, and if Christ was
standing to come back in judgment, HE DID NOT. Standing is not the
literal return of Christ. If it did mean that, it meant no more than He
was ready to dos so, BUT HE DID NOT. He will return as per Paul's Acts
period epistles. He will return to destroy the lawless one with the
brightness of His coming and that did not take place. 1Thess and 2 Thess
are very clear as to what needed to take place before His return and
they were not in position when Stephen had his vision. Neither was much
of the book of Revelation. So Christ was not going to return Acts 7, no
image in the holy place, no anti-messiah armies, do you see?
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
What is the Mystery of Romans 16:25-26?
Here's Brian Kelson's latest installment in his series on the mysteries of Romans 16 and Ephesians 3, but I'm also posting it here as a stand-alone piece as it has some interesting tidbits in it:
The distribution of the Old Testament in Paul's letter to the Romans is informative. First of all, the huge volume of the Law and prophesy confirms Paul's words spoken many years later;And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. Act 26:6-7
Rejoicing with you in the mystery of Ephesians and Colossians.
The distribution of the Old Testament in Paul's letter to the Romans is informative. First of all, the huge volume of the Law and prophesy confirms Paul's words spoken many years later;And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. Act 26:6-7
Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not
disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus,
and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and
then to the Gentiles, that they should
repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. Act 26:19-20
Having therefore obtained help of
God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none
other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That
Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that
should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the
Gentiles. Act
26:22-23
Twice in this Acts statement, Paul re-affirms it was still Jew first as
it was in Romans, but how can we escape the plain truth that Paul was saying
none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come?
This must include the mystery of Romans 16 which was written before this
statement.
The mystery of Romans 16 was kept secret, that is silent in the
Scriptures yet the Scriptures contained it; it was never hidden in God as the
Ephesians Mystery.
There is no doubt that certain things of the Old Testament scriptures
were made much clearer in the writings of the New and when we consider elements
of Paul's gospel, given him by direct instruction from the Lord, we see some
wonderful examples of this. Take this feature as a case in point. When Paul
wrote to the Galatians he mentioned this: And the scripture,
foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the
gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be
blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful
Abraham. Gal
3:8-9
The Scripture which foresaw this is part of the original sevenfold
blessing given to Abraham when called to depart out of his country, namely
Gen. 12:1-3. It is not so evident that the great truth of justification by faith
through grace upon all people is contained in that blessing but the Lord knew it
was so and revealed that truth to Paul. Paul's use of the promised seed in
Gen. 15:5 expounded to mean Christ and those of faith is another example of
truths not so evident originally but which are more fully expounded by
revelation of God, see Gal. 3:16, 29; Roms. 4:13 & amp; 16. We thus realize that
Paul spoke the truth when he said, very late in Acts, that he was saying none other things
than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come. So in what way does
the distribution of OT quotes through Romans help us determine the mystery of
chapter 16?
From Roms. 1:1 through to 4:22 there are 23 OT references.
From Roms. 4:22 through to 8:35 not one OT reference can be found.
From Roms. 8:36 to 16:27 another 47 OT references.
From Roms. 4:22 through to 8:35 not one OT reference can be found.
From Roms. 8:36 to 16:27 another 47 OT references.
It is difficult to accurately count the OT references as those who have
attempted to do so will know that Paul will combine snippets of prophesy.
Needless to say, the variance in those three sections is significant. But here
is the amazing thing, Roms. 4:22 through to 8:35 which is void of OT references
is about an OT character, Adam.
Adam is mentioned 18 times from Gen. 2:19 through to 5:5. He is next
mentioned in Deut. 32:8, Jos. 3:16, 1Chron. 1:1 and Job 31:33. These are the only
references to Adam in the Old Testament and not one of them expounds the
typology; the foreshadowing of Messiah contained in him. No wonder Paul cannot
refer to the OT in the matter of Adam in this
regard.
In the New Testament, Luke mentions Adam in the Lord's genealogy, 3:38,
Jude identifies Enoch as the 7th from Adam, 1:14, but Paul most of all writes
about Adam, Roms.5:14, 1Cor. 15:14, 22, 45, 1Tim. 2:13 and
14.
To Paul alone was given the truth that Adam was a figure of Him that was
to come. Paul alone writes that in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be
made alive. It is Paul who writes that Adam was a living soul but in wonderful
contrast, the last Adam was made a quickening spirit or a life-giving
Spirit.
Returning to Roms. 16:25-27 we remember that the preaching of Jesus Christ
according to the revelation of the
mystery kept secret since the world began had a goal in view.
A. Roms.16:25-27 to Him, power to stablish, my gospel,
ESTABLISH
preaching of Jesus Christ acc'g to revelation of mystery,
kept secret (silenced) since the world began,
but now manifested and by Scriptures of prophets,
commandment of everlasting God,
all nations for obedience of faith, OBEDIENCE
preaching of Jesus Christ acc'g to revelation of mystery,
kept secret (silenced) since the world began,
but now manifested and by Scriptures of prophets,
commandment of everlasting God,
all nations for obedience of faith, OBEDIENCE
That goal was to stablish them and bring forth the obedience of the faith
of all nations and in the section void of OT references we find two great
contrasts, the disobedience of Adam and the OBEDIENCE of Christ and the
resulting consequences.
Rejoicing with you in the mystery of Ephesians and Colossians.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Is the church today under the "New Covenant"?
Is the church today under the "New Covenant"?
A mystery saint recently asked this of Brian Kelson and this was his response with some helpful resource links:
A mystery saint recently asked this of Brian Kelson and this was his response with some helpful resource links:
"In
the matter of the New Covenant, a reading of Jeremiah 30-31 is a great
starting scripture, just let those holy words wash over you brother, and
seek the Lord's peace in understanding as you read.
You might remember my series on the New Covenant, which you can review as New Covenant Christians today on this link http://www.bibleunderstanding.
On
this link you will find articles on Covenant, in the Alphabetical
Analysis Part 1 and part 8 (check the indexes for page numbers) http://www.bibleunderstanding.
On this link http://www.charleswelch.net/Why does Romans 10:9 say confession must be made with the mouth? Is that a requirement for salvation?
Why does Romans 10:9 say confession must be made with the mouth? Is that a requirement for salvation?
Romans 10:9: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
That scripture always bothered me because it seemed to add something to the gospel. Now I understand that it's connected to the scriptures of the OT prophets and is according to Israel's prophecy:
Deuteronomy 30:14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.
That scripture is the basis for:
Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
This is the basis for:
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Salvation for the Israelite (and Gentiles who looked to be included in the kingdom on earth) was the kingdom itself, not a going to heaven hope like we have. They looked for Mount Zion and Jerusalem to be physically delivered from their enemies and for the messiah to rule.
That's why I believe now that during the Acts period, of which Romans was the last Pauline letter written before Israel was temporarily set aside, Paul was offering the kingdom and preaching the new gospel of grace that was part of the New Covenant God was offering Israel.
We're saved by the same gospel of grace but without all this kingdom prophecy stuff added in to embellish and authenticate it to his hearers. And our doctrine is found in Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Titus, Philemon, Timothy. There are only about 6 or 7 OT scriptures found in all these letters, while there are 70 in Romans alone!
There's a reason Paul's earlier epistles sound so Jewish and that's why.
Romans 10:9: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Brian Kelson's answer: In Romans verse 1 & 21, Israel remain God's people and Paul's desire is their salvation.
Rom 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
Rom 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
Rom 10:21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
In
verse 4, Christ is the object or goal of the Law as per Gals.3, and
thus the Law witnessed to the righteousness in Him as per Roms.3:20-22
(Roms.10:12). So we have this link between Israel fixated upon the Law
and the testimony of the Law against their zeal and lack of faith which
Moses speaks against in verse 5;
Rom 10:5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
Then Paul quotes Moses as per the righteousness of faith in verses 6-8 thus;
Rom
10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise,
Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring
Christ down from above:)
Rom 10:7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Rom 10:7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Notice
Moses spoke of the heart and mouth in verse 8, and Paul flows on from
this with the same words in verse 9-10 and thus the salvation by faith
through grace is all in the OT
Rom 10:9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou
shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
What
is important is that Paul is constantly quoting the Old testament
Scriptures which clearly speak of the salvation in view at that time,
that is during Acts. There is no such instruction to confess with the
mouth in the post Acts epistles. Also, confession was essential for the
restoration of those sick because of their trespasses as in James 5.
During Acts there were spirits who needed to be tested, 1Jn.4:1 and in
1Cor.12:3 only those empowered by the Spirit could say Jesus is Lord.
Romans is an Acts period epistle and is understood in that dispensation.
Now, back to Romans 10 where the OT quotes continue to pour out of the apostle;
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Rom
10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for
the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Roms.10:11
is a quote from Is.28 which he had already used back in 9:33 and where
the faith Paul is writing about is linked with Zion which appears
directly and indirectly in Romans many times. Here is Is. used by Paul
in 10:11Isa
28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a
foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure
foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Do we see how practically the entire chapter 10 of Romans is Old Testament. Look at these verses;Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. See Ps.86:5, 145:18, Is.55:6, Paul had used Is.55 back in Acts 13:34
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. See Ps.86:5, 145:18, Is.55:6, Paul had used Is.55 back in Acts 13:34
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:13 is a direct quote from Joel thus;Joe 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that
whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in
mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath
said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
Once
again Mount Zion and all those who call upon the name of the Lord shall
be delivered which is precisely what Paul says in chapter 11:25-27.
So
what gospel is it in chapter 10? Paul tells us in verse 15 which is a
quote from good old Isaiah yet again (I hope we don't see Zion again
because then it would be rather impossible to insert heavenly places as
the hope of Romans);
Rom 10:15
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and
bring glad tidings of good things!
Isa
52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that
bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings
of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
Isa
52:8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together
shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall
bring again Zion.
Isa
52:9 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of
Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed
Jerusalem.
Isa
52:10 The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the
nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our
God.
Isa 52:11 Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD. (cp 2Cor.6:17).
So Israel have not all obeyed the gospel found in the Old Testament. And even that is as per Isaiah again;
Rom 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Isa 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
Is.53
is all about the rejected Messiah who was made an offering for sin and
who would justify many and is a prophesy about Israel, not the church
which is His Body. When will mid-Acts accept that Paul's gospel in
Romans is Old Testament based and he meant what he said in Acts 26:22.
But let us finish the chapter.
Having quoted the OT so many times this is what Paul concludes;
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Faith
comes be hearing WHAT word? The Word of the Mystery hidden in God?
Impossible in this context. Paul goes on to peel things out of the OT;
Rom 10:18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
Psa 19:4
Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the
end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
Psa 19:5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
Psa 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Psa 19:8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Psa 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Psa 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Psa 19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Don't we love the reference to the Law and the Bridegroom in the Psalm? So consistent with the Acts period.
Romans 10:19-21 are direct quotes from the OT.
Roms.10:19 = Deut.32:21 (see verse 35-36 & 43 and compare Roms.12:19 [Hebs.10:30], Roms.15:10.
Roms.10:20-21 = Is.65:1-2 where Israel were stubborn but the Gentile inclusion is all prophetic.
Those who find a problem in the confession with the mouth
which may, by the grace of God lead them into a mountain of problems in
the same chapter when Romans is taught by mid-Acts as the dispensation
of the grace of God.
My own summary: That scripture always bothered me because it seemed to add something to the gospel. Now I understand that it's connected to the scriptures of the OT prophets and is according to Israel's prophecy:
Deuteronomy 30:14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.
That scripture is the basis for:
Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
This is the basis for:
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Salvation for the Israelite (and Gentiles who looked to be included in the kingdom on earth) was the kingdom itself, not a going to heaven hope like we have. They looked for Mount Zion and Jerusalem to be physically delivered from their enemies and for the messiah to rule.
That's why I believe now that during the Acts period, of which Romans was the last Pauline letter written before Israel was temporarily set aside, Paul was offering the kingdom and preaching the new gospel of grace that was part of the New Covenant God was offering Israel.
We're saved by the same gospel of grace but without all this kingdom prophecy stuff added in to embellish and authenticate it to his hearers. And our doctrine is found in Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Titus, Philemon, Timothy. There are only about 6 or 7 OT scriptures found in all these letters, while there are 70 in Romans alone!
There's a reason Paul's earlier epistles sound so Jewish and that's why.
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