The Body of Christ, the One New Man Part 1

The Body of Christ, the One New Man

Part 1

What is the Body of Christ?

1.     The Body of Christ is the general assembly of the saints in Christ Jesus, created as One Body, out of Jews and gentiles, where there is no distinction; chosen by God in Christ before the foundation of the world; called out by God through the gospel of Christ, who responded to God by trusting Christ Jesus as the All-Sufficient Saviour, and are regenerated [made a new creature, new man], and baptized [placed] by the Spirit of God into One Body [into Christ]; and together gather regularly to worship the Lord, to study God’s Words and to serve one another and other people.

2.     The Body of Christ is also the Church/Assembly in a place or a locality, such as a house, or any building.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians and told them “Now ye are the Body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Yes, he wrote to the local assembly/church in Corinth and told them “Ye are ‘THE’ Body of Christ”. He didn’t say “Ye are ‘A’ Body of Christ” but rather “Ye are ‘THE’ Body of Christ. It means that any assembly or church that gathers in Christ or wherever that church is assembling in, that local assembly IS “THE” Body of Christ.

When Did The Body of Christ Begin?

The Body of Christ was “CHOSEN in Christ before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4).  So before the world began, the body of Christ was already chosen by God in his mind. The foundation of the world may mean the creation of the heaven and earth in Genesis 1:1 or the birth/beginning/foundation of  the nation of Israel (The law era), which is also called “the world”.

Before the law was given or before the beginning of the creation of heaven and earth of Genesis 1:1, or before the establishment of the nation of Israel in Exodus, the body of Christ was already in God’s plan, but as a mystery, hidden from the sons of men, manifested in due time.

The body of Christ is also called “THE ONE NEW MAN” or “THE NEW CREATURE”. It means that there was “THE OLD CREATURE” or “THE OLD MAN” or “THE FIRST MAN”.

We know that the “FIRST MAN” was “ADAM” (1 Corinthians 15:45). The beginning/birth of the “BODY OF CHRIST” or “THE NEW MAN” is the same as the beginning of Adam, the first man.

There are only two kinds of people: (1) IN ADAM and (2) IN CHRIST (1 Corinthians 15:22).

Adam and Christ are the “TWO MEN” – the “OLD” and the “NEW”. When we say “ADAM”  we are talking of the “FIRST MAN” – the “HEAD” of the “FIRST” creation (Genesis 1:28). And so “CHRIST” is the “LAST ADAM”, the “NEW MAN”, the “HEAD” of the “NEW” creation, the body of Christ (Colossians 1:18).

Adam was “FORMED” by God from the “dust of the GROUND [EARTH]” (Genesis 2:7).

Christ, the firstborn of every creature (Colossians 1:15), died and was buried in “the heart of the EARTH” (Matthew 12:40), but after three days he “ROSE AGAIN” from the dead, ascended into heaven and sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3).

The “LAST ADAM”, Christ is “THE LORD” from “HEAVEN” and “HEAVENLY” in contrast with the “FIRST MAN”, Adam which was “RULER” on “EARTH” from the “dust of the GROUND [EARTH]” and was “EARTHY”.

The “LAST ADAM”, Christ is “HEAVENLY” and as is the heavenly, such are “THEY” also [the body of Christ] that are “HEAVENLY” (1 Corinthians 15:48).  The body of Christ, therefore, as Christ is, was “FORMED” by God NOT out of dust of the earth but “OUT OF HEAVEN”.

God “BREATHED” into Adam’s nostrils “THE BREATH OF LIFE”.

After Christ died and was buried, the “SPIRIT OF GOD” raised up Christ from the dead (Romans 8:11).  So also the body of Christ which was “dead in trespasses and sins” was “QUICKENED” by the “SPIRIT OF GOD” (Ephesians 2:1) together with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).

Adam, the first man became “A LIVING SOUL” (Genesis 2:7). The last Adam, Christ was made “A QUICKENING SPIRIT” (1 Corinthians 15:45).

Also, the Body of Christ, which is IN CHRIST, the Head is “A QUICKENING  [life-giving] SPIRIT”.

When did the body of Christ begin?  Did it begin when Christ was born on earth?  No! Its formation began at the cross and by the cross!

Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Colossians 1:21-22 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

And the body of Christ was born not on the day Christ was born but on the day Christ was “BORN AGAIN”. He was born again at his resurrection.

Acts 13:33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Romans 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

So the formation of the body of Christ began at the cross of Christ. When Christ was buried, the body of Christ was buried with him. When Christ was raised up from the dead, the body of Christ was also raised up together with him.

Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

When Christ ascended up into heaven, and sat at the right hand of God, the body of Christ also ascended up and sat down at the right hand of God, in heavenly places.

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Even before Pentecost, there was already the body of Christ, which is “THE ONE NEW MAN”. Pentecost is not the beginning of the Body of Christ Church, but rather it was the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

The death of Christ was “THE END” of his existence as “FLESH” and of “THE DAYS OF HIS FLESH” (Hebrews 5:7), and “THE BEGINNING” of “HIS TRANSFORMATION”.

Take note: THE DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST are “THE CENTER” of the “GOSPEL”.

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:

Therefore, this death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ are also the “BEGINNING” and “TRANSFORMATION” of the “BODY OF CHRIST”

Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

You may say, “Hey! The “PHYSICAL” body of Christ is different from the “MYSTICAL” or “SPIRITUAL” body of Christ”.  If that is your view, then, it means there are “TWO BODIES” of Christ. But it is not what the Bible teaches.  It says that “WE” are “MEMBERS” of “HIS BODY”… and of “HIS FLESH” and of “HIS BONES”. That’s very clear! Yes! Oh yes! We are members of that “PHYSICAL” body of Christ which is also the “SPIRITUAL” body of Christ.  This “SPIRITUAL” PHYSICAL body of Christ is NOT the “NATURAL” and “EARTHY” PHYSICAL body of Christ. Why did I say that? Because that “EARTHY PHYSICAL BODY” died, and what “ROSE” from the grave was the “SPIRITUAL HEAVENLY PHYSICAL BODY” of Christ.  It is the transformed body, the heavenly, immortal, incorruptible body which knows no death. And “WE” are “MEMBERS” of that “SPIRITUAL HEAVENLY BODY” of Christ.  WE [the body] and CHRIST [the head] ARE “ONE”.  

Yes, it is the same person. Before his death, and after his death, it is the same person, the Lord Jesus Christ. But that earthy body which was corrupt in nature was mortal and it died. Then afterwards God transformed that body. He changed that body from mortal to immortal, from corruptible to incorruptible, from earthy to heavenly. Its nature changed from weak earthy flesh from the ground into being powerful heavenly flesh from the heavens. Where is the earthly body of Jesus? It died and was no more. It was changed; therefore it is no more the same body. Jesus Christ’s body is A BRAND NEW BODY. To Jesus Christ himself first happened what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Yes! “OLD THINGS” [old, earthly, natural, mortal and corruptible body] passed away; behold , “ALL THINGS”  are become “NEW”. He has now a NEW HEAVENLY, SPIRITUAL, IMMORTAL and INCORRUPTIBLE BODY.

Paul the Apostle and the Body of Christ

How about others (particularly our brethren from the Mid-Acts dispensationalists camp) who teach that the Body of Christ began at the salvation of Paul in Acts 9 or in his commissioning in Acts 13?

Only Paul the apostle among the New Testament writers wrote about “the Body of Christ” church. The “MYSTERY TRUTH” of the “BODY OF CHRIST” was “REVEALED” to Paul “FIRST”.

Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

Ephesians 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

But the body of Christ was not “FORMED” in Paul, but rather it was “FORMED IN CHRIST”.

The “BODY OF CHRIST” was “UNKNOWN” to the 12 apostles such as Peter and John, and even to the prophets of old.  But Christ in “DUE TIME” revealed the mystery to “PAUL THE APOSTLE OF THE GENTILES” first, the mystery that “IN HIMSELF [CHRIST]”, “IN THE BODY OF HIS FLESH” he made the “ONE NEW MAN” (Ephesians 2:15) “Created in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:10).

Colossians 1:21-22 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Ephesians 2:15-16 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

These scriptures teach that:

1.     Christ reconciled the twain – the Jews and Gentiles “THROUGH DEATH” and “BY THE CROSS”.

2.     Christ reconciled them “IN THE BODY OF HIS FLESH”, into “ONE BODY”.

3.     Christ made “IN HIMSELF” from both (Jews and Gentiles) “ONE NEW MAN”.

At the cross, at Christ’s death, in the body of his flesh, Christ began making the ONE NEW MAN, the Body of Christ.  Just as a baby was conceived first in the womb “buried in the watery and dark womb” for nine months,  and after that “sees the light” of a new life when it was born, so is “THE BODY OF CHRIST”.  At Christ’s death, the BODY OF DEATH died, and was buried under the dark womb of the earth. The law of commandments was abolished. The handwriting of ordinances that was against us was blotted out and was nailed to the cross. The devil that had the power of death and his works were destroyed. The days of the flesh ended.  After three days, at Sabbath day, the seventh day [which symbolizes God’s rest of his creation; God’s completed work], Christ rose from the grave.  1 Corinthians 15:42-44 narrates what happened to Jesus:

 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

 45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

It is a NEW CREATION. It is a NEW LIFE. At this very day, when Christ was risen, the CHURCH, which is “HIS BODY” was “BORN”!  Just like a baby, it was conceived first, buried in the womb and after nine months was born!  It is the same with the earth of Genesis 1. The earth (the land) was “under the waters” and after that from under the waters “the land appeared”. Read my note about it “The Creation of the New Heavens and The New Earth. Visit this link: https://www.facebook.com/notes/marthy-c-austria/the-creation-of-the-new-heavens-and-the-new-earth-part-2/604371876244150

The body of Christ died, the earthly body, and it was buried for three days. Afterward, the body of Christ rose again, now a heavenly spiritual body, with flesh and bones.

Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

Of this “NEW BODY, FLESH AND BONES” we are “MEMBERS”:

Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

There was no “BODY OF CHRIST” church when Christ was still alive on earth with the body of death. That body [earthly] must die and he must be clothed with a “new” body from above. And that is the beginning of the “new creation”.  The body of Christ church was “FORMED” at the cross of Christ, in the body of his flesh through death and began its existence at the resurrection of Christ. “Let there be light! And there was light”. It happened at the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In the creation of Adam:

Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

1.     God “FORMED” man.

2.     God “BREATHED” into man’s nostrils “THE BREATH OF LIFE”.

3.     And man became “A LIVING SOUL”.

God formed the body first, from the dust of the ground. It had no life yet.  In case of the children of Adam, God formed them first in “the belly”, “from the womb” (Isaiah 44:2,24; Jeremiah 1:5). Before men were born they must be formed first in the belly. After nine months, they will be born and that is their “birthday”.

After “forming” man, God “breathed” his “SPIRIT” the “BREATH OF LIFE” into the “BODY”. And the result, man [the body, dead soul] became “A LIVING SOUL”. He is now “living”, he has now “life” in his body.

The same with the Church, the BODY OF CHRIST. It was formed first “in Christ’s death at the cross”, buried in the womb of the earth, and after three days, as Christ rose from the dead with “A BRAND NEW BODY”, the church, the BODY OF CHRIST was born. “It saw the light for the first time”. That’s the beginning of the church.

Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

At the cross, the body of Christ was formed and at the resurrection, the body of Christ was born as “A BRAND NEW SPECIES”, but the apostles of Christ “DIDN’T KNOW” it.  Later it was “REVEALED” to the Apostle Paul in God’s perfect time according to his eternal puspose.

Jesus said in John 2:19 “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up”.

The Jews mistakenly thought that Jesus was talking about the temple of Jerusalem which was built for 46 years. But Jesus was speaking about “THE TEMPLE OF HIS BODY” (John 2:21).

This temple is the “BODY OF CHRIST”:

1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

The Body of Christ is the tabernacle of God, the temple of God where God dwells.

Ephesians 2:21-22 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Revelation 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

“Do you mean to say that Peter and the apostles were members of the Body of Christ?”  Yes! Of course. Why not?

Talking about the church, the body of Christ, Paul said:

1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

How can apostles “edify” the “BODY OF CHRIST” which was not existing? So there must be “THE BODY OF CHRIST” existing even before Paul, in order for the “apostles” before Paul to “edify” the body of Christ.

In Ephesians 3:6 Paul  the apostle talked about the mystery: “That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel”.

How can Gentiles be members of the “SAME BODY” if that body was not existing? So there must be “THE BODY OF CHRIST” existing before Paul, to the same body the Gentiles would be members of.

So the teaching that the “BODY OF CHRIST” Church began with the salvation and the commissioning of the Apostle Paul is not a valid Scriptural teaching.

Before our brethren from the Mid-acts camp say that we don’t understand the mystery of the body of Christ and the distinctive ministry of the apostle Paul, let me continue with my presentation according to the truths of the Scriptures “rightly divided”.

I believe that the Body of Christ is a mystery, that was hidden and kept secret from the sons of men, but now is “A REVELATION” revealed “FIRST” to the apostle Paul [God’s chosen vessel], then to “his holy apostles and prophets”, “to the saints” and finally to be preached to “all men” and “all nations”.

I believe that only in the writings of the apostle Paul can we find the doctrine, walk and destiny of the body of Christ.

I believe that Paul is our apostle, the apostle of the Gentiles and God gave him a distinctive and unique ministry that the 12 apostles.  And to him was given “the dispensation of God” to fulfill the word of God. To him was entrusted to “FULFILL” or make complete the “Word of God”. He was the last writer of the Scriptures. When he wrote his last epistle (which I believe is the epistle to THE COLOSSIANS), the Holy Scriptures, the written revelation of God was “COMPLETED” and all the spiritual gifts of the Acts period ceased.

I believe that to Paul was given “the dispensation of the grace of God” for “THE GENTILES” and we are under this dispensation. We are not under the dispensation or the economy or the age of the Jews, their temple and law. But we rather are under the dispensation of the grace of God, which is not under the law, no ordinances, no temple, no sacrifices, no Judaism.

Yes, Paul is unique, but the Body of Christ did not begin in Paul, but the Body of Christ began “IN CHRIST” even before Paul.

  

THE HOUSE OF GOD Part 6

CHURCH DEVELOPMENT

By: Bishop Marthy C. Austria, H.U.G. of Christ Fellowship PURE GRACE

How to be Part of the People [House] of God                                       

 I.            The Distinctive Ministry of the Apostle Paul

A.    Paul’s ministry during the Acts period.

1.      In Acts chapter 1 we see Jesus delivering his last talk in the flesh to his apostles before he ascended to heaven.

2.      He commissioned them to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”, “…teach all nations….”, “be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth”.

3.      Peter, John and the apostles commissioned by Christ were to minister with signs, wonders and miracles. They were to preach “the gospel of the kingdom” to “the House of Israel”.

4.      Acts chapters 1 to 8, records the apostolic revival from Judaea up to Samaria.

5.      In Acts chapter 9, God called a young Pharisee that persecuted the Church of God. His name was Saul. And to him was given this commission: “he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15).

6.      He was dramatically converted to Christ. And Christ transformed him from Saul the persecutor to Paul, the apostle of the gentiles (Romans 11:13).

7.      Peter the apostle’s ministry was to preach the gospel of circumcision, while Paul’s ministry was to preach the gospel of uncircumcision. It means they had different audiences.

8.      From Acts chapter 13 to chapter 28, we see that Paul was in the frontline. Peter and the apostles were no more mentioned in the scene. Even though Peter was the first to minister to the Gentiles in Acts 10, it was Paul who focused on that mission until Acts 28.

9.      The Acts period was a “New Covenant” period. The New Covenant began at the cross of Christ. It was to end at the coming or arrival of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:25-26).

10.  Paul was a “minister of the New Testament” (2 Corinthians 3:6) during the Acts period.

11.  The New Covenant just like Old Covenant was given to Israel only (Romans 9:5).

12.  Paul preached the gospel of Christ “to the Jew first”, then “to the Greeks” during his Acts ministry. The Jews were people from the land of Judea from the House of Judah, whether they were in Corinth, Thessalonica or whatever place. The Greeks were the Greek speaking Israelites [from the 10 tribes House of Israel]. Whether they were Jews or Gentiles, they were “Israelites”.

13.  Paul used every opportunity to reach these Jews and Greeks.

Acts 20:

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

14.  During the Acts period, Paul declared these words to the Jews who rejected the Word:

a.       In Acts 13: 46-47 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

b.      In Acts 18:6 Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

c.       And finally, in 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.

15.  Paul said these words to “the leaders of the Jews” (Acts 28:17). These leaders represented the whole nation of the Kingdom of Judah. They rejected the gospel of the kingdom of God which was prophesied in the law and the prophets (Acts 28:23).

16.  Then Paul made the declaration: “Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.” It is not that simple. He confirmed the judgment made previously by the Lord Jesus Christ to that nation: “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” (Matthew 23:38).

17.  Paul said concerning the Jewish nation, that their fall became the salvation of the Gentiles (Romans 11:11).  As the Jewish nation finally rejected the gospel, she fell from being a “chosen nation”. And Judah’s fall becomes the salvation of the Gentiles.

18.  In the Old Testament, the northern kingdom, the nation of Israel was divorced by God and exiled and became no more God’s people. And the Northern kingdom people became Gentiles. Now, during this conversation of Paul with the Jewish nation, he declared to them that “the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles”. It means, they were no more the favored nation. Their rejection of the gospel brought them to a condition that the Northern kingdom experienced. The Southern kingdom, the House of Judah, this Jewish nation became also “Lo-ammi” which means “no more God’s people”.

19.  So from this point onward, the Jewish nation, Israel fell from being God’s people and now is “swallowed up among the Gentiles”. The Jews are now part of the Gentiles.

20.  “For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.” (Romans 11:32). So both houses: The Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah are now GENTILES. God does no more consider them as HIS COVENANT PEOPLE.

21.  Some years after that declaration, the Jewish nation experienced the wrath of God under the Romans when Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed by the Romans. This is the end of the Jewish nation. It was prophesied by the prophets, by Jesus and the apostles.

Matthew 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

Luke 21:

20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

 21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.

 22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

 23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.

 24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

B.     Paul’s ministry after the Acts period.

1.      After the Acts period, things changed. The Jewish nation [Judah] just like the House of Israel became “Gentiles”. And Gentiles are not covenant people.

2.      God will now make a new deal, and his dealing is no more by covenant. All people today are now Gentiles. There are no more Israelites. There are no more Jews. Yes, they may have natural characteristics as Israelites or as Jews and may have legitimate claims in their bloodline that they are of Abraham’s seed and may claim the promises of earthly conquest and prosperity as the ancient Israel. But since Paul’s declaration in Acts 28:28, these will never happen again. The ancient Israel broke the Old Covenant. The Israel of Acts period also broke the New Covenant. Therefore God would no more make a covenant with them. He would deal with them as with the Gentiles. And Gentiles were not people of the covenant. The prophecy was fulfilled: “This generation shall not pass till all things fulfilled.” All things fulfilled, therefore the Jewish generation already passed.

3.      So now that all are Gentiles, and things are not the same, God would begin a NEW DISPENSATION which will never end and it is called THE DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD or THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY.

A.    The Dispensation Of The Grace Of God. 

1.      God gave to Paul THE DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD for the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:2), the “DISPENSATION [Stewardship] OF GOD”, to “FULFILL [make complete] THE WORD OF GOD” (Colossians 1:25).  

2.      His job is to complete the word of God. He must write the last of the last epistles of “THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST” (Galatians 1:12) “that the MAN [adult son] OF GOD (or the CHURCH OF GOD) may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:17). 

3.      He was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, which is “THE POWER OF GOD” unto SALVATION to everyone that believeth; TO THE “JEW” [Judean/ Judahite] first, and also TO THE “GREEK” [dispersed Israelites] (Romans 1:16). 

4.      And to these “ISRAELITES” [Jew or Greek], he said that “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.And if ye be CHRIST'S, then are ye ABRAHAM'S SEED, and HEIRS according to the PROMISE.” (Galatians 3:28-29). He means, it doesn’t matter if you are in the land or outside the land (nigh or far off, Ephesians 2:17), “CIRCUMCISED” or “UNCIRCUMCISED” (in the flesh) because “CHRIST IS ALL and IN ALL” (Colossians 3:11).

5.      Paul must complete his mission of PREACHING to “EVERY CREATURE WHICH IS UNDER HEAVEN” (Colossians 1:23). It means that “THE GOSPEL MUST BE HEARD and BELIEVED BY THE JEWS in the land and GENTILES who were DISPERSED ISRAELITES, to “FULFILL THE PROPHECY OF OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS” about “THE HOPE OF ISRAEL”. He did that during the Acts period. But after the Acts period, Paul was to PREACH THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY.

6.      This mystery of Ephesians and Colossians is different from the mystery of Romans and 1 Corinthians in the Acts period. The mystery of the Acts period was a prophesied mystery. The mystery of Ephesians which was revealed only to Paul after the Acts period, after he declared to the Jews that “salvation is sent unto the Gentiles”.

7.      This mystery:

a.       Was not made known.  “ in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men”.  

Hath been hid in God. “which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:”

Hath been hid. “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations”

b.      But is now revealed. “as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit”

But is now made manifest. “but now is made manifest to his saints:”

8.      This mystery is:

“That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6)

“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27)

9.      So Paul’s new ministry after the Acts period as THE APOSTLE OF THE GENTILES was:

Ephesians 3:

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

 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Colossians 1:

28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

10.  We share in this ministry today, to preach Christ in you, the mystery among the Gentiles.

11.  This MYSTERY is no longer a MYSTERY but a MYSTERY “REVEALED” and “MADE KNOWN”.  It is now called “REVELATION”.

12.  Take note of the sequence of revelation: The mystery which from the beginning of the world, from ages and from generations and in other ages, was not made known and had been hid from the sons of men are now made known, revealed, made manifest first (1) to Paul, (2) to holy apostles and prophets, (3) to his saints and (4) to all men [nations].

13.  That must be the order. Because to Paul the Apostle was given this “SPECIAL MINISTRY” as “THE LAST APOSTLE” to “FULFILL THE WORD OF GOD”, after receiving “THE MYSTERY” firsthand as the “WISE MASTER BUILDER” who “laid the FOUNDATION” and who “PLANTED” (1 Corinthians 3:6,10), next to know them must be the APOSTLES AND PROPHETS [who were leaders of the church], then “THE SAINTS” and finally, the last people who must know them are “ALL NATIONS”. THAT’S US.

14.  Paul’s new ministry is different from his Acts period ministry as a minister of the New  Covenant, because in this new ministry, there is no covenant. Paul was preaching the kingdom of God according to prophecy during the Acts period. But now Paul is preaching “THE BODY OF CHRIST” which was not prophesied. And which shares no blessing with Abraham or with the land of Israel. Its blessings are all heavenly and spiritual.

15.  During the Acts period, Paul was ministering TO THE JEWS FIRST, TO THE GREEKS NEXT. But now, it’s no mo more that way. Paul is ministering TO THE GENTILES. The word Gentiles after the Acts period include even the Jews from the House of Judah and Israelites from the House of Israel.

16.  Therefore, Paul’s ministry is “TO PREACH AMONG THE GENTILES [all kinds of people, colors, races, tongues] THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST.AND TO MAKE “ALL MEN” [all nations] WHAT IS THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY”.

17.  And the mystery he is preaching is this:

a.       THAT THE GENTILES SHOULD BE FELLOWHEIRS.

The message is that the Gentiles – which include everyone – Jew or not – are fellowheirs. All of them are heirs of God. No discrimination. All are equal before God.

b.      THAT THE GENTILES SHOULD BE OF THE SAME BODY.

The Gentiles – people of the nations are of the same body. All people whatever race they come from can now be part of the ONE BODY OF CHRIST.

c.       THAT THE GENTILES SHOULD BE PARTAKERS OF HIS PROMISE IN CHRIST BY THE GOSPEL. The Gentiles are partakers of God’s promise in Christ. By the Gospel. Everyone can partake of the gospel’s benefits.

B.     The Fellowship of the Mystery.

That’s why Paul said:

“Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that  (1) I should preach among the Gentiles the UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST; and  (2) to make all men see what is THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 3:7-9)

1.      It means that Paul’s mission “to fulfill the word of God” as “THE APOSTLE OF THE GENTILES” (Romans 11:13) was to –

a.       Preach [proclaim] among the Gentiles the “UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST” which are  “the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering” (Romans 2:4); “the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy”, (Romans 9:23); “the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God”  (Romans 11:33); “the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7); “the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18; 2:7); “the riches of his glory” (Ephesians 3:16; Philippians 4:19); and “riches of the full assurance of understanding” (Colossians 2:2).

b.      Make all men [non-Israelites, all kinds of people] see what is “THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY”.  That is to make all men see the fellowship of the mystery, which is “the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9) because the MYSTERY is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). The fellowship of the mystery is “the fellowship of Christ in you”, “that the Gentiles should be FELLOW-HEIRS (that’s fellowship), and of the SAME BODY [One Body] (that’s fellowship), and PARTAKERS of his promise in Christ by the gospel (that’s fellowship)” (Ephesians 3:6). 

2.      So now we can see that Paul’s ministry as “THE APOSTLE OF THE GENTILES” is UNIQUE. Why? Because Peter and the other apostles such as James and John were to minister to “THE CIRCUMCISION” and also “TO THE LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL” [which according to our study were also called “GENTILES”]. But only to Paul was “GIVEN” and “COMMITTED” the “DISPENSATION” to be “THE APOSTLE OF THE GENTILES”.

3.      As we observe in the accounts in the New Testament that Peter and other apostles ministered to “THE JEWS [Judahites] AND GREEKS [Scattered Israelites]”. But they didn’t minister to NON-ISRAELITES. God gave that special mission to Paul.

4.      Paul’s mission in the Acts period was to minister to

a.       the JEWS [first] 

b.      next to the GENTILES. We know who those Gentiles were: Scattered Israelites [Lost sheep] whether they were Greeks, Barbarians, Scythians, Circumcision or Uncircumcision or wherever they were.

5.      Pauls’ mission after the Acts period was to ALL NATIONS or ALL MEN that’s why only Paul was/is THE APOSTLE OF THE GENTILES.

6.      To these TWO KINDS OF GENTILES Paul would minister the gospel.

1^st, the Israelite- Gentiles. They were in prophecy. Their conversion is according to THE SCRIPTURES OF THE PROPHETS. That mystery was hidden but it was prophesied and now revealed and fulfilled. (During the Acts period)

2^nd, the Non-Israelite-Gentiles [All men]. They were not prophesied. Because Non-Israelites are NOT included in THE COVENANTS. God didn’t make any covenant with Non-Israelites. Non-Israelites are ALIENS and STRANGERS from the covenants. (After the Acts period)

7.      The Non-Israelites like “us” are outside THE HOUSE OF GOD.  We have no rights or privileges. We have no inheritance.

8.      But God in his in his infinite wisdom and according to his good pleasure which he purposed in himself included us “IN THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY”, through the Ministry of the Apostle Paul.

9.      So Paul would preach to “ALL MEN” [that’s you and me].

10.  It seems that God had no plan for us but it’s not true. The prophets may have not thought about that. Even Jesus and the apostles, their goal was “to seek and save that which was lost”, “the lost sheep of the house of Israel”.

11.  But God in his mind he has us, and he gave that commission to Paul the Apostle – to MAKE ALL MEN SEE what is the FELLOWSHIP of THE MYSTERY.

Romans 11:32-33 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

C.    All Scriptures are FOR US.

1.       I have learned from Bible teachers that not all the Scriptures are “TO US” although all are “FOR US”. That Genesis to Acts, Hebrews to Revelation were not written “TO US” but “FOR US” and the only Scriptures that were written “TO US” are the 13 Epistles of Paul – Romans to Philemon.

2.      But according to what we have learned in our study, even these epistles of Paul were NOT written “TO US”. Why? Because they were written to the Romans, Galatians, Corinthians, and Thessalonians who, according to our study were Israelites scattered abroad. They were written during the Acts period when Paul’s ministry was TO THE JEW FIRST.

3.      But after Acts, Paul receiving new revelations from Christ regarding THE MYSTERY, wrote new sets of letters, now not TO THE JEW FIRST, but TO ALL MEN. These letters are Philippians, Ephesians, Philemon, Colossians and his letters to church leaders such as Titus and Timothy. Whether the recipients of the letters such as Ephesians were of the dispersed tribes of Israel or not, it doesn’t matter, because after the Acts period, things have been different. These people were no more covenant people. They were included in THE GENTILES.

4.      Therefore, these letters are WRITTEN TO US, because we are included in the word GENTILES. Now with the new definition, “NON COVENANT PEOPLES”.

5.      During the Acts period, Paul wrote 7 epistles. They were not written TO US but we can draw lessons from them. These epistles are 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, Romans, Galatians, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, and Hebrews. They were FOR US. These epistles have “Israelitish” and Jewish things such as covenants, feasts, Abraham, Moses,etc.

6.      After the Acts period, when a NEW DISPENSATION began, Paul wrote Philippians, 1 Timothy, Titus, 2 Timothy, Ephesians, Philemon and Colossians. These are the epistles for THE ONE NEW MAN. Written TO US.

7.      God gave Paul the commission to MAKE ALL MEN SEE THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY. So if we see our fellowship or part in that mystery, then “ALL SCRIPTURE” becomes “PROFITABLE”  “FOR US”.

8.      How can we have fellowship? It is IN CHRIST. Not through the “GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM” (Matthew 24:14), because the message of that gospel is “THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND [or nigh]”. And it is not fit today because “we are in the kingdom of Christ” (Colossians 1:13).

II.            Be a Member through Jesus Christ

Ephesians 2:13,18  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ…For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

                  

How? By God’s grace, through faith in Christ:

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

A.    Acknowledge that you are sinner who needs mercy.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

B.     Believe that Jesus is the Lord [Jehovah] and that he became man, and as a man he died for your sins but is risen from the dead for your justification.  Believe/place your trust in his completed work of redemption, through his “shed blood” (Romans 3:25).

Romans 3:25; 10:9-11 “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”

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”

1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

C.     Call upon the name of the Lord [Jehovah]. Romans 10:12-13 “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  (Excerpt from Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD [Jehovah] shall be delivered”.)

III.            Results of Believing in Christ

A.    After we believe in Christ, we are no more strangers, but certified members of the House of God:

Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

B.     Then the Holy Ghost baptizes or places us into the “ONE BODY” [United Church of Jews and Gentiles], into Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Romans 6:3-5

3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

This baptism is not water baptism, but spiritual baptism. It is called by the apostle Paul as “ONE BAPTISM” (Ephesians 4:5). A complete work of the Holy Ghost, just like circumcision “made without hands” (Colossians 2:11), the baptism of the Holy Ghost is a baptism not made by the hands of men but of the hand of God. The command to baptize and be baptized in water was only operative from the day of Christ’s Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 up to the end of the world [age], i.e. the end of the heavens and earth of the Jews and the establishment of the new heavens and the new earth. Read Matthew 24, 2 Peter 3 and Revelation 21.

The sojourners who want to join the Israelites were commanded to be circumcised (Exodus 12:48).  Now in the New Testament, we are circumcised “spiritually”. The circumcision made without hands (Colossians 2:11).

C.     We are regenerated by God and adopted as children.

Titus 3:5 Not 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;

Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself

D.    The Spirit of God indwells us and confirms our sonship.

Romans 8:14-16 “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God”

E.     Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21) confirm that we are “THE ELECT”

Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

F.      By joining the THE HOUSE OF GOD, THE CHURCH, we become “fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19).

Ephesians 1:

9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

10 That in THE DISPENSATION OF THE FULNESS OF TIMES he might GATHER TOGETHER IN ONE ALL THINGS IN CHRIST, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

-End –