Distinguishing the Gospel Messages
Growing in Grace Ministry
If one is to properly understand the Bible, it cannot not merely be read in the same manner in which one would read a novel, turning from page to page, chapter to chapter. Rather, the key to understanding the bible is through the workings of the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians 2:10-12) and hermeneutics (study of scripture). This is the design by which God has intended true interpretation of His Word to be obtained (2 Tim 2:15). Therefore, we must endeavor to present ourselves approved to God, an unashamed worker, cutting straight the word of truth. To cut straight or rightly divide is to recognize the divisions that God himself placed in the Bible. Popular beliefs dictate it to be divided into only two sections, namely the Old and New Testament; this is where the line of demarcation has been drawn. Utilizing the Bible as its own standard, let us examine this principle. God does not change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8), however His program for man to follow does, as does His relationship with them. Note the fact that God's dealings with mankind have not followed a uniform pattern. Both His human agents (His stewards) and His mode of operation have changed. These changes are known as dispensational or administrational changes.
Dispensation is derived from the Greek word oikonomia (oy-kon-om-ee'-ah); meaning an administration (of a household or estate); to dispense or administer an economy, administration or house rule. Thus, a dispensation is a particular program or set of operating instructions that God has dispensed for the governing of man during a period of time. A dispensation is not the time period, however covers a period of time. The issue is the policy, program, or instructions, not time, for time is the increment of space created by God for the implementation of His will and purpose. Although, this term dispensation is found primarily in the writings of the apostle Paul, used 4 times: 1 Corinthians 9:17; Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 3:2; Colossians 1:26. This principle transcends throughout the entire bible, for it recognizes the different administrations that God has placed in the bible. Each of these administrations is governed by a specific covenant. A covenant is a pledge, alliance, contract or agreement between two or more parties. There are two types of covenants between God and man:
1. Unilateral or unconditional meaning all obligations are the sole responsibility of God; no responsibility is placed upon mankind to effectuate the covenant.
2. Bilateral or conditional, meaning mankind is required to do certain things in order to effectuate the covenant.
See Dispensations and Covenant chart
In each of the dispensations, God dealt with a specific group of people. He made many promises throughout the Bible and despite what many teach, these promises were not designed like a menu at a restaurant and the bible was not given so that we could make our selections. God has already established the recipients of His promises. Some promises are exclusive to Israel and some only for the Body of Christ Every promise belongs to someone; however, no one can claim them all, as some mistakenly believe. Right division allows one to know whose promise is whose.
The central theme of scripture from Genesis through Revelation unfolds the redemptive plan of salvation, granted through the sacrificial blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. God has revealed this plan through progressive revelation and although a glimpse of Calvary was given in the writings of the prophets of the Old Testament, the full ramification of what Christ accomplished on the cross was not revealed until the writings of the Apostle Paul. The coming of Jesus Christ had been prophesized for hundreds of years, having been recorded in numerous writings in the Old Testament scripture (Luke 24:44).
God ordained 2 distinct gospel messages to reveal His Son.
Let us look at the term gospel, it is the rendering of the Greek word, euaggelion (yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on) and denotes a good message. The term gospel implies a good message, which is intended and addressed to someone in particular. This means, it is important to note not only the information contained in the message, but also for whom is the message intended. To put it simply ‘if the message is not yours it is like reading someone else’s mail”. Growing in Grace Ministry believes that the entire Bible is for us (information), but not all of it is (applicable) to us. We believe the Bible contains the wonderful message of the redeemer, who was promised in scripture as far back as the Garden of Eden, shortly after Adam and Eve sinned (Gen 3:15). We believe that Jesus Christ has been revealed through two distinct gospel messages, the preaching of Jesus Christ according to Prophecy is the message pertaining to Israel (Acts 3:12-26) and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the Mystery, pertains to the Body of Christ (Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-12).Prophecy and the Mystery, each having a different recipient.
PROPHECY
What is the gospel message of Prophecy? The message is to Israel and in relationship to an eternal literal earthly kingdom (the kingdom of heaven) with Christ as the reigning King and Israel as the ruling nation. The word prophecy comes from the Greek word propheteia (prof-ay-ti'-ah); and is rendered a prediction or to foretell. A more accurate analogy of prophecy is history recorded prior to its occurrence. When one considers the essence of history, (because it has already occurred) it is absolute, there is neither possibility of an error nor any deviation in it. God is sovereign; therefore, any thing He declares to occur will most certainly occur.
Isaiah 46:10
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: KJV
God’s program/agenda for Israel was revealed unto the prophets and recorded in scriptures in great detail, hundreds of years before the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Israel the elect nation of God was established after Abraham was called out from the heathens (Gentile nation). God promised to bless him and his seed. He also promised that all the nations of the world would be blessed through him (Gen 12:3). The sign of circumcision was given unto them as a covenant and a sign of special identification. Thus, all others are referred to as the uncircumcision (Gentiles). In the Prophetic/Kingdom program/agenda Israel is nigh unto God and Gentiles are far-off without provisions unless they are identified with Israel. The entire calendar of events for the prophetic program is recorded in the 70 weeks of Daniel.
MYSTERY
From the Greek word musterion (moos-tay'-ree-on); denotes something that is not known, a secret until it is revealed.
Thus, the Mystery is the body of truth completely unknown until it was revealed by Jesus Christ to the Apostle Paul (Gal 1:11-12). The gospel message of the Mystery entails the gospel or good news that is relevant to the Body of Christ. An organism made up of both Jew and Gentile, having the glorified Christ as the head. Their earnest expectation is to reign with Christ in the heavenlies, not the earth (Eph 1:3). The message is the eternal plan of God that was hidden since the world began but now has been revealed unto the body of Christ in accordance with His plan and purpose (Romans 16:25; Col 1:26-27; Eph 1:9;3:9). It contains:
See Terms of Grace for more information about the Mystery.
The apostle Paul was given a new revelation that was completely kept hid, until the Lord Jesus Himself made it known unto him. There is not a trace of information regarding the Body of Christ, except in the Pauline epistles (Romans-Philemon). Christ’s death, burial and resurrection was described in the Prophetic program, however what the cross actually accomplished was not made known until the Mystery.
The Pauline epistles reveal 4 basic distinctions made of mankind in scriptures:
Paul received the unique revelation of God's eternal plan for man from eternity through time and back into eternity. Whereas, the other Old and New Testament writers were only given small glimpses of the workings of God, which they were inspired to record in the Bible.
The bible should be studied on a time line divided into 3 classifications, the past, present and future. Some commandments/ordinances were applicable in the past, but are not any longer. There are some ordinances in effect presently, which were not in effect in the past nor will be in the future, as well as some futuristic ordinances, that are not currently relevant. Thus, it is important that we understand, where these changes occur.
In Ephesians chapter 2, the Apostle Paul sets forth the basic three-fold division in God’s dealings with man throughout time.
The 3-fold division is
1. Times past (Past) Ephesians 2:11-12.
Biblically, this period is found in the following books: Genesis thru Mid Acts.
Characterized by:
A. 2-groups Circumcision (Israel) and Un-circumcision (Gentiles)
B. Gentiles strangers from covenants or promises
C. Israel had hope. Gentiles without hope or Christ in the world
D. Middle wall of partition up, Israel on the inside. Gentiles
on the outside without God.
E. Gentiles known as dogs. (Gen 15:22-27)
F. Jesus revealed through the prophets. (Luke 24:44)
G. Israel blinded, rejection of Christ as their Messiah (Acts 3:13-
18; 17:51-52)
2. But Now (Present) Ephesians 2:13-19
Biblically, this period is found in the following book's Romans thru Philemon.
Characterized by:
A. Middle wall of partition between Gentile and Israel is down. No distinction between the 2 groups.
B. Body of Christ is now made manifest, new body made up of the elect of both Jew and Gentile.
C. Elect Gentiles are no more strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and belonging to the household of God.
D. Jesus Christ made manifest according to the Mystery.
E. Reconciliation unto God through the cross, enmity removed.
F. Israel remains blinded. (Romans 11:7-12)
Ages to Come (Future) Ephesians 2:7
Biblically, this period is found in the following books: Hebrews thru Revelations.
Characterized by:
A. Begins after the rapture of the Body of Christ, eternal reign with Jesus throughout the ages to come.(1Thess 4:17)
B. Middle wall of partition back up again between Israel and Gentiles.
C. Tribulation period ushered in, God’s wrath poured out.
D. Israel accepts their Messiah, Gentiles blessed through them
E. Prophecy program resumes, all of the prophecies will be fulfilled, culminating with the second coming of Christ. The goal of the prophetic program, will be fulfilled, the set up of Israel’s earthly kingdom with Christ as their King.
See the chart
Bible on a 3-Fold Time Line (click here)
The Bible contains seven dispensations, five of which have already passed, Innocence, Conscience, Human Government, Promise and Law. Currently we are in the dispensation of Grace and there is one more to follow, the kingdom dispensation. The bible also speaks of a final dispensation Ephesians 1:10, the dispensation of the fullness of times. It is the grand finale dispensation, the culmination of God’s revealed purpose to sum up all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth in Him.
It is our prayer that this article has been beneficial in demonstrating the misconception of the bible containing only one gospel message. Because, understanding that God has established different administrations, with different contracts/covenants governing different groups of people will eliminate any illusions of contradiction that many believe the Bible to have. Here is an example:
Matthew 5:18-19 reads:
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven
However, the bible also says:
Rom 6:14
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
One scripture says, do not break the law, another says you are not under the law, but under grace. Is this a contradiction? The answer is no, because this passage is addressed to two different groups of people,. The principle of right division and dispensations covers this issue.
Many refer to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as “the gospels”. These books contain a good message indeed, for they record accounts of the earthly ministry of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, especially His death, burial and resurrection. These books are actually addressed to Israel, so that would make this the message/gospel of Prophecy. Before you say, they were intended for everyone, let us examine what the Word of God teaches in regards to this matter. In the 10th chapter of Matthew, note the authority given by the Lord unto His twelve kingdom apostles (apostolos (ap-os'-tol-os); a delegate; one who is sent forth with a special message or commission.
Matt 10:5-7
5. These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. (KJV)
The instructions were to “go forth preaching the gospel;” the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. However, there was a stipulation; these apostles were commissioned to go only unto Israel, not the Gentiles nor the Samaritans (Matt 10:5-7). This was Israel’s gospel only. Thus, this was in the era of Times Past, where there was a division between Israel and the Gentiles. Note Samaritans were half-Jewish and not included in the blessings of Israel.
It was God who ordained all things in eternity, before the foundation of the world and the creation of time. Time being an increment of space created by God for the express purpose of implementing His will and plan. His will was established in eternity and all things work according to the counsel of it. (Ephesians 1:11).
With this principle in mind, know that God not only designed the message, but also designated to whom it is addressed and who would receive it. Taking instructions and attempting to apply them to someone, other than to who it is intended will lead to errors and misunderstanding of the Word of God. It is through the special revelation given unto Paul that we are able to distinguish what belongs in the past, what is current and what will be in the future. God established two revelations to disclose His plan. Note the differences in Prophecy and Mystery in the Bible.
(click here) Chart Distinguishing the Gospels
The New Testament uses the term gospel over 100 times; it is of the utmost importance that one note to whom the gospel message is addressing. There is a vast difference between the Prophetic/Kingdom and Grace/Mystery program/agenda.
When studying the Bible one must ask the following questions:
1. Who wrote the scripture?
In times past God spoke to the people through the prophets and they spoke primarily to Israel. The 12 kingdom apostles of Jesus including Peter were commissioned unto Israel, whereas Paul was the apostle (sent one) specifically commissioned unto the Gentiles.
Galatians chapter 2 bears out the distinguishing of the two distinct commissions.
Gal 2:7-8
7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) (KJV)
From the Greek text:
But on the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision even as Peter with the gospel of the circumcision for he who energized in Peter unto the apostleship to the circumcision also energized me unto the Gentiles.
These verses are clear to differentiate between what was given unto Peter versus what was given unto Paul. Note that these verses do not state gospel to the circumcision or gospel to the uncircumcision, but rather the gospel of the circumcision and the gospel of the uncircumcision. The word “of” denotes possession (genitive case). Thus, there was one gospel belonging to the circumcision (Israel) and another belonging to (the uncircumcision) Gentiles. It was not the same gospel/message, which was merely intended to be taken to two different groups of people.
Note that Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles (Rom 11:13). Specially commissioned with the Mystery gospel (Eph 3). Peter was an apostle commissioned by Christ to take the Kingdom message to Israel (Acts 2-3). Not only is it important to note who wrote the scripture but also:
2. To whom was it written?
It should be clear that the majority of the OT scripture is written to Israel. Beginning with Exodus, one only has to read the first couple of verses of each book to verify this. The synoptic gospels of the NT are also clearly unto Israel. The problem arises when some insist upon classifying themselves as spiritual Israel. Careful study of scripture will verify the error of this idea, for there is no verse present in the Word of God to support this concept.
Beginning in Romans through Philemon, the apostle Paul identifies himself as the author of these epistles. In these writings, he identifies himself as the one sent unto the Gentiles (Rom 11:13 with the special message for the dispensation of the grace of God; the Mystery (Eph 3:1-6) The message for the Body of Christ.
Hebrews (should be clear to whom this book is written) Hebrew refers to the 12 tribes of Israel. The first verse of James is also a give away (to the 12 tribes scattered abroad) that this is also unto Israel.
Peter and John were of the original kingdom apostles. Jude the brother of James also has the kingdom message. Finally, Revelation is the prophetic book of Daniel fulfilled. Since we know that prophecy is unto Israel, this message is for Israel.
Bible study must also take into consideration:
3. What was said? In other words, what is the context or message being presented in the passage?
4. Finally, when was it written? If the middle wall of partition is up, with Israel on the inside and Gentiles on the outside, then the message is prophetic. Middle wall down with no distinction between Jew and Gentile, the message is the Mystery or But Now. When the middle wall is up again Ages to Come, focus returns to Israel.
In conclusion, the Bible is the revelation of God’s dealings with mankind. Genesis through Revelation unfolds the redemptive plan of salvation, granted through the sacrificial blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. God has revealed this plan through progressive revelation, for although we were given a glimpse of the cross work in the writings of the prophets of the Old Testament, through types and shadows, the full ramification of what Christ accomplished on our behalf was not revealed until the writings of the Apostle Paul. It is through the special revelation given unto him, that we are able to distinguish what belongs in the past, what is current and what will be in the future. The entire bible is for us (2 Timothy 3:16), however only a portion (the epistles of Paul Romans-Philemon) is written and relevant to us (the body of Christ today). The wonderful message of Jesus Christ was made manifest through two distinct gospels. The preaching of Jesus Christ revealed through the prophets was according to Prophecy and pertains to Israel (Acts3:12-26). Whereas, the preaching of Jesus Christ revealed to apostle Paul was according to the Mystery, and pertains to the Body of Christ (Romans 16:25; Galatians 2:7-9). In order to distinguish which message is addressed to you, one must rightly divide or cut straight the Word of God.