Mystery Revealed....

[WAB]

It is truly amazing to me how often folks who profess to have put their faith in Christ for their salvation, and profess to honor the word of God, either cannot see, or will not read, the Scriptures in context.

Here is Ephesians 3:1-4... "...I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward; 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)....

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

6... "That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel;"

Any straighforward reading of this passage shows that "the mystery of Christ" found in verse 4 has got to be what was "revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;"... in verse 5!

It is absolutely true that Paul partook of that revelation, and in a unique manner. But so did the Lord's "...holy apostles (plural) and prophets..."!!

What does "same body" mean? It either means that the Gentiles became members of the nation of Israel, or that along with the "apostles and prophets" they became members of "the Body of Christ" Where... "There is neither Jew nor Greek (Gentile, same word), there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal. 3:28).

Paul was one with Peter in the faith. But just as the Lord called Paul to a specific ministry, so He called Peter to a specific ministry. And so He calls all subsequent true believers to individual ministries. See 1 Cor. 12,13 &14.

It is heart-rending to see/hear the divisions in the Body of Christ that KJVO and hyper-dispy proponents foster.

How much more must it displease the Lord.

Shalom... WAB

 

[eph3Nine]

Most people cannot even tell ya what the Mystery truths ARE! They are fourteen separate doctrines NOT FOUND anywhere but in PAULS EPISTLES.

If they think they KNOW it and dont point to Paul...they DONT!

 

[WAB]

Most people cannot even tell ya what the Mystery truths ARE! They are fourteen separate doctrines NOT FOUND anywhere but in PAULS EPISTLES.

If they think they KNOW it and dont point to Paul...they DONT!

You are not addressing the post. Again, you are just spouting what you have been taught to spout.

In the context of the passage where you have extracted your moniker, the fullness of the mystery truths are not addressed. What is addressed is exactly to whom those mystery truths were revealed, and as quoted, that included the apostles and prophets.

Now if the mystery truths were revealed to the apostles and prophets as Paul stated they were, why do you contradict Paul's declaration?

And why don't you keep your word and ignore my posts?

Ahhhh never mind... I hope you open your eyes and heart to the truth of the whole of God's Scriptures, of which a very significant portion was written by the apostle Paul, and which I love and revere.

Shalom... WAB

 

[eph3Nine]

Maybe WAB will tell us what the Mystery truths ARE that we have been entrusted to communicate to others?

 

[Dispy]

I agree with you intirely in what you say in your first paragraph. However I will add that some only add selective verses to prove their point.

Paul is writing to members of the Body of Christ which consists of believeing Jews and Gentiles. At this time in his writings; there is not distinction between the Jew and Gentile.

I will comment on the rest of what you write, which will remain in black. My thought will be in blue, and added Scripture will be in Red.

(WAB)It is truly amazing to me how often folks who profess to have put their faith in Christ for their salvation, and profess to honor the word of God, either cannot see, or will not read, the Scriptures in context.

Here is Ephesians 3:1-4... "...I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward; 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)....

The mystery that Paul is speaking of can be found in Romans 15:25 "Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began." What Paul preached was never preached by anyone prior to what was revealed to him by Jesus from His position in heaven.

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

These holy apostles are not the OT prophets or even the NT apostles of Christ. They are Paul's fellow co-workers. They included Barnabas, Timothy, Aquilla, Pricilla, Titus, and many others. It was the Holy Spirit that led them to know that what Paul was saying and writing was true.

6... "That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel;"

Thanks for underlining "same body", because that is what most Bible students don't really understand.

The "same body" is made up of believing Gentiles that were set aside at the Tower of Babel, in Genesis 11, and set aside Jews; that Paul speaks of in Romans 11:;7-12. The Jews and Gentiles are now on equal footing, and there is no distinction between them. There is no longer a "middle wall of partition" between them. (Ephesians 2:14).

From these two believing set aside peoples God made a NEW CREATION know as the Body of Christ. That is the same body that verse 6 is speaking of.

Any straighforward reading of this passage shows that "the mystery of Christ" found in verse 4 has got to be what was "revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;"... in verse 5!

It is absolutely true that Paul partook of that revelation, and in a unique manner. But so did the Lord's "...holy apostles (plural) and prophets..."!!

True, but it was never revealed to anyone prior to Paul.

What does "same body" mean? It either means that the Gentiles became members of the nation of Israel, or that along with the "apostles and prophets" they became members of "the Body of Christ" Where... "There is neither Jew nor Greek (Gentile, same word), there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal. 3:28).

Well, the Gentiles didn't become the nation of Israel, because Israel as a nation, was set aside. God is no longer dealing with Israel as His favorite people. The Body of Christ is A NEW CREATION in that NEW CREATION "There is neither Jew nor Greek (Gentile, same word), there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal. 3:28)." as you quoted.

What gospel is Paul speaking of in verse 6? It is "the gospel of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began." It is not the gospel of the Kingdom that Jesus and the 12 preached.

Paul was one with Peter in the faith. But just as the Lord called Paul to a specific ministry, so He called Peter to a specific ministry. And so He calls all subsequent true believers to individual ministries. See 1 Cor. 12,13 &14.

Yes, Paul and Peter each were given a different commission. The Body of Christ has the same commission that Paul was given. Peter and the 11 were commissioned to go to the world and preach "the gospel of the kingdom." That was pretty hard for them to do being the ones that they were to preach to rejected their King and His Kingdom. That is why they (Israel) was set aside.

Therefore, God's plan, that He had kept secret since the world began can NOW be put into effect. He (God) raised up Saul/Paul to usher in this dispensation of grace.

Paul's commission, and our commission, can be found in verse 9 here in chapter 3. It is to make all men see the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ." The message Paul and we are commissioned to preach can be found in 2Cor.5:19 "To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, now imputing their traspasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."

It is heart-rending to see/hear the divisions in the Body of Christ that KJVO and hyper-dispy proponents foster.

How much more must it displease the Lord.

Being I consider myself a non-denominational mid/Acts dispensationalis, and one that is not a KJVO proponent, or a hyper-dispy, I would also include those to don't [/COLOR=Red]"rightly divide the Word of Truth" It appears to me that you might just be one of those who don't. And yes, that does displease our Lord.

God Bless.
Live Well, Lasugh Often and Love the Lord!

 

[TheScottsMen]

I agree with you intirely in what you say in your first paragraph. However I will add that some only add selective verses to prove their point.

Paul is writing to members of the Body of Christ which consists of believeing Jews and Gentiles. At this time in his writings; there is not distinction between the Jew and Gentile.

I will comment on the rest of what you write, which will remain in black. My thought will be in blue, and added Scripture will be in Red.

(WAB)It is truly amazing to me how often folks who profess to have put their faith in Christ for their salvation, and profess to honor the word of God, either cannot see, or will not read, the Scriptures in context.

Here is Ephesians 3:1-4... "...I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward; 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)....

The mystery that Paul is speaking of can be found in Romans 15:25 "Now to Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began." What Paul preached was never preached by anyone prior to what was revealed to him by Jesus from His position in heaven.

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

These holy apostles are not the OT prophets or even the NT apostles of Christ. They are Paul's fellow co-workers. They included Barnabas, Timothy, Aquilla, Pricilla, Titus, and many others. It was the Holy Spirit that led them to know that what Paul was saying and writing was true.

6... "That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel;"

Thanks for underlining "same body", because that is what most Bible students don't really understand.

The "same body" is made up of believing Gentiles that were set aside at the Tower of Babel, in Genesis 11, and set aside Jews; that Paul speaks of in Romans 11:;7-12. The Jews and Gentiles are now on equal footing, and there is no distinction between them. There is no longer a "middle wall of partition" between them. (Ephesians 2:14).

From these two believing set aside peoples God made a NEW CREATION know as the Body of Christ. That is the same body that verse 6 is speaking of.

Any straighforward reading of this passage shows that "the mystery of Christ" found in verse 4 has got to be what was "revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;"... in verse 5!

It is absolutely true that Paul partook of that revelation, and in a unique manner. But so did the Lord's "...holy apostles (plural) and prophets..."!!

True, but it was never revealed to anyone prior to Paul.

What does "same body" mean? It either means that the Gentiles became members of the nation of Israel, or that along with the "apostles and prophets" they became members of "the Body of Christ" Where... "There is neither Jew nor Greek (Gentile, same word), there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal. 3:28).

Well, the Gentiles didn't become the nation of Israel, because Israel as a nation, was set aside. God is no longer dealing with Israel as His favorite people. The Body of Christ is A NEW CREATION in that NEW CREATION "There is neither Jew nor Greek (Gentile, same word), there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal. 3:28)." as you quoted.

What gospel is Paul speaking of in verse 6? It is "the gospel of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began." It is not the gospel of the Kingdom that Jesus and the 12 preached.

Paul was one with Peter in the faith. But just as the Lord called Paul to a specific ministry, so He called Peter to a specific ministry. And so He calls all subsequent true believers to individual ministries. See 1 Cor. 12,13 &14.

Yes, Paul and Peter each were given a different commission. The Body of Christ has the same commission that Paul was given. Peter and the 11 were commissioned to go to the world and preach "the gospel of the kingdom." That was pretty hard for them to do being the ones that they were to preach to rejected their King and His Kingdom. That is why they (Israel) was set aside.

Therefore, God's plan, that He had kept secret since the world began can NOW be put into effect. He (God) raised up Saul/Paul to usher in this dispensation of grace.

Paul's commission, and our commission, can be found in verse 9 here in chapter 3. It is to make all men see the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ." The message Paul and we are commissioned to preach can be found in 2Cor.5:19 "To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, now imputing their traspasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."

It is heart-rending to see/hear the divisions in the Body of Christ that KJVO and hyper-dispy proponents foster.

How much more must it displease the Lord.

Being I consider myself a non-denominational mid/Acts dispensationalis, and one that is not a KJVO proponent, or a hyper-dispy, I would also include those to don't [/COLOR=Red]"rightly divide the Word of Truth" It appears to me that you might just be one of those who don't. And yes, that does displease our Lord.

God Bless.
Live Well, Lasugh Often and Love the Lord!

Great post Dispy. Right on the money!

 

[Dispy]

Great post Dispy. Right on the money!

THANK YOU SM for your kind remarks.

God Bless.
Live Well, Laugh Often and Love the Lord!

 

[WAB]

Maybe WAB will tell us what the Mystery truths ARE that we have been entrusted to communicate to others?

The number of mysteries that were revealed to the apostle Paul has been addressed previously; and in the passage of Scripture under consideration, there is only one mystery mentioned.

So that there should be no twisting of that concept, here is Ephesians 3:1-7 once again...

"For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner ofChrist Jesus for you Gentiles--if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (singular) (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets; that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power."

Note that in vs. 3, "the mystery" is in the singular. The same is true for "the mystery" in vs. 4.

The revelation/description of that singular mystery is clearly defined in verse 6.... "that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,"

The fact that said mystery is declared by Paul to have been revealed to "His holy apostles and prophets" "by the Spirit" tells us that Paul is not claiming to be the one who was the revelator of that singular mystery.

Now as far as just who the "apostles and prophets" were... Contrary to the claim put forth in another post that it was only Barnabas and other companions of Paul that were included, please show in any Scripture where that false dichotomy is put forth.

Indeed the converted Jew Barnabas is named an apostle along with Paul in Acts 14:14. But Paul also refers to "...those who were apostles before me;" in Galatians 1:17, and refers to James as one of "the other apostles..." in vs.19 of Gal.1... "But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother."

Since Paul did not differentiate between Barnabas and James and Apollos and Cephas/Peter (see 1 Cor.3:22 thru 4:1), as being legitimate apostles of Jesus Christ, then the only rationale for imposing such a dichotomy is to further the false doctrine that only what Paul wrote is applicable/relevant to the Church/Body-of-Christ.

Shalom... WAB

 

[WAB]

THANK YOU SM for your kind remarks.

God Bless.
Live Well, Laugh Often and Love the Lord!

Having a hard time staying on-line, as the power is shutting down periodically... heavy rain storm.

And... it looks like I chose the wrong post to quote, as thought what SM said would appear... Oh well...

As I was attempting to answer the post that was "right on the money", after copying part of Dispy's post and pasting it I couldn't figure out how to change back from blue print to black. so will wait till after my remarks to post it.

What you had to say was in regard to "the kindom" and although we went through this once before, guess it will not hurt to show that Paul preached the kingdom.

Acts 19:8... "And he (Paul) went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God."

Acts 20:25... "And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more." Paul said this to the elders from the church at Ephesus.

Acts 28:23... "And when they had appointed him (Paul) a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God..."

Acts 28:30,31... "And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ..."

Colossians 1:12,13... "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son;"

To declare that Paul never preached nor referred to "the kingdom" is to put it mildly, ignoring the plain statements of Scripture.

And here(I hope) is your quote...

Yes, Paul and Peter each were given a different commission. The Body of Christ has the same commission that Paul was given. Peter and the 11 were commissioned to go to the world and preach "the gospel of the kingdom." That was pretty hard for them to do being the ones that they were to preach to rejected their King and His Kingdom. That is why they (Israel) was set aside.

(made it)

Shalom... WAB

Edited to correct spelling...

 

[LittleLambofJesus]

Yes, Paul and Peter each were given a different commission. The Body of Christ has the same commission that Paul was given. Peter and the 11 were commissioned to go to the world and preach "the gospel of the kingdom." That was pretty hard for them to do being the ones that they were to preach to rejected their King and His Kingdom. That is why they (Israel) was set aside.

Why do you say Israel was set aside "again" as they were put away by God in the OT?
Was it the circumcized jews or the uncircumcized non jewish Israelites that reject Christ and the preaching of the apostles?

Jeremiah 3:8 "Then I saw that for all the causes for which backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a certificate of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear, but went and played the harlot also.

Acts 1:6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"

In fact, I am studying on these mysterious "10 kings" in revelation without a kingdom, much like Israel was cast out of the Kingdom in the OT.

Revelation 17:12 "The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast.

Rom 15:20 And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was {already} named, so that I would not build on another man's foundation;

Rom 15:21 but as it is written, "THEY WHO HAD NO NEWS OF HIM SHALL SEE, AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND."

 

[Dispy]

Having a hard time staying on-line, as the power is shutting down periodically... heavy rain storm.

And... it looks like I chose the wrong post to quote, as thought what SM said would appear... Oh well...

As I was attempting to answer the post that was "right on the money", after copying part of Dispy's post and pasting it I couldn't figure out how to change back from blue print to black. so will wait till after my remarks to post it.

What you had to say was in regard to "the kindom" and although we went through this once before, guess it will not hurt to show that Paul preached the kingdom.

Acts 19:8... "And he (Paul) went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God."

Acts 20:25... "And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more." Paul said this to the elders from the church at Ephesus.

Acts 28:23... "And when they had appointed him (Paul) a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God..."

Acts 28:30,31... "And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ..."

Colossians 1:12,13... "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son;"

To declare that Paul never preached nor referred to "the kingdom" is to put it mildly, ignoring the plain statements of Scripture.

And here(I hope) is your quote...

Yes, Paul and Peter each were given a different commission. The Body of Christ has the same commission that Paul was given. Peter and the 11 were commissioned to go to the world and preach "the gospel of the kingdom." That was pretty hard for them to do being the ones that they were to preach to rejected their King and His Kingdom. That is why they (Israel) was set aside.

(made it)

Shalom... WAB

Edited to correct spelling...

What I have said, is that Paul never preached "the gospel of the kingdom" that Jesus and the 12 preached. Paul preached "the gospel of the grace of God."

All of God's creation is the "kingdom of God." It includes everything above the earth, one the earth, and under the earth. Usage determinds which kingdom is meant.

However, in the gospels, the "kingdom of heaven" and "kingdom of God" are often used interchangably. In Matthew 5:3 and Luke 6:20 we find those two phrases talking about the same thing. Luke 8:10 talks about the mysteries of the kingom of God, while Matthew 13 speaks of them as the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. There are several other passages that show this, but at least you can get the gist of what I am saying.

In the old testament we find that the Jews are promised a kingdom (out) of heaven to be established here upon the earth. It is, on occasions, called the kingdom of God, in other words, a kingdom sent from God.

Being the OT saints, and those in the gospels were expecting a kingdom from God, sent from heaven, the two phrases can have the same meaning.

Paul preaches that members of the Body of Christ will inherit a kingdoin heaven, which is also part of the kingdom of God. Being members of the Body of Christ does not inherit a kingdom on earth, Paul's use of the phrase "the kingdom of God" can only mean the kingdom that is in heaven.

The kingdom of His dear Son, for the Jews is a kingdom on earth, and for members of the Body of Christ, it means a kingdom in heaven.

Hope this is helpful.

God Bless.
Live Well, Laugh Often and Love the Lord!

 

[LittleLambofJesus]

Why do you say Israel was set aside "again" as they were put away by God in the OT?
Was it the circumcized jews or the uncircumcized non jewish Israelites that reject Christ and the preaching of the apostles?

Jeremiah 3:8 "Then I saw that for all the causes for which backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a certificate of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear, but went and played the harlot also.

Acts 1:6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"

In fact, I am studying on these mysterious "10 kings" in revelation without a kingdom, much like Israel was cast out of the Kingdom in the OT.

Revelation 17:12 "The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast.

Rom 15:20 And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was {already} named, so that I would not build on another man's foundation;

Rom 15:21 but as it is written, "THEY WHO HAD NO NEWS OF HIM SHALL SEE, AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND."

In the old testament we find that the Jews are promised a kingdom (out) of heaven to be established here upon the earth. It is, on occasions, called the kingdom of God, in other words, a kingdom sent from God.

Being the OT saints, and those in the gospels were expecting a kingdom from God, sent from heaven, the two phrases can have the same meaning.

Paul preaches that members of the Body of Christwill inherit a kingdo in heaven, which is also part of the kingdom of God. Being members of the Body of Christ does not inherit a kingdom on earth, Paul's use of the phrase "the kingdom of God" can only mean the kingdom that is in heaven.

The kingdom of His dear Son, for the Jews is a kingdom on earth, and for members of the Body of Christ, it means a kingdom in heaven.

So God is only talking about the jews here?

Revelation 5:10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth."

 

[heymikey80]

What I have said, is that Paul never preached "the gospel of the kingdom" that Jesus and the 12 preached. Paul preached "the gospel of the grace of God."

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son Col 1:13
​

Note use of the past tense here.

so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. 1 Thess 2:12

This is a plain indication of God's righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. 2 Thess 1:5

​

All of God's creation is the "kingdom of God." It includes everything above the earth, one the earth, and under the earth. Usage determinds which kingdom is meant.

Well, none of these is meant above.

Paul preaches that members of the Body of Christ will inherit a kingdom in heaven, which is also part of the kingdom of God. Being members of the Body of Christ does not inherit a kingdom on earth, Paul's use of the phrase "the kingdom of God" can only mean the kingdom that is in heaven.

The kingdom of His dear Son, for the Jews is a kingdom on earth, and for members of the Body of Christ, it means a kingdom in heaven.

When people are resurrected, they won't be part of Christ's kingdom on earth? Y'know, "the resurrection of the body": of what nation will Christ's resurrected Gentiles be citizens?
"Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God."

 

[Dispy]

What I have said, is that Paul never preached "the gospel of the kingdom" that Jesus and the 12 preached. Paul preached "the gospel of the grace of God."

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son Col 1:13
​

Note use of the past tense here.

so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. 1 Thess 2:12

This is a plain indication of God's righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. 2 Thess 1:5​

The above doesn't say anything about Paul preaching "the gospel of the kingdom" that Jesus and the 12 preached. Jesus and the 12 preached about the kingdom that was to be established here upon the earth. Paul says that members of the Body of Christ will inheirt a heavenly home (2Cor.5:1, Phil.3:20).

All of God's creation is the "kingdom of God." It includes everything above the earth, on the earth, and under the earth. Usage determinds which kingdom is meant.

​

Well, none of these is meant above.

Well, as a member of the Body of Christ, I will inherit the kingdom that is IN heaven, which is above the earth.

Paul preaches that members of the Body of Christ will inherit a kingdom in heaven, which is also part of the kingdom of God. Being members of the Body of Christ does not inherit a kingdom on earth, Paul's use of the phrase "the kingdom of God" can only mean the kingdom that is in heaven.

The kingdom of His dear Son, for the Jews is a kingdom on earth, and for members of the Body of Christ, it means a kingdom in heaven.

When people are resurrected, they won't be part of Christ's kingdom on earth? Y'know, "the resurrection of the body": of what nation will Christ's resurrected Gentiles be citizens?
"Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God."

Those that are resurrected to enter the earthly kingdom will have resurrected bodies. Those members of the Body of Christ that are resurrected at the rapture will receive a body "...fashioned like unto his glorious body" (Phil.3:21), "...to ever be with the Lord" (1Thess.4:17). It will not contain flesh and blood.

God Bless.
Live Well, Laugh Often and Love the Lord!

 

[heymikey80]

The above doesn't say anything about Paul preaching "the gospel of the kingdom" that Jesus and the 12 preached. Jesus and the 12 preached about the kingdom that was to be established here upon the earth. Paul says that members of the Body of Christ will inheirt a heavenly home (2Cor.5:1, Phil.3:20).

Doesn't that force us into two kingdoms, one heavenly, the other earthly?

Well, as a member of the Body of Christ, I will inherit the kingdom that is IN heaven, which is above the earth.

But if Christ "made the two one" then won't Jews inherit the kingdom that is in heaven as well?

Those that are resurrected to enter the earthly kingdom will have resurrected bodies. Those members of the Body of Christ that are resurrected at the rapture will receive a body "...fashioned like unto his glorious body" (Phil.3:21), "...to ever be with the Lord" (1Thess.4:17). It will not contain flesh and blood.

I can see how you can extend these verses, given the pre-Last-Day rapture, but I'm not sure why that has to be assumed. All Millenial views have versions of Resurrection without a Rapture, and none seems anti-Biblical. Prophecies of the End Times also have some challenging statements about the elect enduring the Tribulation and a single return of Christ.

There's also the question of those who are resurrected to condemnation as well, what they will be raised as, if there are two more Resurrections. Maybe there're three more.

 

[Dispy]

The above doesn't say anything about Paul preaching "the gospel of the kingdom" that Jesus and the 12 preached. Jesus and the 12 preached about the kingdom that was to be established here upon the earth. Paul says that members of the Body of Christ will inheirt a heavenly home (2Cor.5:1, Phil.3:20).

Doesn't that force us into two kingdoms, one heavenly, the other earthly?

Yes, there will be two kingdoms. God created both of them. Members of the Body of Christ will inherit the kingdom on earth, while OT saints and those saved under the gospel of the kingdom will in herit the earth.

Well, as a member of the Body of Christ, I will inherit the kingdom that is IN heaven, which is above the earth.

But if Christ "made the two one" then won't Jews inherit the kingdom that is in heaven as well?

The Jews were set aside after they rejected the Trinity; just as the Gentiles were set aside at the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. They are now on equal footing and without distinction Now from the two set aside peoples, God made/created (the New Creation) the "one new man" of Ephesians 2:15, for those that place their FAITH and trust in the Cross work (death, burial and resurrection) of Chrsit for their salvation. In "the one new man" there is neither Jew or Gentile. They are one in the Body of Christ. They are the ones that will inherit the heavenly kingdom.

Those that are resurrected to enter the earthly kingdom will have resurrected bodies. Those members of the Body of Christ that are resurrected at the rapture will receive a body "...fashioned like unto his glorious body" (Phil.3:21), "...to ever be with the Lord" (1Thess.4:17). It will not contain flesh and blood.

I can see how you can extend these verses, given the pre-Last-Day rapture, but I'm not sure why that has to be assumed. All Millenial views have versions of Resurrection without a Rapture, and none seems anti-Biblical. Prophecies of the End Times also have some challenging statements about the elect enduring the Tribulation and a single return of Christ.

I am not assuming anything. The Bible clearly teaches that the Church, the Body of Christ, will be raptured prior to the Tribulation, and that the Churches in Revelation 3 are Jewish churches. If one reads Revelation 1, we find churces refered to a stars/candlesticks/and angels of the seven churches. Stars/candlesticks/and angels are NEVER mentioned with the Body of Christ. We only find them connected to the nation of Israel.

Yes, the belivers during the Tribulation that "endure to the end" will enter the kingdom that is established here upon the earth.

There's also the question of those who are resurrected to condemnation as well, what they will be raised as, if there are two more Resurrections. Maybe there're three more.

There are a total of 3 resurrections of believers mentioned in the Bible. Two are resurrections according to prophesy and one according to the mystery that was revealed to Paul.

The first resurrection that will happen is the one at the rapture as Paul tells us in 1Cor.15:51-53 and 1 Thess.4:13-17. This resurrection cannot be found in prophesy or the Gospels. These resurrected believers will have glorified bodies and "ever be with the Lord" in heaven. There is no mention of this resurrection in the OT or the Gospels. It was kept secres since the world began.

The first resurrection of prophesy is all the OT and NT saints that were saved under the preaching of "the gospel of the kingdom." This will include all those that died/killed during the Tribulation. They will have resurrected bodies that enter the 1000 year reign of Christ.

At the end of the 1000 year reign of Christ, all the lost since the time Adam will be resurrected and stand before "The Great White Throne Judgment" of Revelation 20:11-15.

Hope this is helpful.

God Bless.
Live Well, Laugh Often and Love the Lord!

 

[FreeinChrist]

It is heart-rending to see/hear the divisions in the Body of Christ that KJVO and hyper-dispy proponents foster.

How much more must it displease the Lord.

I agree!!

 

[FreeinChrist]

So that there should be no twisting of that concept, here is Ephesians 3:1-7 once again...

"For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner ofChrist Jesus for you Gentiles--if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (singular) (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets; that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power."

Note that in vs. 3, "the mystery" is in the singular. The same is true for "the mystery" in vs. 4.

The revelation/description of that singular mystery is clearly defined in verse 6.... "that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,"

It is very obvious that the mystery - "that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel," - was already revealed as Peter learns it first in Acts 10

 

[Dispy]

So that there should be no twisting of that concept, here is Ephesians 3:1-7 once again...

"For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner ofChrist Jesus for you Gentiles--if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (singular) (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets; that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power."

Note that in vs. 3, "the mystery" is in the singular. The same is true for "the mystery" in vs. 4.

The revelation/description of that singular mystery is clearly defined in verse 6.... "that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,"

It is very obvious that the mystery - "that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel," - was already revealed as Peter learns it first in Acts 10

The "same body" is "The Body of Chlrist" that is made up of believing set aside Jews and Gentile. The ONE NEW MAN" of Ephesians 2:15. It is not Gentiles grafted into Israel.

Being today that Israel is still in a set aside condition (until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in (Rm.11:25), what benefit is there in being grafted into Israel? Also, today there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile.

The "ONE NEW MAN" is a NEW CREATION. It is called THE BODY OF CHRIST.'

God Bless.
Live Well, Laugh Often and Love the Lord!