Pauline Dispensationalism

[Aliya]

Thanks, GT, for posting those. I have been reading some of Cornelius Stam's writings at the Berean bible society website, along with some of JCO'Hair's sermons. They are so fantastic - I have never heard bible preaching like that before. I downloaded all of O'Hairs. I am thinking about ordering the set of Stam's work, or at least his set of books on Acts. He helps me see things I have never seen before.

I just met with a dear neighbor, a long time member of the Catholic church. She saw the difference in what she has been taught and Paul's gospel of grace immediately. I was so blessed, she was so blessed, it was wonderful. Another sister in Christ!

Keep going; I'm enjoying your look at Acts, as I have not studied it much. :)

[Majorgrace2]

GT, many have the scriptures twisted together and you are untwisting them and allowing each stem to have its proper place. The four gospels will be in their proper place and the kingdom teaching. The gospel of grace will have its light shine and those exposed will see more clearly.

Keep up the good work! :yeah:thumb

[God's Trombone]

I hope you can continue to follow this survey I am continuing to do. At present I am up to Rom. 11 and making notes as I go.

ACTS 15:5
5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

The Pharisees (believers) said that Paul's Gentile converts (who were mostly adult, by the way) would have to be circumcised (very painful) and keep Moses commandments.
God had prepared Peter by the Holy Spirit falling on Cornelius and the other Gentiles with him in Acts 10, thus showing Peter God "put no difference between us." But when we read what Peter said to Cornelius in Acts 10, it is none other than what Peter had always had as his Gospel.Acts 10:33-48
33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;(Note: What Peter is describing cannot be something that was hidden, as Paul's Gospel was, Rom. 16:25)
38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
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.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Comparing Acts 15 with Galatians

Acts 15 shows the agreement between Paul, Cephas, John and James that Paul's Gentile converts need not be circumcised.

Galatians shows that certain believing Jews were "Judaizing" and troubling some of Paul's converts in Galatia.

Acts 16:44 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

These decrees/ordinances as Paul called them, effectively were emancipation for Gentiles to be free from any Jewish laws, customs etc. and only
be subject to those things contained in them, e.g.,
don't fornicate, eat meats sacrificed unto idols, etc. The decrees also directed the Gentile saints to send relief unto the poor saints whom had sold all they owned.

Paul arrives in Corinth in Chap. 18 and from here writes his next letters, I and II Thessalonians.

To be continued.

[God's Trombone]

GT, many have the scriptures twisted together and you are untwisting them and allowing each stem to have its proper place. The four gospels will be in their proper place and the kingdom teaching. The gospel of grace will have its light shine and those exposed will see more clearly.

Keep up the good work! :yeah:thumb

Appreciate your encouragement!:)

[God's Trombone]

1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Here is the unique Pauline doctrine- Jesus raised from the dead delivering "us from the wrath to come."

2:61 Thessalonians 2:6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
This indicates that when Paul refers to "Apostles and prophets" he is referring to himself and his associates, not the 12.

1 Thessalonians 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

This is a reference again to the Kingdom of God, not the kingdom of heaven on earth which was offered to Israel.

2:16-2016 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
20 For ye are our glory and joy.

Paul reiterates that the unbelieving Jews who persecute believers and try to keep the Gentiles from hearing the Gospel are facing wrath. And that
"our hope, or joy" is to be present at the coming of Christ (catching away of the saints.)Again, strictly Pauline doctrine. (Not preached by anyone else.)
3:10- There is some "lack" in the Thessalonian's faith that Paul wants to address with them.
3:13
13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Another reference to the catching away of the saints (rapture). Strictly Pauline doctrine.

Chap. 4- In reference most likely to the ordinances/decrees that issued from the Acts 15/Gal. 2 council in Jerusalem:
1 Thessalonians 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

I Thess. 4:13-1813 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.18 Wherefore comfort one another with these

This is what was "lacking" in the Thessalonians doctrine, i.e., they didn't understand that those who had "fallen asleep" died before the Lord came would precede those still living in meeting the Lord in the air.All strictly Pauline doctrine again.

To be Continued in Acts 18.

[God's Trombone]

Acts 18:7 Paul in Corinth.
4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

I get from this section that the coming of Silas and Timotheous strengthened Paul and gave him an added motivation, as it were, to go witness strongly to the unbelieving Jews in the synagogue.

7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshiped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

Here we see reference to the Corinthians whom were water baptized by Paul's ministry, which is mentioned in his letter to them where he says "I thank God I baptized only some of you." For it was after Acts 18 that Paul's progressing revelation told him that water baptism was not his message, but the "one baptism" of the Holy Spirit into Christ.(ref. Ephesians).

Acts 18:1111 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.Paul wrote two letters to the Thessalonians from Corinth.

II Thess.2:2-8- Paul teaches the Thessalonians his doctrine (revelation) of the "Day of the Lord" not coming until after the church is caught up to meet Christ in the air.

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

Some had thought the return of Christ (day of the Lord) was at hand.
This being when Christ actually returns to earth and brings vengeance on His enemies. Paul explains that Day will not come until after the church is raptured.Verse 3. Not until the church is taken up will the antiChrist be revealed.

3:55 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Paul tells Thessalonians to wait patiently for Christ to come take them away in the heavens.

Next- Continue in Acts 19.

[God's Trombone]

Acts 191 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
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.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
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.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.7 And all the men were about twelve.
8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

We see here that Paul had preached his Gospel in "all Asia" and at this point he still had signs and wonders done at his hands.
20:16- Paul desired to be in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost and all the warnings of what would befall him, didn't sway him from his intent to go there.

Acts 20:2424 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.

Here we have a clear statement (in bold) in inspired scripture of the reason Christ raised up Paul. First time in Acts that term "Gospel of Grace" is used.

Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.Acts 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Paul foreknew that there would arise opposition to his Gospel. Later, he wrote from Rome to Timothy that indeed "all they that be in Asia (those he was addressing in Acts 20) have turned against me."

Acts 20:34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
Observe here that among Paul's disciples, every man must work for his own sustenance, not as in the original "little flock" of kingdom saints where no one called any thing his own, but shared all commonly. The two groups are separate and different. Also, that is why Paul tells the elders to "feed the flock." The "flock" was those poor saints who had sold all and shared together and now were destitute.

Acts 21:17-22
17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

Here is the situation: You see in these verses that although the Jerusalem believers with James as their leader "glorified God" for "what God had wrought" among the Gentiles, they worried how it would "fly" when the strictly law zealous believers in Jerusalem heard that Paul, who they heard had spoken against Moses was in Jerusalem. So they devised a plan:Acts 21:23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;Acts 21:24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.Acts 21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

In other words, they referred to the ordinances/decree of Acts 15 which Paul had delivered to his converts among the Gentiles, but
they wanted Paul to make a show before these law keeping believers to try to ward off rioting etc.This all indicates for us that , indeed, there were many thousands of believing Jews that were not evangelized under Paul's message, but under the kingdom message preached in Jerusalem by the Apostles. Again, separate and different!

Acts 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

Acts 21:27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

These Jews that had been in Asia where Paul preached his Gospel, saw him in the temple and told the people what he had been preaching away in Asia, which was contrary to them. Before us AGAIN WE SEE TWO SEPARATE "GOOD NEWS' OR GOSPELS SIDE BY SIDE IN THIS TIME PERIOD.

Before going on to Acts 22, go to I Corinthians which was written from Ephesus.
I Cor. 1:77 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

The Corinthians saints are "waiting for the coming of Christ" in the rapture of the Body of Christ.

1:17
17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

Christ has now revealed unto Paul that he need not teach nor practice water baptism of his converts.

There was a crisis in the Corinthian church over who had water baptized who? Paul deals with it by
announcing that he will no longer water baptize and he is glad he baptized no more than a few up till that time.Paul knows that the only "baptism" is by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ and he calls this the "One Baptism."

Chap. 4:6
6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

Paul begins to get into his discourse on who they should follow.Up through verse 13 he tells them how Apostles are really suffering and ill treated, not glorified by men.

1 Corinthians 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
In the following verse Paul tells them in no uncertain terms that HE is their FATHER in their faith.
1 Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

Paul again makes the claim that only he lay the foundation of Christ among them. He has the revelation of Christ.
I Cor. 11:1
1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Strong claims yet inspired by God!

11:2- Paul commends them for keeping the ordinances from Acts 15/Gal. 2.

Coming next- Romans

[God's Trombone]

Rom. 1-17
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

The Romans (Gentiles) Paul is writing to have not been "established" in Paul's Gospel of Christ yet.
They do have "a faith." Paul refers in the opening verses to the "Gospel of God.." Apparently the good news was spread to Rome by Jews and Gentile converts to Judaism whom were present in Jerusalem and heard the preaching of the 12 and their disciples in Israel. Paul lists their names in the last chapter of Romans and neither Peter nor any other Apostle was in Rome. The content of the Gospel of God they heard was the kingdom or circumcision message. Paul desired to "establish" them with his Gospel.
Romans 2:17-29
17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
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.

These are Gentiles but Paul speaks directly to one who is "called a Jew." This would then be a Gentile who had joined himself to the Jewish religion and believed in Christ. That Paul says "you do not keep the law" should be compared to the verses later in Chapter 11 where Paul says
these Gentiles close to Israel who are "grafted in" can be broken off if they endure not (don't keep the whole law. It is not those who hear Paul's Gospel and believe who are "grafted in" but only the ones who associate themselves with Israel. (Refer to Cornelius in Acts 10)

Rom. 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
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.

3:19-20
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Paul thus succinctly explains the purpose of the law. It is unable to save a man. It only brings with it the knowledge of sin.

Verses 21 thru 31 can speak for themselves:

Rom. 3:21-3121 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Chap. 4 shows why Israel failed to be saved- they thought they could justify themselves by the law and had not faith in God's way which is by faith.
They were not circumcised in heart but only in the flesh.
Note: Before Christ revealed the mystery to Paul, the Gospel preached to Israel was to believe Jesus was Messiah, be water baptized and endure until Christ would rule from David's throne and their sins would be washed away. This was all prophesied. It was not hidden as was Paul's revelation.

Romans 5

Our Gospel. We receive the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
5:99 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
How are we saved from wrath? "Through Him" and not by our own works either before or after our salvation.
5:10,1110 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

We have received the atonement! In Peter's Gospel even after the cross, the Jews were looking forward to the atonement in the future when Christ came back. Different!

10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Romans 5:16-21
16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Those verses and the ones to follow are KEY in seeing and understanding the unique and distinct message Paul preached. It is absolutely absurd to try and say this message was the same as that preached in Jerusalem by Peter and the eleven.

Next:The "meat" of Paul's Gospel

[God's Trombone]

Romans 6:1
Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?THIS IS THE BIG QUESTION TODAY

The "yabut" naysayers object to the truth of the Gospel and charge believers with going on in sin.

Romans 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

This "baptism" is definitely not "water baptism."
Water cannot baptize us "into His death." Only the Holy Spirit can.

This next verse is a "meaty" as you can get. It is pure Gospel of Grace, and pure "Paul's Gospel."

Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.(see I Cor. 15-1-4.)

Romans 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.Romans 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

That's US! We whom have trusted in the Gospel Paul preached are dead to sin and freed from sin- past -present -future.

This "good news" was never promised to Israel. It is not in prophesy, not in OT, not in 4 gospels, not in revelation, not in Hebrews, not in Peter, John, or James' letters. Only in the Gospel of OUR salvation (Eph. 1:13.)
Romans 6:8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:Romans 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.Romans 6:10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

TO BE CONTINUED.

[God's Trombone]

Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

So what would that "form of doctrine" be? It is not
the doctrine Paul is giving them in this letter, for he would not know if they had obeyed what he was writing at the time. It has to be the "doctrine delivered" to them either directly or indirectly from Judea when Peter preached it to Israel. Here we have the Gospel of the circumcision and Paul's Gospel of the uncircumcision side by side. Note this well. It is right before your eyes.

The prophetic grace Peter spoke of did not have the truth that Paul preached of how Christ's death and resurrection would justify all who believed, and how God could remain righteous in forgiving all their sins.

Romans 7:11 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?

How did they "know the law?" As pointed out before, some were proselyte Gentiles to Israel, and were in the promises.

7:2424 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

There is the 24000 dollar question!


To be continued.