Preaching the Gospel of God's Grace in Salvation

[savedbymercy]

The Gospel of God's Grace !

The Main cause for a Salvation plan that was totally and 100% of Sovereign Grace, which entailed the Saviour coming into the world
was because men were totally without hope in becoming saved Matt 19:25-26


25When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

26But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

All of Salvation from Election in Eternity past to final Glory is realized solely by the Sovereign Grace of God. In light of this fact, any Gospel teaching that neglects to cover all aspects of Salvation
as revealed in the written word, and those things that point out all
The requirements for Salvation have been completely dealt with by
God's Grace is a False Gospel. Those not believing the fact that men are dead to God, alienated from God, and spiritually without hope in the world, are liken to the lie told to Eve by satan "that she would not surely die" but only now its " You are not surely dead". Those rejecting the Truth of all men Rom 5:12, is in league
with the serpent, who is the Father of lies. Such Persons will not be submitted to all of Salvation being totally dependent upon the Sovereign Electing Grace of God. For all men by nature feels that there is something living in them by nature that enables them to seek and understand and come to the True God in spite of Rom 3.

If this is True, there would be in reality no Gospel that declares all Salvation is dependent upon Sovereign Grace, if men are not totally dead in sin. The Grace of God is no less needed if man could make themselves acceptable to God by his obedience, hence then the Saving obedience of Christ is dispensable. Rom 5:19

19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one not two shall many be made righteous.

 

[savedbymercy]

More on the Gospel of God's Grace and Depravity !

The Gospel of God's Grace will include all those doctrines that set forth the reason why it was so imperative that God saved His People by Grace. Our native depravity is upmost in that regards. Jesus Christ Himself stated that men have not the ability to come to Him, which means Believe in Him unless the Father which sent Him draw them. Jn 6:44.

If we are preaching a gospel that neglects to include all the biblical doctrines that reveals the necessity for the Grace of God in our Salvation, then thats a Gospel which gives you and I a reason to believe that we must do something to become saved.

Those who preach a watered down gospel and give the impression that we are not completely dead in sin, is to instill in our minds that we can do something to get ourselves saved. This type of thinking is a attack upon the only way we can become saved, that is by the Grace of God. Acts 15:11

But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Note Faith is not mentioned here, nor here Eph 2:5

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are save )

Thats because the Faith is an attachment with the Grace that saves us.

Faith is an accessory that comes with the Grace that saves, so it is that we believe, the verb of Faith, by or through Grace Acts 18:27

And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

If a person takes credit for believing, while another with the same opportunity to believe ,but they did not, then one takes credit for their being saved by Grace through Faith. Instead, the proper understanding of Grace, if one believes and the other does not, then Grace enabled one to believe and not the other, then we have no reason or even the occasion to boast. This also shows that we understood our depravity, and that we believed only by means of Grace. Grace should have the credit for believing.

Paul stated that he laboured more than any of the Apostles, but paul was mindful to credit to the Grace of God for His Labour 1 Cor 15:10

10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Paul states that God's Grace bestowed upon him was not in vain, that is, it was not without effect or producing results. And thats how it is with all who are saved by Grace.

Thats the Gospel Message, it should be as Paul stated here Eph 1:6

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

 

[DHK]

Note Faith is not mentioned here, nor here Eph 2:5

It is mentioned in Eph.2:8,9. You didn't read far enough.

Thats because the Faith is an attachment with the Grace that saves us.

Faith is no attachment; it is an absolute requirement to be saved.

Faith is an accessory that comes with the Grace that saves, so it is that we believe, the verb of Faith, by or through Grace Acts 18:27

Faith it is not an accessory.
"Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God." (Romans 5:1)
It an absolute necessity, without which one cannot be saved.

If a person takes credit for believing, while another with the same opportunity to believe ,but they did not, then one takes credit for their being saved by Grace through Faith.

Is this a denial of Scripture? It looks like it.

Eph. 2:8 explicitly says: For by grace are ye saved through faith.
--It seems you have just denied this truth. This is speaking of one's own faith. For by the grace of God, (the grace He provided on the cross), we are saved by the faith we ourselves put in that sacrificial atonement. If we don't we cannot be saved.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. (Acts 16:31)
The onus was on the jailer to believe. It was his choice; his belief.

You are very much confused and leave a great percentage of the Bible untouched.

 

[Dr. Walter]

Rom. 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Which heart? The heart God gives His elect or the "stony" heart he takes away?


Ezek. 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Does the former heart ("stony heart") have the ability to perceive and see the truth and believe it?

Deut. 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!


Deut. 29:4 Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.


Deut. 5:29 denies there is such a heart in the lost man! Deuterony 29:4 demands that such a heart must first be given by God. Ezekiel 36:26 demands such a heart must be given by God. Again, "with the heart man believeth" but which heart is God talking about? The one in their former unregenerate state or the one which he gives?

Before you answer to hastily, remember Ezekiel 36:26 is describing salvation provided by the New Covenant as both Hebrews 8 and Hebrews 10 confirm along with 2 Cor. 3:3-6.

 

[savedbymercy]

The Gospel of God's Grace !

According to Romans 11:6, no one who believes that man is not dead in sin can possibly believe in a Gospel which is completely dependent on grace:

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

On the opposite, they now have every reason to believe that at least part of salvation is conditioned upon the works of a man or mans believing or faith.

If you have a gospel which fails to include every doctrine that reveals the grace of God in the salvation of His people, you have a gospel that gives you ground to believe that you have to, and therefore have the ability to, do something to get or remain saved, even if it's your believing or faithfulness.

The exclusive purpose behind every gospel which teaches that man is not completely depraved[dead] in sin is to instill in the minds of its hearers the doctrinal perversion that man can and must do something to get, or remain, saved.

Such a corruption of the truth is nothing less than a direct attack upon the only thing by which a man can be saved; the sovereign grace of God.

If man could be saved by what he does [Believe or repent], then grace would not be required at all in the salvation of a man and Christ’s sacrificial death would have been in vain (see Gal 2:21).

From the lie that man is not dead in sin comes the equally bogus teaching that he can, in and of his own free will, make a conscious decision to choose God by misapplication of such scriptures as [ Josh 24:15]. This in turn has produced a retinue of false teachings, one of which promotes the idea, which is the satanic doctrinal offspring of man’s not being utterly dead in sin [see Eph 2:5], that teaches salvation is an offer that can be accepted or refused; and that the Gospel must be preached to every individual as a personal opportunity to them.

This act of ‘free will’ reveals the teaching that man is not, as the Bible teaches, hopeless without God but that God is desperate without man, that He has no hope of saving anyone unless they make the decision to choose and accept Him !

Salvation would therefore not be by the will of God, as the scriptures say (Jas 1:18), but by the will of man. For the Good News of Grace to be preached, we must show the reason for the need of grace in the salvation of a man.

This can only be done by a proper and biblical exposition of the spiritual state every man is in by nature: dead in sin and dead to God (see Eph. 2:1,5). We see an example of this in Paul’s introducing us to man’s depraved condition in the first three chapters of Romans before leading into grace. Rom 3:24

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

 

[DHK]

The Gospel of God's Grace !

According to Romans 11:6, no one who believes that man is not dead in sin can possibly believe in a Gospel which is completely dependent on grace:

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

On the opposite, they now have every reason to believe that at least part of salvation is conditioned upon the works of a man or mans believing or faith.

"You err not knowing the Scriptures..."
We are saved freely by his grace, accepted freely by our faith.
Faith is not, and never was a work.

 

[Dr. Walter]

Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

QUESTION: It is of faith that it might be of_____________________?

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith...."

QUESTION: Who is the author and finisher of our faith? We or Jesus?

Phillipians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

QUESTON: What is given unto us besides suffering for his sake?

Philippians 2:13 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

QUESTION: Who is it that works in us to "will"?

Jn. 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

QUESTION: What is the work of God?

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves but it is a gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast

QUESTION: Are we saved by grace WITHOUT faith? Hence, what is the gift of God?

 

[savedbymercy]

More on the Gospel of God's Grace !



It is crucial to be reminded that the all of salvation is covered by all of God's Grace [Eph 2:5].

No part of that which is essential in the salvation of a person has been not dealt with, altogether and amply, by the grace of God. Therefore, there are absolutely no reasons for anyone to construct a biblical presentation for the Gospel of salvation failing to be that which embodies all the doctrines which teach the Grace of God in Salvation.

There is no part of salvation that does not depend upon the grace of God in the salvation of His people. No portion of Salvation is conditioned on the person, but every phase of it is conditioned on the grace of God [From Believing to Glorification] And the medium through which God teaches the individual doctrines which deal with grace in salvation is the Gospel.

The Gospel should not be anything short of this and it cannot be anything else but this. The whole of the Gospel is about the whole of salvation, which is about the whole of the grace of God. If it had to happen for salvation to exist, then it must be believed for salvation to be experienced.

Put simply, when it comes to salvation, if God had to do it then men ought believe it! If man must believe it then it should be presented in the Gospel of salvation, for Christ says that to believe the Gospel is to be saved [evidenced by believing] Mk 16:15-16. Correspondingly to be saved is to believe the Gospel: all that God reveals that had to be done to save His people Matt 1:21. This is to include election, predestination and the new birth,and all the elements of God's Grace whereby He made us accepted in the Beloved. Eph 1:3-6

 

[savedbymercy]

More on the Gospel of God's Grace !

The Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work, is the principal in a persons redemption, His imputed righteousness is the only hope of gaining favor with God. However there are other acts of the Triune God that are just as vital to The total effects of His work, and these things as well should be Preached in the Gospel of God's Grace. Election in and of itself is not Salvation, but one cannot be saved without having been Chosen to Salvation from the beginning 2 Thess 2:13

13But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

This is the election of Grace Rom 11:5

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Rom 9:11

(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth )

Without this doctrine of the Gospel we would not know for whom specifically died for ! Rom 8:33-34

33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Now who can't see the Logical conclusion of this passage as to who Christ died for ?

So when Paul preached that Christ died for our sins according to the scripture as per 1 Cor 15:3

3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

No doubt the our sins here are the same as God's elect in Rom 8:33 and the us in vs 34.

Folks there is no preaching the Gospel , Preaching Grace without Preaching God's Election of Grace.

Also in Preaching Election of Grace, we come to know who it is the Spirit will impart Spiritual life to based upon Christ finished work on their behalf.

The fact that Christ death is to a particular people [seed of Abraham of all nations] and mans depravity and inability to come to truly seek God, validates that there is a election of Grace which was necessary [In God's Eternal Purpose] for the salvation of a man, and so something that must be believed if a man is to give evidence of being in a saved state.

As an application of the Work of Christ, the Holy Spirit does a Saving work in conversion and renewal Titus 3:5

5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Therefore His mighty work is essential in the Preaching of the Gospel; For Christ Himself taught the necessity of His work Jn 3:3-8. The wisdom of God is much in display, for what profit would it have been for God to Elect a People to Salvation, then His Beloved Son shed His blood for them, and then for them never to be born anew by the Spirit ?

Hence, all the work of the Godhead is essential Gospel Doctrine that must be Preached, and Grace is seen to me more of grace than ever, and boasting is no room for or excluded.

 

[DHK]

The trouble with your post, over-emphasizing grace, is that grace does not save! Only Christ can save.

 

[savedbymercy]

Acts 15:11 But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

 

[savedbymercy]

Particular Redemption !

Particular redemption is a vital and essential Truth to Gospel Preaching, for it sets forth the blessed reality, that the Son of God became Incarnate and took on the seed of Abraham Heb 2:16, so that He might satisfy all the requirements of Salvation for that seed, which is God's Chosen [Ps 105:6] and merit for them all grace here and glory later [Ps 84:11]. He [ The Lord Jesus Christ] was given as a Covenant to the People [The Seed of Abraham] Isa 42:6

6I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

This includes Abraham's seed in the Nations or of the Gentiles as per Gen 17:5

5Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

Christ finished work, which is His obedience unto death, the shedding of His Covenant Blood [Heb 13:20], being both God and Man was the culmination of His entire work of Redemption. This obedience unto death was as the Representative and Substitute of the Seed of Abraham, which is also His Church or His Sheepfold. All that was accomplished for them can be called the Righteousness of God Rom 1:16-17

16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

17For therein[The Gospel] is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

For God's Justice and Mercy has met together in this Work of Christ. This Salvation is revealed in the Gospel to each Child of Abraham of whom Christ represented.

 

[savedbymercy]

Particular Redemption cont !

This Righteousness of God, meaning all Christ did in His work of the Cross for The Elect, His Imputed Righteousness charged to their account, this is made known to the born again elect sinners by the Gospel to God given Faith, which Faith gives them spiritual evidence and assurance of their being of the elect and partaking of that Righteousness, which Paul calls Phil 3:9

9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Its a revealed Righteousness.

This Established Righteousness by Christ for God's Chosen People, is not a general offer, but a Righteousness that demands Life from the dead. Every sinner in Adam that Christ represented, spiritual life must be given them, Hence its Justification unto Life Rom 5:18b

18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

The NIV:Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.

The Justification by the Blood of Christ brings Life [Spiritual Life] to the all men Christ Represented, The Seed of Abraham.

Thats why Paul can say Eph 2:5

5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved )

This word quicken means to make one alive together

Christ Righteous act of laying down His Life for the Sheep on the Cross Resulted in Justification unto Life. in vs 21, Paul states that Grace Reigns through Righteousness [Chris work of Righteousness] unto Life Rom 5:21

21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

These scriptures gives evidence that Life comes as a result of Righteousness [The entire merit of Christ work]. You see, Justification, as noble as that is, is not a end of itself, but corresponding life as a result of it. God has now a Righteous Basis to impart spiritual life unto dead unworthy sinners for whom Christ died , namely the seed of Abraham.

 

[savedbymercy]

The Righteousness of God is revealed in the Gospel !

Rom 1:16-17

16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

In Preaching the Gospel, the True Gospel, the whole counsel of it, The Righteousness of God is made known in how He saved His People from their sins. Many times when I read or hear of this Righteousness in the Gospel, it is in respect to Christ Righteousness which has been imputed to all that are believing, the believing being an evidence of Imputed Righteousness and not the cause.

But there is another Righteousness of God revealed in the Gospel, whereby it is demonstrated in His absolute Sovereignty in the Election, Redemption and Eternal Salvation of His Covenant People see [ Rom 9:11-14]. Men by nature are ignorant of God's Righteousness Rom 10:1-3

1Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

2For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

3For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Yes, this verse is specifically talking about the jews, however its application is appropriate for gentiles as well, and we cannot never understand it except by Divine Revelation. The Righteousness of the Sovereignty of God in Salvation appears to the born again Child of Promise; not only in Salvation, but in All God's works, of Creation [Heb 11:1-3] and providence, and they come to acknowledge that He worketh all things after the counsel of His own will Eph 1:11-12

11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

 

[savedbymercy]

Preaching Christ and Him Crucified !

1 Cor 2:2

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

We cannot Preach Christ without preaching the whole counsel of God regarding Him Acts 20:27

27For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel or Purpose of God.

For example, to Preach Christ and Him crucified, the Cross of Christ, is to declare the Eternal Purpose, Counsel and Will of God, that ordained the death of Christ Acts 2:23

23Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Acts 4:27-28

27For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

28For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

1 Pet 1:20

20Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

 

[savedbymercy]

The Results of Christ Crucified !

We cannot preach Christ crucified without stating the objective and effects or results of His Death ! 1 Pet 3:18

18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

The word that here is the greek word hina
and means:

that, in order that, so that

Its a word denoting God's Purpose, His intent. The Purpose, the objective Christ had for His sufferings to include His death was to bring us [God's Elect or Sheep] to God.

Now what does scripture say about God's Purpose ? Isa 14:14

The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:

And the result of Christ being crucified for those He was crucified for was that they were healed [spiritually] 1 Pet 2:24,25

24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

The healing spiritually that Christ crucified effected is manifested when those He died for are returning unto the Shepherd and Bishop pf their Souls.

Unless one Preaches these results of Christ crucified, they are preaching another Christ, another Jesus.

 

[savedbymercy]

The Results of Christ Death !

Continuing with the thought that we cannot Preach Christ and Him Crucified without stating the results or consequences of His Death. We have stated that it actually brings us to God 1 Pet 3:18

18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

That means His Death results in the Repentance and return to God of everyone He died for.

You see, Christ suffering for sins and being put to death in the flesh, both means His being Crucified, quickened by the Spirit speaks to His Resurrection, and the results are us or those whom He Represented are brought to God.

The word bring is the greek word prosagō and means:


to lead, to bring

a) to open a way of access, for one to God

1) to render one acceptable to God

b) in a forensic sense, to summon (to trial or punishment)

2) to draw near to, approach

a) the land which a sailor is approaching seeming to approach him


The verse could also be rendered in order to lead us to God, He suffered for our sins, He was put to death in the flesh to bring about that result !

The Apostles Preached a successful Christ and Him Crucified, and His Fruit..

Jn 12:24

24Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

 

[savedbymercy]

Eternal Justification and the Gospel !

Can the Gospel of God's Grace be Preached without Preaching Eternal Justification ? Absolutely not ! For this Truth is part of what Paul calls the " all the counsel of God" Acts 20:24-27

24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

25And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

26Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

27For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Now it cannot be denied that Paul made this statement in vs 27 as it related to His Testimony to the Gospel of the Grace of God in vs 24 !

And so, that Testimony of the Grace of God, Paul states that Grace was given us [Elect] in Christ before the world began ! 2 Tim 1:9

9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

And being that Paul's Testimony includes clear reference to Being Justified by the Grace of God Rom 3:24

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Titus 3:7

7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Then its quite obbvious that He included this Truth in His Gospel Testimony.

And remember what He said about the Gospel He preached and received from Christ by revelation Gal 1:8-9


8But 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.

9As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

 

[savedbymercy]

The Primary purpose for Preaching the Gospel !

1 Cor 1:21

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

The Purpose of preaching the Gospel , it was the ordained means by which God determined to bless the Covenantees and to turn them away from their sins. The Preaching of the Gospel was the ordained means of God to feed His Sheep. Jn 21:15-17

15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Do you know when Peter first began feeding the Lambs ? It was his first sermon on the day of Pentecost Acts 2. The Lambs were prepared to hear and to receive their very first bit of nourishment.

 

[savedbymercy]

Gospel For the Elect to Hear !

1 Thess 1:5

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

This Gospel which Paul calls our Gospel, came unto a certain People. It came unto them because God sent it to them. Rom 10:15

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

The word for sent is the greek word apostellō and means:

to order (one) to go to a place appointed

Now the sender is the Triune God, for the Father sends, The Son sends, and the Holy Ghost sends. And they send with a purpose to a people to whom it has been prepared for them to hear the Gospel of their Salvation.

They are sent to appointed places for a appointed People !

God sends them to where His Elect are, His Sheep. Jesus said before He died that He had Sheep that would hear His voice Jn 10:16, well, those are the ones that the Apostles was sent to with the Gospel, to the Sheep that will Christ's voice through their Preaching of the Gospel. That is why Paul said to the Corinthians 2 Cor 5:20

20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Thats because they are the Sheep that Christ referenced in Jn 10:16, at least some of them.

When Paul finally turned from the jews, He stated that He was going to the Gentiles and that they will or shall hear !

Acts 28:28

Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

Who of the Gentiles will hear it ? Jn 10:16

16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

These are Gentile Sheep, and Sheep means God's Chosen People Israel.

Ps 78:52

But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.

Ps 79:13

So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.

Ps 95:7

For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,


Ps 100:3

Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Jer 50:6

My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.

The Sheep are God's Elect, His Chosen ones, His Israel. Regardless of Ethnicity, His Israel is One Fold Jn 10:16

16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

One Sheepfold Israel, all the Children of Promise, of Abraham's Seed.

The Gospel is sent to them, and they are God's Elect.

Lets look at 1 Thess 1:5

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

Now who are the You here that the Gospel came unto ? Notice vs 4 before it !

4Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

It's the Election of Grace. The word of the Gospel came unto them, because God sent it to them to hear His voice as predicted in Jn 10:16 !