KINGDOM
(PROPHECY) AND GRACE (MYSTERY) GOSPELS
One of the
greatest inaccuracies, of all Biblical suppositions is the standard practice of
dividing or designating the Bible into two sections, namely (1) the Old
Testament and (2) the New Testament.
Again we note the definition of the Greek Word “thee·ah·thee”,
which is
translated both covenant and testament, which denotes both a contract and will.
Technically
speaking, when we look at the messages of the Bible the designations Old and
New Testament or covenants could not possibly represent the entire
classifications of covenants or contracts that God made with men as He set
forth the terms of His relationship with mankind down through the ages of time.
The
covenant of the Mosaic Law (later called the old covenant or testament) was not
made until approximately 2500 years of human history had elapsed. So there was
no law covering the period from Adam to Moses because the Law was not given
until God delivered it to Moses. So
prior to the formal decrees of the Mosaic Covenant God related to mankind in a
less formal way through His moral principles.
Thus, note, the covenants of the book of Genesis, i.e., the Edenic,
Adamic, Noahic and Abrahamic, could currently be called the “Old” Testament or
Covenant, which is actually the designation of the Mosaic Law, which is the
covenant (contract) that God made with the nation Israel.
Now this
means that there is actually not one word of the Old Testament in the book of
Genesis. Indeed, Israel did not even
emerge as a nation until her deliverance from Egypt as described in the book of
Exodus. Thus she operated under the
Abrahamic covenant (contract or testament) until Moses received the Law with
its oracles and ordinances from God upon Mt Sinai. Accordingly it is only technically correct to confine the
writings of the Mosaic Covenant (contract), beginning with the documentation of
god’s directives as outlined in the writings of Exodus chapter; as the “Old”
Testament. As we
consider the term the “New Testament” or “New covenant”, we note that the terms
“old” and subsequent “new” covenant or testament originated in the prophet
contextual messages of the Prophet Jeremiah (chapter 31). These prophetic writings basically contain
the details of the implementation of the promises of the Abrahamic covenant. Thus this message defines the establishment
of eternal blessings (both natural and spiritual), given to Abraham in his
contract with God. The
promises of these blessings are further confirmed through other prophetic
messages as given to others, i.e. Moses which is defined as the Palestinian
covenant as God reiterates Israel’s permanent establishment in the promise land
as well as the eternal Kingdom on earth as given to David through the Prophet
Nathan; which prophetically speaks of the eternal rein of one (Jesus Christ)
upon David’s throne in Jerusalem. This
is further testified to by the prophetic messages of many others as God
outlined His plan in a futuristic viewing of His eternal workings as He moved
upon the Holy Prophets to write that which they did not even comprehend.
Again we note
the futuristic nature of the prophetic writings as we observe that these
prophecies all occurred in an era wherein Israel was yet under bondage and yet
under the Law or old covenant, with the implementation of these promises
scheduled for a future “day”(time). We
also note that the New Covenant or Testament which is the enactment of these
promises was not possible until the spiritual death and resurrection of Jesus
Christ, in Hebrews 9:15, the Apostle Paul states (KJV) “He is the mediator of
the new testament, “theea thee kev”
(covenant)
that by means of death, they which are called might receive the promise of
eternal inheritance. Remember, it is in
the shadow of the Cross-, as our Lord communed with His disciples, that He
said, “This cup is the new testament (covenant) in my blood which is shed for
you” (Luke 22:20). Thus, no aspect of
the New Covenant or New Testament could be effectuated until after Calvary. Historically
speaking, this means that the greater part of the four gospels records (Matthew,
Mark Luke and John), actually fall under the auspices of the Old Testament
rather than the “New Testament”. So the
ministering of the introduction of the Kingdom gospel (the kingdom is at hand)
as preached by John the Baptist and our Lord (Jesus) as well as the 12
disciples and the 70, actually occurred under the Old Covenant at that
time. It should also be noted that both
the actual Old and New Testaments though they have some universal principles or
applications that do affect us as members of the body of Christ in this grace
age, yet they were all made with and re directly applicable to the nation
Israel. So the Kingdom gospel which
details the New Covenant or New Testament simply promises that Israel will one
day conform to the obedience or conditions required of her under the Mosaic
Contract or the Old covenant or Old Testament as defined in Deuteronomy 5:1-3
and implemented in Jeremiah 31.
Thus the division of the Bible are not actually two-fold, (old and new covenants), but seven as defined by the divers dispensation of administrations of God’s policy-dealings with mankind doing the ages. So the Bible should be divided as outlined according to dispensations and covenants as outlined in the appended charts entitled:
1.
Dispensations
and Covenants
2.
Dispensational
Arrangement of the Books of the Bible
As
we view the above information, we note that the most important division in the
bible is between the dispensations of the Kingdom (millennium) age or Kingdom
gospel as defined by the New covenant or New Testament proclaimed prophecy as
it is distinguished from the grace (church age) or gospels as defined by the
Mystery that was revealed to the Apostle Paul. The basic
difference is that the domain of one message, i.e. (Kingdom) is confined to the
earth thus it entails eternal earthly blessings whereas the domain of the other
is unconfined s it entails eternal spiritual blessings that are heavenly. In other words the elect of the Kingdom are
the recipients of the eternal earthly Kingdom promise, while the elect of the
grace age are members of the body of Christ and thus the recipients of eternal
heavenly spiritual promises.
Now it is
a very striking fact that the actual opening words of the Bible as recorded in
Genesis 1:1 reads, “In the beginning God created the heavens and earth”. Then the focus shifts immediately to God’s
purpose concerning the earth, which is quite distinct and different from His
purpose concerning the heaven(s). Again we observe that the Lord’s purpose
concerning the earth and the rein of Jesus Christ upon it, is the subject or
context of the prophetic messages of the Kingdom Gospel as proclaimed by the
prophets. It was introduced by John the Baptist and then preached and taught by
our Lord Jesus and his disciples as recorded in the Synoptic Gospel (Matthew
Mark Luke) as well as the gospel of John.
Thus the context of all that is conveyed in this gospel (kingdom) is
relegated to the blessings (both spiritual and naturally) of the earth. The first seven chapter of the book of Acts
deals specifically with the offering of this kingdom on earth to Israel as it
was officially offered on the day of Pentecost, recorded in the Kingdom Apostle
Peter’s sermons of Acts chapter two and three.
The
Grace Gospel Church Ministry officially states our doctrinal belief and
position that the Kingdom Gospel is neither our gospel nor the gospel for the
Church in this present dispensational age of grace. Now this statement, when taken out of context seems to be stating
that the writings of the Old Testament (Genesis and Malaki) and that which is
arranged prior to the emergence of the Apostle Paul (Matthew, Mark Luke, John
and Acts 1:8) is irrelevant to the elect of this age. But this is not the intent of our statement, neither is it our
belief.
As we
consider God’s message (the Kingdom) in the Synoptic Gospels and the first
seven chapters of Acts, we note that it is parallel to the message of the
implementation of the New Covenant as it is obvious that this Kingdom will
operate on the basis of strictly enforced laws or principles that are written
on the hearts of those who are subjects in this future dispensation. Here we observe again that all the truth
that is pertaining to this Kingdom has been given to the nation Israel and its
establishment is initiated only after
Israel receives her Messiah. Thus its
enactment is still in the future.
Accordingly, while the truth regarding the Kingdom is factual and inert
it is not written as a directive nor is it intended to serve as a guideline to
those who abide in this age of grace.
Now as we
scan these foregoing messages of the Bible prior to the revelation given to the
Apostle Paul, we believe that they have not been directly addressed to us as
members of the body of Christ, the Church in this grace age. To briefly place into perspective what is
addressed for us but not
specifically to us, we again note first that which was spoken to Adam and Eve
(Genesis 2:16-17). Second the Bible
records that which was spoken to Noah (Genesis 6:14; 7:4). Third, there is an account of God’s covenant
with Abraham through the promises that were spoken to him (Genesis
12:1-3). Fourth we observed the
documentation of how God delivered and administered the Mosaic Law (Exodus
19:3-20; 20). Fifth, we have the record
of Jesus’ ministry in the Synoptic Gospels and the Holy Spirit’s ministry of
the Kingdom message in the first eight chapters of the book of Acts.
Thus,
having positively affirmed that these aforementioned portions of the Bible have
not been addressed or written to believers under the dispensation of grace, we
absolutely acknowledge that God has placed these messages in His inspired,
infallible and inerrant word, for
the encouragement of our hope. In
Paul’s epistle to the Romans (Romans 15:4), he states, (from the Greek Text),
“For as much as was previously written, it was written for our teaching, in
order that through the patience and through the comfort of the scriptures we
might have hope”. Here the
Greek phrase “o·sah gahr pro·ehgrahphee”,
rendered
“for as much as was previously written”, refers to all that had been written
prior to the revealed message to the Apostle Paul. In
explaining the reason why these things were written in the Bible Paul states, “ees eemehtehron
theethahskahleeas”, rendered “for our teaching” or unto the end of our
“instruction and information”. Notice
that these writings or messages conveyed their primary purpose to their
addresses in their respective eras, thus our main focus in observing them is
limited to the purpose so stated, i.e. that is, it was “for our teaching”. So
for our sakes, they are included in the Bible, that through the “ee·po·mo·nees”,
rendered “patience” or “endurance” and the “pah·rah·keh·lee·seh·os”,
rendered
“comfort” or “encouragement” of the scriptures we might have hope. Here the
thought is that reading the scriptures (messages), which were written prior to
Paul’s message (Mystery Truth); would incite us to greater endurance and
encouragement resulting in a strengthened hope.
So in
order for God’s elect of this dispensation to understand His message and
purpose for us, we must draw a distinctive line of demarcation between the two
most important messages in the Bible, namely the difference between the Kingdom
gospel, which is manifested through the revelation of the Mystery, which was
given to the Apostle Paul. Now the key
to understanding the difference between the two gospels (Kingdom and Grace) is a
follows:
(1). God’s eternal purpose concerning the earth
and Jesus Christ’s millennium and everlasting rein upon it, is the subject of
prophecy, which has been placed on hold and is the future gospel of the
Kingdom. It is identified in the
Synoptic Gospels, as introduced by John the Baptist, preached by Jesus and his
disciples, and offered to Israel by Peter and the other Kingdom Apostles on the
day of Pentecost as documented in the early chapters of the book of Acts.
The root
of this Kingdom message (gospel) is found in the Prophetic Covenants
(Palestine, Davidic, and New) of the Old Testament, which was prophesied or
proclaimed by the Prophets of the Old Testament (Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc). Again we note that this gospel was rejected
by Israel and is presently placed on hold and thus should not be preached as
though its principles are implemental in this age of grace.
(2) God’s
eternal purpose concerning the Heavens and our glorified bodily abode in Him,
i.e. in Christ; is the subject of the “the Mystery” or “Mystery Truth”,
which is the present gospel for the dispensation of grace as documented in the
14 Epistles written by Paul (Romans through Hebrews). The Apostle Paul identifies this message as “the gospel of the
grace of God” (Acts 20:24), “my gospel” (II Corinthians 4:3; I Thessalonians
1:5; II Thessalonians 2:14). Now the
root of this grace message (gospel) is traceable exclusively to the eternal
body of Christ, which was kept secret by God and unknown to all creatures, both
men and angels (I Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 3:5,9; Colossians 1:26), until it
was made known by revelation to the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 1:9;3:3-5;
Colossians 1:27). The administration
(dispensation) of this grace message was committed to the present day Church by
the authoritative epistles written by Paul and other epistles, which are in
alignment with his writings. The grace
dispensation was committed to Paul (I Corinthians 9:17), who was the Apostle
primarily to the Gentiles (Acts 18:6; Romans 11:13;15:16; II Timothy
1:11). Thus the gospel of grace is distinguishable
in that is it is offered to the Gentiles as well as Jews (Romans 3:29;
11:11,13; II Timothy 1:11). Also, the
uniqueness of the body of Christ is that it is comprised of both Jews and
Gentiles (I Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:13,14,16; Colossians
3:11).
Lastly if
we are true ministers who are led by the Spirit of God, we will acknowledge
that Paul’s gospel (Mystery Truth) is the commandment of God for this
dispensation (I Corinthians 14:37).
Thus we are instructed not to preach any other gospel in this present
dispensation (including Kingdom) (Galatians 1:6-8; I Timothy 1:3;6:3).
It is
certainly proper to maintain that when one teaches from the Bible he is
teaching the truth in general. The
basic principle of the Bible contents is truth; no account of any action or
event recorded therein should ever be doubted or disputed. However, in order to obtain proper
instructions, we as students of the word must be able to distinguish the principles
that are applicable to us (the elect) in the grace age.
The Grace
Gospel Church Ministry, without a doubt defends the absolute truth of all
principles of the Bible, as we have complete confidence that it is the
infallible word of God. But we
distinguish the principles of truth found in the epistles of Paul as the
primary instructions and directions for the Church in the dispensation of grace
(Ephesians 3:3-9).
There are
those who are determined to formulate doctrinal teaching and direction for
God’s elect in this dispensation, outside the boundaries of the epistles of
Paul. They assert that the book of Acts
establishes and charts the course and direction for the Church, choosing to
ignore the fact that Paul’s truth is distinct and different from that given in
the Kingdom message. They also assert
that Paul’s writings are not more significant than those found in the other New
Testament epistles.
The value
rating of the non-Pauline epistles and of John’s writings must be determined by
their alignment to truth for the Church as recorded in Paul’s epistles. Note that none of the writers boldly affirm,
like Paul does, that they have been given a special revelation of truth for the
Church, the body of Christ (Galatians 1:12; Ephesians 3:3-9).
The Grace
Gospel Church Ministry believes that as these epistles and the writings of John
align with the distinct revelation of truth for the Church and to the extent
that they are saying the same thing as the Holy Spirit is saying through Paul;
they are to be diligently studied and mastered by all members of the body of
Christ. However, the main focus is and
must remain on the “Mystery”, i.e. the grace of God as revealed to the Apostle
Paul. Those who follow this course of
“rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15) will avert the confusion
that is encountered by many when they are attempting to understand the Bible.