Ephesians
King James Version (KJV)
Discuss Ephesians 2 Page 2
Viewing page: 2 of 35
< Previous Discussion Page Next Discussion Page >
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Posting comments is currently unavailable due to high demand on the server.
Please check back in an hour or more. Thank you for your patience!
I can understand national Israel's position and the covenants and promises that they have been given and will be fulfilled, but unable to discern the state of those in Jewry who get saved, are born again by God's Spirit and living this new life in Christ: how do Scriptures such as Galatians 3:28,29 and Ephesians 2:11-15 fit concerning the saved from Israel? Are those promises & "future program" given to national Israel (that you highlighted) still applicable to saved Israel? If so, it seems to me that God has two programs for those being saved today: one for saved Israel and one for the Church (of the Gentiles). Therefore, Israel should not be considered part of Christ's Body, which is the present reality for those in Christ from the Gentiles, and therefore "being one in Christ" takes on a different meaning for all who are born again.
Or else, your distinction is that national Israel will see those covenants/promises fulfilled at the Millennium when they realize the Messiah Who came for them was the One Whom they pierced; but the saved of Israel are part of Christ's Body, the Church, as together we share in present blessings, being caught away when Jesus appears, and no longer being distinguishable as Jew and Gentile, rather as one together in Christ.
However, maybe neither of these two options is quite what you believe and there is a third option or a redefining of the other options. Would appreciate your clarification on this, so that in your future posts on this subject, I will know how you understand the relationship of Israel (both saved & unsaved) and the Church. Blessings.
Who we are in the Body of Christ.
In this present dispensation of grace, the believer in Christ is part of the Body of Christ, not "spiritual Israel." Scripture makes a clear distinction between God's covenant promises to Israel and the mystery revealed to Paul for the Church. Israel was given covenants tied to land, law, kingdom, and priesthood ( Gen. 17:7-8; Exod. 19:5-6; Jer. 31:31-34). These covenants are never transferred to Gentiles or to the Body of Christ. Instead, Paul says believers today are made "fellowheirs" in a new, unprophesied program ( Eph. 3:1-6), not inheritors of Israel's covenants.
Romans 9:4 states that the covenants "pertain" to Israel, not to the Gentiles. Paul confirms this distinction in Ephesians 2:11-12: before Christ, Gentiles were "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise." Now, in Christ, we are "made nigh by the blood of Christ" (v. 13), but not by becoming Israel. Instead, Jew and Gentile are joined into "one new man" (v. 15), the Body of Christ, which is distinct from Israel's prophetic promises.
The Body of Christ's blessings are spiritual, located "in heavenly places in Christ" ( Eph. 1:3), not earthly as Israel's kingdom promises ( Jer. 23:5-6; Matt. 19:28). Paul stresses in Galatians 3:28 that in this dispensation "there is neither Jew nor Greek," showing the old covenantal distinctions are set aside in Christ.
Israel's promises of land and kingdom remain future ( Rom. 11:25-29). God has not abandoned Israel but postponed their program until the fullness of the Gentiles is come in. The Church today is not Israel redefined, but a distinct entity created by the revelation of the mystery ( Col. 1:25-27). To merge the two erases God's faithfulness to His covenants with Israel and diminishes the uniqueness of the Body of Christ's calling.
Grace and Peace.
You are correct on there being apostles and prophets.
Paul, in Ephesians 3, unfolds the "mystery" given to him as the steward of the dispensation of the grace of God. This mystery-Jew and Gentile made one body in Christ, apart from Israel's covenants and law-was "hid in God" from ages past (v. 9). It was not revealed to the prophets of the Old Testament, who only spoke of Israel's kingdom and earthly promises. Instead, Paul says it is now revealed "unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit" (v. 5). From a dispensational view, the "apostles" here are New Testament apostles, Paul himself foremost as the apostle of the Gentiles ( Rom. 11:13; Gal. 2:7-9). The others-Peter, John, and the rest-learned of this mystery through Paul's revelation ( Gal. 2:2, 9), though their ministry remained primarily to Israel.
The "prophets" mentioned are also not Old Testament prophets, but New Testament prophets who functioned in the early church ( 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11). These Spirit-gifted men confirmed Paul's revelation in the churches during the transition period before the written Word was complete. Thus, Paul speaks inclusively: what was uniquely revealed to him (v. 2-3) became known among other apostles and prophets as the Spirit bore witness.
This keeps the distinction clear: the mystery was not foretold in Israel's prophetic program, nor found in the law, prophets, or gospels. It was hidden until God chose to reveal it through Paul, then made known in the present dispensation. Ephesians 2:20 ties these apostles and prophets to the foundation of the Body of Christ, with Jesus Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone. The wall between Jew and Gentile has been broken down ( Eph. 2:14-16).
In sum, from a dispensational standpoint: Paul is the divinely chosen steward; the other apostles and prophets were fellow recipients once the revelation was given; and the mystery program stands wholly distinct from Israel's
Ephesians 2:14,15, "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 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."
Hebrews 8:6,7, "But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second."
Hebrews 8:13, "In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away."
2 Corinthians 3:6, "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."
Galatians 2:16,21, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Blessings.
In a previous comment, you emphasized the importance of properly considering a matter before speaking, so as not to appear as "fools." I wonder if perhaps the claim that Christ will reign with the saints on earth was rebutted too quickly, without sufficient consideration.
The 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 14:2-3 are described as the firstfruits of those saved in Israel after the rapture, as verse 14 clarifies. However, this does not imply that Christ will not return to earth with them. They will return together with all who have inherited salvation, as seen in Revelation 21:1-3.
It is also important to note that the New Jerusalem, symbolically represented as the Bride, represents the spiritual Church or body of Christ. This is supported in Hebrews 12:22, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:5, and 1 Corinthians 3:9. Only those who have received the Spirit of Christ are considered part of the Church of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 12:13, Romans 8:9).
This Church will return to earth and reign with Christ for a thousand years, as indicated in Revelation 20:4, Revelation 12:5, and Revelation 19:15.
As Elihu said in Job 34:22: "If you have understanding, hear this; listen to the voice of my words."
Please note that my words are not intended as insults or to cause offense, for that would not reflect the love that the Lord Jesus expects from us. Rather, my intention is to encourage careful consideration of matters from a biblical perspective, rather than relying solely on worldly opinion. As the Lord Jesus said, many teach the traditions of men as doctrine, and as Paul says, we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.
Then the obvious questions: does God use His Foreknowledge in determining who hears the Gospel message, who must respond to His Call to salvation (i.e. to His chosen/elect), and the elimination of all who are not so appointed? This is where the understanding of God's Love must be brought in, for if we believe that God loves all of us, in spite of our apathy to Him and rejection of Him, we can never appreciate the extension of that Love (persistent Love) "who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." If you believe in such a Love that God has, as I do, and that He is indeed an Omniscient God, why then should God detach that Love (which Love is God personified), from anything else He does, even from His Foreknowledge? If some believe that God randomly selects some to be saved, and others not, is this Love in action? Or even, that those whom God as destined to not be saved and to suffer His punishment, is actually God loving them to their eternal death?
Then we could go on to discuss "Total Depravity", or the incapability of a lost, wretched, sin-bound person to even be convicted, repent & turn to God. If we look at Ephesians 2:1-5 or Colossians 2:13, referring to sinners being dead in their sin (spiritually dead), it is clear that our lives are so overcome by sin that we are separated totally from a Holy Righteous God. But can that unregenerate sinner still not, under the working of the Holy Spirit, not realize his folly and turn to the Lord? He might be spiritually dead but his spirit is still alive - if not, he must be physically dead ( James 2:26). So that spiritual deadness doesn't preclude the sinner from still realizing the gravity of his sinful condition, but that deadness keeps him separate from God, until that spark of serious contemplation of his life is taken hold of by the Spirit of God, which leads him to repentance and faith. Onto Page 3.
2 Corinthians 1:21,22: God has established us in Christ, anointed us, as sealed us with the guarantee of the Spirit, and is certainly not going to let us go. Also Ephesians 1:3-14.
Ephesians 2:8,9: it is only by God's Grace, as His Gift, that we are saved. If we are saved any other way, it is according to our way of salvation - not God's, which is endures & secures.
Philippians 1:6: If God has begun His Work in us, we can be confident He will always continue to work in us by His Spirit till the day we see Jesus in His Glory.
Jude 1:24: God alone can keep us from falling & present us faultless when we see Him.
A few verses that should teach us & assure us that the one who is truly is in Christ is truly secure forever. He will neither want to leave this most valuable Holy Faith, nor even be persuaded to do so even under the threat of death - for our lives are new, seated in the heavenly places, no longer of the Earth, hidden with Christ in God.
The New Testament reveals that the Church, the Body of Christ, has a heavenly calling and destiny, distinct from Israel's earthly kingdom hope. While it doesn't say in one verse, "the Church is going to heaven," Paul's epistles clearly show that our citizenship, position, and eternal home are in heaven.
In Philippians 3:20, Paul says, "For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour." This points directly to the believer's true home being heavenly, not earthly. Similarly, Colossians 3:1-2 tells believers to seek those things which are above, because Christ, who is our life, is there. Our focus is heavenly because that is where our eternal life and inheritance are secured.
Ephesians 2:6 explains that we are already spiritually "seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus," meaning our position in Christ is established in heaven, even though we currently live on earth. This aligns with 2 Corinthians 5:1, which promises that if our earthly body is dissolved, "we have a building of God eternal in the heavens." The believer looks forward to being clothed with a glorified, heavenly body.
At the rapture, described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, the Church will be "caught up... to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." Since Christ is currently in heaven, and we will be forever with Him, this implies a heavenly destiny for the Church.
These scriptures collectively show that the Church is not promised a place in Israel's earthly kingdom, but rather has a heavenly inheritance, being part of a new creation in Christ. Paul's unique revelation of the mystery ( Eph. 3:1-11) includes this distinction. The Church is not waiting for a kingdom to come to earth, but for Christ to take us to where He is-in heaven.
Still it's not possible to mix the kingdom message meant for the 12 Tribes of Israel with the mystery message to the body of Christ the Church.
" 2nd Timothy 2:15"
Any thoughts?
Right Division ( 2 Timothy 2:15)
The Church, the Body of Christ, is distinct from the Bride of Christ-a truth revealed uniquely through the Apostle Paul under the dispensation of grace. While traditional teaching often blends Israel's prophetic promises with the Church's heavenly calling, a right division ( 2 Timothy 2:15) reveals that believers today, saved by grace through faith alone ( Ephesians 2:8-9), are part of a new creation: the Body of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Romans 12:5).
Paul never refers to the Church as the "Bride of Christ." Instead, he consistently identifies the Church as a body in which Christ is the Head ( Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). This organism is spiritual, made up of both Jew and Gentile, reconciled into one new man ( Ephesians 2:15-16). This unity was a "mystery" kept hidden from ages past ( Colossians 1:26; Ephesians 3:1-6), never prophesied or associated with Israel's covenantal promises.
In contrast, the bride metaphor is rooted in prophecy and tied to Israel. Revelation 21:9-10 calls the New Jerusalem "the bride, the Lamb's wife," a city prepared for redeemed Israel ( Isaiah 62:4-5; Hosea 2:19-20). John the Baptist called himself a "friend of the bridegroom" ( John 3:29), which places him outside the bride. Paul, while using marriage as a metaphor in Ephesians 5, still emphasizes the Body-not a bride-saying, "We are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones" ( Ephesians 5:30). The analogy teaches love and unity, not identity.
Confusing the Bride with the Body blends Israel's earthly hope with the Church's heavenly calling ( Philippians 3:20). We are not awaiting a wedding ceremony, but rather a catching away ( 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) to appear with Christ in glory. As members of His Body, we are already spiritually one with Him ( 1 Corinthians 6:17). Understanding this distinction preserves the truth of God's separate programs for Israel and the Church.
God Bless
God; who created us body soul and spirit wants to be involved in every detail and aspect. How can we expect Him blessing parts of our lives we choose to be mutually exclusive or where He is estranged from? Yet we do this all the time.
There is therefore only one of two possibilities; that the Lord wants to remove a particular activity in our lives or He intends us to dedicate our efforts to the Lord and He guides our steps. It is hard to admit we want to do things that God doesn't approve; whether obvious sins or just other good things in itself that can be distractions to fulfilling our purpose and goals for the good works set forth for us as stated in Ephesians 2:10. The truth is our natural abilities are a reflection of being God's uniquely created being and no doubt ultimately all things in the end will be for His glory; even the destruction of the wicked. That is an interesting concept although I won't focus on it here.
For me one interest while I have had the time and some money to invest is coin collecting; in which I have been able to make a small profit buying as silver is rising and quickly reselling. I am testing a rarer coin I just bought to see if I finally can make some money there; often I have learned there are cleaning damage and other issues that thwart what seems like a deal too good to be true on the buying end. I think a lesson can be learned there; in regard to avoiding a get rich quick scheme. Shortcuts of anything show our lack of wisdom on an earthly sense; and no doubt always reflects spiritual lack of wisdom as well. One crucial point here is that I am in frequent communication with a friend on the subject who I trust so that I know she can pray for my success and I can be accountable as no doubt I can obsess on this hobby. She has helped me with a friend as well who I am heavily funding for now; where I need to be cautious of giving too much money to.
5. 1 Peter 3:21
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ"
Baptism connected to salvation
Not just symbolic - a required response of a good conscience
6. 2 Peter 1:5-10 - Add to your faith
"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue... knowledge... temperance... patience... godliness... brotherly kindness... charity
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall."
Not faith alone - one must add works
Doing these things = assurance of salvation
Summary
Peter preached:
Faith in Jesus as the risen Messiah ( Acts 2:36)
Repentance and water baptism for forgiveness ( Acts 2:38)
Obedience necessary to receive the Holy Ghost ( Acts 5:32)
Sanctification through obedience ( 1 Peter 1:2)
Salvation tied to baptism and holy living ( 1 Peter 3:21, 2 Peter 1:10)
This is in contrast with Paul's message of justification by grace through faith alone ( Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5), not by works.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - The Classic Rapture Passage
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout... and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air..."
(vv. 16-17, KJV)
Paul describes:
A resurrection of dead believers.
A snatching away (Greek: harpazo, Latin: rapturo) of the living believers.
A meeting in the air-not Christ coming to Earth (contrast with Second Coming).
A comforting hope unique to the Body of Christ (v. 18).
1 Corinthians 15:51-53 - A Mystery Revealed
"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed... in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye"
Paul explains:
This was previously hidden-a mystery not found in prophecy.
There will be a transformation of living saints.
The event is instantaneous and involves receiving glorified bodies.
Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Heavenly Hope
"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour... Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body"
Paul emphasizes:
Our hope is not earthly (kingdom), but heavenly.
Christ will give believers a glorified body like His own.
Summary:
Paul teaches that the rapture is a mystery revealed only to him for the Body of Christ. It is a pre-judgment event ( 1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9), sudden, and distinct from Christ's return to Earth in judgment (as in Matthew 24 or Revelation). This catching away is the blessed hope ( Titus 2:13) for those saved by grace through faith apart from the Law ( Romans 11:6; Ephesians 2:8-9).
The apostle Paul is uniquely identified in Scripture as the chosen vessel through whom God revealed the mystery of the Body of Christ. In Romans 11:13, Paul declares, "I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office." Unlike the Twelve Apostles, who were sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6), Paul was sent by the risen, glorified Christ from heaven ( Acts 9:15; Galatians 1:11-12) to proclaim a new message-not the Gospel of the Kingdom, but the Gospel of the Grace of God ( Acts 20:24). Paul alone speaks of the "Church which is His Body" ( Ephesians 1:22-23), a new creation made up of both Jew and Gentile, united by faith and baptized by the Holy Spirit into one Body ( 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 2:14-16).
The Body of Christ was a mystery "kept secret since the world began" ( Romans 16:25) and not revealed until Paul. He was given this revelation by Christ directly ( Ephesians 3:1-9; Colossians 1:24-27) and is the only apostle who teaches its doctrines-such as salvation by grace through faith without works ( Ephesians 2:8-9), the heavenly position of believers ( Colossians 3:1-4), and the rapture of the Church ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Paul calls himself the "wise masterbuilder" who laid the foundation for this present dispensation of grace ( 1 Corinthians 3:10). The other apostles, including Peter, recognized Paul's distinct apostleship and agreed to confine their ministry to the circumcision, while Paul went to the Gentiles ( Galatians 2:7-9).
No other apostle is identified in Scripture as the apostle of the Body of Christ. Only Paul received the full revelation of the mystery, the doctrines, and the heavenly calling of the Church. Therefore, Paul stands alone as the God-appointed apostle to the Body of Christ.
15 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;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
And:
Romans 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Chris has given you a good reply. However, if we examine the saying, "once saved, always saved," it can be true or false; we can use Scripture to support or refute it. So where does that leave us?
In John 3:16, it says that if we believe in Jesus, we will be saved. Jesus promises never to fail. Salvation is based on the grace of God, through faith, not by our efforts, Ephesians 2:8-9. Our salvation depends on the righteousness of Christ and God's mercy, Titus 3:5.
We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23-24. We are justified not by works of the law but by faith, Galatians 2:16. We are called not because of our works but because of God's purpose and grace given to us through Jesus, 2 Timothy 1:9.
Our salvation is founded on our faith in Jesus Christ. In John 10:27-29, we are His sheep, hear His voice, follow Him, and are granted eternal life, which no one can take from His hand. Our salvation is secure because it relies on Jesus' work. As Hebrews 10:23 states, we are to hold fast to our faith without wavering because He is faithful.
Conversely, there is the risk of apostasy or falling away. Luke 8:4-15 illustrates this. In verse 13, it describes someone who received the word with joy and believed for a while but fell away when tempted. This person was a believer who later turned away; individuals can walk away on their own.
We must live by faith and be led by the Spirit. Paul says in Colossians 1:23, "If ye continue in the faith." We also see in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 about the great falling away when the beast rises, along with many other verses too numerous to list that emphasize we must endure to the end, like Revelation 2:10, also we are told to hold fast. If we remain strong in our faith, nothing can take our salvation away.
I understand that some say those who fall away were never truly saved, but I do not see that supported by Scripture, and it may be false hope for one who is weak.
God bless,
RLW
The Mystery Was Hidden Until Paul
Paul clearly states that the "mystery" was kept secret since the world began and was first revealed to him:
Romans 16:25 - "...according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began."
Ephesians 3:1-9 - Paul says "by revelation he made known unto me the mystery", and that it "was not made known unto the sons of men" in previous ages.
Colossians 1:25-26 - Paul was made a minister "to fulfill the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest."
This means Peter could not have preached what he did not yet know.
Peter Preached to Israel, Not the Body of Christ
Peter's ministry was to the Jews (the circumcision):
Galatians 2:7-9 - Paul and Peter agreed that Peter would go to the circumcision (Israel), and Paul to the uncircumcision (Gentiles).
In Acts 2 and 3, Peter preached Jesus as Israel's Messiah, urging Israel to repent so that God could send Jesus back and restore the kingdom.
Peter's message focused on prophecy being fulfilled-not a mystery being revealed.
The Mystery Involves the Church, the Body of Christ
The "mystery" revealed to Paul involves:
Jew and Gentile in one Body ( Ephesians 3:6)
Salvation by grace without the law ( Galatians 2:16, Romans 3:28)
A heavenly position in Christ ( Ephesians 2:6)
The rapture of the Body ( 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
These truths are not found in Peter's early preaching in the book of Acts.
Many today believe that the Church is a continuation or replacement of Israel, often calling it "spiritual Israel." However, when we rightly divide the Word of Truth ( 2 Timothy 2:15), we see that the Church-the Body of Christ-formed through the unique revelation given to the Apostle Paul ( Ephesians 3:1-6), is a distinct entity from the nation of Israel. Israel is a nation with earthly promises, covenants, and prophetic hope, while the Church is a heavenly people, formed without distinction between Jew and Gentile, united by faith alone in Christ and placed into one Body ( 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:28).
Israel's promises were national and earthly-God covenanted land, a kingdom, and a Messiah to rule over them ( Genesis 17:7-8; Isaiah 9:6-7). These promises were never transferred to the Church. Instead, Paul reveals a "mystery" that was kept hidden from ages past ( Romans 16:25; Colossians 1:26), in which God is forming a new, heavenly organism-the Body of Christ-composed of both Jew and Gentile, not based on nationality or covenant, but based on grace through faith ( Ephesians 2:8-9). Nowhere in Paul's epistles does he teach that the Church has become Israel or inherits Israel's kingdom promises.
To equate the Church with spiritual Israel confuses God's prophetic program for Israel with His mystery program for the Body of Christ. God has not abandoned His promises to national Israel ( Romans 11:1-2, 25-29). Their fullness will come in a future day, during the millennial reign of Christ. In contrast, the Church was chosen before the foundation of the world and has a heavenly destiny ( Ephesians 1:3-4; Philippians 3:20). Understanding the difference protects sound doctrine and preserves the clarity of God's distinct purposes for Israel and the Church.
The kingdom message preached by Peter was directed primarily to Israel and was rooted in Old Testament prophecy. Peter called the Jewish people to repentance and faith in Jesus as their promised Messiah and King, who would restore the earthly kingdom to Israel. This message emphasized Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, the necessity of repentance, water baptism, and the works consistent with the law. On the day of Pentecost ( Acts 2), Peter proclaimed that the events taking place were in fulfillment of Joel's prophecy and urged the nation of Israel to "repent and be baptizedfor the remission of sins" ( Acts 2:38).
In contrast, Paul's grace message was a distinct revelation from Christ, revealed after Israel's rejection of the kingdom. It was directed to both Jews and Gentiles and centered on the "mystery" of the Body of Christ, a truth hidden in previous ages ( Ephesians 3:1-9). Paul preached salvation by grace through faith alone, apart from works or the law ( Ephesians 2:8-9). His gospel emphasized the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ as the sole basis for salvation ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-4), and he never required water baptism as part of the gospel. Paul's focus was heavenly, not earthly-believers were no longer awaiting a physical kingdom but were members of a spiritual body with a heavenly hope.
While Peter's message looked toward the restoration of Israel's earthly kingdom, Paul revealed a new dispensation, the age of grace, where there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but all are one in Christ. Peter's audience was the nation of Israel, under covenant promises, while Paul's audience was the Church, the Body of Christ, under the administration of grace. These differences reflect not conflicting messages, but distinct programs in God's plan-one prophetic and earthly, the other mysterious and heavenly.
The programs changed from faith with works to Grace alone.
The Apostle Paul's message, often called the "gospel of grace," centers on the revelation that salvation is offered freely by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from the works of the Law. Unlike the message given to Israel under the Law, which required obedience to commandments and rituals, Paul's message reveals a new dispensation where both Jews and Gentiles are made one in Christ. In passages such as Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 3:28, Paul emphasizes that righteousness is imputed by faith alone, and that boasting in works is excluded. This gospel was a "mystery" revealed to Paul ( Ephesians 3:1-9), setting his ministry apart from the prophetic program previously known, I.E. Peters message.
Paul also taught that believers today are part of the "body of Christ," a spiritual organism distinct from the nation of Israel. Members of this body are sealed with the Holy Spirit and blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places ( Ephesians 1:3, 13). Paul's message includes not only justification by faith but also identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection ( Romans 6:3-5), offering believers a new walk in the Spirit rather than under the Law. His grace-centered gospel calls for no physical circumcision, temple worship, or adherence to Mosaic ordinances, but rather a life transformed by Christ's indwelling presence and the hope of heavenly glory.
Thanks.
The person you've described fits the description of someone who is more than likely unsaved. A person who has been born of God's Spirit no longer lives a continuous lifestyle of sin. They may still commit single acts of sin, but they no longer habitually sin because they are now being energized by God's Spirit.
1 John 3:4 tells us that "Everyone who is practicing the sin, also is practicing the lawlessness." This is the literal translation from the Greek text. "Practicing" is the translation of the present participle which denotes a lifestyle or continuous, ongoing condition. In the second clause, the present indicative verb is translated "is practicing" which also represents a present, ongoing condition.
Both the word for sin and for lawlessness have the definite article "the" representing the principle of sin which is explained in 1 John 3:8 which says, "The devil is sinning from the beginning." The devil is the sinner who energizes people to sin, and we find this in Ephesians 2:1-3.
A person who does not know Christ habitually lives a life of sin because he/she is being energized by the spirit of the devil to fulfill the desires of the flesh and of the mind.
When the Spirit of Christ comes into a person's spirit, the spirit of the devil can no longer cause that person to continuously sin against God. The Seed (Life of God), living inside of the believer prevents the believer from continually and habitually sinning against God.
Paul says in Galatians 5:17 that "The flesh fights against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh so that you cannot do the things that you wish." That is a powerful verse, and it tells us that the Holy Spirit dwelling within prevents a true born-again believer from doing the things that they desire to do - habitually.
Again, it is doubtful that this person is saved. If they were saved, they would not be living the lifestyle you have described.
I hope this answers your question.
Blessings to you in Christ!
Thanks again for your feedback, however I must address the thought that Peter and Paul preached the same message.
That would be like trying to mix oil and water.
PETER'S MESSAGE: FAITH + WORKS UNDER THE LAW
Primarily to Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6; Galatians 2:7-9)
Before and during early Acts (esp. Acts 2-3)
Grounded in prophecy and covenant promises
Supporting Scriptures:
Acts 2:38 - "Repent, and be baptizedfor the remission of sins"
Acts 3:19 - "Repentthat your sins may be blotted outwhen the times of refreshing shall come"
Matthew 19:17 - "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
James 2:24 - "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (Written to the twelve tribes, James 1:1)
PAUL'S MESSAGE: SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE, WITHOUT WORKS
Sent to the Gentiles and all men ( Romans 11:13; Acts 26:17-18)
Begins mid-Acts ( Acts 9 conversion; commission in Acts 13)
Based on the revelation of the mystery ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-9)
Supporting Scriptures:
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "By grace are ye saved through faithnot of works"
Titus 3:5 - "Not by works of righteousness which we have done"
Romans 3:28 - "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
Galatians 2:16 - "A man is not justified by the works of the law"
Final Note (Rightly Dividing View):
Peter preached what God had revealed since the world began ( Acts 3:21), rooted in prophecy.
Paul preached what was kept secret since the world began ( Romans 16:25), revealed through the mystery.
Transition period in Acts explains overlapping elements, but Paul's gospel of grace fully replaces works-based requirements for salvation in the present dispensation.
thanks again, God Bless!
Faith is not dependent on evidences and proofs; it is purely a gift from God, irrespective of merit, intelligence or education. 1 Corinthians 2:5 ..That your faith should not stand (be) in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Ephesians 2:8 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
It is natural to doubt. Even Apostle Thomas had doubts; he could not believe the other disciples until he had personal experience of the resurrected Christ! Personally, I do not think that Thomas believed after examining the crucifixion scar on Jesus' body; there were no marks at all, for a resurrected body cannot have blemishes and marks of the past. Jesus was only interacting with his human nature and raising him to the higher level of faith by referring to his words of unbelief. Thomas, then approached Jesus NOT to verify the crucifixion marks, but to confess him as his Lord! John 20: John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. I think, IF Thomas had searched His body for proof, he would have got disappointed! But Jesus did not let him fail; He wanted Thomas to believe in Him without seeing: That is Faith. (continued)
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you By which also ye are saved 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"
- 1 Corinthians 15 1-4 (KJV)
What a glorious truth that anyone can be reconciled to God through simple, child-like faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you aren't sure of your salvation, God has graciously provided a way for you to be cleansed from ALL sins, past, present, and future. Simply believe the Gospel that the Risen Savior gave to our Apostle Paul. Right this very minute believe and trust the following Scriptures:
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you By which also ye are saved 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"
- 1 Corinthians 15 1-4 (KJV)
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
- Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
"In whom ye also trusted, after tha"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
- Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,"
- Ephesians 1:13 (KJV)
Revelation 21:14 - And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
In Ephesians 2:20, Paul tells the Gentiles that we are now one with the Jews who believe, and that we are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone. All of these symbolically represent the works.
I think I previously mentioned that from a Jewish standpoint, that whenever you go in someone's name, it's for that person, and his characteristics. So, when it talks about the twelve foundations being the twelve apostles, all of God's work through the twelve apostles back then, and even now, we're studying from one of the twelve apostles.
All of that work, the work of God, and the people of God are going to make up this great city.
Revelation 21:16 - And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
And the city lies foursquare. Sound familiar, foursquare? Well, the problem is, and we'll see when we get through here, he's either describing a cube, or a pyramid, but not a square.
And the city lies foursquare, or four cornered. And the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs, or 12,000 STADIA'S, 607 feet per STADIA.
12,000 STADIA'S were measuring in each direction 1,380 feet. And each direction, the length and the breadth and the height are all equal.
Revelation 16:16 - And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
In Hebrew, it's HAR-MEGIDDON. HAR is valley. The valley of Megiddo is what Armageddon means. We see that in Zechariah 14:2-3 and Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39. It talks about this battle known as Armageddon, or the valley of Megiddo (HAR-MEGIDDON). It has been said in this forum that Armageddon is not a literal place. Please know that the Valley of Megiddo is a very real place!
Revelation 16:17 - And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
And the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air; Now that seems kind of foolish! Except in Ephesians 2:2, it tells us that Satan is the prince and power of the air, the literal air which we breathe. It's also his domain.
Revelation 16:19 - And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.
We find in the NT that Babylon is the cryptic name for Rome. And great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.
Revelation 16:21 - And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
And there fell upon men a great hail from out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent, about 100 pounds: That's pretty big hail!
But why that? Well, the law says that if you blaspheme God, you will be stoned. Every stone of hail, a hundred pounds each, coming down on people! And men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceedingly great.
For the believer; the opposite is the case as 1 John 1:5 states in "Him there is no darkness at all." These two verses along with similar cross references summarizes the state of the world vs those who know the Lord and hence are in the world but not of it ( John 17:16). In a broader sense it also defines those who are trapped in this world system and can't see beyond it and those who are "rapture ready" and will be delivered soon; that are currently "seated in heavenly places" according to Ephesians 2:6.
Isaiah 8:22 shows the condition of those left behind in the Tribulation: And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness. At that time some will cry out to God and be heard; others not. We can look to God's chosen people in Exodus 2:23; many passages in Psalms; etc. but we are warned ( Micah 3:4).
Jeremiah 7:16 even shows a passage where the Prophet was not to pray for His own people as judgment was set forth; and the Tribulation will also be with judgments already predetermined according to the seal; trumpet and vial judgments decided in the Divine council. Nonetheless, it will bring forth a "countless multitude" according to Revelation 7:9 and the complete fulfillment of Joel 2 started at Pentecost with many "signs and wonders" on the earth as well as dreams and visions coming to men and women everywhere.
Again; Daniel reminds us in the 12th chapter that only the wise will understand; not the wicked ( Daniel 12:10). We can only work now to fulfill the Great Commission and "occupy until He comes" ( Luke 19:13) but once the Rapture occurs the "gig" is up as it were; and men will have to be given strong delusion by God because of their love for evil ( 2 Thess. 2:11). Let us preach the truth and love God with our whole heart; mind and soul dutifly.
Hi Brother Carleton.
I Guess you can call Titus a Prince in the human sense but so is Prince Charles.
Yes, he was Roman Emperor Titus.
But he was operating in a Dominion ruled by Satan.
Ephesians 2:2 describes Satan as the "prince of the power of the air," emphasizing his influence on the world's affairs and influence.
Also see John 14:30.
But throughout scripture these human vessels God often used them to carry out tasks whether to Chastening Israel or even to preserve them as a nation.
You see that with Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel.
Also See Isaiah 44:28 on through Isaiah 45:1-7.
God called these Gentile kings his servants.
Titus also was carrying out a judgment pronounced by the Lord! Luke 19:41-44.
These are human vessels, "flesh and blood" but we wrestle with what's behind them.
There is no need for Gabriel the arch Angel for these kings of the world but he stands for Israel against the source and influence behind these kingdoms.
Daniel 10:13.
Daniel 10:21.
Daniel 12:1.
God bless."
And then we can take the idioms, "son of the road, or son of the soil". I'm sure you've heard of these not oft used expressions. Most would believe that if those phrases were used for a particular person, then it is understood that neither the road nor the soil gave birth to sons. Likewise, Revelation 1:5 speaks of Jesus being "the prince of the kings of the earth". I suspect that you wouldn't now believe that Jesus, as a prince, had his descendency in an earthly king (or, multiple kings). So yes, biologically, the son of an earthly king would be called a prince, but metaphorically, this is not so as there is no descendency to a human king - just a title.
Lucifer, or 'shining one' was given to the king of Babylon who lived & ruled by that satanic spirit. Sure, Satan was never called Lucifer, but he, as did the king, were described with the same phrase: "the shining one, son of the morning". So whether Satan is referred to as "the prince of the power of the air" ( Ephesians 2:2) or the "prince of darkness" (taken loosely from Ephesians 6:12), these both describe the same devil, one who has power over his demons that move about freely in the world and in the air, as well as to the devil & his demons who brings darkness to people's minds & spirits, keeping them in captivity to sin, yet making them believe that they are in light, joy & hope ( 2 Corinthians 11:14). And he is called a prince, meaning that he is the ruler, yet having no king above him.
1 John 3:8 - He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
He that commits sin is of the devil; And again, the word commits is the word practicing. It's a Present Participle. He that practices sin is from out of the devil; for the devil is sinning from the beginning.
The bible says that the sinner is Satan. And according to Psalm 51, David said that at the point of conception, we inherit the sin nature that came to the fallen human race through Adam. We inherit a sin nature. As soon as we are born, we're born in sin, and we're born going our own way and doing our own thing.
In Ephesians 2:1-2, in describing the non-believer, Paul says and you has He made alive who were dead in trespasses and sin, wherein time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works or energizes in the children of the disobedience.
Satan energizes people, as this chapter continues to tell us. Satan energizes people to fulfill the desires of the flesh and of the mind. There are only two groups of people on the earth. And it has nothing to do with religion. There are people who are energized by Satan to live for themselves, and those who are energized by Christ to live for Christ. That's it!
MY COGIC WORSHIP: 1 Corithians 15:3-4 KJV. I Worship God that allows me to work with my hands and be holy and do what God says. I Worship God that allows me to help people telling them the truth. Introduction Paragraph 1 My Interpetation I Worship God Showing each man a equal part to become like Christ and prosper. Verse 17 Paragraph 1 My Interpetation I Worship God that is a body used to do all things separate from sin. Verse 18 Question 1 My Interpetation I Worship God that's shows God covenant in the 12 tribes of Israel and 7 Churches Book of Revelations. Verse 24 Paragraph 1 My Interpetation I Worship God showing you belong to God and God belong to you.
III.Verse 27-31 My Interpetation I Worship God that is one eye, one body, heart of God that can use you to work with and making each person valuable. Verse 27 Paragraph 1 My Interpetation I Worship God makes me his son and my propositions done.
Students Response Paragraph 1 My Interpetation I Worship God that gives grace not to be bound , bondage separate from sinners Ephesians 2:8 KJV
I Thank and glorify Jesus my true Savior who does this word for me Written showing appreciation to those who contribute of me .