The Wonderful Dispensation of Grace

[Bob Hill]

How many dispensations are there? That is a much harder question to answer.

I could settle for as few as three if I had to. If we had to call it a new dispensation every time God changed the instructions at all, I suppose we could have, maybe even thirty seven.

However, I think we should recognize it as a new dispensation and call it a new dispensation every time there is a significant difference.

But there’s a problem with this. What is a significant difference? I hope to show you the significant differences which cause me to affirm that there are twelve dispensations.

Most Biblicists agree that man was created in a state of innocence. Adam and Eve did not know good from evil. The serpent told Eve, “For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen 3:5).

Therefore, I believe it’s right to call the first dispensation The Dispensation of Innocence.

I think the next dispensation is The Dispensation of Innocence. This didn’t last very long.

But it did last until there was a significant change. That change happened when Adam and Eve sinned. This is shown in Genesis 3:6-8: So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

Because their conscience made them aware of their sin, I call this second method of dealing with man The Dispensation of Conscience. It appears that this dispensation continues in effect for those on the earth until the end of the millennium.

When God saw how evil man had become, He repented that He had made man and destroyed them in the flood according to Genesis 6:5-7: Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord repented that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I repent that I have made them.”

After the flood, God changed His method of dealing with man. He instituted capital punishment and gave them every living thing that moves for food in addition to the green plants (Gen 9:1-17). Most dispensational theologians refer to this as The Dispensation of Human Government. This method of dealing with man lasts until Jesus Christ rules in the millennium which follows right after the Tribulation. The Rapture of the Body of Christ is only for believers in this Dispensation of Grace that we are now in.

In the millennium, “God the Son, Himself, will rule them with a rod of iron” (Rev 19:15).

It is difficult to discern the method of salvation in the second and third of these first three dispensations. It appears that they would be saved if they believed God and brought the required sacrifice.

When we consider the fourth dispensation, The Dispensation of Promise, the doubt is removed. God made a number of unconditional promises. We may call them unconditional covenants.

When we look at God’s statement to Abraham in Genesis 15:6, we can see justification is by faith alone under The Dispensation of Promise: “And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.”

In addition, the details of a conditional or two party covenant are displayed in Jeremiah 34:18-20a: I will give the men who have transgressed My covenant, who have not performed the words of the covenant which they made before Me, when they cut the calf in two and passed between the parts of it – the princes of Judah, the princes of Jerusalem, the eunuchs, the priests, and all the people of the land who passed between the parts of the calf – I will give them into the hand of their enemies and into the hand of those who seek their life.

They passed through the split animals as they covenanted with God. The split animals signified – “If I don’t keep the covenant, I will be split like these animals.” In contrast to Jeremiah 34, when we look at the details, we see that Abram was not allowed to pass through the animals. Only God did. He took the imprecation upon himself.
Genesis 15:7-18 Then God said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it.” And he said, “Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?” So He said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates.”

Because God went through the covenant animals alone, we can see God’s covenant with Abram was unconditional. Abram was justified by grace through faith when He believed God in Genesis 15:6. Then, God made the unconditional covenant with him confirming the promises of the covenant. We could call this the Abramic Covenant.

Bob Hill

 

[Bob Hill]

We find the greatest change in God’s method of salvation in the Hebrew Scriptures in the fifth dispensation.

This is the Dispensation of Circumcision. This dispensation was associated with the second covenant God made with Abraham. Because Abram’s name was changed to Abraham when this covenant was made, it could be called the Abrahamic Covenant. However, it is called the Covenant of Circumcision in Acts 7:8. This is the first conditional covenant. The Covenant of Promise was still sure, but conditions were added for Abraham and his progeny to perform if they wanted to participate in the covenant blessings. Genesis 17:1-14 tells what happened: When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. 2 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. 8 Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” 9 And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; 11 and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. 13 He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14 And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

This is unquestionably a two way covenant. Even retribution (v. 14) is included in this conditional covenant. This, indeed, could be called The Covenant of Works. Under this covenant, circumcision was absolutely necessary. A person’s faith had to be shown by his faith-works. We have an illustration of this in Genesis 22:12, After Abraham obeyed God and attempted to offer his son, God said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me”.

When James referred to this event where God was the only spectator, Abraham was justified before God. James wrote in: 2:21-24 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

Abraham was justified by his faith-work of offering up his son. That was God’s method of salvation just as circumcision was necessary.
Here was a profound dispensational change. God changed from the unconditional covenant of promise to the conditional covenant of circumcision.
The faith-work did not provide the righteousness. Only Jesus Christ’s faithfulness could do that. That is shown in Romans, Galatians, and Philippians.

Let’s look carefully at Romans 3:20-22,25,26: Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faithfulness in of Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faithfulness, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Notice in verses 21 and 22, it is the righteousness of God which is revealed. How was it revealed? It was revealed through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. The phrase, “through faithfulness of Jesus Christ”, is a prepositional phrase which modifies the verb, “revealed.” From this we can see that the righteousness of God is revealed by Christ’s faithfulness, not our belief. The word, “faith” (pistews, pistis) means “faith, faithfulness, pledge, fidelity, belief.” It is translated faithfulness in Romans 3:3, “For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?

Next, in Rom 3:25, how did God demonstrate His righteousness? Since it is God’s righteousness that is demonstrated, it must be by Christ’s blood and faithfulness not ours. We can’t be justified by our works of the law. They result in death. But Christ made God’s righteousness available, and we secure that righteousness which He provided by doing, by faith, what God demands in each dispensation.

Under circumcision, God demanded faith-works. Under The Dispensation of Grace, He demands faith apart from works. No Scripture could sum it up better than Philippians 3:9, ”And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through the faithfulness of Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.”

In Christ,
Bob Hill

 

[Bob Hill]

When we look at the differences between Peter, James, and John, and Paul, we will see how consistently Paul steers away from a works oriented salvation. We will also see how consistently Peter, James, and John emphasize faith-law-works in their messages and epistles.

When we get finished with all of the dispensations, you will see that seven of the twelve dispensations are under the influence of the circumcision covenant. We must conclude that the circumcision covenant even includes the new covenant, for Genesis 17:7,13, and 19 all say it is everlasting: And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. 13 He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 19 Then God said: “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.

We have covered five dispensations, and we’re still in Genesis.

I believe the sixth one is The Dispensation of Law.

Under that dispensation, God’s method for having His righteousness imputed included faith-law-keeping. The works of the law didn’t provide anything. But when a man continuously kept God’s law, by faith, he appropriated God’s righteousness.

Romans 9:31,32 shows us Israel’s problem: “But Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.”

They were too busy trying to establish their own righteousness. Instead, the law produced death (Rom 7:7-14). What they needed to do was recognize they could do nothing to produce righteousness. They needed to submit only to God’s righteousness as Romans 10:3,4 says: “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

In contrast, we died to the law (Rom 7:6; Gal 2:19).

We are not under the law in any way (Rom 6:14; Gal 5:18).

We have the indwelling Holy Spirit producing the law of the Spirit of life in us (Rom 8:2-4).

We have a growing new life in the Spirit as we meditate on God’s word and seek to love Him with all our being. Eph 5:18-21 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

It is extremely difficult to keep this focus. Many never even seem try. Most don’t want to, but this is what God wants us to do more than anything else. Loving God was the one thing that interested me the least for some of my Christian life, yet, from Christ’s lips, we hear that it is the most important commandment of all. Join me in striving to love God with our all. I’m experiencing some of the blessings of my feeble efforts to allow the Holy Spirit to fill me with His love.

In Christ,
Bob Hill

 

[Bob Hill]

The seventh dispensation in my opinion is the Dispensation of the Kingdom Promised.

How significant is this dispensation from the previous one? There is no difference in the method of salvation. But there is a colossal eschatological difference.

It is found in 2 Samuel 7:12,13,16 When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.

Messiah will sit on the throne of David. This kingdom promised to David will last forever. This became Israel’s hope. This promise is after the rapture of the Body of Christ, but then, this kingdom will be established on this earth forever.

In Christ my Savior,
Bob Hill

 

[Bob Hill]

About a thousand years later, God raised up John the Baptist. He was sent to Israel. The eighth dispensation began. I call it the Dispensation of the Kingdom Proclaimed.

Shortly after John’s birth, his father, Zacharias, prophesied about Christ and John in Luke 1:68-78 Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, 70 as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began, 71 that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, 72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, 73 the oath which He swore to our father Abraham: 74 To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. 76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, 78 through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us.

John’s commission was to go before the Messiah and prepare the way for the Lord according to Luke 3:2-6 While Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth; 6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” His ministry was to bring salvation to the nation.

Because it was such an important part of his ministry, we must understand baptism and its relationship to Israel. Its history is very important. This water rite was explained for Israel under the law in Num 19:9,10,17-21: Then a man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and store them outside the camp in a clean place; and they shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for the water of purification; it is for purifying from sin. 10 And the one who gathers the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until evening. It shall be a statute forever to the children of Israel and to the stranger who dwells among them. 17 And for an unclean person they shall take some of the ashes of the heifer burnt for purification from sin, and running water shall be put on them in a vessel. 18 A clean person shall take hyssop and dip it in the water, sprinkle it on the tent, on all the vessels, on the persons who were there, or on the one who touched a bone, the slain, the dead, or a grave. 19 The clean person shall sprinkle the unclean on the third day and on the seventh day; and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, wash his clothes, and bathe in water; and at evening he shall be clean. 20 But the man who is unclean and does not purify himself, that person shall be cut off from among the assembly, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the LORD. The water of purification has not been sprinkled on him; he is unclean. 21 It shall be a perpetual statute for them.

Further, God told Israel in Ezekiel 36:24-27 that He would baptize them with water, cleanse them from all their filthiness and establish the new covenant with them: 24 For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. 25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

When John started his ministry, he baptized great crowds for the Lord from all the tribes (Mat. 3:5,6), not just from the tribe of Levi. Like 3:15, 16 Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, 16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Because John was baptizing with authority, the whole nation of Israel went out to him. They were expecting the Messiah (Lk. 3:15).

In Christ,
Bob Hill

 

[Bob Hill]

When we look at the Hebrew Scriptures, it is interesting to see that the priests were baptized when they were thirty years old (Num. 4:2,3,23; 1 Chr. 23:3). This was in preparation for their consecration as priests (Ex. 28:41-29:9). God had promised to make Israel a kingdom of priests in Exodus 19:5-6: Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.

Isaiah 61:6 also says they will be priests: “But you shall be named the priests of the Lord. They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory you shall boast.”

Further, God had promised to sprinkle them with water to make them clean, in Ezekiel 36:22-28 Therefore say to the house of Israel, “Thus says the Lord God: ‘I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. 23 And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the Lord,’ says the Lord God, ‘when I am hallowed in you before their eyes. 24 For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. 25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. 28 Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God.”

Therefore, I believe, by his baptism, John the Baptist was preparing the nation of Israel to be a kingdom of priests (Rev 1:5,6, has made us a kingdom, and priests to His God and Father).

They were called a royal priesthood by Peter in (1 Pet. 2:5,9) in fulfillment of Ex 19:5,6.

John preached that his baptism was for the remission of sins (Mat. 3:1-6; Lk. 3:3,8). Therefore, we see water baptism was mandated for Israel, would result in a whole nation of priests (1 Pet 2:5,9), accompanied true repentance displayed by works (Mat 3:8; Lk 3:8), resulted in the forgiveness of sins for them at that time (Mk 1:4; Lk 3:3), and is associated with the Messianic kingdom promised to Israel (Eze 36:22-28).

John’s kingdom ministry was certified by Jesus Christ in Luke 16:16, when He said, “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.

John was also certified by Peter as a minister of the circumcision according to Acts 10:36-38: The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ – He is Lord of all – that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

In Christ,
Bob Hill

 

[Bob Hill]

Paul called Jesus Christ a Circumcision minister in Romans 15:8, “Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers.”

Because Christ was a minister of the circumcision, water baptism was part of His program for salvation according to John 3:5, “Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God”.

Christ gave the Great Commission to the Eleven in Mark 16:15,16, “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.’”

Also, from Christ’s earthly ministry, we see that endurance was expected in the believers if they were to receive salvation. This requirement was in line with the other conditional aspects of the circumcision covenant.

I think the best example is John 15:1-8: I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

When He said, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch”, He was speaking to the Apostles. Judas had left in 13:30. Did He really mean that an apostle could be lost? Yes, they had to abide in Christ in order to be saved. Otherwise “they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.”

Not only did they have to remain in Christ, they also had to forgive men in order to be saved according to Matthew 6:14,15: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

We will see these conditional principles repeatedly as we continue to look at dispensations under the circumcision covenant.

In Christ,
Bob Hill

 

[Bob Hill]

The next dispensational boundary comes after the crucifixion of our wonderful Lord. The apostles did not understand the significance of His death and resurrection. After His resurrection, Christ was with the apostles for forty days. What was He doing? Acts 1:2,3 tells us, “He…had given commandments to the apostles…being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” What were the apostles expecting? They had earlier been sent to the twelve tribes of Israel (Mat 10:6). Christ also promised them they would sit in judgment over the nation of Israel in Matthew 19:28. They were vitally interested in the establishment of the long promised Davidic Kingdom. By now, they knew they had a wonderful part in it. It’s no surprise that Acts 1:6 tells us they asked Him, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

The signs on the day of Pentecost were to show Israel that the kingdom promised to David was about to be established. The apostles had heard that Christ would return after the tribulation (Mat 24:21,29,30). At the end of Christ’s description of the tribulation, He related the parables of the ten virgins and the talents. These were both parables about the kingdom. Then He said Matthew 25:31, “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.” Remember, He had promised the apostles authority over Israel (Mat 19:28). This is why we must conclude that these were signs to show Israel that the kingdom was about to be established right after the “great and terrible day of the Lord” (Mat 24:29,30; 25:31,34). The “great and terrible day of the Lord” of Joel 2:31 would take place right after the tribulation.

The gift of tongues given on the day of Pentecost was a sign to Israel that the kingdom was very near. This gift of tongues was a partial fulfillment of the Joel prophecy since other portions of the prophecy would be fulfilled after the tribulation.

When Peter offered the kingdom and many responded to his message and believed, Peter commanded that they be baptized for the remission of sins.

Water baptism continued as a requirement for salvation after Pentecost because God continued to offer Israel the kingdom (Acts 3:19-26).

I call this ninth dispensation The Dispensation of the Kingdom Offered. If they had repented, God would have sent Christ back (Acts 3:20). Before Pentecost, Christ had commanded belief and water baptism as requirements for salvation shortly after His resurrection.
Mark 16:16 says, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Both “believes” and “is baptized” represent aorist participles. According to Greek syntax (A Grammar of New Testament Greek, Moulton, V. III, Syntax, Nigel Turner, p. 79, (T & T Clark, Edinburgh, G.B.), 1963.), the action of these participles must precede the action of the main verb, “will be saved.” Therefore, a person had to believe and be baptized before he would be saved. When viewed in its setting of the circumcision covenant, this is consistent with the purification rituals which were imposed on Israel.

It’s interesting that none of the Baptist grammarians even comment on the syntax of Mark 16:16. The best that Robertson could say was, “So serious a sacramental doctrine would need stronger support anyhow than this disputed portion of Mark.” A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament. Two manuscripts are used to dispute the inclusion of 16:9-20. They are Codices B and . However, many very able scholars have shown that they are riddled with omissions. Textual criticism is not the topic of this article, but I want everyone to be aware that the manuscript evidence supporting the inclusion of this passage is overwhelming.

In Christ,
Bob Hill

 

[Bob Hill]

Pastor Kevin,

Are you there?

Bob

 

[Bob Hill]

After the Ascension of Christ and the outpouring of the Spirit in Acts 2, God still demanded water baptism for the remission of sins. “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:38). After Paul was seized in the temple by the Jewish mob and taken into custody by the Roman commander, he was allowed to speak to the violent mob on the way into the barracks. He used the opportunity to recount his conversion. He spoke of “a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there.” He related how Ananias had told him about his apostolic commission from God. What method of salvation did Ananias present to Paul? Ananias commanded, “Now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Ananias told Paul the only message that he knew, the message of Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38, the circumcision gospel with its condition of baptism. One of the most important facts of all should be highlighted. Water baptism would be imposed on Israel until the time of reformation (Heb. 9:10-13) when Christ would establish the kingdom for Israel (Acts 3:21 with Acts 1:6). Therefore, from the beginning of John’s ministry, through the time of Christ’s death and Ascension, to the time that Israel was temporarily set aside in Acts 7, we find that water baptism was essential for salvation.

However, the first dramatic change took place on Pentecost in Acts 2. There, after he submitted to water baptism, a believer would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). So, for the first time, there were two baptisms, water baptism and Holy Spirit baptism. As the nation began rejecting Christ, the persecution of the circumcision church which had started on Pentecost increased. When Stephen was stoned, Christ stood in judgment upon the nation of Israel, and they were temporarily set aside.

In Christ,
Bob Hill

 

[Bob Hill]

I'm sorry, I have to go to bed.

Bob Hill

 

[godrulz]

I'm sorry, I have to go to bed.

Bob Hill

Don't we all. No need to apologize.

 

[Lighthouse]

Did I burden you with too many Scriptures which link the True “PLOT” of Scripture together, for you to go research for yourself “to see if these things be so“?

The old man is Adam.
In Adam you are dead.
In Adam you are dying.
In Adam you will die eternally in the second death, the lake of fire.

The New Man is Christ come in human being flesh as “Israel“.
Born again in Christ’s Living Spirit you live.
Born again in Christ’s Spirit you will receive the body of adoption in the regeneration and live as a glorified son of God and share the dominion Adam lost and Israel ransomed back, forever.

Paul of MAD is not the Paul of Scripture -they have no agreement.

Up until the last line you said nothing I disagreed with. Apparently you have no idea what MAD teaches.

And as for the reason I didn't want to read your post, it had nothing to do with the amount of verses you posted.

 

[thelaqachisnext]

Up until the last line you said nothing I disagreed with. Apparently you have no idea what MAD teaches.

And as for the reason I didn't want to read your post, it had nothing to do with the amount of verses you posted.

Did you begin reading what I posted here, on this thread, from the first day that I returned and began?

I've been away learning what MAD teaches, and came back precisely because I have done that, and have come to point out the hear-say doctrine of MAD.

Mad twists the true Paul's words into contortions which the true Paul never said, and cuts off a psuedo paul from the "Root of the Faith once delivered to the Saints", making a mockery of the doctrine of Christ which the True Paul taught, with MAD musings which are not found in Scripture.


Paul in Galations 1 expresses the fact that he was given the revelation -the apocalypse- of Jesus Christ,, which he describes in several places, and Jesus Christ is the Gospel.

Paul is not a liar, and he did not learn the life and ministry and commands of Jesus Christ separate from the disciples of the LORD, but they could not "Apocalypse" Jesus Christ to another! -One can accept and believe the witnesses He sent, but the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ comes only from the Spirit, to any man.

No man can "Apocalypse" Jesus Christ to another.

Paul is a certified Apostle by that revelation, by that Apocalypse, of the LORD of Glory; whom he had revealed to him -as the last and the least of all the Apostles who were eyewitnesses of Christ come in flesh.

MAD doctrine is without the life of the Spirit for it has been cut off from the Faith once delivered to the Saints, and is without a foundation, in Scripture, because it is not based upon the Law and the Prophets -by the admission of those who promote MAD; and the Testimony of the Law and the Prophets is only of Jesus Christ.

The Spirit of prophecy is the Testimony of Jesus Christ;
Rev 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.


All the doctrine of Christ is completetly taught by patterns within the Law and the parables and visions shown to and given by the prophets, which doctrine is taught by the Living Oracles; which MAD teachers have NEVER learned the ABC's of, and therefore, MAD has no authority to speak to or teach the Church of God about Jesus Christ and His Doctrine..

There is no relation between Paul the Apostle and the paul of MAD dcotrine.

Paul of Scripture is a born again water baptized Spirit filled Believing male Jew; who spoke in tongues more than "you all" and who sang in tongues, and who kept Moses all his life; who circumcised Timothy, a half Jew Believer in Jesus Christ with his own hands, to prove that he had not departed from Moses; and who took vows according to Moses and performed them -even to the end of his life- and who commanded "Do not forbid to speak in tongues" and to covet earnestly to prophesy"; 1Cr 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. .

Paul the Apsotle taught that if you are called "circumcised" not to become "uncircumcised"
Paul the Apostle taught that if you are called uncircumcised, not to become circumcised.

That Paul is not the paul of MAD doctrine.

The Paul of Scripture understood the old man as Adam and the New Man as Christ come in human being flesh of the second creation, who are both one spirit; and he understood the oneness in spirit of all persons born in both the old man and in the New Man; one dead spirit and one Living spirit.

You are either born again and in the New Man by that second birth, or you are dead in Adam forever.

And you can be born again precisely because "Today is the Day of Salvation" ="The Acceptable Year of the LORD" =the dispensation of the Fulness of Times [seasons].

The Feasts of YHWH were "His appointed Times"; Dress Rehearsals commited to Israel to act out as the Living Oracles, until Christ, Himself, performs each of them in it's Final Performance, which will end them forever.

He fulfilled the Day of Atonemet once, for all in Adam, and the Paul of Scripture speaks nothing but that final Act performed for all in Adam to come into the kingdom of God as sons of God, adopted in the Beloved Son's Living Spirit and to be regenerated in the Beloved Son's immortal bodily image.


Hbr 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the ABC's of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

-But MAD never learned the "first principles' of the "Oracles" in the first place, for it is a cut off sect, with no candlestick [no indwelling light of the LORD =His Living Word and His Living Spirit] among itself, being even cut off from the True Paul of the Word of God -as I have demonstrated in many posts with much Scripture, since I have returned.

 

[thelaqachisnext]

Did you begin reading what I posted here, on this thread, from the first day that I returned and began?

I've been away learning what MAD teaches, and came back precisely because I have done that, and have come to point out the hear-say doctrine of MAD.

Mad twists the true Paul's words into contortions which the true Paul never said, and cuts off a psuedo paul from the "Root of the Faith once delivered to the Saints", making a mockery of the doctrine of Christ which the True Paul taught, with MAD musings which are not found in Scripture.


Paul in Galations 1 expresses the fact that he was given the revelation -the apocalypse- of Jesus Christ,, which he describes in several places, and Jesus Christ is the Gospel.

Paul is not a liar, and he did not learn the life and ministry and commands of Jesus Christ separate from the disciples of the LORD, but they could not "Apocalypse" Jesus Christ to another! -One can accept and believe the witnesses He sent, but the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ comes only from the Spirit, to any man.

No man can "Apocalypse" Jesus Christ to another.

Paul is a certified Apostle by that revelation, by that Apocalypse, of the LORD of Glory; whom he had revealed to him -as the last and the least of all the Apostles who were eyewitnesses of Christ come in flesh.

MAD doctrine is without the life of the Spirit for it has been cut off from the Faith once delivered to the Saints, and is without a foundation, in Scripture, because it is not based upon the Law and the Prophets -by the admission of those who promote MAD; and the Testimony of the Law and the Prophets is only of Jesus Christ.

The Spirit of prophecy is the Testimony of Jesus Christ;
Rev 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.


All the doctrine of Christ is completetly taught by patterns within the Law and the parables and visions shown to and given by the prophets, which doctrine is taught by the Living Oracles; which MAD teachers have NEVER learned the ABC's of, and therefore, MAD has no authority to speak to or teach the Church of God about Jesus Christ and His Doctrine..

There is no relation between Paul the Apostle and the paul of MAD dcotrine.

Paul of Scripture is a born again water baptized Spirit filled Believing male Jew; who spoke in tongues more than "you all" and who sang in tongues, and who kept Moses all his life; who circumcised Timothy, a half Jew Believer in Jesus Christ with his own hands, to prove that he had not departed from Moses; and who took vows according to Moses and performed them -even to the end of his life- and who commanded "Do not forbid to speak in tongues" and to covet earnestly to prophesy"; 1Cr 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. .

Paul the Apsotle taught that if you are called "circumcised" not to become "uncircumcised"
Paul the Apostle taught that if you are called uncircumcised, not to become circumcised.

That Paul is not the paul of MAD doctrine.

The Paul of Scripture understood the old man as Adam and the New Man as Christ come in human being flesh of the second creation, who are both one spirit; and he understood the oneness in spirit of all persons born in both the old man and in the New Man; one dead spirit and one Living spirit.

You are either born again and in the New Man by that second birth, or you are dead in Adam forever.

And you can be born again precisely because "Today is the Day of Salvation" ="The Acceptable Year of the LORD" =the dispensation of the Fulness of Times [seasons].

The Feasts of YHWH were "His appointed Times"; Dress Rehearsals commited to Israel to act out as the Living Oracles, until Christ, Himself, performs each of them in it's Final Performance, which will end them forever.

He fulfilled the Day of Atonemet once, for all in Adam, and the Paul of Scripture speaks nothing but that final Act performed for all in Adam to come into the kingdom of God as sons of God, adopted in the Beloved Son's Living Spirit and to be regenerated in the Beloved Son's immortal bodily image.


Hbr 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the ABC's of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

-But MAD never learned the "first principles' of the "Oracles" in the first place, for it is a cut off sect, with no candlestick [no indwelling light of the LORD =His Living Word and His Living Spirit] among itself, being even cut off from the True Paul of the Word of God -as I have demonstrated in many posts with much Scripture, since I have returned.

"Dispensationalism" in nothing more than His Appointed Feasts, fulfilled in their seasons of fulfillment.

"Today is the Day of Salvation"; the "Acceptable Year of our LORD".

"The fullness of Times" is the season of the "final Day of Atonement"; which is the "Day of Salvation" which continues to be offered to all born in Adam until all seed in Adam is cut off forever, in the 8th Day of Creation [as circumcision signs], called the New Beginning, when the "Cycle" of the appointed Week [of thousand year days] for this creation ends, and the heavens and the earth are "folded back" to it's "New Beginning", in the Regeneration, when all things are restored in the "New Man", who is YHWH come in human flesh of the second creation.

 

[Lighthouse]

Did you begin reading what I posted here, on this thread, from the first day that I returned and began?

No. Your posts are too long. This isn't a moderated debate.

I've been away learning what MAD teaches, and came back precisely because I have done that, and have come to point out the hear-say doctrine of MAD.

You are very much mistaken on what it teaches.

Mad twists the true Paul's words into contortions which the true Paul never said, and cuts off a psuedo paul from the "Root of the Faith once delivered to the Saints", making a mockery of the doctrine of Christ which the True Paul taught, with MAD musings which are not found in Scripture.

How so? What did Paul really say?

Paul in Galations 1 expresses the fact that he was given the revelation -the apocalypse- of Jesus Christ,, which he describes in several places, and Jesus Christ is the Gospel.

And?

Paul is not a liar, and he did not learn the life and ministry and commands of Jesus Christ separate from the disciples of the LORD, but they could not "Apocalypse" Jesus Christ to another! -One can accept and believe the witnesses He sent, but the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ comes only from the Spirit, to any man.

Paul said that he was given the mystery, by Jesus, which had not been revealed until it was given to him [Paul]. He said he learned it seperately from the 12.

No man can "Apocalypse" Jesus Christ to another.

And your point is?

Paul is a certified Apostle by that revelation, by that Apocalypse, of the LORD of Glory; whom he had revealed to him -as the last and the least of all the Apostles who were eyewitnesses of Christ come in flesh.

And?

MAD doctrine is without the life of the Spirit for it has been cut off from the Faith once delivered to the Saints, and is without a foundation, in Scripture, because it is not based upon the Law and the Prophets -by the admission of those who promote MAD; and the Testimony of the Law and the Prophets is only of Jesus Christ.

:doh:

Paul sates, very specifically, that we are no longer under the law. And that by the works of the law no flesh is justified.

The Spirit of prophecy is the Testimony of Jesus Christ;
Rev 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

And?

All the doctrine of Christ is completetly taught by patterns within the Law and the parables and visions shown to and given by the prophets, which doctrine is taught by the Living Oracles; which MAD teachers have NEVER learned the ABC's of, and therefore, MAD has no authority to speak to or teach the Church of God about Jesus Christ and His Doctrine..

What?! Not one single person who professes to believe in MAD, that I have ever discussed this with, has ever said we should ignore the law and the prophets. The law points us to Christ.

There is no relation between Paul the Apostle and the paul of MAD dcotrine.

Paul of Scripture is a born again water baptized Spirit filled Believing male Jew; who spoke in tongues more than "you all" and who sang in tongues, and who kept Moses all his life; who circumcised Timothy, a half Jew Believer in Jesus Christ with his own hands, to prove that he had not departed from Moses; and who took vows according to Moses and performed them -even to the end of his life- and who commanded "Do not forbid to speak in tongues" and to covet earnestly to prophesy"; 1Cr 14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. .

Paul the Apsotle taught that if you are called "circumcised" not to become "uncircumcised"
Paul the Apostle taught that if you are called uncircumcised, not to become circumcised.

That Paul is not the paul of MAD doctrine.

You are an idiot. You don't have the first clue what MAD is, or what Paul preached.

Acts 15:1-18

1 Corinthians 13:8-10

The Paul of Scripture understood the old man as Adam and the New Man as Christ come in human being flesh of the second creation, who are both one spirit; and he understood the oneness in spirit of all persons born in both the old man and in the New Man; one dead spirit and one Living spirit.

You are either born again and in the New Man by that second birth, or you are dead in Adam forever.

And you can be born again precisely because "Today is the Day of Salvation" ="The Acceptable Year of the LORD" =the dispensation of the Fulness of Times [seasons].

The Feasts of YHWH were "His appointed Times"; Dress Rehearsals commited to Israel to act out as the Living Oracles, until Christ, Himself, performs each of them in it's Final Performance, which will end them forever.

He fulfilled the Day of Atonemet once, for all in Adam, and the Paul of Scripture speaks nothing but that final Act performed for all in Adam to come into the kingdom of God as sons of God, adopted in the Beloved Son's Living Spirit and to be regenerated in the Beloved Son's immortal bodily image.


Hbr 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the ABC's of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

-But MAD never learned the "first principles' of the "Oracles" in the first place, for it is a cut off sect, with no candlestick [no indwelling light of the LORD =His Living Word and His Living Spirit] among itself, being even cut off from the True Paul of the Word of God -as I have demonstrated in many posts with much Scripture, since I have returned.

You have demonstrated nothing but your own ignorance. For everything you say MAD is, it is not. And everything you say the Paul of scripture is, MAD teaches. With the few exceptions of the things you say Paul taught, which he did not.

 

[Lighthouse]

"Dispensationalism" in nothing more than His Appointed Feasts, fulfilled in their seasons of fulfillment.

"Today is the Day of Salvation"; the "Acceptable Year of our LORD".

"The fullness of Times" is the season of the "final Day of Atonement"; which is the "Day of Salvation" which continues to be offered to all born in Adam until all seed in Adam is cut off forever, in the 8th Day of Creation [as circumcision signs], called the New Beginning, when the "Cycle" of the appointed Week [of thousand year days] for this creation ends, and the heavens and the earth are "folded back" to it's "New Beginning", in the Regeneration, when all things are restored in the "New Man", who is YHWH come in human flesh of the second creation.

Ephesians 3:1-7

 

[lightninboy]

B. The Nature of the Kingdom
1. God’s will accomplished on earth as in heaven (Matthew 6:9-13)
6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven.
2. An earthly rule of Jesus Christ (Matthew 20:20-23; Luke 21:27-32)
20:23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but [it shall be given to them] for whom it is prepared of my Father.
21:29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
21:31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
21:32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
3. The apostles exalted to thrones (Matthew 19:27-28; Luke 22:28-30)
19:27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
22:28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
22:30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
4. The unfaithful Jews excluded from the kingdom (Matthew 8:10-12; Luke 13:28-29)
8:10 When Jesus heard [it], he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you [yourselves] thrust out.
13:29 And they shall come from the east, and [from] the west, and from the north, and [from] the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
C. The Message of the Kingdom
1. To Israel only (Matthew 10:5-8; 15:24; Romans 15:8)
10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
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:
15:9 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.
2. That the kingdom is at hand (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; 10:7)
3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3. The baptism of repentance (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:4; Acts 2:38; 13:23-25; 19:4-5)
3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:
1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
2:37 Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?
:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.
2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
13:23 Of this man's seed hath God according to [his] promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
13:24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
13:25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not [he]. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of [his] feet I am not worthy to loose.
13:26 Men [and] brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
13:27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled [them] in condemning [him].
19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
19:5 When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
a. Preceded by repentance (Matthew 3:7-11)
3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
b. Accompanied by confession (Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:5)
3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
1:5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
c. Followed by remission (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3)
1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
d. Leading to faith in Christ (Matthew 3:11; Acts 19:3-5)
3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:
19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
19:5 When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
e. Changed when God turned to the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-48; Acts 16:30-33)
10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

 

[lightninboy]

Acts 2 Dispensationalism believes in the ministry of the Apostle Paul.

The Gospel of the Apostle Paul
1. Received by the revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11-17; 2:1-2)
1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
2. Titles given to Paul’s gospel
a. The gospel of God (Romans 15:16)
15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
b. The glorious gospel (2Corinthians 4:4; 1Timothy 1:11)
4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
1:11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
c. The gospel of the uncircumcision (Galatians 2:7)
2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as [the gospel] of the circumcision [was] unto Peter;
d. “My” gospel (Romans 2:16; 16:25; 2Timothy 2:8)
2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
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,
2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
e. The gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24)
20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Other Significant Ministries of Paul
1. He received and revealed the grace age mysteries (Ephesians 3:1-9;
Romans 15:15-16)
3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
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;
3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
3:7 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.
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;
3:9 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:
15:15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
2. He preached the gospel in the regions beyond (Romans 15:20;
2Corinthians 10:16)

Paul as a Pattern for Today
1. A pattern for salvation (1Timothy 1:15-16)
1:15 This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
2. A pattern for service (1Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17)
11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also [am] of Christ.
3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
3. A pattern for sound doctrine (2Timothy 2:2, 7)
2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Acts 9 Dispensationalism believes basically everything that Acts 2 Dispensationalism does except the doctrine that salvation is by grace through faith.

 

[Lighthouse]

Acts 9 Dispensationalism believes basically everything that Acts 2 Dispensationalism does except the doctrine that salvation is by grace through faith.