Yearly Archives: 1935

Part 4: Gleanings From the Book of Acts

Posted on by Pastor J. C. O'Hair

“WITNESS UNTO ME BOTH IN JERUSALEM, AND IN ALL JUDEA, AND IN SAMARIA, AND UNTO THE UTTERMOST PART OF THE EARTH.” Acts 1:8

“I SAY THEN, HAVE THEY STUMBLED THAT THEY SHOULD FALL? GOD FORBID; BUT RATHER THROUGH THEIR FALL SALVATION IS COME UNTO THE GENTILES FOR TO PROVOKE THEM TO JEALOUSY.” Romans 11:11.

This Greek word translated “earth” is translated in Acts 7:3 and in 40 other Scriptures, “land”. Therefore, there are some Bible expositors who translate the Greek in Acts 1:8; “unto the uttermost limits of the land”, referring to the land of the Jews. We might agree that it is possible that such a translation was intended by the Holy Spirit, but then we might add that it is not probable.

One reason why these “expositors” have changed the reading from that in the authorized version, is because it is stated in Acts 8:1, that the twelve apostles remained in Jerusalem, and in all of the twenty-eight chapters of Acts there is no record that any of the Twelve preached beyond the limits of Israel’s land. In Peter’s Epistle, written after the “Acts” period, he had been in Babylon.

The Lord Jesus appeared in a vision to Saul of Tarsus in the Jerusalem temple and told him to get out of Jerusalem and to go far hence to the Gentiles. Acts 22:17 and 21. As we travel with Paul in the Book of Acts, we learn that as he journeyed through Asia Minor, Asia, Europe and the Islands, that his custom was to go first into the synagogues of the Jews and testify that Jesus was Messiah. Acts 13:26 to 30; Acts 17:3 and Acts 18:5. And then he would turn to the Gentiles. Acts 13:46 and Acts 18:6.

We must not be too dogmatic in our conclusions when our proof is by the silences in the Scriptures concerning certain facts; but we must admit that it seems rather significant that the first and only Gentile to receive a kingdom blessing from Jesus on earth was a Roman official, that the first and only Gentile (with his household) to receive a message of salvation from the twelve apostles was a Roman official (Cornelius), and that the first Gentile to receive a message of salvation from Paul on his first missionary journey, was a Roman official, (Sergius Paulus). Acts 13:6 to 12.

We recently offered to our radio hearers a book, as a reward for the correct Scriptural answer to this question “Who was the first Gentile to whom salvation came to provoke Israel to jealousy?” This fact is declared by Paul, in Romans 11:11, about 60 A.D., or about 33 years after Christ died and told the Eleven to “disciple all nations”. Matthew 28:19 and 20. Here is the statement: “Salvation is come unto the Gentiles to provoke them (Israel) to jealousy.” Perhaps, in the light of the Great Commission, we have thought and questioned, and still are uncertain, as to why it is stated that Paul turned to the Gentiles because of Israel’s attitude toward his testimony concerning the resurrected Christ, or that salvation was sent to the Gentiles to provoke jealousy. Perhaps we have tried to reconcile Paul’s declaration in Acts 13:46 with the words of Jesus in Matthew 23:33 to 39. Why was it necessarily to Israel first when the Lord Jesus called them serpents and vipers and said “your house is left unto you desolate”? There is not the slightest suggestion, or hint, that provoking Israel to jealousy was in the mind of the Lord when He commissioned His apostles to disciple all nations. Nor will there be jealousy with Israel when that Great Commission is carried out in the age to come, when the Gospel of the Kingdom will again be the King’s message.

Well, it was interesting to read the different responses as to the Gentiles to whom salvation was sent to provoke Israel to jealousy. Some, of course, think that the woman at the well was a Gentile, and that the sinners of her village whom she brought to Jesus were Gentiles. But Matthew 10:5 teaches us that there was a difference between Gentiles and Samaritans and the woman’s statements in John 4:12, John 4:20 and John 4:25, should convince any student of the Word that she was not a Gentile. Others think the Syrophoenician woman of Matthew 15:21 to 28 is the correct answer. Where does it say she was saved? Where is the Scriptural proof that any Gentile was saved while the Lord Jesus was on earth? If a Gentile had been saved while Jesus of Nazareth was witnessing to Israel, under the law, as the Minister of the circumcision, would that saved Gentile have become a member of the Body of Christ, or a proselyte, that is, a Jew by religion? Acts 2:22. Romans 15:8. Galatians 4:4. Remember, Jesus and His Twelve were under the law, obedient to the faith and practice of the true Jewish religion, while He was on earth. Luke 2:21 to 24. Luke 4:16. John 7:10. Luke 22:7 and 8. Let us be careful of what we mean when we speak of following Jesus.

If the Roman centurion, of Luke 7:1 to 8 and Matthew 8:1 to 12, was saved, he did not receive salvation to provoke Israel to jealousy. He received the answer to his petition and response to his great faith, by the intercession of Israel. Luke 7:3 to 5. Israel helped him to secure the blessing.

Others said that the message of Peter and the Eleven on the day of Pentecost was for both Israel and the Gentiles, because Peter declared, “this promise is unto you, and to all that are afar off.” Acts 2:39. There are several reasons why this answer is Scripturally incorrect. One reason is, if we are included in the “afar off” Gentiles, the promise has not been fulfilled, and moreover no true messenger of the Lord preaches to Gentiles, or Jews, today, Acts 2:38, as God’s message of salvation. It is inconceivable that Peter had the Gentiles in mind in 33 A.D. when he specifically declared, in 40 A.D., that it was unlawful for him to come to a Gentile. Acts 10:28. It was after that vision of Peter, recorded in Acts 10:1 to 28, that we hear the words of the apostles rejoicing over God’s acceptance of the Gentiles. Acts 11:18. All that Peter and the Eleven were preaching was in fulfillment of Israel’s prophecies. Acts 1:16; Acts 2:16; Acts 2:30; Acts 3:21 and 24; Acts 10: 43; Acts 15:13 to 17. The “afar off” Israelites of Acts 2:39 are the “afar off” Israelites of Daniel 9:7. They were not Gentiles.

We do greatly err when we open the door of salvation for the Gentiles before God opened that door. In Acts 15:7 we have the record as to when God opened a door in the land of the Jews, by Peter’s mouth; and in Acts 14:27 we have the record as to when God opened the door for Gentiles by Barnabas and Saul. Now the details concerning the first open door are given in Acts 10:1 to 47; and the door opened by Paul in Acts 13:6 to Acts 14:1.

This should convince us that the Scriptures mean exactly what they say in Acts 11:19. “preaching the Word to none but Jews only.” This should be the final word that the Ethiopian eunuch was a Jew by religion. This should convince us that the people in the city of Samaria, to whom Philip preached, were not Gentiles. Acts 8:5 to 17. Here is an important suggestion All Scripture should be studied as to whether it applied, as to time, before or after the statement of Acts 14:27.

Of course, the greatest number of guesses was, that Cornelius was the first Gentile to whom salvation was sent to provoke Israel to jealousy. But is that answer Scripturally correct? From the Record it seems that he and his household were the first Gentiles to whom any one of the Twelve preached and also the last Gentile, so far as we can learn by reading the Book of Acts. But it did not provoke Israel to jealousy after Peter had explained that Cornelius acknowledged that Israel had the only true God, the only true religion, that Cornelius feared God, prayed to Him, stood well with Israel, and gave alms to Israel. Acts 10:1 to 3; Acts 10:22. Peter preached to Cornelius the Word which God sent to Israel. Acts 10:36. Peter declared, in the name of Israel’s God, that Cornelius would be accepted because he feared God and worked righteousness. Acts 10:34. Doubtless Cornelius was an uncircumcised proselyte. It was Israel’s prophets who foretold this salvation through Israel’s Messiah. Acts 10:43. And the Israelites rejoiced over the salvation of Cornelius. Acts 11:18.

It is well to remember that Peter with the Eleven had the keys to the kingdom of heaven, that the Twelve are yet to judge the Twelve Tribes of Israel; and that the Twelve Apostles and the Twelve Tribes are linked together in the New Jerusalem. Matthew 16:16 to 18; Matthew 19:28; Revelation 21:12 to 14.

THE TWELVE AND PAUL

Does it not seem somewhat inconsistent that our Premillenarian Bible teachers so vigorously protest against confusing Israel with the Church and yet most of them teach that Paul carried right on with the Twelve, working under the commission of Matthew 28:19 and 20 the keys of the kingdom of because of the number “twelve” and because Matthias had to be chosen in fulfillment of Scripture to maintain the “twelve”, because the twelve apostles kept together in Israel’s land until Cornelius was saved, and because thereafter it was ordered by the Holy Spirit that the Twelve, represented by the pillars, were to go to Israel with Israel’s Gospel and turn over to Paul the responsibility of going to the Gentiles with different messages which he received in different revelations from the risen Christ. Galatians 2:7 to 9; Galatians 1:11 to 17; Ephesians 3:1 to 11; Colossians 1:24 to 28; II Timothy 1:9 to 11; I Timothy 2:5 to 7.

In Acts 15:7 we have recorded the words of Peter, that God chose him to represent the Twelve in preaching to the Gentiles. And now, you and I have some questions in our minds. How do we reconcile Acts 15:7 with Galatians 2:9; that Peter was God’s choice to preach to the Gentiles and yet he was to confine his preaching to Israel? What need was there for Paul, if Peter was God’s choice for the Gentiles and if Peter continued preaching to Gentiles and Paul perpetuated the ministry and message of the Twelve under the Great Commission? Think prayerfully and diligently in your attempt to answer this question. Where will Paul be when the Twelve shall sit on twelve thrones with the Son of man judging the Twelve Tribes of Israel? Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30. Why was it that Israel accepted Peter’s explanation as to why he preached to the Gentiles and when Paul gave his authority for going to them they wanted to tear him to pieces? Acts 11:1 to 18; Acts 22:21 to 30. If Paul was acting under the general instructions of Matthew 28:19 and 20, why did he need a special revelation to preach a different message to the heathen, and why did he declare that Gentiles obtained mercy through Israel’s unbelief? Galatians 1:11 to 18; Romans 11:30. and why Acts 13:46 and Acts 18:6 and Acts 28:28? Good why’s, answer them.

If we will carefully, prayerfully, spiritually and studiously compare Acts 13:46; Acts 18:6; Acts 28:25 to 28, with Galatians 1:11 to 18; Romans 11:11; Romans 11:30 and Ephesians 3:8 and 9, we shall certainly be persuaded that the Apostle Paul had a ministry of revelation, as well as a ministry of confirmation; that he had a ministry which more than supplemented the ministry of the Twelve, one that superseded that ministry. In order that we might understand Paul’s ministry during the “Acts” period, we must understand his two-fold program as declared by him in I Corinthians 9:20 to 22, “as one under the law” and “as one not under the law”.

Quite a number of our radio friends wrote in that in the Thirteenth of Acts we find the first Divine Record of Gentiles being saved to provoke Israel to jealousy. And perhaps they are Scripturally correct. Let us read Acts 13:47 to Acts 14:5 and see that we find there the first record of the salvation of Greeks; and that salvation stirred the Jews to more than jealousy. Let us not confuse the Grecians of Acts 6:1 and Acts 11:20 with the Greeks of Acts 14:1. The Grecians were Jews. The Greeks were Gentiles.

Let us turn to Acts 13:6 to 12 and read that very interesting and symbolic lesson. Here we have the story of BarJesus, the disobedient, gainsaying Israelite, blind for a season, and Sergius Paulus who “when he saw what was done, believed.” Paulus was astounded at the doctrine of the Lord. All Gentiles should be. Because of Israel’s blindness for a season, because of Israel’s unbelief, the Gentiles have obtained mercy and salvation. Read it in Romans 11:6 to 32. Great story! BarJesus means the child of Jehovah-Saviour. Israel is so called in the Scriptures. The individual Gentile, Sergius Paulus, and the individual Jew, BarJesus, are representative and symbolic. With the close of Acts 13, we have a group of Jews provoked and judged and a group of Gentiles saved. “All day long have I stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.” Romans 10:21. Israel the people. How long is “all day long”, until Matthew 23:39 or until Acts 28:25 to 28? Write down your answer.

Now read carefully Acts 13:40 and ponder it in your mind and heart and do not follow in the steps of so-called Bible teachers who have made the serious blunder of having Israel judged and set aside with Matthew 23:31 to 39. “Beware lest it come”. It had not yet come. The blindness and Divine judgment, pictured in Romans 11:3 to 32, fell upon the Nation with the quotation from Isaiah 6:6 to 9. Read it in Acts 28:25 to 28. And read Matthew 23:31 to 38 with Luke 21:20 and Matthew 22:8, and know that God’s judgment, pronounced by Christ while on earth, was postponed until after the “Acts” period closed. Then it was that God sent His army. But He is to send another army. It was then (about 69 or 70 A.D.) that Jerusalem was compassed with armies and their desolation nigh. Jerusalem will again be compassed with armies. Compare Matthew 13:14 and 15; John 12:40 and 41, Acts 28:25 to 28 with Isaiah 6:6 to 10.

The Little Word “But” in Ephesians

Posted on by Pastor J. C. O'Hair

The word “but” occurs twenty-five times in the Epistle to the Ephesians. It is interesting and instructive to read the significance of each occurrence. Let us study several of these “buts”.

Ephesians 2:4 and 5:

“BUT” God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).”

In verses one to three of this chapter we read of the miserable condition of the unsaved sinner, his black record, his dark past, his helpless and pitiable, ruined state. He is everything he ought not to be by nature. He is dead. Religion could not benefit such a man. There is nothing within to offer any hope. Forms and ceremonies prove futile. Any attempt to remedy the disease or get rid of death by trying to do something for God will result in absolute failure.

“But God.” Now something worth while may happen. The sinner is powerless and dead. The living God is omnipotent. With Him all things are possible. He created the heavens and the earth. He delivered Israel from Egypt and led them dry-shod across the sea. He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him far above in the highest heavenlies. Surely the supernatural God, with such supernatural power, can do something for the natural sinner who will allow Him to. God is rich in mercy and great in love. Note what He did for those poor, lost, ruined, condemned, dead sinners. “Quickened (made alive) with Christ . . . hath raised us up together in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:5 and 6. “By grace are ye saved.”

These redeemed sinners, together with you and me, if we are saved by God’s grace, are going to be put on exhibition as sinners saved by grace in the ages to come, all to the glory of the person and work of the Son of God’s love. Ephesians 2:7.

In, verses eleven and twelve, lest we should forget what we were before we became God’s workmanship, God reminds us again that we were Christless, Godless and hopeless.

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ:’ Ephesians 2:13.

Then follows the second “but”.

This is how the great transforming work is done. “But now”. Emphasize the “now”. What a change! What a difference! “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” “Far off;” the past. “‘Nigh;” the present. How? By the once-for-all suffering and sacrifice of Christ. By Him we were brought to God. I Peter 3:18. The two factors in the believer’s salvation are God’s grace and the precious shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Even the sinner’s saving faith is the gift of God. So salvation is, from beginning to end, all by grace; and nothing but grace.

Let us read the third “But” in Ephesians 5:8. Here we have another “but now”.

Ephesians 5:8:

“For ye were sometimes darkness, BUT now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”

To the redeemed sinner God here says, “ye were” “ye are”. You have heard that testimony of one of God’s faithful saints, “I am not what I ought to be: I am not what I hope to be: but, by the grace of God, I am not what I once was.” “Ye were darkness.” “But now”. “But now ye are light in the Lord.” Think of it! Christ is the light of the world! The believer is in Christ. In Christ he is light. There is no real spiritual light or life outside of Christ. There is no place of Divine blessing outside of Christ.

How should those who have light in Christ walk? “Walk as children of light.” And what else? Read the “buts” in Ephesians 5:3 and Ephesians 4:20.

We give three other “buts”. Ephesians 4:15:

“BUT speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ.”

Ephesians 4:7:

“BUT unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”

Ephesians 5:18:

“And be not drunk with wine, BUT be filled with the Spirit.”

From these verses we learn that we are expected not only to abstain from worldly habits, ungodly practices, from yielding to former lusts, but to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called, and to give forth a clear positive, uncompromising, unmixed testimony concerning God’s message for saint and sinner in this day of grace “speaking the truth in love”. For this life of peace and victory, for this worship and service, every member of the Body is given grace. Moreover, to do all that God desires of His children, His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained for us, the believer must be filled with the Holy Spirit. As we walk in the Spirit, we shall fulfill the righteousness of the law, we shall manifest the fruit of the Spirit. But in order to walk well pleasing unto the Lord and worthy of the calling wherewith we are called, we must faithfully, diligently, spiritually and prayerfully study the Word of truth, rightly divided, so we shall know our calling and not walk in the path the Lord marked out for Israel.

Study the other “buts” in Ephesians.

Some Questions and Scriptural Facts For Meditation

Posted on by Pastor J. C. O'Hair

1. In II Peter 3:15 and 16 we read these words from the pen of Peter concerning Paul: “Even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood.”

I am sure that we desire to add our hearty “Amen” to Peter’s statement. Not only do we find some things in Paul’s Epistles hard to be understood but we find that an honest, prayerful, spiritual endeavor to understand them brings from Christians, who insist on mixing Peter’s circumcision ministry with Paul’s uncircumcision ministry, some hard sayings and uncharitable condemnation.

2. In Luke 2:25 we find an Israelite, Simeon, waiting for the Kingdom of God. In Luke 21:20 to 31 we learn from the mouth of the King that the kingdom of God will be at hand after signs in the heavens and on earth when the Son of man comes in the clouds. The Thessalonians and Corinthians were waiting for God’s Son to come from heaven. I Corinthians 1:7—I Thessalonians 1:9 and 10. The Romans, with Paul, were waiting for the redemption of the body. Romans 8:23. Unto those that wait for Him Jesus is going to appear the second time. Hebrews 9:28. Members of the Body of Christ are looking for that blessed hope. Titus 2:13. We are waiting to appear with Christ in glory. Colossians 3:4. We are not waiting for the coming of the Son of man as told in Luke 21:23 to 31. If we are, remember the awful signs will precede that coming and we will be with Israel in the great tribulation. The time of Christ’s appearing for His Body is not to be told by the signs which will be given for Israel.

3. Read the message of our brother Chas. F. Baker in our January edition. He is going to show in that message the folly of teaching that Peter’s “last days” Kingdom Message on the day of Pentecost was the “first day” of the Body of Christ. How could Joel’s “last days” mean the Body’s “first days”? If we teach that the Kingdom of heaven, proclaimed in Matthew, Mark and Luke, has been postponed until after the Body of Christ has been completed and removed from earth, then why not teach that the “last days” proclaimed by Peter and the Eleven have been postponed until after that Body has been completed? If the Body of Christ was not prophesied as having anything to do with Israel’s “last days”, why have that Body begin historically when the “last days” message was proclaimed?

4. The word “Church” comes to us from the word “Kurios”, translated several hundred times in the New Testament Scriptures “Lord”. The word “church” and “churches” occurs over one hundred times in the New Testament Scriptures. The Greek word is “Ekklesia”, literally “the called-out. The word is translated “assembly”, Acts 19:31, 39 and 41, heathen gathered in the theatre. A mob thus gathered centuries before could have been correctly called “an assembly”. Therefore the word “Church” has a rather indefinite meaning unless qualified and described in the Scriptures. The church of Hebrews 2:12 is called in Psalms 22:22, “the congregation”. In Luke 10:20 the Lord Jesus told 70 disciples that their names were written in heaven. Were they not then members of the Church of the first born, which are written in heaven? Hebrews 12:29. Believing Jews and Greeks were not baptized in one Spirit in one body while Christ was on earth. But where is the Scripture to prove that the Church, which is the Body of Christ did begin on the day of Pentecost? Who was the first Greek to be baptized into the Church which is Christ’s Body? Let us be careful about proving doctrine by the use of the Word “ekklesia”.

5. In Acts 28:20 Paul was in Rome and in that verse he declared to a company of Israelites that he was bound with chains for the hope of Israel. In Colossians 4:3, Ephesians 6:19 and 20 and II Timothy 2:9 Paul was in Rome and declared to Gentiles that he was in bonds for “the mystery”. Our Premillennialist brethren, who devote very little time to the preaching of “the mystery” declare that “the mystery” was the fact that Paul was preaching Israel’s hope to Gentiles. Peter did that to Cornelius in Acts 10:34 to 43. Was Peter preaching “the mystery” to Cornelius? If so, how did he and James keep out of bonds for “the mystery”? Would Gentile believers need the wisdom and revelation of Ephesians 1:17 and 18, if “the mystery” was Israel’s hope? Remember that nearly all able students of the Word teach that Paul had two imprisonments in Rome. What is the difference between Israel’s hope and the hope of the Church which is Christ’s Body?

6. In Matthew 15:24 the Lord Jesus declared that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. John 3:16 declares that God gave His Son that whosoever believeth on Him should have everlasting life. How do we reconcile “the lost sheep of Israel only” with “whosoever”? Did Christ say what is recorded in John 3:16 while He was on earth or did the Holy Spirit speak those words years later by John? Did Jesus and the Twelve preach to Gentiles? Did the Twelve preach a “whosoever” message that took in the Gentiles during the first nine chapters of Acts? Did not the Twelve require something more than believing to receive God’s blessing? Acts 2:38. Acts 8:12 to 16. Mark 16:15 to 18. How does the gospel program which the Lord Jesus gave to the Twelve, in Matthew 10:5 to 10, fit into the gospel program of Paul in Ephesians 2:8 to 10, I Timothy 1:11; 5:23, II Timothy 1:9 and 10 and Titus 3:5 to 7?

7. How are we to follow Jesus today? In I Corinthians 11:1 Paul wrote to the Gentile believers at Corinth; “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” Several years later he wrote to the Philippians, “Be followers together of me”. Philippians 3:17. In Philippians 3:5 to 9 Paul declared that everything he had cherished in Judaism, everything he had valued in his religious life, everything he had practiced as an Israelite under the law, he had counted as loss. It is not a difficult task to map out our spiritual path, our Scriptural program as given in Paul’s prison Epistles, although we have a gigantic task to try to follow his course of faithful obedience; but we find no end of the study needed to be able to follow him in his pre-prison Epistles. We know we are not expected to circumcise a Timothy, to take vows, to shave our heads, to observe Pentecost, to sit as a Jew in a Jewish assembly; to become as one under the law—all of these Paul did. He said “I thank God I baptized none of you (but a few),” “I thank God I spake with tongues more than ye all.” I Corinthians 1:14 and I Corinthians 14:18. Those who speak with tongues join with other brethren in telling how many were baptized in their meetings. Most Fundamentalists cannot thank God either way. Paul laid hands on the sick and they recovered (in his pre-prison ministry). Shall we follow him? In other words, how are we to apply the principle of II Timothy 2:15 so as to obey I Corinthians 11:1 and Philippians 3:17? Much of Paul’s program during the Acts period was put away when he took up his ministry in Ephesians, Colossians, Titus, Philippians and II Timothy. And as we do not live in the Acts period we are not expected to take up what was put away with the close of that period. This includes the “sign gifts” of Mark 16:17 and 18 and, I Corinthians 12:8 to 11.

His Birth and Ours

Posted on by Pastor J. C. O'Hair

“NOW THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST WAS ON THIS WISE: WHEN AS HIS MOTHER MARY WAS ESPOUSED TO JOSEPH, BEFORE THEY CAME TOGETHER, SHE WAS FOUND WITH CHILD OF THE HOLY GHOST”. Matthew 1:18.

“FOR THAT WHICH IS CONCEIVED IN HER IS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT”. Matthew 1:20.

“BEHOLD, I WAS SHAPEN IN INIQUITY; AND IN SIN DID MY MOTHER CONCEIVE ME.” Psalm 51:5.

“BUT THE SCRIPTURE HATH CONCLUDED ALL UNDER SIN,” Galatians 3:22. “BY NATURE THE CHILDREN OF WRATH.” Ephesians 2:3. “THAT WHICH IS BORN OF THE FLESH IS FLESH”, John 3:6. “THEY THAT ARE IN THE FLESH CANNOT PLEASE GOD.” Romans 8:8.

“FOR I KNOW THAT IN ME (THAT IS IN MY FLESH) DWELLETH NO GOOD THING.” Romans 7:18.

“But as many as received Him (Christ), to them gave He power to become the sons of God, to them that believe on His name; which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God.” John 1:11 and 12. “Ye must be born anew.” John 3:7. Concerning our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ we are told, in Colossians 1:15, that He is the image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature. What ever truth the Holy Spirit would convey to our minds and hearts in this blessed truth we are sure that He would not have us follow the error of some teachers of the Bible; that the eternal Christ, before the ages was created by God, He was in the form of God, He was with God, He was God. “He is before all things and by Him all things consist.”

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1:14. “The Second man is from heaven.” I Corinthians 15:47. He shared the Father’s glory before the world was. John 17:5. He was made lower than the angels for the suffering of death. Hebrews 2:9.

Although made in the likeness of sinful flesh, the Son of God, born of the virgin Mary, was holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from sinners. He knew no sin. The holy child Jesus was not born within the natural law of procreation. He had no human progenitor. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, He inherited none of Adam’s sin. This sinless Saviour was made sin on the cross. II Corinthians 5:20 and 21.

Some one has estimated that 20 billion people have descended from Adam. By Adam sin and death have passed unto and upon all men.

Inasmuch as we were not born as the Holy Child was born, we cannot live as the Holy Child lived. It is worse than folly to talk about becoming holy by walking in His footsteps. We can only walk in Adam’s footsteps until we undergo a spiritual change, a Divine transformation, “God’s workmanship created in Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 2:9 and 10. God has told us how to become holy. “By the which will we are sanctified (made holy) by the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:10.

To be sure the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, His once-for-all sacrifice, would have been valueless to accomplish our eternal redemption, had He not lived a sinless life, for He had to be God’s Lamb without spot or blemish. But His sinless life could have accomplished nothing but condemnation for sinful humanity apart from His death and resurrection After we die with Christ we are raised with Him to walk it newness of life. Then we are told to put off the old man and to put on the new man. Ephesians 4:22 to 24. Then we can say “Christ liveth in me.”

To Nicodemus the Messiah said, “except a man be born from above he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3, “Marvel not that I said, ye must be born again”. John 3:7. How? By looking to the Son of man on the tree. John 3:13 and 14. Paul wrote that we are saved by the washing of regeneration. Titus 3:5 to 7. He was directed by the infallible Holy Spirit when he wrote, “if any man be in Christ Jesus, there is a new creation.” II Corinthians 5:17. He wrote, no hope, no cure in religion; only in the new creation. Galatians 6:15. The sinner’s place of refuge, blessing, salvation, security is in Christ Jesus unto good works”. Ephesians 2:5 and 10.

There may be both a difference and distinction between the new birth which Christ, proclaimed to the ruler of Israel, and the new creation, He committed with the ministry of reconciliation to Paul for us. But let us not argue with the sinners whether it is regeneration or the new creation. Let us get them to Calvary, where the Lord of glory was crucified and became the Saviour of the world; and persuade them to appropriate by faith so they can with assurance say, “He is now my Saviour.”

As many as received Him to them He gave the right to become the sons of God. If you are among the unredeemed members of Adam’s family, why not celebrate this Christmas 1935 by beginning to live? You can never live until you live in Christ and with Christ. You must first die with Him by accepting His death.

Divided Unity

Posted on by Pastor J. C. O'Hair

“WITH ALL LOWLINESS, AND MEEKNESS, WITH LONGSUFFERING, FORBEARING ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE… “ENDEAVORING TO KEEP THE UNITY OF THE. SPIRIT IN THE BOND OF PEACE . . . ONE BODY. . . ONE SPIRIT … ONE HOPE OF YOUR CALLING . . . ONE LORD . . . ONE FAITH . . . ONE BAPTISM . . . ONE GOD AND FATHER OF ALL: Ephesians 4:2 to 7.

“BEHOLD, HOW GOOD AND HOW PLEASANT IT IS FOR BRETHREN TO DWELL TOGETHER IN UNITY.” Psalm 133:1

“To us there is one God the Father . . . and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him.” I Corinthians 8:6. Here we have stated the first great important doctrine of Christian unity. The Lord Jesus Christ said, “I and my Father are one.” There is one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” “We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once-for-all.” Hebrews 10:10. That once-for-all offering, the Lord Jesus Christ called His “baptism”. Luke 12:50. On the cross of Calvary the Lord Jesus Christ was baptized into death. “So many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death.” Romans 6:3. Christ was buried. Christ was raised. Christ is seated in the highest heavenlies, Head over all things unto the Church, which is His Body. Ephesians 1:9 to 22.

Members of Christ’s Body are buried with. Him by baptism into death. Romans 6:4. They are raised to seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1 to 4. Members of Christ’s Body are alive with Christ and seated with Christ in the highest heavenlies. They were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. Ephesians 1:4. They were called, not according to works, but according to that grace and purpose of God which was given us in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world. II Timothy 1:9. They are waiting for Christ to be manifested, to be manifested with Him in glory. Colossians 3:3 and 4. Christ is in these members, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27. God desires that these members should know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Ephesians 1:18. This is the one calling that is God’s basis of Christian unity. This calling was God’s purpose in the eternal ages before He called Abraham and chose His servant Israel. Israel’s calling is different from the calling of members of the Body of Christ. A mixture of these callings will hinder, in fact, make impossible, obedience to Ephesians 4:3; “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit.”

There is one Body. There are several churches in the Bible, but God has one and only one Church for today. That Church is the Body of Christ. This Body is clearly described in Ephesians and Colossians; but not in any other Books of the Bible. Christ had a little flock while He was on earth. Luke 12:32 and 33. That was a kingdom flock different from the Body of Christ as to hope and calling. They were not preaching the Glorious Gospel of the Blessed God, which was committed to Paul’s trust. I Timothy 1:11. They knew nothing whatever of the Body of Ephesians and Colossians. They were instructed by their Messiah as to Israel’s kingdom hopes and given the gospel of the kingdom.

All sinners saved by grace, without religion, without works, without a cause, are members of Christ’s Body. They are identified with Him in His “Death Baptism”, which is the one baptism declared by God to be the basis for keeping the unity of the Spirit. It is utterly impossible to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace by mixing Israel’s water baptism with the believer’s death baptism, as it is to mix Israel’s hope and calling with the hope and calling of the Body of Christ. Water baptism is practiced by most of the 350 sects of the Christian Church with many different meanings and in many different ways. This is in total disregard, if not wilfull disobedience, to God’s plain instructions in Ephesians 4:3 to 5. If God desires that we keep the unity of the Spirit on the basis of one baptism, which is a Divine baptism, not made with hands, it is worse than folly to make any attempt to obey God’s instructions with thirty varieties of water baptism.

Can you point to a single Christian practicing water baptism who obeys Ephesians 3:9? “Make all men see what is the fellowship (administration) of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God?” If we are to make men see the mystery (the truth of the Body and the Head) with the hope and calling of this dispensation, we must not expect to show it to them in the Scriptures concerning Israel, where there is no reference to this glorious truth, about which all of the prophets of Israel, and the Lord’s twelve apostles were ignorant as well as silent; but in the writings of the man who was entrusted with this special revelation.

We shall not succeed in getting very many members of the Body of Christ to keep the unity of the Spirit, but let us endeavour in God’s own way and receive God’s commendation.

Some Simple Thoughts Concerning Body Truth

Posted on by Pastor J. C. O'Hair

We have had requests from a number of our friends to present some elementary lessons concerning the Church which is called the “Body of Christ”, and the relation of other dispensations to the “Dispensation of the Mystery”. Ephesians 3:9.

We appreciate that this is not an easy task, for the reason that the great majority of Christians do not seem to have the interest or desire to diligently study the Word of God with open hearts and unprejudiced minds. It is almost impossible for loyal denominationalist to be Bereans, and accept as truth that which is contrary to their denominational creeds and the traditions of church fathers. But we shall endeavor in this message to present some plain facts clearly taught in the Bible.

FIRST—IN THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES WE ARE TAUGHT THAT THE APOSTLE PAUL WAS CHOSEN BY CHRIST TO BE THE APOSTLE, THE PREACHER, THE TEACHER, THE WITNESS, AND THE PRISONER OF THE LORD JESUS TO THE GENTILES. Galatians 1:16 – Galatians 2:7 – Acts 9:15 – Romans 15:16 – Romans 11:13 I Timothy 2:7 – II Timothy 1:11 – Ephesians 3:1 – Ephesians 3:8 – Colossians 1:24 to 28.

SECOND—The Apostle Paul was not one of the twelve apostles who companied with Jesus during the years of His ministry on earth, and therefore was not present with Christ on earth when Christ committed to Peter the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 16:16 to 18. Neither was he present with the twelve apostles, after the resurrection of Christ, when the Eleven received from the resurrected Christ, the Great Commission. Paul received his “Grace of Christ” message, the ministry of reconciliation, the uncircumcision gospel, the truth concerning the Mystery and the Body of Christ, in fact all of his commissions, by visions and revelations, after Christ had gone back to heaven. Acts 9:15—Galatians 1:12 and 1:17—Acts 22:17 to 21— Ephesians 3:3 and II Corinthians 12:17.

THIRD—IN EPHESIANS 1:22 AND 23 WE READ OF THE CHURCH WHICH IS HIS BODY. IN COLOSSIANS 1:24 WE READ “FOR HIS BODY’S SAKE, WHICH IS THE CHURCH”. THE EPISTLES TO THE EPHESIANS AND COLOSSIANS WERE WRITTEN AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE BOOK OF ACTS, WHEN PAUL WAS A PRISONER OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. Ephesians 3:1. NO OLD TESTAMENT PROPHET EVER FORETOLD ANYTHING CONCERNING THE BODY OF CHRIST. IT WAS PURPOSED IN CHRIST BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.

FOURTH—When the twelve apostles were sent by Christ on earth they were specifically instructed to, “go not unto the Gentiles”, but only unto Israel. Matthew 10:5. Some years after the death of Christ it was decided in the conference of apostles that the Twelve would preach the Israelitish gospel to Israel. Galatians 2:9. Peter preached to the household of Cornelius, a Godfearing, Israel-loving, devout, respectable, religious Gentile, who lived in Israel’s land. But there is no record in Acts that he preached to any other Gentiles. There is no record in Acts that any of the Twelve preached outside of the land of the Jews, or to any Gentiles, except the one message to Cornelius. Paul was given the responsibility of preaching Grace to the Gentiles. Galatians 2:9. FIFTH—THERE IS ONLY ONE BIBLE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN THIS AGE OF GRACE. THAT CHURCH IS SCRIPTURALLY DESIGNATED “THE BODY OF CHRIST”. Ephesians 1:22 and 23. Colossians 1:24. CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THIS ONE CHURCH. THE HEAD IS SEATED FAR ABOVE PRINCIPALITY AND POWER IN THE HEAVENLIES. Ephesians 1:19 to 22. THE MEMBERS OF THAT ONE BODY ARE LIKEWISE SEATED IN THE HEAVENLIES. Ephesians 2:6. EVERY SINNER SAVED BY GRACE IS A MEMBER OF THAT ONE BODY, WHETHER OR NOT HE BELONGS TO ANY DENOMINATIONAL OR UNDENOMINATIONAL CHURCH ORGANIZATION. “JOINING THE CHURCH” IS NOT A SCRIPTURAL EXPRESSION.

SIXTH—It is a Scriptural fact, acknowledged by all “Grace” preachers, that nothing is required for membership in the One true Bible Church, which is the Body of Christ, but saving faith in the crucified, resurrected and glorified Christ. They are all agreed that God, by a Divine baptism not made with hands, adds members to the Body of Christ; and, that if water baptism were required by God for membership in the Body of Christ, salvation would not be by grace and faith alone, but by God’s work, plus man’s work. No religious ceremony of any kind is required, either to save a believing sinner, or to give him membership in the Body of Christ. Therefore, it should be apparent to any student of the Scriptures that if a group of men require for membership in their church a religious ordinance not required for membership in the Bible Church, the churches are not one and the same.

SEVENTH—MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST ARE NOT SAVED ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS, BUT ACCORDING TO GOD’S PURPOSE AND GRACE WHICH WAS GIVEN THEM IN CHRIST JESUS BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. II Timothy 1:9. THIS IS CALLED GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE IN CHRIST. THIS PURPOSE WAS IN GOD’S MIND AND GOD’S PLAN AGES BEFORE HE MADE HIS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. BUT ONE GREAT QUESTION, WHICH PERHAPS REMAINS UNANSWERED IN THE MINDS OF MOST CHURCH-MEMBERS, IS: “WHEN DID THE BODY OF CHRIST BEGIN HISTORICALLY? THE POSTMILLENARIAN TEACHES THAT THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE CHURCH OF GOD AND ISRAEL ARE ALL THE SAME CHURCH IN DIFFERENT STAGES. SOME PREMILLENARIANS ARE SURE THE BODY BEGAN WHEN CHRIST BREATHED UPON HIS APOSTLES. John 20:22. OTHER PREMILLENARIANS TEACH THAT THE CHURCH BEGAN ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST. OTHER PREMILLENARIANS SAY, AFTER THE THIRTEENTH CHAPTER OF ACTS. AND STILL OTHERS SAY, AFTER THE WORDS OF PAUL RECORDED IN THE CLOSE OF ACTS, IN ACTS 28:25 to 28. WHAT DO YOU SAY? AND WHAT IS YOUR SCRIPTURAL PROOF?

EIGHTH—The word “CHURCH” is a very indefinite term; and before applied to any specific company of people, the student of the Scriptures should find in the Scriptures the particular company of people to whom the term applies. The Greek word, used more than 100 times, is “EKKLESIA”. In the last few verses of the nineteenth chapter of Acts, it is “assembly”; there referring to an unlawful assembly, or mob, of anti-Christian heathen. A company of unsaved and idolatrous Gentiles, assembled centuries before Christ came to earth, would have been called a “church”. Therefore, we see that the word “Ekklesia” is so indefinite in its meaning, that we must find the Scriptural qualifications before we can prove any doctrinal points by the use of the word “church”. In Acts 7:38 we learn that the Israelites marching to Canaan nearly 1500 years before Christ was born, was called the “Church in the Wilderness”. We might say with Scriptural authority, that in the coming kingdom age, Israel, redeemed and restored under the promise of the New Covenant, will be a New Covenant Church. The Church of this dispensation is the Church, which is His Body.

NINTH—IN EPHESIANS AND COLOSSIANS WE LEARN THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS OF THE MYSTERY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BODY OF CHRIST. THE WORD “MYSTERY” MEANS “SECRET”. IT IS APPARENT THEN, THAT UP TO THE TIME THAT PAUL WROTE EPHESIANS AND COLOSSIANS, GOD HAD KEPT THE TRUTH CONCERNING THE BODY OF CHRIST A SECRET. IT WAS GOD’S SECRET “HID IN GOD FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD”. Ephesians 3:9. IT WAS THE SECRET WHICH “HATH BEEN HID FROM AGES AND FROM GENERATIONS. Colossians 1:26. THE TWELVE APOSTLES DID NOT USE THE WORD “BODY”, AND MADE NO ATTEMPT TO REVEAL TO SAINTS THE SECRET WHICH PAUL MADE KNOWN IN HIS PRISON EPISTLES.

TENTH—When Paul was speaking in Berea about 53 A.D., the Bereans searched the Scriptures to see if Paul’s statements were Scriptural. Acts 17:11. When Paul wrote, about ten years later, to the Ephesians they could not search the Scriptures which the Bereans searched, because Paul was writing concerning the “unsearchable” (not-to-be-tracked) riches of Christ. Ephesians 3:8. This should give to every Bible student a very simple principle of Bible study and convince any person that Paul first taught what Israel’s prophets had foretold and he later taught truths about which they were wholly ignorant as well as silent. Ephesians 3:1 to 11 . . . Colossians 1:24 to 28. Christ Himself began with Moses, who wrote the first five Books of the Bible, and went all through the Prophets to Malachi, and expounded unto His disciples all the Scriptures concerning Himself. Luke 24:21 to 36. But He did not speak to them concerning the Unsearchable Riches which Paul preached to the Gentiles, because Moses and Malachi, and all of the in-between prophets had nothing to say about these Riches. They were hid in God, until they were made known by the risen Christ to Paul. When we preach Christ we should obey Philippians 1:10 (R.V.)

ELEVENTH—JESUS OF NAZARETH ON EARTH WAS FULFILLING (FILLING OUT) THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS. Matthew 15:8. HIS MINISTRY WAS CONFIRMING WHAT THE PROPHETS HAD FORETOLD. Romans 15:8. WHILE ON EARTH THE LORD JESUS WAS PROCLAIMING THE PROPHESIED KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; BUT HAD NOT ONE WORD TO SAY ABOUT THE BODY OF EPHESIANS 1:18 to 22, OF WHICH HE WAS TO BE THE HEAD. THE TWELVE APOSTLES CONTINUED WITH THIS “CONFIRMATION” MINISTRY ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST AND THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS. Hebrews 2:3 and 4. WHAT THEY PREACHED ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST WAS IN FULFILLMENT OF THE PROPHECIES MADE TO ISRAEL CENTURIES BEFORE. Acts 2:16 and 2:30 to 33. THE KINGDOM OFFERED TO ISRAEL, IN ACTS 2:19 TO 26 WAS A KINGDOM ABOUT WHICH ALL THE PROPHETS, FROM MOSES AND SAMUEL HAD WRITTEN. Acts 3:24 and 25. THEREFORE THE TWELVE APOSTLES WERE NOT OFFERING, IN ACTS 3, THE SAME KINGDOM CONCERNING WHICH PAUL WROTE IN EPHESIANS, COLOSSIANS AND II TIMOTHY. THE DISPENSATION OF THE KINGDOM OF THE HEAVENS” COULD NOT BE THE “DISPENSATION OF THE MYSTERY”, MENTIONED IN EPHESIANS 3:9. THE LORD ON EARTH GAVE THE “KINGDOM” KEYS TO THE TWELVE; BUT THE RISEN CHRIST IN HEAVEN GAVE PAUL THE “DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD”. Ephesians 3:1 and 2. THE TWELVE WERE MINISTERS TO ISRAEL, AND ARE TO YET SIT ON TWELVE THRONES AND JUDGE THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL. Matthew 19:28. Galatians 2:9. PAUL WAS THE LORD’S MESSENGER TO THE GENTILES, WITH THE “UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST” AND THE “MYSTERY”. GOD, NOW, WANTS ALL MEN TO SEE WHAT IS THE “DISPENSATION OF THE MYSTERY”, HID IN GOD UNTIL PAUL REACHED ROME AND WROTE EPHESIANS, ABOUT 64 A.D.

TWELFTH—Thus we see that prophecy spoke of the death and resurrection of Christ; that the prophets and covenants foretold the Kingdom blessings of Israel, the hope and calling of Israel, and the Gentiles who were to be blessed with them. Romans 15:10. And we see that Jesus of Nazareth and the Twelve Apostles carried on this ministry promised by prophets and covenants. And that in Paul’s “Prison Epistles” God is speaking of a different kingdom, hope and calling purposed in Christ before there were any prophets.

What Shall We Seek?

Posted on by Pastor J. C. O'Hair

It is interesting to compare and contrast Matthew 6:33 and 34 with Colossians 3:1 to 4. We quote these Scriptures for your consideration and study.

“SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU.”

“TAKE NO THOUGHT FOR THE MORROW.” Matthew 6:33 and 34.

“IF YE THEN BE RISEN WITH CHRIST, SEEK THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE ABOVE, WHERE CHRIST SITTETH ON THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD.

“SET YOUR AFFECTION ON THINGS ABOVE, NOT ON THINGS ON THE EARTH. “FOR YE ARE DEAD, AND YOUR LIFE IS HID WITH CHRIST IN GOD.

“WHEN CHRIST, WHO IS OUR LIFE, SHALL APPEAR, THEN SHALL YE ALSO APPEAR WITH HIM IN GLORY.” Colossians 3:1 to 4.

In the Book of Matthew, Jesus is on earth, Israel’s Messiah, the King from heaven long promised to that nation. He is presenting the kingdom for which they have long waited. Included in the kingdom promises were blessings of physical healing, temporal prosperity, peace on earth, and Israel’s deliverance from Gentile political authority. Surely, with the Shepherd-King present, the kingdom subjects could declare, with David, the twenty-third Psalm, in perfect trust and confidence. The Shepherd-King said to His people, “Fear not, little flock”, “sell that ye have and give alms” Luke 12:32 and 33 “Take no thought for the morrow”.

In the Book of Colossians the same Lord. Jesus is not on earth presenting a kingdom to Israel, but is far above in the super-heavenlies, the Head of the Church which is His Body. The members of that Body are identified with the risen Head in death, burial and resurrection. They are seated with Him in the upper-heavenlies, and are waiting to appear with Him in glory. These facts are stated in Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:19 to 22 and Ephesians 2:6. The same thought is expressed in Philippians 3:20 and 21.

The believer in the Body of Christ is to seek those things which are above. He, too, is to know that God shall supply all of his needs according to the riches in glory by Christ Jesus. But surely while the King is away the member of Christ’s Body is not to be subject to the laws and principles that shall govern the kingdom which is to be established on this earth when the King returns to take His throne. The kingdom of the heavens, under the reign of Israel’s King, and the Church united to the risen Lord, have some blessings in common. But the member of the Body of Christ, who endeavors to obey Matthew, chapters five to seven, in all details, will find himself in a state of confusion which may lead to despair and skepticism when he learns that the blessings therein promised are unrealized. Surely the believers are not to be condemned for laying in their coal for the winter months or for storing up their fruits and vegetables in advance.

In this study we have a simple illustration of what the Lord means by “testing the things that differ”. And by searching the Scriptures we shall realize that we have the best things God ever gave any people.

Mystery in Paul’s Epistles and the Revelation

Posted on by Pastor J. C. O'Hair

Romans 11:25:

“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this MYSTERY lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”

Romans 16:25 and 26:

“Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the MYSTERY, which was kept secret since the world began.

“But now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.”

I Corinthians 2:7 and 8:

“But we speak the wisdom of God in a MYSTERY, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.

“Which none of the princes of this world knew; for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

I Corinthians 4:1:

“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the MYSTERIES of God.”

I Corinthians 13:2:

“And though I have the gifts of prophecy and understand all MYSTERIES and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could move mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”

I Corinthians 14:2:

“For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men but unto God; for no man understandeth him, howbeit in the Spirit he speaketh MYSTERIES.”

I Corinthians 15: 51 and 52:

“Behold, I shew you a MYSTERY: we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

Ephesians 1:9 and 10:

“Having made known unto us the MYSTERY of His will according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself;

“That in the dispensation of the fulness of time He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth; even in Him.”

Ephesians 3:3 to 5:

“How that by revelation He made known unto me the MYSTERY; (as I wrote afore in few words,

“Whereby when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the MYSTERY of Christ)

“Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.”

Ephesians 3:8 and 9:

“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

“And to make all men know what is the fellowship of the MYSTERY, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 5:32:

“This is a great MYSTERY, but I speak concerning Christ and the Church.”

Ephesians 6:19:

“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the MYSTERY of the gospel,

“For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly as I ought to speak.”

Colossians 1:25 to 27:

“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God. which is given to me for you, to fulfil the Word of God

“Even the MYSTERY which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints.

“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this MYSTERY among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you the hope of glory.”

Colossians 2: 2 and 3:

“That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the MYSTERY of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.”

Colossians 4:3 and 4:

“Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the MYSTERY of Christ, for which I am also in bonds,

“That I may make it manifest, as l ought to speak.”

II Thessalonians 2:7:

“For the MYSTERY of iniquity doth already work, only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.”

I Timothy 3:9:

“Holding the MYSTERY of the faith in a pure conscience.”

I Timothy 3:16:

“And without controversy great is the MYSTERY of godliness; God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

Revelation 1:20:

“The MYSTERY of the seven stars which thou seeest in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; and the seven candlesticks which thou Seest are the seven churches.”

Revelation 10:7:

“But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the MYSTERY of God should be finished, as He hath declared by His servants the prophets.”

Revelation 17:5:

“And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth.”

Revelation 17:7:

“And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the MYSTERY of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.”

The Body of Christ: Confirmation or Revelation?

Posted on by Vincent Bennett

In Hebrews 2:3 we find these words, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great Salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” and immediately we ask the question, “With what kind of ministry did the Lord Jesus begin?” In Romans 15:8 Paul supplies the answer, “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.” So we see from the Word of God that Jesus Christ’s beginning ministry was a ministry of confirmation.

Turning to Matthew 4:17 we find these words, “From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” This gives to us the message of Jesus’ ministry, and in verse 23, its dispensational characteristics.

“AND JESUS WENT ABOUT ALL GALILEE, TEACHING IN THEIR SYNAGOGUES, AND PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM, AND HEALING ALL MANNER OF SICKNESS AND ALL MANNER OF DISEASE AMONG THE PEOPLE” Then again in Matthew 10:5 to 8, the commission that Jesus gave to the twelve apostles agreed with His own message and ministry, “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: BUT GO RATHER TO THE LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL. AND AS YE GO, PREACH, SAYING, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND. HEAL THE SICK, CLEANSE THE LEPERS, RAISE THE DEAD, CAST OUT DEVILS: FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE.”

The mission of the Lord Jesus while on this earth was exclusively Jewish. He came to confirm the promises made unto the fathers, and the key to His earthly ministry can only be understood in the light of His own expression found in Matthew 15:24.

“I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Therefore, we come to this conclusion, The Lord Jesus began his ministry among the lost sheep of the house of Israel, preaching the gospel of the kingdom with signs following, and the apostles began with the same ministry, Hebrews 2:4, “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and. wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will.”

The gospel of the kingdom was not an unexpected message to the Jews, for were they not looking forward to the coming of the King who would bring the realization of their Kingdom hopes? The message of the kingdom had been the last word of revelation in the Old Testament, and then after 400 years of silence God spoke again to the same people to whom the prophets had spoken for centuries, and concerning the same land, city, temple and law, etc.

The only difference is this, in the prophets the message is that Christ shall come, and in Matthew the Christ has come. Hebrews 1:1 and 2: “God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds”.

Jesus came to His own people, but they received Him not. They rejected and crucified the Lord of Glory. It certainly was true that they knew not the day of their visitation. Luke 19:44.

When Jesus explained His beginning ministry in Luke 4:16 to 19; He quoted from Isaiah, chapter 61:1 and 2, and closed the quotation with the significant expression found in verse 19. He came “to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” In verse 21 He said “this day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears.” and truly He might have said to His listeners, “Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation.” The kingdom, long promised, was indeed “at hand”. But Israel would not have this man to reign over then. A little later we hear their cry, “crucify Him.” John 19:14 and 15. But Jesus loved “his own”. He wept over His people and the city of the Great King. In His dying hour, “He made intercession for the transgressors,” (Isaiah 53:12), praying, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”. Luke 23:34.

When we open the Book of Acts and read the first verse we find that instead of the beginning of something new we have a continuation of something already made known. Acts 1:1 “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus BEGAN to do and to teach.” Jesus began as a minister of the circumcision. Here in the Book of Acts we find the risen Christ continuing His ministry, and His message is still related to the Abrahamic and Davidic promises, hopes, and people. After forty days of instruction the disciples ask Jesus a direct question, Acts 1:6, “Wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” When Jesus replied He did not tell them that they had misunderstood Him and that He was then going to call out “the Church which is His Body”. No, that Church had nothing to do with a confirmation ministry. The Body was not a subject of which the prophets wrote. They were silent and ignorant of that mystery which had been hid for ages and generations, Colossians 1:26. He told them that it was not for them “to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in His own power.” Acts 1:7. They were to be witnesses for Him. Witnesses to what? we might ask. Read Acts 2:36—Acts 5:31 and 32 for the answer.

Before we go any further it might be well to inquire why did the disciples ask such a question in reference to the restoration of the Kingdom to Israel? Had Jesus given any reason at all to suspect that such a thing might take place? I think so, for the disciples did not ask the question until Jesus had mentioned the Spirit Baptism in Acts 1:5 “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence,” and this would naturally bring the thought of kingdom restoration to the disciples. Notice with me, Isaiah 32:1 “Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness and princes shall rule in judgment. . . (Isaiah 32:13) upon the land of my people shall come up thorns and briers . . . (Isaiah 32:15) until the spirit be poured upon us from on high . . . (Isaiah 32:16) then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.

Isaiah 44:3, “I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed and my blessing upon thine offspring.” When the Spirit came upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost, Peter quoted Joel as an explanation of what had taken place. Acts 2:16 and 17. “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel and it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh” . . . . Therefore, the disciples asked a proper question in reference to Israel’s restoration at the time Jesus mentioned the baptism with the Holy Ghost. Jesus said unto them, ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses. Again we ask the question, witnesses to what? Was Jesus telling them the baptism of the Holy Spirit would make them members of His Body?

Peter on the day of Pentecost made the astounding declaration that Jesus Christ had been raised from the dead to sit on the throne of David. Acts 2:30. In chapter 3:19 to 21 he made a national appeal to the Jewish people, declaring that national repentance would bring national deliverance and the restoration promised to Israel through the prophets. In verse 24 the Word of God is very definite, “Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.” Therein was the answer to their question, “wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” What did that have to do with Jew and Gentile in the Body?

In summing up, I am sure you will agree with me that the risen ministry of Jesus, witnessed to by the disciples was a ministry of confirmation. Acts 5:29 to 32: “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him.” The language in this 32nd verse is very specific, we are His witnesses of these things, and so is also the Holy Ghost. So if the Holy Ghost is giving this message through the apostles, criticism is a very serious thing. Let us turn to Acts 3:24 again, where “these days” were the subject of prophecy and compare with the “these days” in Ephesians 3:9, “which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God.” This ministry of the Apostle Paul was called the mystery, “hid from ages and generations.” Colossians 1:26.

If Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost is not the same as Paul’s message as given in Ephesians and Colossians, why do Christians insist on disregarding the injunction of Philippians 1:10 where we are told to distinguish between the things that differ? Why do Fundamentalist Bible teachers, in the face of these Scriptural distinctions, tell us that the Church, which is His Body, began on the day of Pentecost? Peter’s message was a message of confirmation. Paul’s mystery message was one of revelation.

In Paul’s first Epistles he confirmed to Israel many things which the prophets had foretold and that which Christ and the Twelve had confirmed. But after Israel’s judgment pronounced by Paul in Acts 28:25 to 28, that apostle to the Gentiles declared many new and glorious truths unknown to the Old Testament prophets or the New Testament apostles. He wants you to obey and pass on to others Ephesians 3:9. What are you doing about it?