The Gospel Of Christ, The Gospel Of The Kingdom, & The Gospel of God

[JD731]

1) Mr 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

2) Mt 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

3) Ro 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Keeping in mind that "gospel" simply means good news, glad tidings, it makes perfect sense for Mark to begin with the manifestation of Jesus Christ in his ministry to Israel that marked the beginning. This is not a new dispensation but it is a transition of how God was dealing with his people Israel. Jesus Christ will be judged by the Law of Moses and conscience and by other men and by God himself and be found perfect and an able sacrifice for the sins of the world. There will be no doubt.

Since all the promises were to the family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, it must needs be that he shows himself as the Christ of God, the seed of the woman, that one who has been expected to come as the King of Israel. It was the responsibility for his own generation to recognize him by comparing him to those OT prophecies and to receive him as two things, the son of God and the Christ of God. They were not required to believe that he came to die for their sins and rise again from the dead. I will show later that all, except one, believed he was the Christ, the son of God, and said so and were justified, but not a single one of them believed in his death and resurrection even after it took place and they were told about it.

So, in #1, #2, & #3, we have a progression of the gospels. The gospel of God was the good news to the nations concerning his grace and that gospel was committed to one apostle, the only one, as far as I know, who preached in Europe after the door of faith was opened to gentiles in Acts 10, a full ten years after faith came to the Jews. The good news to all in those nations was that God through Christ would save and pardon any and all who will come to him in repentance and faith. WOW! What good news to those who have been God's enemies and who have no good promises from God directly.


The Bible has symmetry, and structure, and organization, and dispensations that must be honored and believed for men to understand it's truths. Contrary to the modern practice of denominations to present hundreds of variation of words in false Bibles and call them the words of God, one must accept the words God has given in the normal way that men understands words but he must be taught of God how God thinks in those same words because God does not have random thoughts in random words.

This op will close with this statement from John in his gospel account of how sinners of Israel were justified in the days of the earthly ministry of Jesus. No gentile was required to believe this and no one was sent to gentiles to preach it.

Joh 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31 But these (signs) are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

1Co 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

These sign were performed during the ministry of Jesus. He ministered only to his own, those of Israel.

The NT theme of this age is "the gospel of God."

 

[percho]

Also

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; Acts 10:36,37

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, Mark 1:1,14

 

[Martin Marprelate]

This op will close with this statement from John in his gospel account of how sinners of Israel were justified in the days of the earthly ministry of Jesus. No gentile was required to believe this and no one was sent to gentiles to preach it.

Joh 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31 But these (signs) are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Acts 10:34. 'Then Peter opened his mouth and said, "In truth I perceive that God shows no impartiality, but in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him."'

1Co 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

'..... But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.'

These sign were performed during the ministry of Jesus. He ministered only to his own, those of Israel.

Matthew 8:8-13. Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion [i.e. a Roman soldier, a Gentile] came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented ........... "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, but the sons of the kingdom will be cast into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."'

The NT theme of this age is "the gospel of God."

Acts 26:19-23. 'Therefore, KIng Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared, first to those in Damascus, and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.'
There is only one Gospel, and always has been, to Jews and Gentiles alike; the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

 

[Martin Marprelate]

It may be as well to quote from Acts 26:22-23 as well: 'Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing to both small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come - that the Christ would suffer, that He would rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and the Gentiles.'

 

[Jope]

1) Mr 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

2) Mt 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

3) Ro 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Keeping in mind that "gospel" simply means good news, glad tidings, it makes perfect sense for Mark to begin with the manifestation of Jesus Christ in his ministry to Israel that marked the beginning. This is not a new dispensation but it is a transition of how God was dealing with his people Israel. Jesus Christ will be judged by the Law of Moses and conscience and by other men and by God himself and be found perfect and an able sacrifice for the sins of the world. There will be no doubt.

Since all the promises were to the family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, it must needs be that he shows himself as the Christ of God, the seed of the woman, that one who has been expected to come as the King of Israel. It was the responsibility for his own generation to recognize him by comparing him to those OT prophecies and to receive him as two things, the son of God and the Christ of God. They were not required to believe that he came to die for their sins and rise again from the dead. I will show later that all, except one, believed he was the Christ, the son of God, and said so and were justified, but not a single one of them believed in his death and resurrection even after it took place and they were told about it.

Greetings!

Do tell!

So, in #1, #2, & #3, we have a progression of the gospels. The gospel of God was the good news to the nations concerning his grace and that gospel was committed to one apostle, the only one, as far as I know, who preached in Europe after the door of faith was opened to gentiles in Acts 10, a full ten years after faith came to the Jews. The good news to all in those nations was that God through Christ would save and pardon any and all who will come to him in repentance and faith. WOW! What good news to those who have been God's enemies and who have no good promises from God directly.

I would disagree with your scheme because 1) you haven't defended it very well, starting with #3, which you have labelled the gospel of God, and fail to show the claimed progression from your prior two labelled gospels, and 2), the Abrahamic ("in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed") and Noahic covenants were promises to the Gentiles directly (see also the book of Gentile Job); Matthew 25:31-34 does mention that the Gentiles shall inherit the kingdom prepared for them in Adam, separate from Abraham or David.
But, I do agree there is a progression in the gospel, in the same distinction of labels you have laid out, although I might add a fourth with the introduction of Johannine scripture, and I might also put the gospel of the kingdom (your #2) before the gospel of Jesus Christ, that kingdom being inaugurated in the Old Testament especially through Moses (Exodus 19:5-6), and Christ's name not being known (Proverbs 30:4): His doctrine the introduction of a new dispensation not seen in previous dispensations (Mt. 13:16-17), and the Church being a future entity to be built: "I will build my Church" (Mt. 16:18), who believe in the gospel of the grace of God, Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.

The Bible has symmetry, and structure, and organization, and dispensations that must be honored and believed for men to understand it's truths.

Yes. Interestingly, you claim the gospel of Jesus Christ is not the introduction of a new dispensation. Care to elaborate on this?

Above, you stated:

"Keeping in mind that 'gospel' simply means good news, glad tidings, it makes perfect sense for Mark to begin with the manifestation of Jesus Christ in his ministry to Israel that marked the beginning. This is not a new dispensation but it is a transition of how God was dealing with his people Israel. Jesus Christ will be judged by the Law of Moses and conscience and by other men and by God himself and be found perfect and an able sacrifice for the sins of the world. There will be no doubt."

Continuing:

Contrary to the modern practice of denominations to present hundreds of variation of words in false Bibles and call them the words of God, one must accept the words God has given in the normal way that men understands words but he must be taught of God how God thinks in those same words because God does not have random thoughts in random words.

This op will close with this statement from John in his gospel account of how sinners of Israel were justified in the days of the earthly ministry of Jesus. No gentile was required to believe this and no one was sent to gentiles to preach it.

Joh 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31 But these (signs) are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

1Co 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

These sign were performed during the ministry of Jesus. He ministered only to his own, those of Israel.

The NT theme of this age is "the gospel of God."

The gospel of the kingdom is different from the gospel of the grace of God (Christ's death burial and resurrection). Yes.
The Gentiles weren't required to hear the gospel of the kingdom to the Jewish kingdom because the gospel of the kingdom contains the promised Messiah ruling on David's throne in the land of Israel, to the benefit of the Jewish people above the Gentile.
Even in the covenanted form of the Jewish kingdom we have the Gentiles benefitting greatly who hear and respond to the law of Jehovah coming from the lips of Christ reigning from Jerusalem in the land of Israel. The Gentiles do eventually "hear" the gospel of the Kingdom when the Covenanted form of that Davidic Kingdom is realized on Earth.

 

[JD731]

Before I respond to anyone I think I should give my definition of dispensation so there will be no doubt about it;

1) An exemption of a rule or usual requirement. ( an instance of this is when God exempted the ceremonial law of eating of unclean animals with Peter in Acts 10 in regards to his preaching to gentiles).

2) A system of order, government, or organization of a nation, community, etc,. especially as existing at a particular time. (an instance of this for Israel is when the law of Moses was ended by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ - see 2 Cor 3)

3) The action of distributing or supplying something. (that which is supplied by God to Israel by promise under the new dispensation is later supplied to gentiles by grace. That promise is the gift of the Holy Ghost to permanently indwell them, and who is eternal life).


During the days of the OT from the landing of Noah on this side of the flood, all men were under the dispensation of human government until the call of Abraham when God began to deal with him as a family chosen of God and forming a nation from his loins through which God could work out all his redemptive plans for human kind.

The dispensation of human government for the nations did not end and is still in effect today, and always will be, but the manner in which God deals with the nations did change with the dispensation of the grace of God. This is the definition of the gospel of God. The gospel of God is described by the lone apostle to the nations in a most comprehensive way in a letter to the chief of the gentile nations in the year 58 AD. Here it is;

24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Ro 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

There has always been a difference between Israel and the other nations since the birth of the nation Israel and there always will be throughout eternity. These are God's people through whom he came to work out his blessings to all other nations and people on the earth.

The gentile church, the bride of Christ, that is being formed in this dispensation of the grace of God is defined as his wisdom and purpose of this age.

 

[JD731]

Acts 10:34. 'Then Peter opened his mouth and said, "In truth I perceive that God shows no impartiality, but in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him."'

'..... But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.'

Matthew 8:8-13. Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion [i.e. a Roman soldier, a Gentile] came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented ........... "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, but the sons of the kingdom will be cast into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."'

Acts 26:19-23. 'Therefore, KIng Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared, first to those in Damascus, and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.'

I think all your verses serve to strengthen my point. Thanks.

There is only one Gospel, and always has been, to Jews and Gentiles alike; the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Acts 10:34. 'Then Peter opened his mouth and said, "In truth I perceive that God shows no impartiality, but in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him."'

'..... But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.'

Matthew 8:8-13. Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion [i.e. a Roman soldier, a Gentile] came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented ........... "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, but the sons of the kingdom will be cast into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."'

Acts 26:19-23. 'Therefore, KIng Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared, first to those in Damascus, and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.'

I think all your verses serve to strengthen my point. Thanks.

There is only one Gospel, and always has been, to Jews and Gentiles alike; the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

I think I agree with you here as well when one considers that there is no salvation for any of us except through Jesus Christ. He has certainly appeared throughout the scriptures and history, but he did not die as a man for the sins of all other men and then rise from the dead three days later until the beginning of the 5th millennium of human history. If he had appeared and died the next day after Adam and Eve sinned then we would have been discussing a different plan of redemption and we might not have learned anything about the attributes and wisdom of God.

 

[37818]

1 Corinthians 15:1-4, . . . Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: . . .

 

[JD731]

Greetings!

Do tell!



I would disagree with your scheme because 1) you haven't defended it very well, starting with #3, which you have labelled the gospel of God, and fail to show the claimed progression from your prior two labelled gospels, and 2), the Abrahamic ("in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed") and Noahic covenants were promises to the Gentiles directly (see also the book of Gentile Job); Matthew 25:31-34 does mention that the Gentiles shall inherit the kingdom prepared for them in Adam, separate from Abraham or David.
But, I do agree there is a progression in the gospel, in the same distinction of labels you have laid out, although I might add a fourth with the introduction of Johannine scripture, and I might also put the gospel of the kingdom (your #2) before the gospel of Jesus Christ, that kingdom being inaugurated in the Old Testament especially through Moses (Exodus 19:5-6), and Christ's name not being known (Proverbs 30:4): His doctrine the introduction of a new dispensation not seen in previous dispensations (Mt. 13:16-17), and the Church being a future entity to be built: "I will build my Church" (Mt. 16:18), who believe in the gospel of the grace of God, Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.

Hey, disagree if you will but as for me I am just glad that someone has appeared that believes the dispensational framework of history that God teaches in his wonderful scriptures. It is work to study the scriptures, especially when God gives "here a little, and there a little." It takes time to learn. It is much easier to read a book someone has written like some do and then defend the position the book sets forth. I am looking for the mind of God on these things and will admit I might be wrong on certain points. I promise though that I will adjust when a logical and reasonable and sensible scriptural argument is made

Yes. Interestingly, you claim the gospel of Jesus Christ is not the introduction of a new dispensation. Care to elaborate on this?

Yes. There was definitely a transition from the status quo when Jesus came to Israel to present himself as their anointed King and to fulfill all prophecy but the dispensation of Law under which God was dealing with Israel did not change at his coming. We are told it would not change until "faith" replaced it as the operative principle of divine governance over them. Take a look here;

Ga 3:19 ¶ Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards (after the law) be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

This tells us about the dispensational change.

The gospel of the kingdom is different from the gospel of the grace of God (Christ's death burial and resurrection). Yes.
The Gentiles weren't required to hear the gospel of the kingdom to the Jewish kingdom because the gospel of the kingdom contains the promised Messiah ruling on David's throne in the land of Israel, to the benefit of the Jewish people above the Gentile.
Even in the covenanted form of the Jewish kingdom we have the Gentiles benefitting greatly who hear and respond to the law of Jehovah coming from the lips of Christ reigning from Jerusalem in the land of Israel. The Gentiles do eventually "hear" the gospel of the Kingdom when the Covenanted form of that Davidic Kingdom is realized on Earth.

The next time the gospel of the kingdom will be preached is after the church is translated from earth to heaven. Then Israel and all the nations of the world will have this gospel preached to them by the two witnesses of Re 11 and the 144,000 apostle Paul like preachers of Re 14. The result will be an innumerable group will be saved during the first 3 1/2 years of their ministry but few of them will live until the end of the seven years, most being beheaded and killed during the great tribulation, which is the second 3 1/2 years when no one else can be saved. these are killed for their resistance to the government of Satan and his man of sin and his mark. These are described here in the same chapter 14;

Re 14:13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

 

[JD731]

1 Corinthians 15:1-4, . . . Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: . . .

I fully agree with this definition of the gospel. But are you posting it as a point of disagreement with someone on the board or what?

 

[JD731]

It is interesting that Mark, Luke, and John begin their gospels declaring that Jesus Christ coming and presenting himself to Israel is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This means this is good news, glad tidings to Israel.

By the same token, the first letter written to gentiles mentions the gospel of God. So when the book of Acts ends near the end of the apostolic era and Israel as a nation has rejected the salvation that has been offered them as a nation, then they are set aside and God sends a man to the nations to preach his good news to all of them.

You can read this transition by reading a portion of Acts 28 and a portion of Romans 1 as a continuous sermon. Watch this;

Remember, Paul is in Rome and under house arrest and can receive visitors. He calls for his kinsmen.

17 ¶ And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. 19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. 20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. 21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. 22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

23 ¶ And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some
believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. 25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, 26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing
ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. 29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

30 ¶ And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

Romans 1:1 ¶ Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And
declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 To all
that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

8 ¶ First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 Making request,
if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith
both of you and me. 13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
16 ¶ For 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. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

The gospel of Christ is the good news of salvation from our sins through him.
The gospel of God explains the extent of this salvation, It is to all in every nation who will obey his call upon them to believe the gospel of Christ.

Acts 17:22 ¶ Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (the obedience of faith)
31 Because he hath appointed a day (the day of the LORD), in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

When a person hears the gospel of Jesus Christ and believes it, he has obeyed God who would have ALL men to be saved. Paul says in 2nd Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

 

[Alan Dale Gross]

one must accept the words God has given in the normal way that men understands words but he must be taught of God how God thinks in those same words because God does not have random thoughts in random words.

"And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers; unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night hope to come. For which hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews (Acts 26:6, 7).

"This clearly proves that Paul, in preaching the gospel of Christ crucified and risen from the dead, was proclaiming to his people the hope of Israel, being the fulfilment of God’s promise made to their fathers – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

"This corresponds with the testimony of Peter, who wrote to converted Jews of the dispersion and spoke of the prophets of Israel, ‘unto whom it was revealed that, not unto themselves but unto us, they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you’ (1 Pet. 1:10-12).

"Paul’s testimony before Agrippa further proves that the gospel-salvation which he preached, was and had been the hope of every true Israelite – ‘all our twelve tribes.’ I.e. the true hope of Israel was not, and is not, an earthly kingdom which some future generation of Jews are to inherit.

"The paradox that Paul should be persecuted of the Jews for proclaiming to them the very hope of the promise that God made to their fathers, demonstrates what Paul wrote to the Romans, namely that ‘Israel has not obtained what he sought for; but the election has obtained it, and the rest were blinded’ (Rom 11:7).

"For the true hope and expectation of all Israel – ‘our twelve tribes’ – lay in the resurrection, where the promise of the sure mercies of David was to be fulfilled (Acts 13:34).

"It matters not that some were ‘blinded’ to it, and were looking for a kingdom of earthly grandeur, suited to their carnal ideas; for the truth of their own Scriptures was that the kingdom of God, which had been promised by their prophets, was an eternal kingdom to be realized in the resurrection of the dead, and to be entered only by those who are born again of the Word and Spirit of God.

"The Lord Jesus Himself had given the same teaching concerning the Kingdom of Heaven (or Kingdom of God – He uses the two expressions interchangeably).

"Thus He taught His disciples, saying, ‘Verily I say unto you, except that you be converted and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven’ (Mat 18:3); and He goes on to show that to enter into that kingdom is to ‘enter into life’ (vv. 8-11).

"And this he followed up by declaring how hard it is for a rich man to enter into the kingdom (Mat 19:16-26), calling it in one verse (verse 23) ‘the kingdom of heaven,” and in the next, ‘the kingdom of God.’

"And He concluded the lesson by saying to those who had forsaken all and followed Him: ‘Verily I say unto you, that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, you shall also sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel’ (verse 28).

"From this it appears that the ‘all Israel’ of Scripture, spoken of in verse 28 as ‘the twelve tribes of Israel,’ is a spiritual nation which will come into its inheritance in the day of glory, when the kingdom of God shall be manifested, and when Christ, who is now upon His Father’s throne in heaven, shall be seen upon the throne of His glory."

More on Paul’s insight ​

into the Promises – ​

Part 3 of ‘The Hope of Israel’.​

 

[Darrell C]

1) Mr 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;

2) Mt 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

3) Ro 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Seeing that Christ is God the Son, the Creator, One thing I'd suggest is that, just as we distinguish between the difference in dispensations during Chris's ministry and Paul's even so we need to be observant of the terms and phrases and how each dispensation uses them. In other words, there's a difference between the use of the phrase "the Kingdom of God" in Jesus's day as opposed to Paul's.

Keeping in mind that "gospel" simply means good news, glad tidings, it makes perfect sense for Mark to begin with the manifestation of Jesus Christ in his ministry to Israel that marked the beginning. This is not a new dispensation but it is a transition of how God was dealing with his people Israel. Jesus Christ will be judged by the Law of Moses and conscience and by other men and by God himself and be found perfect and an able sacrifice for the sins of the world. There will be no doubt.

I think we are in agreement if I have understood the OP: Christ's ministry falls under the Age of Law.

I think it might be better stated that Christ would be judged under the Law, rather the by the Law. Ultimately, in my view, it was Roman Law He was judged by in the temporal perspective, but the Law of God from an eternal.

Since all the promises were to the family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,

Here is where I am going to disagree.

As you go on to mention, the Gospel of Christ began in Genesis 3:15:

Genesis 3:15
King James Version

15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.


Therefore, the promise of redemption is for all of Adam's descendants.

We make a distinction in regard to Abraham's seed (which is not exclusive to Israel), then add to that the children who are not directly descended, but children by following after the faith of Abraham (and I do not take a hyper-literal view that Gentiles become "spiritual Jews;" there is neither Jew nor Greek in the Body of Christ).

it must needs be that he shows himself as the Christ of God,

True, to a point.

However, we keep in mind that the Gospel of Christ was a Mystery that would not be revealed (in the understanding of men) until the Comforter arrived on the Day of Pentecost following Christ's Ascension. I'm sure you already know this, but some of the readers may not.

the seed of the woman, that one who has been expected to come as the King of Israel. It was the responsibility for his own generation to recognize him by comparing him to those OT prophecies and to receive him as two things, the son of God and the Christ of God.

The Seed of the woman was probably not understood to the Old Testament believer. We, having the benefit of the New Testament, can see the Gospel in Genesis 3:15, but it is unlikely the OT Saint could. It would be interesting to find a reference in Scripture that shows they did, so if you (or anyone else) have/has a passage I'd definitely know what it/they are.

They were not required to believe that he came to die for their sins and rise again from the dead.

Agreed!

It was an impossibility, because this knowledge had not yet been revealed.

I will show later that all, except one, believed he was the Christ, the son of God, and said so and were justified, but not a single one of them believed in his death and resurrection even after it took place and they were told about it.

Again, agreed. That's why it is not until Pentecost they begin preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

And we keep in mind that this knowledge was revealed to them by the Father (Matthew 16:17).

So, in #1, #2, & #3, we have a progression of the gospels. The gospel of God was the good news to the nations concerning his grace and that gospel was committed to one apostle, the only one, as far as I know, who preached in Europe after the door of faith was opened to gentiles in Acts 10, a full ten years after faith came to the Jews. The good news to all in those nations was that God through Christ would save and pardon any and all who will come to him in repentance and faith. WOW! What good news to those who have been God's enemies and who have no good promises from God directly.

Again, I have to disagree. Rather than a progression, the Gospel of the Kingdom/God was specific to Israel in fulfillment of prophecy.

The Gospel of Christ is distinct to that revelation (withheld from all Old Testament Ages and Generations) concerning the atoning work of Christ.

After Pentecost, all disciples/Apostles preached only the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

That God would include Gentiles in His redemptive work was a basic principle of Old Testament Scripture:

Isaiah 49:6-8
King James Version

6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

7 Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.

8 Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;


As a side note, 1 Corinthians 1:17 to 2 Corinthians 2:9 is the longest statement concerning the Mystery of the Gospel of Christ in Scripture. It was not Heaven that eye failed to see, ear failed to hear, or didn't enter into the hearts of men, it was the GOspel of Christ.

Continued...

 

[Darrell C]

The Bible has symmetry, and structure, and organization, and dispensations that must be honored and believed for men to understand it's truths.

Amen!

Contrary to the modern practice of denominations to present hundreds of variation of words in false Bibles and call them the words of God, one must accept the words God has given in the normal way that men understands words but he must be taught of God how God thinks in those same words because God does not have random thoughts in random words.

Agreed. God gave us His Word to be understood. It isn't a riddle book.

This op will close with this statement from John in his gospel account of how sinners of Israel were justified in the days of the earthly ministry of Jesus. No gentile was required to believe this and no one was sent to gentiles to preach it.

Joh 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31 But these (signs) are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

1Co 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

I view the first quote to be speaking to readers/hearers well into this new Age/dispensation. In view is belief in Christ not available until Pentecost.

All men and women were justified the same way they were ultimately eternally redeemed: by grace through faith. That justification was temporal in practice yet eternal from God's perspective. It should not be equated to Eternal Redemption, but neither should we fail to understand that temporal justification was a seal of sorts that, when Christ did come and make Atonement through His death, His (Christ's) righteousness could be imputed to those who had been justified by grace through faith.

Hebrews 9:12-15
King James Version

12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.


Hebrews 12:22-23
King James Version

22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,


Romans 3:21-26
King James Version

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

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

25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.


As with the use of the Gospel of God and the Gospel of Christ, here, the righteousness of God and the righteousness of Christ are synonymous.

These sign were performed during the ministry of Jesus. He ministered only to his own, those of Israel.

Agreed.

The NT theme of this age is "the gospel of God."

Again, I view this Age as specific to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the next dispensation, the Tribulation, the fullness of prophecy will be brought to the table for Israel, because at this time the prophecy concerning the promised physical kingdom, as well as the prophecy concerning Atonement and Eternal Redemption will be preached.

Again, I see a distinction between the use of the "Gospel of God" in the Age of Law and this Age.

Just a few thoughts, brother, don't hold it against me, lol.

 

[JD731]

Seeing that Christ is God the Son, the Creator, One thing I'd suggest is that, just as we distinguish between the difference in dispensations during Chris's ministry and Paul's even so we need to be observant of the terms and phrases and how each dispensation uses them. In other words, there's a difference between the use of the phrase "the Kingdom of God" in Jesus's day as opposed to Paul's.

Your comments are a blessing and thank you for responding. It seems we are mostly in agreement but it is good to know how others come to their understanding. I am going to just comment on a couple things we disagree on and show you my thinking on them. It does not mean I am right about them.

Here is where I am going to disagree.

As you go on to mention, the Gospel of Christ began in Genesis 3:15:

Genesis 3:15
King James Version

15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.


Therefore, the promise of redemption is for all of Adam's descendants.

We make a distinction in regard to Abraham's seed (which is not exclusive to Israel), then add to that the children who are not directly descended, but children by following after the faith of Abraham (and I do not take a hyper-literal view that Gentiles become "spiritual Jews;" there is neither Jew nor Greek in the Body of Christ).

I would consider Ge 3:15 a prophecy rather than a promise since God is addressing the Serpent and explaining a future eventuality to him.

True, to a point.

However, we keep in mind that the Gospel of Christ was a Mystery that would not be revealed (in the understanding of men) until the Comforter arrived on the Day of Pentecost following Christ's Ascension. I'm sure you already know this, but some of the readers may not.




The Seed of the woman was probably not understood to the Old Testament believer. We, having the benefit of the New Testament, can see the Gospel in Genesis 3:15, but it is unlikely the OT Saint could. It would be interesting to find a reference in Scripture that shows they did, so if you (or anyone else) have/has a passage I'd definitely know what it/they are.

I think you are dead on here. They know about the seed of the woman and all women of Israel desired to have children that they might birth him. The one who had the similitude of the seed, Sarah, was barren and it took a miracle from God to produce him, adding to our understanding that whatever will be has already been and there is nothing new under the sun. (the Preacher

Again, I have to disagree. Rather than a progression, the Gospel of the Kingdom/God was specific to Israel in fulfillment of prophecy.

The Gospel of Christ is distinct to that revelation (withheld from all Old Testament Ages and Generations) concerning the atoning work of Christ.

After Pentecost, all disciples/Apostles preached only the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

That God would include Gentiles in His redemptive work was a basic principle of Old Testament Scripture:

Isaiah 49:6-8
King James Version

6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

7 Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.

8 Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;


As a side note, 1 Corinthians 1:17 to 2 Corinthians 2:9 is the longest statement concerning the Mystery of the Gospel of Christ in Scripture. It was not Heaven that eye failed to see, ear failed to hear, or didn't enter into the hearts of men, it was the GOspel of Christ.

Continued...

It was no mystery that God was going to save gentiles through Israel and there were many OT prophecies that said so. Paul, the apostle to the gentiles quoted some verses to that effect when he wrote Romans under the theme of the "gospel of God."

Ro 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people (Israel).
11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people (Israel).
12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

These were OT sayings but Paul speaks of a "mystery" of the gospel of God to the gentiles. If it had been revealed in the OT it would not have been a mystery. God, using this word mystery is purposeful.

Ro 16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

This mystery is the fact that God is going to include gentiles in the church of Jesus Christ, forming his bride, because of the failure and unbelief of Israel concerning his person and his work. For explanation of this mystery for gentiles Paul writes the epistle of the Ephesians where he names this mystery, "the mystery of Christ." The explanation for Israel is in the epistle to the Romans beginning at Romans 7:1 and going through Romans 11:12. This passage explaining how God is prosecuting his purpose of forming his church is in a Jewish context and if there are truths in it that apply on a wider scale then those truths will appear again in a context where they do apply.

These truths are hidden in the OT types and metaphors and could not be understood until the anti type was revealed. Because of the inclusion of gentiles and the eventual loss of national identity for the Jews in 70 AD, the church will take on a gentile character. There are at least eight types in the OT of a gentile bride of a Jewish man, beginning with Isaac and Rebekah. Rebekah is a type of the gentile church.

If Israel had obeyed God and repented under the preaching of John the Baptist and would have received Jesus Christ as their Messiah, and King, and Savior, we would never have had those types revealed to us but there may be types that we would see in the scriptures that are hidden now.

There are no mysteries in the NT until after Paul the apostle received his commission except the 12 mysteries of the kingdom of heaven spoken by Jesus during the end of his earthly ministry.

1Co 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

1Co 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

It is good to know that Romans was written in 58 AD and Ephesians in 60 AD. The church had it's beginning with the Jews on Pentecost with the preaching of Peter and the baptism in water and the receiving of the Holy Ghost was a picture of this new beginning, Israel in Christ - the baptism in water, and Christ in Israel, receiving the Holy Ghost. That is a picture of salvation. The reverse was true when gentiles began to be saved. It was Christ in them by faith and no picture was present at that time regarding baptism.

There is more I would like to write about this gospel of God but this post is already too long. Maybe later.

 

[JD731]

Following up on my post above.

The order of events in the historical account of Acts.

Acts 1-7 - The preaching of the apostles to Jerusalem and Judaea only and the call for repentance of the nation. The refusal and persecution of the church at that time. This is the hard ground (Jerusalem) and the Stoney ground (Judah) of the parable of the sower in Mt 13.

Acts 8 is the preaching to the Samaritans and they represent the preaching among the thorns that are eventually choked out by the cares of this world.

Finally, the good seed is the world, the gentiles that brought forth much fruit. This is chapter 10 and onward after God had prepared a special apostle to them in Acts 9.

All through the book of Acts, which is a record of about 33 years or so, the nation of Judah was under the probation of God. During this time Jesus Christ was on the throne of God in heaven waiting to return and establish his kingdom and enter into the rest of God. The number 40 is the number that God has established in his scriptures for probation. He likened this time period to that of Moses in the wilderness in Heb 3, showing that there is nothing new under the sun and what is has already been. The warnings in Hebrews, 2 Peter, Jude was national warnings for Israel not to turn back to the weak and beggarly elements which was the law and if they did there would be no place then for repentance, "But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries."

The adversaries he spoke of were those Judaizers that wielded great influence over the Israelitish people in the provinces of Asia minor and Judah and caused them in the end to miss their opportunity to be saved corporately as the son of God. The result for them was national death as a man and buried in the graveyard of the nations for three of God's one thousand years days, to be raised from the dead very early on the third day.

Hosea 6:1 ¶ Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. 2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. 3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.

I have said it before. This nation died, meaning this physical son of God died because the wages of sin is death. Time does not go forward for someone who has died. When God separated from this nation and did not plead with them anymore, they were separated from God. Separation is the meaning of death. The only thing left when they died is a burial and Titus the Roman General came in 70 AD and buried them in the graveyard of the nations. This is called the dispersion that has lasted to our present day. At this time, both Jesus Christ, he who had come to be their savior and King and would have interceded to the Father for them during these 40 years as their High Priest had they come to him in repentance and faith. But they refused and chose rather to continue in the Law of Moses they too were absent the land during the three one thousand year days as God counts time.

Ex 4:22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:

58 AD

Ro 10:1 ¶ Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Ro 11:15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

Following are two prophecies of Jesus Christ, one near the end of his earthly ministry and one during the last week and spoken in the temple at Jerusalem;

Lu 13:1 ¶ There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

6 ¶ He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

The fig tree is the national symbol for Israel. The vineyard is Judah. The fig tree was cut down and removed from the vineyard in 70 AD.

Mt 21:33 ¶ Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: 34 And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. 35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. 37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. 38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. 39 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. 40 When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? 41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons. 42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. 44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. 45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. 46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

These are prophecies. When the Jews are cut off from their land and are under submission to the rulers of other nations they are separated from the covenants and considered as gentiles. From 70 AD until now the church is a gentile church and bride of Christ. God is forming the bride from the body of Christ now and when she is complete she will be presented to him at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

These are beautiful and wonderful truths. This is the gospel of God.

 

[Jope]

Your comments are a blessing and thank you for responding. It seems we are mostly in agreement but it is good to know how others come to their understanding. I am going to just comment on a couple things we disagree on and show you my thinking on them. It does not mean I am right about them.



I would consider Ge 3:15 a prophecy rather than a promise since God is addressing the Serpent and explaining a future eventuality to him.

I think you are dead on here. They know about the seed of the woman and all women of Israel desired to have children that they might birth him. The one who had the similitude of the seed, Sarah, was barren and it took a miracle from God to produce him, adding to our understanding that whatever will be has already been and there is nothing new under the sun. (the Preacher


It was no mystery that God was going to save gentiles through Israel and there were many OT prophecies that said so. Paul, the apostle to the gentiles quoted some verses to that effect when he wrote Romans under the theme of the "gospel of God."

Ro 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people (Israel).
11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people (Israel).
12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

These were OT sayings but Paul speaks of a "mystery" of the gospel of God to the gentiles. If it had been revealed in the OT it would not have been a mystery. God, using this word mystery is purposeful.

Ro 16:24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

This mystery is the fact that God is going to include gentiles in the church of Jesus Christ, forming his bride, because of the failure and unbelief of Israel concerning his person and his work. For explanation of this mystery for gentiles Paul writes the epistle of the Ephesians where he names this mystery, "the mystery of Christ." The explanation for Israel is in the epistle to the Romans beginning at Romans 7:1 and going through Romans 11:12. This passage explaining how God is prosecuting his purpose of forming his church is in a Jewish context and if there are truths in it that apply on a wider scale then those truths will appear again in a context where they do apply.

The mystery was the body of Christ, and believers (whether Gentile or Jewish) being one flesh with Him (Eph 5:28-32).

 

[JD731]

The mystery was the body of Christ, and believers (whether Gentile or Jewish) being one flesh with Him (Eph 5:28-32).

You could be right, Jope but my thinking is that the mystery is the bride of Christ being formed with both Jews and gentiles in the same body as equally the sons of God during this age. There was a church, beginning with the first believer in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ,on Pentecost but gentiles were not added for ten more years and after the Jews rejected the gospel as a people. This was the reason for calling Paul and sending him to the gentiles. It was not mentioned as a mystery until then.

Consider this parable of Jesus during his last week of ministry on this earth before his crucifixion on Fiday. He is in his office here as Prophet.

Matt 22:1And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,

2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

The marriage is not a mystery.

Read the book of Acts here;
3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.

Read the history of the Roman Empire here;

7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.

The temple in Jerusalem is the place of the throne of King Jesus. This is not only actual but symbolic. The kingdom message is off the table while the following things are taking place. There will not be a kingdom until there is a marriage because the marraige is the inaugaration of the kingdom.

9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

No one goes into the kingdom if they are not saved in it's beginning.

13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

That is my take on it and my logic and reason, given what we are told and how history has unfolded for the last two thousand years and where we are now with all the players.

 

[Jope]

"You could be right, Jope but my thinking is that the mystery is the bride of Christ being formed with both Jews and gentiles in the same body as equally the sons of God during this age. There was a church, beginning with the first believer in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ,on Pentecost but gentiles were not added for ten more years and after the Jews rejected the gospel as a people. This was the reason for calling Paul and sending him to the gentiles. It was not mentioned as a mystery until then."

In Matthew 13, after the famous Matthew 12 rejection, where Jewish leaders claim Jesus is Satan, Jesus says that He has mysteries to reveal to the Apostles that saints prior didn't have revealed to them.

True, Paul had a distinct revelation concerning freedom from the law of Moses, but Peter also believed that the Church was one body with Christ, before Paul was saved. In Acts 2:33, Peter says that Jesus received the Holy Spirit, when it was the Church who had received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:33 NIV
Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

 

[JD731]

"You could be right, Jope but my thinking is that the mystery is the bride of Christ being formed with both Jews and gentiles in the same body as equally the sons of God during this age. There was a church, beginning with the first believer in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ,on Pentecost but gentiles were not added for ten more years and after the Jews rejected the gospel as a people. This was the reason for calling Paul and sending him to the gentiles. It was not mentioned as a mystery until then."

In Matthew 13, after the famous Matthew 12 rejection, where Jewish leaders claim Jesus is Satan, Jesus says that He has mysteries to reveal to the Apostles that saints prior didn't have revealed to them.

True, Paul had a distinct revelation concerning freedom from the law of Moses, but Peter also believed that the Church was one body with Christ, before Paul was saved. In Acts 2:33, Peter says that Jesus received the Holy Spirit, when it was the Church who had received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:33 NIV
Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Once again, our God, the Lord Jesus is a man sitting on the throne of the Father. When his body was in the tomb the Spirit was not in it. Neither was the sould of Jesus. His soul was in Paradise at the center of the earth during the 3 days. It was the Spirit that raised the body of Jesus from the dead by his presence in it.

Now most people will not believe what I am getting ready to tell you now. Nevertheless, God says it and I believe it. Here it is:

Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

Rom 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

The Spirit of holiness is the Holy Spirit.

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

The logical way to understand this is that many brethen exists but our Lord Jesus is the firstborn among them.

The Holy Spirit indwells the body giving it life.

18 For 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:

His soul was not made alive by the Spirit but his body was, and it was glorified by the Spirit..

I could go on but this should be enough to have anyone understand that the resurrection concerning the humanity of Jesus Christ was a birth. Why? If for no other reason than God says it is more than once. I do not know why even the most fundamental of fundamenatalists will not accept this truth. In all my years of listening to preachers I have never heard it preached.

If you are born again it is because the Holy Spirit is present in your body along with your soul. That puts you in the image of God, a trinity,