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• Question: Should we have clergy in Paul's mystery church? How about missionaries?
  • Should we have clergy in Paul's mystery church? How about missionaries?
• Answer: (click here to see the answer)
  1. Dear Tim,
  2. Yes, we should have pastors and missionaries as well as other gifted ministries operated by those gifted by God. There are lists of the gifts and a list in Ephesians 4:7-15 of gifted men given to the church till until we attain to the unity of the faith. It looks like this will take place at the rapture.
  3. Eph 4:7-15 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men." 9 (Now this, "He ascended"--what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ.
  4. In Christ,
  5. Bob Hill
• Question: Do you believe in 'only' a 'spiritual church' where there is no collective, corporate, gathering of believers on this earth?
  • Do you believe in 'only' a 'spiritual church' where there is no collective, corporate, gathering of believers on this earth?
• Answer: (click here to see the answer)
  1. Dear Tim,
  2. No, I believe there is a corporate body of Christ. Many are already in the heavenlies and many are on the earth. I also believe this body of believers meets in individual churches around the world. We have many denominations with some significant differences. Those who believe in the material of 1 Co 15: 1-4 are truly members of this corporate body.
  3. In Christ,
  4. Bob Hill
• Question: What books are "to" the Christian in this dispensation of grace?
  • What books are "to" the Christian in this dispensation of grace?
• Answer: (click here to see the answer)
  1. Dear Tim,
  2. All Scripture is for us.
  3. 2 Ti 3:16,17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
  4. But not all Scripture is written to the body of Christ. Paul was raised up and given a new mission to a new church, the body of Christ. His epistles are addressed to us. There are 13. I believe they were written in this order: Galatians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Romans, Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Philippians, 1 Timothy, Titus, 2 Timothy.
  5. In Christ,
  6. Bob Hill
• Question: When did the Church the body of Christ begin?
  • When did the Church the body of Christ begin?
  • Thank you for your work in God.
• Answer: (click here to see the answer)
  1. Mike & Missy,
  2. To understand the beginning of the Church the body of Christ, I think we have to start with the purpose for John the Baptist being sent, so we can contrast the kingdom ministry with the establishment of the body of Christ. Shortly after John's birth, his father, Zacharias, prophesied about Christ and John in Lk 1:68-78: "Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, 70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began, 71 that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, 72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, 73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham: 74 To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. 76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, 78 through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us."
  3. John's commission was to go before the Messiah and prepare the way for the Lord according to Lk 3:2-6, "While Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth; 6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'""
  4. John's ministry was to bring salvation to the nation of Israel. Because it was such an important part of his ministry, we also must understand baptism and its relationship to Israel. Its history is very important since it indicated the cessation of the kingdom church and the start of the body of Christ.
  5. The water rite of baptism was explained for Israel under the law in Num 19:9,10,17-21: "Then a man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and store them outside the camp in a clean place; and they shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for the water of purification; it is for purifying from sin. 10 And the one who gathers the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until evening. It shall be a statute forever to the children of Israel and to the stranger who dwells among them. 17 And for an unclean person they shall take some of the ashes of the heifer burnt for purification from sin, and running water shall be put on them in a vessel. 18 A clean person shall take hyssop and dip it in the water, sprinkle it on the tent, on all the vessels, on the persons who were there, or on the one who touched a bone, the slain, the dead, or a grave. 19 The clean person shall sprinkle the unclean on the third day and on the seventh day; and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, wash his clothes, and bathe in water; and at evening he shall be clean. 20 But the man who is unclean and does not purify himself, that person shall be cut off from among the assembly, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the LORD. The water of purification has not been sprinkled on him; he is unclean. 21 It shall be a perpetual statute for them."
  6. Notice, water baptism was necessary to stay in relationship with God for the church in the Old Testament. Israel was called a church in Acts 7:37-39 "This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear.' 38 This is he who was in the congregation [ekklhsia, church] in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us, 39 whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected." Further, God told Israel in Eze 36:24-27 that He would baptize them with water, cleanse them from all their filthiness and establish the new covenant with them: "For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. 25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them."
  7. John baptized great crowds for the Lord from all of Israel. Because John was baptizing with authority, the whole nation of Israel went out to him. They were expecting the Messiah. Lk 3:15 "Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not". God had promised to make Israel a kingdom of priests in Ex 19:5-6: "Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel." When we look at the OT, we see that the priests were baptized when they were thirty years old (Num 4:2,3,23; 1 Ch 23:3). This was in preparation for their consecration as priests (Ex 28:41-29:9). Isa 61:6 also says they will be priests: "But you shall be named the priests of the Lord. They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory you shall boast." Therefore, I believe, by this baptism, John the Baptist was preparing the nation of Israel to be a kingdom of priests (Rev 1:5,6, has made us a kingdom, and priests to His God and Father). They were also called a royal priesthood by Peter in (1 Pe 2:5,9) in fulfillment of Ex 19:5,6.
  8. John preached that his baptism was for the remission of sins (Mat 3:1-6; Lk 3:3,8). Therefore, we see water baptism was mandated for Israel, would result in a whole nation of priests (1 Pe 2:5,9), accompanied true repentance displayed by works (Mat 3:8; Lk 3:8), resulted in the forgiveness of sins for them at that time (Mk 1:4; Lk 3:3), and is associated with the Messianic kingdom promised to Israel (Eze 36:22-28).
  9. John's kingdom ministry was certified by Jesus Christ in Lk 16:16, when He said, "The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. John was also certified by Peter as a minister of the circumcision according to Acts 10:36-38, "The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ - He is Lord of all - 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."
  10. Paul called Jesus Christ a circumcision minister in Rom 15:8, "Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers." Because He was a minister of the circumcision, water baptism was part of His program for salvation according to John 3:5, "Jesus answered, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God"; and Mk 16:15,16, "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.'"
  11. Also, from Christ's earthly ministry, we see that endurance was expected in the believers if they were to receive salvation. This requirement was in line with the other conditional aspects of the circumcision covenant. John 15:1-8 is the best example: "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."
  12. When He said, "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch", He was speaking to the Apostles. Judas had left in John 13:30. Did He really mean that an apostle could be lost? Yes, they had to abide in Christ in order to be saved. Otherwise, verse 6 again, "they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned."
  13. Not only did they have to remain in Christ, they also had to forgive men in order to be saved according to Mat 6:14,15: "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." We will see these conditional principles repeatedly as we continue to look at God's program with the circumcision church of the dispensations just prior to ours under the circumcision covenant.
  14. After His resurrection, Christ was with the apostles for forty days. According to Acts 1:2,3, "He…had given commandments to the apostles…being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." What were the apostles expecting? They had earlier been sent to the twelve tribes of Israel (Mat 10:6). Christ also promised them they would sit in judgment over the nation of Israel in Mat 19:28. They were vitally interested in the establishment of the long promised Davidic Kingdom. By now, they knew they had a wonderful part in it. It's no surprise that Acts 1:6 tells us they asked Him, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" That kingdom for Israel was not the body of Christ.
  15. Next, the signs on the day of Pentecost were to show Israel that the kingdom promised to David long ago in 2 Sa 7, was about to be established. Remember, He had promised the apostles authority over Israel (Mat 19:28). This is why we must conclude that these were signs to show Israel that the kingdom church was about to be established. Prophetically, it would start right after the "great and terrible day of the Lord" (Mat 24:29,30; 25:31,34). The "great and terrible day of the Lord" of Joel 2:31 would take place right after the tribulation.
  16. The gift of tongues given on the day of Pentecost was a sign to Israel that the kingdom was very near. When Peter offered the kingdom and many responded to his message and believed, Peter commanded that they be baptized for the remission of sins. Water baptism continued as a requirement for salvation after Pentecost because God continued to offer Israel the kingdom in Acts 3:19-26: "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. 22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, "The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people." 24 Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. 25 You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, "And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed." 26 To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities." If they had repented, God would have sent Christ back (Acts 3:20).
  17. Before Pentecost, Christ had commanded belief and water baptism as requirements for salvation shortly after His resurrection. Mk 16:16 says, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." Both "believes" and "is baptized" represent aorist participles. According to Greek syntax, the action of the Greek participles, "believes" and "is baptized", must precede the action of the main verb, "will be saved." Therefore, a person had to believe and be baptized before he would be saved. When viewed in its setting of the circumcision covenant, this is consistent with the purification rituals which were imposed on Israel.
  18. After Christ's Ascension and the outpouring of the Spirit in Acts 2, God still demanded water baptism for the remission of sins. "Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit'" (Acts 2:38).
  19. Later, after Paul was seized in the temple by the Jewish mob and taken into custody by the Roman commander, he was allowed to speak to the violent mob on the way into the barracks. He used the opportunity to recount his conversion. He spoke of "a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there." He related how Ananias had told him about his apostolic commission from God. What method of salvation did Ananias present to Paul? Ananias commanded, "Now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). Ananias told Paul the only message that he knew, the message of Mk 16:16 and Acts 2:38, the circumcision gospel with its condition of baptism. One of the most important facts of all should be highlighted. Water baptism would be imposed on Israel until the time of reformation (Heb 9:10-13) when Christ would establish the kingdom for Israel. Therefore, from the beginning of John's ministry, through the time of Christ's death and Ascension, to the time that Israel was temporarily set aside in Acts 7, we find that water baptism was essential for salvation.
  20. In regards to baptism, the first dramatic change took place on Pentecost in Acts 2. There, after he submitted to water baptism, a believer would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). So, for the first time, there were two baptisms, water baptism and Holy Spirit baptism. As the nation began rejecting Christ, the persecution of the circumcision church which had started on Pentecost increased. When Stephen was stoned, Christ stood in judgment upon the nation of Israel, and they were temporarily set aside.
  21. After Israel was judged and set aside, the church which is His Body and our present dispensation started with the conversion of Paul in Acts 9. A comparison of Acts 22:13 and 26:18 indicates that Paul was saved when he received his sight, just as the Gentiles to whom he was sent would be saved upon receiving spiritual sight. Paul received his sight before he was baptized at Ananias' command.
  22. More sensational events followed the salvation of Paul. When God had separated Israel from the nations as His chosen people, He imposed upon them a designation between clean and unclean animals (Lev 20:23-26). Now, after God started the church by saving Paul, in a vision to Peter, the He made the first dramatic change. God annulled the distinction between clean and unclean animals in order to show that He had demoted Israel from their chosen people status (Acts 10:9-16). However, God did not reveal to Peter the unity and equality of Jew and Gentile in the new man, the new church, the body of Christ. In fact, He didn't show him any of the aspects of the great secret He would reveal to Paul.
  23. Most important of all, He did not show Peter the new method of salvation by faith alone apart from works. Peter simply adapted the gospel of the circumcision to his Gentile audience when he went to do what God had commanded him: "But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him" (Acts 10:35). He was preaching the same gospel of faith plus works and endurance for salvation which Christ taught (Acts 10:34-42; John 15:1-8). It conformed to the circumcision covenant gospel.
  24. The second change was even more startling. The Holy Spirit showed that water baptism was no longer necessary for salvation after the body of Christ started with Paul's conversion in Acts 9. This was done dramatically when the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word while Peter was still preaching, before Peter would command them to be water baptized (Acts 10:44,45). The Holy Spirit's gift, here, became the sign that would convince the circumcision believers that God had opened the door of salvation to the Gentiles. The ending of the kingdom church dispensation and beginning of the new church, the body of Christ, was Paul's conversion in Acts 9. There, we see that Paul was sent to the Gentiles, kings and Israel.
  25. Third, the order of the baptisms was reversed. Now, Peter was perplexed and commanded water baptism after Holy Spirit baptism. But, now we see the Holy Spirit baptism was the one necessary for salvation. Water baptism became secondary for the first time. We're not even sure that God wanted these new Christians baptized. Peter did a number of things here only because the Lord had previously commanded him to do them.
  26. Why did these changes take place? When Paul was converted, God committed to him a new stewardship, The Dispensation of the Mystery, and a new gospel, the uncircumcision gospel. In contrast to the gospel Peter and the other circumcision apostles preached, what must they now do to be saved? Acts 16:31 tells us: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved".
  27. During this time, there were some confusing events that happened. Paul circumcised Timothy shortly before he wrote the epistle to the Galatians. Yet, he severely criticized those who were being influenced by the Judaizers who wanted them to be circumcised for salvation.
  28. Later, he even became ceremonially purified and paid for the sacrifices for four men who had a Jewish vow as well as himself. Yet, Paul had already written Galatians, Thessalonians, Corinthians, and Romans. He knew he was not under the law.
  29. There were other things Paul did, recorded in Acts, which passed away. These things had to do with Israel. But Paul did not address each thing explicitly and say it passed away. Some of these things were: raising the dead, exorcism, healing the sick, being bit by a viper without being harmed. They would cease just as baptism would cease. These signs were related to Israel. God was in the process of showing Israel they had been set aside. God would issue a final declaration showing Israel they had been set aside in Acts 28:28.
  30. Soon, Paul learned that water baptism was not part of his commission, and he no longer baptized. That's why he wrote in 1 Co 1:17, "I was not sent to baptize, but to preach the gospel." In contrast, we must remember that baptism was an integral part of the circumcision apostles' commission (Mat 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-18). After Paul's ministry began, he was inspired to write to the Corinthians, "By one Spirit we were all baptized into one body" (1 Co 12:13). So, even in the dispensation of grace, after the church which is His body began, there were two baptisms for a while. Then, we see that as physical circumcision gave way to spiritual circumcision, "made without hands," in spite of Acts 16:1-3, water baptism gave way to spiritual baptism, "through the faith of the operation of God" (Col 2:11,12), in spite of Acts 16:15,31-34, and 1 Co 1:14-16.
  31. Why did water baptism give way to spiritual baptism? It was because God set Israel aside in Acts 7 (Rom 11:11,25; Acts 28:28) when Christ stood in judgment (Isa 3:13) at the stoning of Stephen. Part of Paul's ministry had been to show Israel that they had been set aside. God used Paul to pronounce to the Jews in Rome that Israel had been set aside. This occurred in Acts 28:28. After this, the baptisms imposed on Israel, being fleshly ordinances (Heb 9:10-13), were set aside until God would resume dealing with Israel in the tribulation. For instance, baptism will be necessary for salvation when Peter's epistles are again directly applicable in the tribulation period. 1 Pe 3:20,21 shows this. Verse 20 shows us that the ark and the flood of water were a type. Peter then wrote, "There is also an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism." Yes, his message was, "Baptism 'now saves us.'" Then he explained away the possible confusion that the water baptism would be for the removal of the outward filth of the body as in Mk 7:3-5, where the word in Mk 7:4 is baptiswntai, baptize. "They do not eat unless they wash [baptize]." This outward ritual of 1 Pe 3 in obedience to God, was essential to perform the inner cleansing of sin in accordance with the principles of the circumcision covenant (Num 19).
  32. From the time of Israel's fall in Acts 7, the book of Acts relates how Israel was progressively shown that they had been set aside by God. This is why the Corinthian church spoke in tongues so much. The church "bordered on," was "contiguous to," the Jewish synagogue. The Gentiles' speaking in tongues was God's judgment upon unbelieving Jews next door (Please read 1 Co 14:22 in light of Isa 28).
  33. Although Paul baptized some in his early ministry, we must remember that Ananias had commanded him to be baptized to wash away his sins. But God gave him further revelations. One was 1 Co 1:17 "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect." Sure, the context shows there was a division because of baptism, but would Paul really let that affect him if baptism was still necessary and he practiced it? Read 2 Th 3:6 again, "But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us." No, Paul would tell them to withdraw from a person rather than deny a true teaching that was still in effect. Baptism was not part of his message, and we have no scripture which says he recommended it, encouraged it, taught it, or commanded it. Not one.
  34. Finally, at the end of the book of Acts, Israel was shown for the final time that they had been set aside. This happened when Paul spoke in judgment quoting Isa 6:9,10. After this judgment was pronounced, Paul was inspired to write that ultimate church epistle, Ephesians. In it he wrote, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Eph. 4:4,5). One baptism? If there is only one baptism, which one is it? Is it water or Holy Spirit? It is Holy Spirit! Why? Because God has suspended the use of water baptism. It has been done away with because God is through with Israel for the time being. Now there is only one program. It has to do with spiritual things, not carnal. So, for The Dispensation of Grace, there is one baptism. We, who have trusted in Christ, are baptized into the body of Christ, the church. The Holy Spirit baptizes us into Christ's body, the church. That baptism identifies us with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Rom 6:3-8). This identification justifies and frees us from all sin (Rom 6:7,18). Water baptism has been set aside because God has set aside Israel and started the body of Christ.
  35. Under the church dispensation, The Dispensation of Grace, there are many new things. There are no law-works necessary for salvation. In fact that's exactly what Tit 3:5,6 says. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior." We are the only ones who have eternal security. This is emphasized by Eph 1:4-14. We live the Christian life by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. These are wonderful, awesome blessings. Let's revel in them.
  36. At the end of our dispensation, the body of Christ will be caught up in the air. We call this the rapture. After this happens, The Dispensation of the Tribulation starts. This dispensation begins right after the rapture. In 2 Th 2:1-4, Paul wrote about this time: "Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the departure comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." First we must notice that the departure takes place before this day of Christ, or day of the Lord, scenario takes place. That means we will be delivered, rescued, saved from it. We will be gone when the tribulation starts. That's what 2 Th 2:13 says: "But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you unto salvation [deliverance from the tribulation] through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth." Similarly, 1 Th 5:9 states, "For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." We can be sure that we will be gone when the tribulation starts because of the nature of the mystery, the dispensation that applies to us (Eph 3:9). Why? According to Eph 3 and Col 1, nothing about the mystery and the new creation, the body of Christ, was ever revealed before. That means the many prophecies about the tribulation apply only to Israel and the unsaved Gentiles. When the tribulation starts, we, the church which is His body, will be with Christ in the heavenlies.
• Question: Are we in some dispensation of civic grace upon criminals?
  • You are saying Gods justice system for a society is just not going to happen, His system is over for now..do you believe we are in some dispensation of civic grace upon criminals or that God has changed the way crimminals should be delt with?
  • Should murders for example not be put to death?
  • How do we deal out justice to criminals and love towards the victims and know that it is right and will be effective and productive?
  • Who do you want to govern?
  • What kinda earthly judges do you want the wicked and or the righteous to stand before?
  • Where should we go as a nation to figure out what justice system works the best what source would be wisest?
  • I do not believe God dosn't want us to use his system of justice, as I dont see anywhere where it has expired, rather i see in romans 13 that God talks about the "Sword" to deal with evil doers..and who would be defined as a civic/social evil doer in that setup by God worthy of the sword?
  • Would it not be the same definition for evil doers in the OT?
  • You answerd basicaly your own question..
  • My answer is a question. How can you or I change our laws in the USA so they are more in line with the Bible?
  • Then you went on to say we can "vote"
  • Yes we can change them by voteing for those that uphold them,
  • or not voteing for those who don't.
  • we do not have to vote if both persons running are wicked, if everyone or even just believers held out and did not vote for either maybe our disaproval of there less then Godly policies would provide more insentive to ppl to repent?
  • I Vote or don't vote based on moral policy.is the person pro life for innocents
  • are they pro death for those guilty and worthy of it
  • are they pro homo...ect ect
  • and If the choices are both equaly wicked or even one holds to less wicked policies then the other
  • i will not vote for either one.
  • If you were faced with 2 equaly wicked leaders..what would you do?
  • I dont think its good to simply vote for the lesser of 2 evils
  • GW says he is prolife.."says" then he appoints pro murdering judges..thats not prolife to me.
  • He says babies who are products by rape or incest can be murdered
  • I realize that polatitions "gasp" lie..while trying to get elected..and we can't always know the truth about them completely..and GW is more "pro life" then others,nevertheless GW is not prolife, he is "partial and curcumstantialy" pro life.
  • if the baby is from rape or insest he is pro death for that child
  • I agree of course with him that if the mothers life is in danger then its ok and this is because even though death of child results its not the motive of those involved to murder a baby, to take life, but rather to save life.
  • We talked about this idea before in the relm of products and services, that we should not patronize buisnesses that are corupted...and support coruption
  • I think this applies to the best of our ability to polititions as it does to buisnesses
  • Do you think that we should not exersize any of Gods justice civicly? or just some of it?
  • We have to have a justice system right?
  • then once again where is the best source, what is the best justice system we can have?
  • What are your thoughts on what a good civic justice system should entail?
  • Do you support the death penalty?
  • To conclude I believe we should be looking at
  • Eph 5:11. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
  • and carry it out to the best of our abilities..
  • I also believe that Gods civil justice is just as much a blessing today as it was when he revealed it through out scripture and overall His way of executing justice on criminals would certainly by no means be wrong for us to model today and is the best one we could posably model after and would be a blessing to any ppls
  • In the end we may not agree on this issue..
  • but hopefully we can still fellowship :)
  • Danny
• Answer: (click here to see the answer)
  1. Danny,
  2. I do not believe we are in any dispensation except the dispensation of grace. In this dispensation, God has allowed man to do his own thing. Romans 1 & 2 discuss this thoroughly. In this dispensation, God wants everyone to come to Him and be saved from their sin. This is not happening in the vast majority of our world. Since that is true, we have a hope that God will establish justice in the future millennium, but even in that dispensation, we will be with Him in the heavenlies rather than on this earth. Further, that dispensation will end in rebellion after 1,000 years of His just and righteous rule.
  3. Fortunately, in Colorado, we still have the death penalty. However, we still have too many liberal judges from 24 years of liberal appointments by liberal governors. Now, with Governor Owens, we will be getting good judges who believe in the death penalty and will be sentencing those who deserve it to death. However, our system still stinks, because the death penalty is not delivered the way it should be, quickly.
  4. Right now, the state judicial system and the national judicial system limits the due process of the law for those who have lost their loved ones to the murderers. Too many play in jail for up to 20 years before they are executed, if they ever do get executed.
  5. If it were my choice, I would want godly judges sentencing criminals. They would know that God wants criminals who have committed crimes, worthy of death, executed swiftly.
  6. It's not "Where should we go as a nation to figure out what justice system works the best", because we, as private citizens, don't have any say about that.
  7. In the best situation, "Where should we go as a nation to figure out what justice system works the best what source would be wisest?" We would be able to go to God's word but, in general, the system doesn't listen to us or the Bible.
  8. I know God would want us to use His word to make our system of justice. He'd like the whole world to do that. But, it won't because the whole world is pretty much, mostly evil.
  9. My answer is, still, a question to you. How can you or I change our laws in the USA so they are more in line with the Bible?
  10. Because God's people do not vote in elections, too many evil men and women get elected. Even when God's people vote, they often waste their vote by voting for someone who they think believes identically with what they think, but the one they vote for is running on a small party that doesn't have a chance to win. Then, the worst candidate wins because the Christians didn't vote for an excellent candidate who may think a few things that the Christian doesn't approve of.
  11. When we Christians operate as you wrote: "we do not have to vote if both persons running are wicked, if everyone or even just believers held out and did not vote for either maybe our disaproval of there less then Godly policies would provide more insentive to ppl to repent?", the wicked just laugh and pass more laws that promote evil. Look at the state of California. It is getting more and more gross. It is being run by homos and liberals. They surely don't seem to be repentant.
  12. I don't vote for wicked leaders. There are a lot of excellent people in the Republican party and a few in the Democratic party (not around here, though). We also have a lot in the Republican party who are not excellent. We have a terrific number of pro-lifers in the Republican party. They have gotten involved. I see them at the county and state conventions all the time, but we need more. In Colorado, there has always been a very great difference between the candidates I have had to vote for.
  13. When you say, "GW says he is prolife.."says" then he appoints pro murdering judges..thats not prolife to me.", just where do you get your information? I disagree. I have read his testimony. Have you? He is a godly man, and I praise the Lord that he is our president.
  14. Whom did you vote for in the presidential election?
  15. When you ask a question like this: "Do you think that we should not exersize any of Gods justice civicly? or just some of it?", I don't know what you mean. How can we, you & I, exercise any of Gods justice civically? Our pro-life demonstrator, Ken Scott, just finished the first of 3, 3 month prison sentences for reading the Bible too loud at an abortionist's house. Are you willing to spend your time in jail the rest of your life because you are breaking bad laws? Not even Ken & Jo are willing to do it anymore.
  16. Again, you ask, "We have to have a justice system right?" The answer is, we have a justice system but it is broken. The only hope we have is to elect godly men like George W. Bush as presidents, godly senators, and godly representatives. But the Democrats still win too many elections because too many Christians stay home and don't vote.
  17. In my mind, the only source for the best justice system we can have is the Bible. That's not the problem. It's to get godly men in power in the presidency, the congress, and the Supreme Court.
  18. So, the biggest problem is to get all the Christians to vote for the party that has a great number of pro-God people in it. Pro-God people need to grow up, run for office and vote in every election.
  19. In Christ,
  20. Bob Hill
• Question: Do the 2 Testaments contradict themselves?
  • I have two questions for you.Doesn't the old and new testaments clearly contradict themselves on some things? An example is that it seems God orders people to be put to death for what seem like small things such as infidelity but, in the new testament we are taught to always forgive.
  • Don't you think that some things that are written in the bible are from earthly mens point of view and not Gods? An example being the scripture that states that a woman is to remain silent in church. I appreciate any input you have on these questions.
  • Thank you,
  • Mark
• Answer: (click here to see the answer)
  1. Dear Mark,
  2. Good questions. In answer to your first question: "Doesn't the old and new testaments clearly contradict themselves on some things? An example is that it seems God orders people to be put to death for what seem like small things such as infidelity but, in the new testament we are taught to always forgive." I would say, no.
  3. You have to recognize that the old testament deals with Israel when they were a theocracy and then a monarchy. In the New Testament, the Christians are under Roman law. Capital punishment was not allowed to the vassal states such as Israel. That's why the Jews who crucified Christ had to go to Pilate to have it done.
  4. The forgiveness taught in the NT is on a personal level. Any capital crime should be punished, and there were authorities who would do it. Rom 13:1-5 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.
  5. In regards to your question: "Don't you think that some things that are written in the bible are from earthly mens point of view and not Gods? An example being the scripture that states that a woman is to remain silent in church." Again, I say, no.
  6. Women should still not be pastors or do the preaching in the church. When the men do not follow God's commands in respect to leadership over the whole church, big problems happen.
  7. The women in our church have a lot of different ministries that they enjoy doing in the church, but they understand and appreciate having male leadership. It makes for a stronger unified church. My wife and 5 daughters agree with my statement.
  8. They have many opportunities to use their abilities in women's ministries.
  9. Let me know what you think.
  10. Bob Hill
• Question: peter vs. paul
  • Dear Bob,
  • I was recently at the Bible conferance that you attended in Indiana. What a blessing that was to my heart, as I'm sure it was to yours also. I really needed that boost in spiritual food. During one of the meetings, I heard you mention the fact that you had a website that seemed to offer what I have been searching for. I have had the blessings of being raised in a grace believing family and have had the opportunity of being taught the Bible rightly divided.
  • However, I have recently been talking to someone who is very much so an Acts 2 dispensationalist. Now, his questions are very good, and unfortunatley, and much to my shame, I do not know the answers to some of his questions. I have done my best to study them out, but my attempts seem to lead nowhere. David, this person with whom I have been talking, has had the grace message presented to him repeatedly, not only by myself, but from several other sources as well and he is so close to accepting, so close. His biggest hang up, though, is the question of whether or not Peter and Paul taught the same thing. I have always been taught that Peter and Paul taught two differant gospels, so naturally, I told him so, giving him referances, etc. This obviously clashed with what he has been taught so he began asking questions. When I studied and dug deeper, I wasn't able to find solid proof of why I believe the way I do. This kindof shook me up a little bit, as I'm sure you can imagine, and when I asked people that I look up to very much, they basically told me, "hmm, ya know, when I get to heaven, I think that will be one of the questions that I want to ask my Savior". Unfortuantley, that won't help me now. So, kind sir, here is my question. When did the preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom die out, and the complete preaching of the gospel of grace come in full? Were Peter and Paul teaching two different messages at the same time at some point? And if they were, how could that be? I have always been taught that the preaching of the kingdom overlapped the preaching of the gospel of grace, but then, which message did people listen to? How did they know which one to follow? To me, that sounds overly confusing, and last time I checked, God is not the author of confusion. Paul says that his preaching, for sure, reached all of Asia. Did the gospel of the Kingdom just not get to Asia? And how could that be? Weren't the apostles told in the Great Commision to go and teach all nations? Did they just fail to do so? And what about those poor travelers that went into Asia? Wouldn't they all of a sudden get kind of a "culture shock", so to speak? All of a sudden being saved by grace apart from works? Also, in Galatians 1:8, Paul says, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." Wouldn't that include the preaching of the gospel of the kindgom? So, how could Paul say that, knowing that he would be cursing another gospel that God would be having go on at the exact same time? Especially if, in Acts 15, Peter agreed to go preach the gospel of the Kingdom to the Jews, and Paul agreed to go and preach the gospel of grace to the Gentiles. But even that reference is confusing to me, because, if that were true, why did Paul always go to the synagogues first, and why would he say that his message was not only to the Jews, but also to the Greek. He mentions Jews first. Aren't they supposed to be being taught by Peter?
  • So, then I thought about this question (the original one) from another viewpoint that had been offered to me, and that was that Paul ended up sharing the gospel of grace with Peter, and Peter converted. Now, the biggest problem that I have with that answer would be that, if Peter were saved by grace, would he not be also offered the same hope that we have in Titus 2:13? And if he were, how could he rule on one of the twelve thrones mentioned in Revelation and also in Matthew?
  • Bob, I hope that my many questions make sense to you. I didn't really plan the way that I would be asking them, they all just kind of spilled out. I pray that God will lead you in your explanations if you have them, and I pray that God will give me the willingness to check your answers to see for myself if these things are so. Please reply as soon as possible.
  • God bless you in your outreach,
  • Lynda
• Answer: (click here to see the answer)
  1. Dear Lynda,
  2. I will begin answering your questions. As you receive them, let me know if they are, indeed, the answers you need. Then, ask me more specific ones, and I will continue answering them. I will be at the GGF conference in Keystone starting Wednesday through Saturday, so I won't be available until next week, after tomorrow.
  3. When we look at Philippians 1:9, "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment," we should see that this is not just any kind of knowledge, it is real knowledge. Notice how this word is used in Romans 10:1,2, "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge." A zeal for God is not enough. It must be according to real knowledge. When that knowledge is distorted, problems multiply. Then, as we look at the next word, and all discernment [perception, insight, experience], we see that Paul was inspired to write that our love must be a knowledgeable, perceptive, insightful love.
  4. Then we see why you need this knowledgeable, insightful love. You need it so "that you may approve the things that are excellent" . This translation is acceptable, but it misses the point. What we really should be doing, is test things that differ, and then approve the things that are more excellent. The Greek dictionary meaning for this word always means differ when used intransitively.
  5. Notice its usage in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, "Test all things; hold fast what is good." Then, when Paul was writing to the religious Jew who thought he had it made because of his own righteousness, he wrote, Romans 2:18, "and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent [Testing the things differing. Our phrase again.], being instructed out of the law".
  6. Then, Paul continued in Philippians 1:10, "that you may be sincere [judged by sunlight, unalloyed, pure] and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. I would translate the whole passage this way:
  7. And this I pray in order that [hina] your love may yet more and more overflow in knowledge and all perception, (Love is not enough. It must have real knowledge and perception.) with this in view [eis] - that you test the things that differ in order that [hina] you may be pure and inoffensive (The central focus is knowledge that produces love, the love of Christ which is flooding their souls. They'll be loving when they evangelize or discuss theology.) with this in view [eis] - the day of Christ (because they would be those) having been filled the fruits of righteousness [the fruits] through Jesus Christ with this in view [eis] - [the] glory and praise of God.
  8. Our reward from God depends on two things: Testing things that differ. Living our lives in the Spirit. A parallel in Colossians 3:23,24 says, "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." Another parallel in 2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." And it's all put together in Colossians 1:24b-2:2: I became a minister (of His body, the church) according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. 2:1 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ.
  9. We'll test the things that differ in this dispensation from things in other dispensations.
  10. Testing the Things That Differ: I heard Hank Hanegraff debating about works for salvation on the radio with a Catholic scholar, who maintained that works were important for salvation. Hank maintained that the justification in James was not for salvation. Neither one could prove their position consistently.
  11. When I was on the radio some years ago, one subject kept coming up. A lady called in about her security of salvation. Another asked if she had to be baptized to be saved. Another wondered if her addiction (which she was fighting) would keep her from being saved. A guy called in a lot. He told us he thought we were heretics. That we made salvation too easy. That we needed to follow Christ's teachings to be saved.
  12. These kinds of questions and statements cause me great concern. Concern for your friend and other Christians. When these questions surfaced in Galatia, Paul was amazed. Notice what he wrote in Galatians 1:6-9: "I'm amazed that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed."
  13. If Paul was inspired to write in verse 8, "even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed", then, we should all try to do what you are doing, showing others the purpose of the message of grace. The goal for this is love according to 1 Timothy 1:5, Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith. So we should be concerned. I'm glad you are Lynda.
  14. Is it right to be as concerned as Paul was with the Galatians? I believe the answer is, Yes! And we must not only be concerned, but we must test the things that differ, because lives are at stake. Paul was "afraid for" those in the churches of Galatia. Notice what he wrote in, Gal 4:9-11: "But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain." Well, what is the basis for testing the things that differ? Also, why do we have such a problem? Christ was sent only to Israel. Matthew 15:24 shows this, "But He answered and said, 'I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.'" In support of this, Paul was inspired to write Romans 15:8, "Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers."
  15. When Israel rejected Christ, God raised up Paul with a different commission.
  16. Peter & the Eleven and Paul were under Different Dispensations.
  17. Peter & the Eleven Offered the Davidic kingdom
  18. Acts 1:6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" Acts 3:18-21 "But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began." Paul - Mystery, Grace
  19. Eph 3:1-9 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles; 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery 8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship [dispensation] of the mystery, which has been hidden from the of ages in God who created all things through Jesus Christ.
  20. Different Gospels
  21. Peter - Circumcision
  22. Gal 2:7-9 as the gospel of the circumcision [had been committed to] to Peter.
  23. and they [the twelve] to the circumcised Paul - Uncircumcision.
  24. Gal 2:7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision had been committed to me.
  25. we [Paul and Barnabas] should go to the Gentiles
  26. Here is the whole passage. Galatians 2:7-9 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision had been committed to me, as the gospel of the circumcision was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcision also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcision.
  27. Circumcision Gospel Gentile (Uncircumcision) Gospel
  28. The Mission of the Twelve
  29. Mk 16:15-18 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." The Mission of Paul
  30. 1 Co 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
  31. Gal 1:11,12 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
  32. For Salvation
  33. Works Necessary
  34. Acts 10:34,35 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him." No Works Necessary
  35. Rom 4:4,5 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
  36. For Salvation
  37. Water Baptism
  38. Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
  39. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
  40. 1 Pet 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us-baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, [showing it was water] but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Spirit Baptism
  41. 1 Co 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
  42. 1 Co 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free - and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
  43. Eph 4:4,5 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism [Spiritual].
  44. Prayer
  45. Whatever Prayers
  46. Mat 21:22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.
  47. Mk 11:24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
  48. John 14:13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
  49. John 16:23 Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.
  50. 1 Jo 3:22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
  51. 1 Jo 5:15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. No Whatever Prayers
  52. 2 Co 12:8-10 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
  53. Phi 4:6,7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
  54. Health and Prosperity
  55. Sign Gifts
  56. Mat 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
  57. Mark 16:17,18 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
  58. Jam 5:14,15 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
  59. 3 John 2 Beloved, I pray [or wish - eucomai] that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
  60. Sign Gifts Pass Away
  61. 2 Co 12:7-10 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me [not given by God (Jam 1:16,17), but allowed as with Job], a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
  62. 1 Ti 5:23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.
  63. 2 Ti 4:20 Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.
  64. Security of the Believer
  65. Sin unto death
  66. 1 Jo 5:16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. Dead to Sin
  67. Rom 6:3,11 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 11 Likewise you also, recognize yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
  68. Security of the Believer
  69. Make Your Election Sure
  70. Mat 6:15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
  71. Mat 24:13,14 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
  72. John 15:6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
  73. 2 Pe 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.
  74. 1 John 2:3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. Sure of Your Election
  75. Eph 1:4,5,11-14 He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
  76. Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
  77. Rightly dividing the truth is the only solution for these problems. Let me know if this helps.
  78. In Christ,
  79. Bob Hill
  80. Footnotes:
  81. [1] Bauer, Arndt, Gingrich, Danker, epignwsis, knowledge, recognition in our lit. limited to relig. and moral things . . . a knowledge of the truth. . . . Knowledge of God and Christ . . . to recognize God Ro 1:28; . . . Phil 1:9; anakainoumenos eis epignwsin renewed in knowledge Col 3:10. kat * epignwsin in accordance w. (real) knowledge Ro 10:2.
  82. [2] Ibid., a. differ, be different tinos fr. someone or someth. differ fr. someth. w. respect to someth. b. differ to one's advantage fr. someone or someth.=be worth more than, be superior to. Abs. ta diaferonta the things that really matter.
  83. [3] eilikrineis
  84. [4] The word command is the same as charge in verse 3, "charge some that they teach no other doctrine". The right doctrine that Paul had delivered to Timothy must be taught. In 1 Timothy 6:20, Paul exhorted Timothy, "O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge". The legalists of that day were constantly harassing Paul and his converts. According to Titus 1:10, this was happening up to the end of his ministry. "For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision."
  85. [5] The Majority Text and the Critical Text have oikonomia, dispensation. My translation. See an interlinear.
• Question: Wouldn't you agree that Jonah had a choice?
  • Dear Bob,
  • Wouldn't you agree that Jonah had a chioce, he could die and not go to Niniveh. He agreed but he was still reluctant. It seems to me that because God knew his character, and because God is patient and kind, He knew that with a little more pressure Jonah would submit his will to Him, get off his high horse and go to Niniveh....which he did reluctantly!
  • Thanks and God Bless you.
• Answer: (click here to see the answer)
  1. Dear Margaret,
  2. I agree with you to a great extent except that God is even surprised that man does not respond to His loving call in a better way. For instance, here is one of those accounts by God: Isa 5:1-4 Now let me sing to my Well-beloved song of my Beloved regarding His vineyard: My Well-beloved has a vineyard On a very fruitful hill. 2 He dug it up and cleared out its stones, And planted it with the choicest vine. He built a tower in its midst, and also made a winepress in it; So He expected it to bring forth good grapes, but it brought forth wild grapes. 3 "And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, Judge, please, between Me and My vineyard. 4 What more could have been done to My vineyard That I have not done in it? Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes, Did it bring forth wild grapes?
  3. In Christ,
  4. Bob Hill
• Question: Jonah and Free will
  • We are having a Bible Study on Predestination and the freedom of Choice. I have your articles off the web. I need the answer to this question and where to find it. I will read your stuff on Predestination, it will take some due due to its volumn. My husband insist that Jonah did not have a choice to refuse God's command. I know he did, but help me find a short path to show my husband as he will influence one particular person who is searching for truth on the Word. Thank you, and may our Father continue to bless your ministry.
  • In Christian Love,
  • Margaret
• Answer: (click here to see the answer)
  1. Dear Margaret,
  2. Theoretically Jonah had a choice to refuse God's command, but it looks like God would have continued to discipline him until he did what God wanted. Therefore, I believe your husband is right in respect to Jonah. Jonah, ultimately did not have a choice in regards to God's choice of him to make God's prophecy to Ninevah.
  3. In Christ,
  4. Bob
• Question: Peter and Paul teaching two different messages at the same time at some point?
  • Kind sir, here is my question. When did the preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom die out, and the complete preaching of the gospel of grace come in full? Were Peter and Paul teaching two different messages at the same time at some point? And if they were, how could that be? I have always been taught that the preaching of the kingdom overlapped the preaching of the gospel of grace, but then, which message did people listen to?
• Answer: (click here to see the answer)
  1. Dear Lynda,
  2. We see that the Circumcision Apostles and James wrote epistles after the body of Christ started with the Apostle Paul. In fact, the book of Revelation, which Acts 2 dispensationalists would agree applies mostly to the tribulation, was the last book of the Bible written. Yet, they don’t believe that most of it applies to the body of Christ.
  3. When John wrote Revelation, it was a wonderful responsibility to write about all the visions he had seen. A blessing was promised to those who heard and kept the words of this prophecy. John believed “the season was near.” He certainly thought he was going to go through the tribulation with them very soon.
  4. When we read this prophecy, we must always remember to whom John was writing. From the names of the cities where these churches were located, they sound like they would be churches whose members were in the body of Christ. But we will see that this is a circumcision letter to circumcision churches. We don’t have any history of these churches that has survived, but it seems that there were circumcision churches in each one of these cities, even though E.W. Bullinger believes these are all churches of a future time.
  5. Rev 1:4,5b,6 “John, to the seven churches which are in Asia 5b To Him who loves us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and power forever and ever.” This kingdom of priests was promised in Exodus 19:5,6, and is an occurring theme in the circumcision epistles. It is also found in Rev 5:10 and 20:6: 5:10 He made them kings and priests to our God; And they will reign on the earth.
  6. 20:6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
  7. This kingdom, and its priests is the restored nation referred to in Hosea 1:9,10 and 2:23.
  8. 1:9,10 Then God said: “Call his name Lo-Ammi, for you are not My people, and I will not be your God. 10 Yet the number of the children of Israel Shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And it shall come to pass In the place where it was said to them, You are not My people, There it shall be said to them, You are sons of the living God.
  9. 2:23 Then I will say to those who were not My people, You are My people! And they shall say, You are my God!
  10. Paul also referred to Israel in the portion of Romans which deals with Israel, chapters 9-11,
  11. Rom 9:25,26 As He says also in Hosea: “I will call them My people, who were not My people, and her beloved, who was not beloved.” 26 And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, “You are not My people,” “There they shall be called sons of the living God.” Therefore, we can conclude: We are reading material to the circumcision when we read the book of Revelation.
  12. Rev 1:7 “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.” This is the second coming when there will be great mourning according to Mat 24:29,30: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
  13. John, a Circumcision Apostle, was both their brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and endurance in Christ Jesus. Rev 1:9 “I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” By using two Granville-Sharp constructions, John linked together first “brother and companion” then “the tribulation and kingdom and endurance”.
  14. John became in the Spirit in the day of the Lord. He was caught up into these visions in the Spirit. He was supposed to write what he saw in his visions in a book and send it to these churches. It says, according to Rev 1:10,11, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, ‘What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.’”
  15. I’m indebted to E.W. Bullinger’s exposition of this phrase. Rev 1:19 “Write, therefore, what you saw, both what they are, and what will take place after these things.” I have difficulty seeing how it could be translated differently, now.
  16. John was supposed to write down in this book the things he saw in verse eleven, what they meant, and what would happen after these things. That is what the whole book of Revelation is about. That’s exactly what he starts doing in the next verse. Notice Rev 1:20 & 2:5: “The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.” 2:5 “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place – unless you repent.” Notice how their salvation is conditioned by their endurance, even though their ability to endure would be by the power of the Holy Spirit.
  17. This book is so full of warning passages it would be scary if it applied to us. Their salvation is on the line. They must repent or else! Some of the messages to the seven churches are more explicit.
  18. In Rev 2:7, it says: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” We are already sealed. They have to overcome.
  19. Even from John’s Gospel and his 1st epistle, John 15:6 and 1 John 5:4,5, we see they must maintain their faith. Their faith overcomes as long as they abide in Christ. 1 John 5:4,5 “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. 5 Who is he who is overcoming the world, but he who is believing that Jesus is the Son of God?” These are both present participles. They must continue overcoming and believing.
  20. In Rev 2:9, “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.”, we have another strong Jewish statement. The ones who say they are Jews are not real Jews. They were not Jews inwardly. John didn’t use the word church here. He used the more Jewish term synagogue. He used it again in 3:9.
  21. In 2:11: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”, they had to overcome. What if they do not overcome? Would they be hurt of the second death? It sure looks like it.
  22. In Rev 3:5,6, “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”, the Spirit gives this great warning to the churches who will go through the tribulation: I will not blot out the name of the one who overcomes from the Book of Life. But from all of the circumcision material, we can see that their names will be blotted out if they do not abide in Him and overcome.
  23. The New Jerusalem is very Jewish. From Revelation 21:12-14, we see that the twelve gates have names of the twelve tribes of Israel written on them. This has nothing to do with the body of Christ. Paul is conspicuous by the absence of his name. Instead, the foundations have the circumcision apostles’ names on them. Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13 three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. 14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
  24. These churches were circumcision churches. This is shown by the promise to write “the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem”, on the forehead of the one who overcomes.
  25. In Christ,
  26. Bob
• Question: Why mention the law when we aren't under it?
  • Hi, I believe the body of Christ is not under law even as a "rule of life" and I think Paul clearly revealed and even stressed this so what is the reference to the first commandment with promise to parents children why would Paul list this in exhortations to church?
  • thanks for ideas
  • in Christ,
  • Damian Peach
• Answer: (click here to see the answer)
  1. Dear Damian,
  2. We have the reference you mentioned in Eph 6:1-3 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with promise: 3 that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
  3. Not only do you have that reference, but we also have Rom 13:8-10 to deal with: Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
  4. The law was good, and it is good, but once we are saved we are not under it. But that doesn't mean that we can't look at the requirements of the law to see what a blessing it is to see what we have in Christ.
  5. As you know, we who are saved in the dispensation of grace are not under the law according to the following passages.
  6. Rom 6:14,15: "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!
  7. Rom 7:1-6 Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? 2 For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man. 4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may become to another [Notice my change here according to the Greek text.] to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. 6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.
  8. Rom 8:2-4 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
  9. Rom 13:8-10 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
  10. Every aspect of the law is good, including the Sabbath law, but the law has always been a condemning instrument. Today we have the law of love.
  11. Gal 2:19,20 For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God [Notice my change here according to the Greek text.], who loved me and gave Himself for me.
  12. Gal 3:19-25 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faithfulness of Jesus Christ [Notice my change here according to the Greek text.] might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith [Christ] came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
  13. When we were unsaved, we were under the law and condemned by it.
  14. Gal 4:21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?
  15. Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
  16. Eph 2:14,15 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,
  17. 1 Tim 1:5 Now the purpose of the charge is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.
  18. We are under grace. We should live our lives in a Spirit producing love that is the fulfillment of the righteous requirement of the law.
  19. We can look at the law with approval. There is nothing wrong with referring to the law. The law is good as long as we remember Rom 8:2-4 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
  20. The 14th chapter of Romans shows us that we should be loving and gentle with those who do not understand our freedom in Christ. They are the weaker brethren in Romans 14.
  21. Rom 14 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. 5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God." 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way. 14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.
  22. Here, the offense is not the keeping or breaking of the law, but doing something that they doubt that they should do it. In reality, even if it is not part of the law, the doubter is still sinning if he does something that is all right but he thinks it is wrong.
  23. The most important thing for us to remember is: we are justified by Grace, with no additions, but you already know that.
  24. In Christ,
  25. Bob
• Question: Did God blind israel?
  • Hi bob im studying the book of john..im a dispensationalist and im writing some things on this book
  • calvanist like to refer to it to show predestination to salvation, and that israel could not recieve him cuzz he did not let them so gentiles could be saved and that he predestined them from the start to reject him..which is absurd to me..considering how hard he tried to get his vinyard to produce..
  • ive run into something i can't figure out..in john 12 37. But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
  • 38. That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
  • 39. Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
  • 40. He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
  • 41. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
  • 42. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
  • ive looked up these references to isaiah and it looks to me that yes he did blind them.and talks about how long this will last and about how many will receive him..
  • Isaiah 6:9. And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
  • 10. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
  • 11. Then said I, Lord, how long? and he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate,
  • 12. And the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.
  • 13. But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.
  • jesus also refers to this in matthew 13..what gives? :)
  • .ive believed that this was the natural result of them constantly rejecting him while calvanist would always say they were predestined to reject him so salvation could come to the gentiles
  • i believe he chose that nation so salvation could come through them to the ends of the world, as his agent
  • my problem is this if he did blind them and keep them from understanding as john seems to be saying..how could he give them the kingdom? if they could not recieve it..why did he weep over the city and say i wanted to but you would not? dosn't make sence to me..and when it says "Nevertheless some of the chief rulers believed.." were only "some" blinded?
  • so..when it says HE blinded them so they could not understand..in john 12, so that isaiah might be fullfilled..because of there constant disobediance..how could he expect them to know the signs of the time, and recieve him and the kingdom?
  • So did God blind israel or..is that just a figure of speech meaning "they reaped what they had sown"
  • kinda like how it says in romans 1 they refused to retain God in there knowledge so *HE* gave them over...
  • they refused to "know" him..and so when he came could not recognize him but it seems that some did know him and reject him anyways..however those he said were not his sheep it sounds to me as if they are not his sheep cuzz they refused to learn of the father so it was not possable for them to recognize the father when he came :)i believe that is the jist of the first few chapters of john..they did not really believe moses or have the father to begin with
  • to me it seems like some knew him and recieved him some knew him and rejected him, and some didn't know the father so they didn't recognize christ..
  • thanks for your time
  • Danny
• Answer: (click here to see the answer)
  1. Dear Danny,
  2. To find out about your question, we must ask, why did John even write John 12:39? Let’s look at the extended context, John 12:37-50. But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?” 39 Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, Lest they should see with their eyes, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” 41 These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him. 42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 44 Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”
  3. When it says “they could not believe” John quoted from Isa 6:9,10, And He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ 10 Make the heart of this people dull, And their ears heavy, And shut their eyes; Lest they see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And return and be healed.” When He said that it was to show that Israel, in general since Israel repeatedly did not believe, they were now hardened by God. Why? They had rejected Christ for so many times God punished them with blindness. John 5:38-47 But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. 41 I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”
  4. God did the same in Acts 28 to show the condemnation of the nation and the reason why God had set them aside. They disbelieved so many times that they became so hardened and “would not believe”; therefore they could not believe, similarly to Rom 1:24-32 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
  5. I believe the judgment is meted out because of Isa 5:1-7 Now let me sing to my Well-beloved A song of my Beloved regarding His vineyard: My Well-beloved has a vineyard On a very fruitful hill. 2 He dug it up and cleared out its stones, And planted it with the choicest vine. He built a tower in its midst, And also made a winepress in it; So He expected it to bring forth good grapes, But it brought forth wild grapes. 3 “And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, Judge, please, between Me and My vineyard. 4 What more could have been done to My vineyard That I have not done in it? Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes, Did it bring forth wild grapes? 5 And now, please let Me tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it shall be burned; And break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. 6 I will lay it waste; It shall not be pruned or dug, But there shall come up briers and thorns. I will also command the clouds That they rain no rain on it.” 7 For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, And the men of Judah are His pleasant plant. He looked for justice, but behold, oppression; For righteousness, but behold, a cry for help.
  6. And yet, some believed. John 12:42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him
  7. In Christ,
  8. Bob Hill
• Question: Are the commandments of 1 Co 7:19 the law?
  • Dear Bob:
  • Thanks for your website! It contains a huge amount of information. I wanted to ask a question about 1 Co 7:19, where Paul states that what matters is the keeping the commandments of God. How does this statement fit within the mid-Acts position? If I read this passage "right off the page" it appears as if Paul is referring to the keeping of the law. Yet we know that Paul's total emphasis is upon grace.
  • My problem with the 1 Co 7:19 passage is that if I read "commandments" as something else intended than the law itself, then I am interpreting the word "commandments" as something other than a concept related to the law. For example, perhaps Paul meant by commandments in this passage a moral way of life that is still expected of people in the age of grace. And such an understanding would seem reasonable. But if I understand commandments as something other than the law, then my reading of "commandments" in 1 John could be taken this way as well. 1 John 4:21 seems to define commandment as love towards fellow believers rather than the law itself. However, 1 John is not to my knowledge considered part of the grace message. Yet a similar view of "commandments" in 1 John could make it sound less like a performance or law type document.
  • How should I interpret the word "commandment" when it appears in different books of the Bible? I certainly cannot view commandment as referring to the Law in 1 Co 7:19. Yet if I allow a different interpretation of "commandment" in 1 Co 7:19 then doesn't that create other problems as described above?
  • Thanks for your attention.
• Answer: (click here to see the answer)
  1. Dear Ron,
  2. That's a good question. You are completely correct when you say the emphasis is on grace. But, in this grace, should we be law breakers? Paul's answer is "Certainly not!" Rom 6:14,15 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!
  3. I believe that God wants us, even in the dispensation of grace, to keep the righteous requirement of the law by faith. But He does not want us to attempt to keep the law for salvation. Gal 5:4-6 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
  4. This concept is repeatedly presented by Paul. Here is an example. Because we are redeemed, we are enabled by faith to establish the law: Rom 3:27-31 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. 29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, 30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law. Rom 7:22-25 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
  5. Again, only the redeemed who are walking in the Spirit have a chance to fulfill the righteous requirement of the law. Rom 8:2-4 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
  6. The key to our ability to fulfill the law is directly dependant on our relationship to Christ as our Savior and following the leading of the Holy Spirit as He leads us away from the lusts of the flesh into love: Rom 13:8-10 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
  7. The Scripture shows us that it isn't a thing that's dependant on the flesh in any way. It also does not depend on any rituals. It depends on the power we receive from God as we meditate on His word and look to Him for our walk. 1 Co 7:17-20 But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches. 18 Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.
  8. A number of passages show that the love of God is what produces the Christian walk in us. That Christian walk will be one that fulfills the law of God. Gal 5:13-14 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Gal 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
  9. Paul even appeals to the law, but he doesn't ever link it with salvation. Eph 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: 3 "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." The righteousness that we have is imputed by Christ's faithfulness, however that righteousness should produce a godly life in us. This is reiterated in Phi 3:9: and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through the faithfulness of Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.
  10. The law is not made for us who have the righteousness of God because we have trusted in Christ. It is a condemning instrument for others, but we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ and can allow the Spirit to help us live lawfully. 1 Ti 1:8-11 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.
  11. Those in 1 John 2, 4 & 5 will have an unction where they will be very knowledgeable and enabled to not sin against God and his commandments. They will have this from the Holy Spirit in a more dramatic way than we enjoy in this dispensation. 1 Jo 2:20-27 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us -- eternal life. 26 These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. That's why it is so severe if they fall away and break one of the commandments. They cannot be restored.
  12. In Christ,
  13. Bob
• Question: Were Gentiles without Hope?
  • Eph 2:12,13 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 3 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
  • Hi Bob, how do we reconcile the above with "general revelation" romans 1-2 it says or seems to say
  • the "gentiles" had NO hope at one time..or is paul simply speaking to his immediate audience?
  • There were procyltes were there not?
  • Thanks
  • Danny
• Answer: (click here to see the answer)
  1. Danny,
  2. The best way to reconcile Eph 2:12,13, "that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.", is to realize that the Gentiles were set aside because they continually rejected God. However, the message of God's grace was still written in His handiwork and the hearts of all humans according to Rom 1:18-32: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man -- and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
  3. Also, Col 1:6,23 shows us that the gospel was preached in all the world. But, they did have to believe it. Since they did not believe what was written in the sky and in their hearts, now God has raised up Paul and us to present it by Christians in the whole world: Col 1:6,23 "which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister."
  4. Therefore, those alienated from the life of God were brought near. Eph 4:17,18 says: "This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart."
  5. Now, by Christ's crucifixion, and body, the enmity was destroyed, the peace was made, and the law was abolished. Notice, in making peace, Eph 2:14,15 says, "For He Himself is our peace."
  6. He did three things. He made the both one: "who has made the both one." He destroyed the middle wall of separation, "and has destroyed the middle wall of separation, 15a the enmity, in His flesh", and the wall in the temple that separated the court of the Gentiles from the temple proper.
  7. He did this by annulling the law of commandments in ordinances: 15b "having annulled the law of the commandments in ordinances". That was only done for the body of Christ - all others are still under the law.
  8. Why did He do this? "that He might create the two in Himself into one new man, making peace".
  9. In the NT, the Pauline Epistles show us that God cut Israel off. He cut off Israel from the special opportunity she had with God. But in this metaphor of the olive tree, God only cut out those in Rom 11:20 who "Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear." They were no longer the favored nation. Now, they had to believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior just like the Gentiles now could. But now, in vss. 21,22, He warns the Gentiles who have been grafted into the opportunity to believe directly rather than proselyte to Judaism. 21 "For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off." Israel fell out of her special privileged relationship with God. But only those who did not believe were in this category.
  10. We must be careful to read the 11th chapter in its context of Rom 9-11. In Rom 9:30, we see that the Israelites who were cut off were unbelievers trying to establish their own righteousness rather than submitting to God's righteousness, Rom 9:30-10:4 "What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. 33 As it is written: 'Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.' 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." The ones cut off were never saved. They fell from the special opportunity that Israel had. Any Jew could believe after the body of Christ started, but now their opportunity was not special like it was. God is going to make the opportunity special again after the rapture. Then Israel will be purged in the tribulation.
  11. When God is through with the Gentiles in this dispensation, all the believers will be raptured, all the unbelieving Gentiles will be cut off, and everyone will be under the circumcision gospel rules of the tribulation. Eternal security or lack of it, is not the question in Rom 11. It is the opportunity to directly believe in Christ as our savior.
  12. Rom 11:11-31 I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. 12 Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness! 13 For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them. 15 For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? 16 For if the first-fruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, 18 do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, "Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in." 20 Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? 25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; 27 For this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins." 28 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, 31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy.
  13. Notice what the purpose of this section is. It is summarized for us in Rom 11:32 "For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all."
  14. In Christ,
  15. Bob Hill
• Question: Is this the tribulation?
  • next he says
  • 9. I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
  • Is this..THEE tribulation?? or just general tribulation and suffering for the word/christ ect?..once israel was cut off so was Gods plan for them..the trib from what i understand is still yet future even though some of matt 24 has happened..in 70 ad..
  • i cant see how it could be THEE tribulation...unless that was going on when he wrote it..I can't see how it could be a future verse..in the context.
  • it is "present" it seems to me..
  • If you have any insight i would be thanful
  • Danny
• Answer: (click here to see the answer)
  1. Dear Danny,
  2. When we look at this verse in the Greek, we see that the word tribulation has the definite article.
  3. jEgw; jIwavnnh", oJ ajdelfo;" uJmw`n kai; koinwno;" ejn th`/ qlivyei kai; basileiva/ kai; uJpomonh`/ ejn Cristw/` jIhsou`, ejgenovmhn ejn th`/ nhvsw/ th`/ kaloumevnh/ Pavtmw/ dia; to;n lovgon tou` qeou` kai; dia; th;n marturivan jIhsou` Cristw/`.
  4. I John, the brother of you and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and endurance in Christ Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and because of the testimony of Jesus Christ.
  5. This would make it, in my evaluation, the tribulation that they were expecting to go through in fulfillment of the prophecy that Peter gave on the day of Pentecost.
  6. We find in Paul's early writings that he expected to be in the rapture. Of course, that is still future and will take place before the tribulation.
  7. In Christ,
  8. Bob
• Question: Grace? and is this the tribulation?
  • hi bob,
  • In chapter 1 of Rev john says the following..
  • 4. John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
  • these churches "were" jewish cercumsision churches right? yet he opens with "Grace" be unto you
  • just a "loving" greeting not ment to imply they did not have to keep the law, endure to the end ect or, because grace was always there for those who broke the law and were repentive..(less it was a