THE CHURCH-WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE? - Pastor R. B. Shiflet

 THE CHURCH-WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?

Pastor R. B. Shiflet

What difference does it really make whether I, as a Christian, understand the scriptural teaching about the Church God is building today? I find myself surrounded by churches of every description. I had nothing to do with the divisions that started these various denominations. I can do nothing to bridge the gap between them.

So what difference does it make whether I understand the Biblical doctrine of the Church. Should I not just find a denomination that I can work in, join this church of my choice, and do the best I can?

These questions are asked in all sincerity by many of God's children who are perplexed in regard to the many divisions in Christendom today. Perhaps we can begin to answer these questions by using Paul's metaphor or illustration of the Church as a building (Ephesians 2:19-22).

Viewing the Church as a building, we become aware of the fact that as believers we are members of the building, but in another sense we are also the builders.

In every building program God has undertaken, whether it be the Tabernacle in the wilderness, the Temple in Jerusalem, or the Church, the Body of Christ, which God is building today—He has stressed the importance of building according to plan.

Therefore, if we are to please God in His building program today, we must know the building plans.

THE BUILDER'S AIM Understanding What The Will Of  The Lord Is

Let us consider our aim as builders, first. We are warned in Ephesians 5:17: "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." Only as we know the will of the Lord concerning the Church can we be builders who can be used.


UNDERSTANDING THE WILL OF THE LORD
Ephesians 5:17 What God Has Determined

As we study the Word, we learn that the will of God sometimes has to do with what He has determined. God has a definite plan that is being worked out and will continue to be worked out, until His ultimate intended goal is reached. Satan and his demons, evil men and wicked organizations, cannot hinder the will of God in this sense.

A sketch of God's determinate will for the Church today is found in Ephesians 4:11-13. He has given the Church evangelists and teaching pastors. The evangelists and teaching pastors are given to adjust and to fit the saints for the work of the ministry and for the work of building up the Body of Christ. These functions are to be performed "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. . ." As each of us accomplish our part of the work of the ministry, the Church will grow into the "perfect man" God has determined it to be. Understanding what God's will for the Church is, will make a difference in the strength of the Church.

What God Has Desired

The term "will of the Lord" is also used of what He has desired. The will of God as thought of in this way is God's wish. For example, God "... is not willing (does not will or wish) that any should perish . . ." (II Peter 3:9). Yet people are perishing daily.

A clear statement of God's desire for today is I Timothy 2:3,4. "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God, our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved, and to come u-nto the knowledge of the truth."

Each of us must spread the gospel so men can believe and be saved. "He that winneth souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30), for he understands what the will of the Lord is.Understanding God's desire will make a difference in the growth of the Church.

UNDERTAKING THE WILL OF THE LORD Separation

Once we understand the will of God and our role as builders, we must undertake His will in our spiritual life. One is just as important as the other! If we know Bible doctrine—even dispensational truth—to the extent that we understand clearly the will of God, it profits us nothing unless we undertake to do His will. In the same way, if we undertake to do His will without a Biblical and dispensational foundation, we will be completely^ frustrated. There can be no acceptable work apart from an acceptance of the Word.

The context of Ephesians, chapter 5, stresses the importance of a life of separation from things that would hinder us, verses 1-12, and a life of separation unto the God who has called us, verses 18-21. "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11).

Spirit Control

This life can be lived only in the energy of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). It is the Holy Spirit who baptized us into the Church, the Body of Christ when we believed (I Corinthians 12:13). It is the Holy Spirit who sealed us in the Body of Christ until the day of our redemption (Ephesians 1:13). It is the Holy Spirit who also lives within us (Ephesians 2:22), and desired to fill or control us, making it possible for us to understand and to undertake the will of God in His building program for His Church today.

THE BUILDER'S APTITUDES

In the Old Testament, Jehovah gave the craftsmen building the Tabernacle a special aptitude for their task (Exodus 31:2-6). The Messiah told the builders of the Millennial Church to wait in Jerusalem until they received needed power from on high (Luke 24:49).

Each of us must know our human limitations, "not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think," and to appraise our talents and abilities properly, "to think soberly, according to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:3). Nevertheless, we should proceed with the knowledge that "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). This is a worthy Christian attitude of our aptitudes.

THE BUILDER'S WALK Walking Worthy Of The Vocation


This divine ability referred to in Philippians 4:13, provides for our walk, as members of God's construction crew. It is that power which gives us, who were once without strength, an aptitude for service.

A Walk That Is Worthy

This aptitude makes it possible for us to walk worthy of the high calling that is ours in Christ (Ephesians 4:1).

A Walk That Is Different

It is to be demonstrated in a life that is different from our lives before we became Christian builders. "This I say therefore and testify in in the Lord, that ye walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind" (Ephesians 4:17).

A Walk That Is In Love

It is to be a walk in love toward our brethren (I John 4:11-21) and toward all men (Romans 13:8-10).

A Walk That Is In Light

It is to be a walk in paths of righteousness as the children of God bearing a family resemblance to Him (Ephesians 5:8,9).

A Walk That Is Diligent

Finally, it is to be a walk in diligence and caution, exercising great wisdom and avoiding the foolish (Ephesians 5:15,16).

THE BUILDER'S WORK Let Every Man Take Heed How He Buildeth

The divine capacity to please God in building His Church includes not only our walk as Christians, but our work. Just as He strengthens us and controls us

by His Spirit in our walk, so He enables us to be accurate in our work as builders for Him.

Paul, His apostle to the Gentiles, has given us the blueprint. He describes himself as the wise "masterbuilder" or architect, and tells us to take heed how we build from that plan (I Corinthians 3:10).

The Materials

The materials involved in this building are sinners saved by the grace of God. Our work as builders not only involves getting them into the building (evangelism); it involves using every provision available for their adjustment to service, (pastoring and teaching).

The Methods

The methods we use must be scriptural. The Bible warns, "And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully" (II Timothy 2:5).Schemes and gimmicks may attract more people; organizations and committees may be able to control more; recreation and entertainment may allure more, but our apostle warned young Timothy that even when men would not endure sound doctrine, his responsibility was still to PREACH THE WORD.

We cannot depend on carnal means to do spiritual work. Though hard work and good planning are always important, methods must not take the place of the preaching of the Word.

The Motives

Our motives, too, must be pure. The love of Christ is our compelling force (II Corinthians 5:14). We labor to be accepted of Him (II Corinthians 5:9).

THE BUILDER'S ASPIRATION Pleasing The Lord In All Things

Our aim as workmen is the third great reason for understanding the Church, God's program for today. Paul, our masterbuilder, shows us what our single desire should be, "proving what is acceptable [well pleasing] unto the Lord" (Ephesians 5:10).

THE REASONS

Our ambition is to edify or build up the Church. Greatest care should be taken to be sure that our aspiration is always in keeping with sound doctrine. "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and lov& which is in Christ (II Timothy 1:13). False teaching and doctrines of devils will steer many to destruction (I Timothy 4:1-3; II Timothy 2:16-26).

Sound Doctrine

Think again of the instruction to "prove what is acceptable unto the Lord." The word "prove" means to "put to the test and then approve." We can test spiritual things only through the searchlight of God's Word—trying the things that differ (Philippians 1:9-10), and then holding to that which is sound doctrine.

Sane Deportment

When we know what is well pleasing to the Lord, we can "approve" those things by "practicing them" through the controlling power of the Holy Spirit. The result will be sane deportment!

THE RESULTS Finding The Peace Of God

The result of our labors as workmen aspiring to please the Lord in sound doctrine, will be the peace of God keeping our hearts.

Fruitfulness In Service To God

Another outcome will be fruitfulness in the service of the Lord. This fruitful-ness will be found both in our lives (Colossians 1:10); Galatians 5:22-23), and in our service to the Church (Romans 1:13; 16:5).

Furtherance In The Knowledge Of God

Still another effect of aspiring to sound doctrine will be continued growth, a progression, in the knowledge of God and His will.

Bible knowledge of God's plan, put to practice in Christian service as builders with Him, is somewhat self-perpetuating. The more we study the Word, the
greater our desire to serve the Lord. The more we reap the joys of service, the greater our appetite for studying the Word.

THE BUILDER'S APPRAISAL We Must All Appear Before The Judgment Seat Of Christ

The purpose of the judgment seat is not to determine our salvation. That, praise God, was settled at Calvary and became ours when we believed. The aim of the judgment seat is to examine our works as believers. Work that meets the building code (standards laid down by Christ through the Apostle Paul) will be rewarded. Work that is not in compliance with the architect's plan will be condemned.

THE PROCEEDINGS AT THE JUDGMENT SEAT

The proceedings at the judgment seat are given in detail in I Corinthians 3:9-15.

THE PREPARATION FOR THE JUDGMENT SEAT

The time to prepare for this in spection is NOW. Let every man TAKE HEED how he buildeth.

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE

What difference does it make whether or not we understand the Church as revealed by the risen Christ through Paul? What difference can it make as far as our Christian life is concerned?

What difference does it make whether or not the carpenter who is to build your new home understands the blueprint? The difference in both cases is the same.

Recently in a large city, a new multistory motel was under construction. When it was about half finished, something went wrong, and five stories came tumbling down one upon another. Someone did not understand the architect's plan. It did make a difference.

Today, the majority of builders in Christendom are following the blueprints of Judaism that were given to Peter and the Eleven to offer God's earthly kingdom to Israel. Others go all the way back to the blueprints of legalism given to Moses for the Dispensation of Law, which was also given to Israel.

Israel failed miserably in the Law Dispensation; she rejected the gospel of the circumcision preached by Peter and his associates (Galatians 2:7-9). The ascended Christ has now given us the plans for His building in the Dispensation of Grace. Let us follow the master-builder and TAKE HEED how we build on the foundation (I Corinthians 3:10-15). It does make a difference!

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WHICH GOSPEL WHEN By - Paul R. Van Gorder

WHICH GOSPEL WHEN?

 By - Paul R. Van Gorder

Chapter One

The current religious scene uses the word "gospel" indiscriminately. We hear of gospel music, gospel truth, the old fashioned gospel, gospel literature, and gospel meetings. But what is the meaning of the word "gospel"? Coming from the Greek word euaggelion, it simply means "good tidings" or "good news".

Let me raise a question that might bring opposing response and perhaps considerable disagreement. Here's the question; is there more than one gospel;' Some would quickly answer "of course not! There's only one gospel." They refer to the gospel spoken of by the apostle Paul in this familial passage: Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures: First Corinthians.15:1-4 But is this [the only "good news" of the Bible? Even a cursory reading of the New Testament will demonstrate that for the 101 times the word is used, it cannot be exclusively " the gospel" to which the apostle referred. However, if you object to the statement that there is more than one gospel, you would surely agree that if there is but one "good news" it must necessarily concern several different subjects. Paul wrote, And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Philippians 1:9-10. A marginal rendering of the phrase "approve things that are excellent"' is simply "distinguish between the things which differ ". In this series of messages, I want us to consider the teaching of God's Word relative to four different gospels mentioned in the New Testament. We will examine the four different subjects about which the gospel is concerned.

THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM

Early in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ in Galilee, this is recorded: And Jesus went about all Galilee teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23 a little later we read, 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: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 10;5-7 This was the proclamation of the gospel of the Kingdom. John the Baptist had preached that same gospel. He announced that the long predicted Messiah, the One of whom the prophets had spoken, was standing at the door.

WHAT IS THIS GOOD NEWS?

Is this the gospel we proclaim today? This good news had reference to the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom. Addressing the men of Israel in the synagogue at Antioch, the apostle Paul spoke these significant words. He raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also He gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will. Of this man's seed hath God according to His promise raised unto Israel a Savior, Jesus: Acts 13:22-23. God established a covenant with David, a promise that is irrevocable. That covenant had to do with a house; that is, a family or posterity, a kingdom, a sphere of rule, a throne, a royal prerogative over a kingdom. The gospel of the kingdom was the good news to Israel that their Messiah and King was at hand. The Jews are God's chosen people. The Messiah was promised to them. And they are to be the subjects of the King in a sense that Gentiles never can be.

THE FOUNDATION OF THIS GOSPEL

The gospel of the Kingdom was the central theme of the prophets. True, they spoke against the evils of their day, and they denounced Gentile oppressors by predicting divine judgment. But their prophecies had to do mainly with the person of the Messiah, the coining King, with descriptions of that kingdom, and with the children of Israel, who are the subjects of that king.

THE COMING OF THE KINGDOM

This gospel of the kingdom, with it's foundation in the covenant made to David, was the gospel preached by John the Baptist. It was also proclaimed by Jesus Himself during His earthly ministry, prior to His rejection and Death. The apostle Paul declared, 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: (Romans 15:8). Matthew, whose account presents Jesus Christ primarily as King, began his book by saying, The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, (Matthew 1:1). When the angel Gabriel announced to the virgin Mary that she was to be the mother of Jesus, he said, He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end. (Luke 1:32-33) Little wonder, then , that John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah, should proclaim, "Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2).

As I previously stated, Christ Himself proclaimed this gospel, the gospel of the kingdom. And when He sent forth the twelve, recorded in Matthew 10, He said, 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: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 10:5-7 The announcement was made to Israel that the Son of David had come as their King. The disciples, however, did not understand that the Lord Jesus was going to die. Even following His death and resurrection, just prior to His ascension, they asked Him, "Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). The disciples were still taken up with the establishment of the earthly kingdom.

THE REJECTION OF THE KING

Not only was the gospel of the kingdom proclaimed to Israel, but the very principles of the kingdom were announced in what is commonly called the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). The King Himself demonstrated the powers of the kingdom by His miracles. But John clearly stated that "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not" (John 1:11) Israel did not acknowledge their Messiah but refused their King.

Perhaps the most accurate picture of Israel's rejection of the message of the King and the Kingdom is given to us in one of Christ's parables (Matthew 21:33-42) A householder (a depiction of God the Father) planted a vineyard and leased it out to some farmers. Later he sent servants (the prophets) to harvest the fruit from that vineyard. The tenants (representative of Israel) grabbed His servants and beat them, stoned them, and killed them. The householder sent more servants, and they received the same treatment. Last of all He sent His Son (a picture of Christ). You would think they surely would have received Him, but no, "they caught Him, and cast Him out of the vineyard, and slew him." (V 39)

In a similar parable in Luke 19, the Lord Jesus spoke of the "citizens" of the land who cried out, "We will not have this man reign over us" (Luke 19:14). The King is exiled! I ask you, "Is this gospel of the kingdom what we proclaim today?" Absolutely not!

FUTURE PROCLAMATION OF THIS GOSPEL

I hear men speak of "extending the kingdom". Nonsense! This is not the business of the church. The King must be present in order for the kingdom to be established and extended. Right now He is absent from the earth. The nation that rejected it's King had this sentence of judgment passed on it by the Messiah: Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. (Matthew 23:28-39) The time is coining when (the gospel of the kingdom will again he proclaimed. I have often heard Matthew 24:14 quoted as applicable to the missionary ministry of the church in this age. Those who use this verse and interpret it this way are lifting it completely out of context. It says, And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 24:14) This is the message that will be proclaimed after the church is ruptured. As it was at it's first preaching, so again the gospel of the kingdom will proclaim the near approach of the King. The setting of Matthew 24 is the tribulation period. Alter the church age ends, the good news of the kingdom is to be heralded throughout the earth. The "end" of which Christ spoke is the close of the Jewish age, Daniel's 70 weeks. It will terminate when the Son of Man comes to reign in power and glory. A great missionary enterprise will be carried out by the godly remnant of Israel during that period of the great tribulation. Every nation will hear the proclamation, "Behold, the King cometh!" Again, the word will go out, "Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" And "then shall the end come."

Matthew 24 is essentially Jewish. It is limited to that period of time, a "week" of 7 years, called the tribulation. The coming of the Lord for His church does not depend on the gospel of the kingdom being preached in all the world. We have been placed in trust with the gospel of the grace of God. Our work is clearly defined, and the urgency is pressed upon us. We must get on with the missionary endeavor so that all may have the privilege to hear what the Word of God says concerning Jesus Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection. Our Lord's command to us is this: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" {Mark 16:16).

The next event on God's prophetic calendar is the rapture of the church. That event will not be preceded by signs. It is imminent; that is, He may come at any moment. Are you prepared to meet Him? Are you numbered among those who by faith have trusted the Savior for the cleansing of your sin and the salvation of your soul? He came the first time and was rejected by His own people. The apostle John wrote, "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the children of God, even to them that believe on His name" (John 1:12). Today, you too may know the Savior. You will never face a more important issue. What you do with Christ determines your destiny for eternity.

THE GOSPEL OF GRACE 

Chapter 2

The meaning of the word "gospel" is simply "good news." In every age, God has had good news for man. But that good news has not always been the same in the subject it declares. I would not contend for a moment that anyone can be born again except by the grace of God and without any merit in himself. Yet I must also unequivocally state that the gospel, God's good news, deals with different aspects of divine revelation. The gospel of the kingdom, discussed in the first lesson, was exclusively for Israel. John the Baptist heralded that gospel. And I knew Him not; but that He should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water (John 1:31) John the Baptist's purpose was to manifest Christ to Israel. The gospel that he proclaimed had no message for Gentiles. Rather, it was a declaration to Jehovah's chosen people that the kingdom of Heaven was present in the person of the King, the Lord Jesus Christ. "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not" (John 1:11). The special message to Israel about their King was refused, and the King Himself was rejected. Today He is in exile, and obviously there can be no kingdom without the King.

Israel's rejection of their Messiah culminated in the stoning of Stephen. The Old Testament record reveals that they had rejected Jehovah as their King. Then God was manifest in the flesh in the person of the Son, and again they refused Him. By the way, their rejection was complete as indicated by the words of Stephen just before he died. "Ye stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Spirit, as your fathers did, so do ye" (Acts 7:51). The kingdom is therefore now in abeyance. The gospel of the kingdom will not be preached again until just before the King returns to establish His reign in righteousness and justice. Before this revelation of Jesus Christ and during the tribulation period, "this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14).

THE GOSPEL FOR TODAY

A remarkable happening is recorded in Acts 10. Peter went to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile. He and his household were born again, and they received the Holy Spirit before they were baptized.

When Peter finally explained this event to his Jewish brethren in Jerusalem, they "glorified God, saying, "Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life" (Acts 11:18). Peter referred to this memorable occasion as the time when God "put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith" (Acts 15:9). Peter further staled, "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even at they (Acts 15:11). This was the beginning of the new thing. James said that Simon Peter "hath declared how God first did visit the nations, to take out of them a people for His name" (Acts 15:14). How was this to be accomplished? By the preaching of the gospel of the grace of God.

The apostle Paul spoke of this as a stewardship given especially to him. He was to preach to the Gentiles. 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. (Acts 20:24) Writing to the church at Corinth, he added, Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (First Corinthians 15:1-4) You will note that the King and the kingdom are no longer being announced. Why? Because the gospel of God's grace is being proclaimed concerning Jesus Christ-His death, His burial, and His resurrection.

This is the gospel of God's free grace to everyone who believes the gospel of the crucified, risen, and glorified Lord. Paul spoke of the same good news in his letter to the Romans. Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. Which He had promised afore by His prophets in the holy scriptures, Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name: ( Romans 1:1-5) During this present age, the good news of the grace of God is calling sinners, both Jews and Gentiles, to the Savior. All of whom arc saved are placed into the Body of Christ, which is the church.

TO WHOM IS IT ADDRESSED?

The gospel of the kingdom was addressed to Israel only, offering to them their Messiah. The "good news" of the grace of God is addressed to all sinners with out distention offering to them a Savior. The gospel which Paul was called to preach, the gospel of the grace of God, does not offer Israel a ruler. In fact, at this time God is not offering a king to anyone.

By the preaching of the gospel, God is visiting the nations "to take out of them a people for His name" [Acts 15:14). The Lord Jesus said to Simon Peter in Matthew 16:18, I will build My church," but that was still future. A mystery was later revealed to the apostle Paul. The mystery of the church, the Body of Christ. That God would save Jews was no mystery; that He would save Gentiles was no mystery. The mystery was that He would put Jews and Gentiles into one body and make them fellow members, fellow heirs, and fellow partakers of His promise in Christ. This was a new revelation.

The apostle wrote, For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you ward: that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 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; That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel: (Ephesians 3:1-6) And now by the gospel of God's grace, which is the "power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth" (Romans 1:16), Jews and Gentile can be saved and added to the church. "For by one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Greeks, whether we be bond or free" (First Corinthians 12:13).

THE GOSPEL WE PREACH

This is good news! Called repeatedly in the New Testament "the gospel of God," it originated in His eternal purpose for a lost world. Designated "the gospel of Christ," it declares the unmerited kindness of God toward ruined, condemned sinners. Known as "the gospel of salvation", it reveals the only way the sinner may be saved through the finished work of Christ. This is the gospel we proclaim.

Outlined by the apostle Paul in First Corinthians 15, the gospel of grace concern the person of God's Son, the Lord Jesus, in His death, burial, and resurrection.

"Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures." This death was not a suicide, the result of an accident, or the punishment of a criminal. This death of our Lord was a substitutionary death, "the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (First Peter 3:18). On the grounds of that death, God can be "just, and the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus" (Romans 3: 26). Christ bore the debt and demerit of our sin at Calvary. Something had to be done with that sin. The penalty had to be exacted. "He hath made Him, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" (Second Corinthians 5:27 The spotless Lamb of God took our place. The hymn writer said.

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood-
Sealed my pardon with His blood:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Christ's death was "according to the Scriptures." By type, by offering and sacrifice, and by direct prophetic statement, the death of Christ was taught in the Old Testament. When the Savior bled and died on the cross, all the promissory notes of the past ages were paid in full, that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.

"He was buried." This is the ultimate proof that He really died. When a soul departs from a body, this separation spells physical death. The soldiers declared that He was dead, and Pilate gave Joseph of Arimathaea permission to take the body. He buried it in a newly prepared tomb, fulfilling the Scriptures, "He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death" (Isaiah 53:9).

"He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures." This is the foundation of our salvation. Paul wrote, "And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain, ye are yet in your sins" {First Corinthians 15:17). After His burial, the stone was rolled in front of the tomb. The Romans seal was placed upon it. Soldiers guarded that sepulclier. Men and demons did their utmost to see that the tomb would keep that body in its cold, dread grasp. If the grave could keep the body so that it would "see corruption," the Calvary would become a farce and salvation would be impossible. But praise God, Christ rose triumphantly! He won the victory over sin, death and Hell! (He) was delivered for our olfenses, and was raised again for (on account of) our justification (Romans 4:25). God raised Him from the dead and exalted Him by seating Him at His right hand. The Lord's resurrection is unmistakable proof that God is fully pleased by the work He did at Calvary. Now we who were once far off are brought to God by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13).

This is the gospel you must believe if you are ever to stand accepted before God. This is the gospel we preach. God in His grace has provided eternal redemption for you through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son. You do not deserve it, you cannot buy it, and you cannot work for it. But God will give it too you. By faith believe the gospel, trust the Savior, and receive the gift of eternal life through Christ. Then you can say with the hymn writer, I need no other argument, I need noother plea; It is enough that Jesus died, And that he died for me.

ANOTHER GOSPEL 

Chapter 3

In every age, man is saved by grace and grace alone. The proclamation of this truth is called "the gospel." It is "the gospel of God." It is good news! Even though the gospel itself has the same message in even' age, it has different points of,,,,,,,,,, emphasis. During the ministry of John the Baptist and the earthly ministry of our Lord, the "gospel of the kingdom" was proclaimed to Israel. The kingdom of heaven was present in the person of the King, the Lord Jesus Christ. Israel's response was, "We will not have this man to reiqn over us" Luke 19:14)

During the church age, the gospel of the grace of God is being heralded to the world. God has provided the only way of salvation for condemned, unworthy sinners. We are saved through the death of Christ and His shed blood upon the cross. The guarantee is His resurrection from the dead. The gospel of His grace reveals God's righteousness. By it He is "just, and the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus.

"This rules out all human works and merit. If you and I are to be saved, to be made fit to come into the presence of a holy God, it must be totally apart from our own works. It comes exclusively by the grace of God, by virtue of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection on our behalf.

SATAN THE COUNTERFEITER

When the seed of the Word falls on good ground and brings forth fruit, Satan is not content to let it go unhindered. As in the parable of the tares in Matthew 13, He over sows the field with a spurious wheat, a darnel. Satan is a counterfeiter, and he is quite successful at it by simulation and substitution. God no sooner begins His work in any dispensation than our adversary, the devil, attempts to discredit (that work by offering a counterfeit. Satan's substitutes are never completely false. A modicum of truth gives each lie a measure of credibility. The enemy is for too shrewd to supplant the truth with a total lie. So he adulterates the truth with a subtle mixture of error.

The apostle Paul pointed this out in his second letter to the Corinthians. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his crafiness, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him (Second Corinthians 11:3-4)

The apostle said this to the churches in Galatia: I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (Galatians 1:6-7) The apostle spoke of "another Jesus" and "another gospel. " Actually, he used two different Greek words for "another": in this verse, He was saying, "It is not another gospel (that is, another of the same kind); but it is a different gospel." Oh, it's true that Satan's deceivers use the nomenclature of Heaven to masquerade their false gospel. A cheap coin may be gilded to look like gold. But the gilding does not make it real. Almost everywhere Paul went he found those who sought by deception to divert his converts from the message of salvation by grace alone. Our day is no exception.

                                    ANOTHER GOSPEL

The emissaries of Satan have lodged in the great tree of Christendom. Deceivers slip the leaven of false doctrine into the pure meal of the gospel. To illustrate the danger, the apostle referred back to the beginning of the human race. He warned that false teachers will use the same methods Satan employed in beguiling Eve. He did it through his craftiness. Paul wrote further, For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works (Second Corinthians 11:15-16) Harry Ironside wrote, "That is how the devil works. Satan never says, Good morning, I am the devil! I want to mislead you. I want to seduce you. I want to turn your heart away from God. I want to ruin you for a time and eternity. No, he comes with the fairest pretenses and promises, and he endeavors to turn the heart away from Christ by his deception."

From the New Testament we discern several instances of "other gospels," which are perversions of the true.

Deceitfulness Imposed

The first is found in Second Corinthians
11. When the mind is lead astray "from the simplicity that is in Christ" (V 3), you may put it down: This is another gospel. That word "simplicity" means "single hearted faith" or "single hearted loyalty." It carries with it the idea of being "spread out," or "without folds or wrinkles. "Any teaching which leads us away from sincere and pure devotion to Jesus Christ must be branded another gospel, one entirely different from the gospel of God's grace.

Ritualism Added

Second, when a system of works or religious observances is added to or substituted for the gospel of grace, you may be sure that it is another gospel. Paul had received news from the churches in Galatia that shocked him. They had been saved by grace through faith, totally apart from works. But Judaizers were telling them that they had to observe days, to submit to the practices of the Mosaic law, and to engage in a system of works. These teachers were perverting the gospel of Christ.
Whenever you mix law and grace, law is robbed of its terror and grace of its freeness. This different gospel, contrary to the teaching of the New Testament, is proclaimed in numerous forms. Just as those Judaizing teachers told the Galalian Christians that they must observe the ancient rite of circumcision in order to have a full salvation, some religionists today insist on the baptism right or some other ordinance for salvation. To them it is grace plus something. A verse in Galatians should settle this question once and for all. 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. (Galatians 2:16) I care not from what quarter it comes. If the supposed gospel you have heard is one of reformation, baptismal regeneration, church membership, good works, or ritualistic practice, it is not God's gospel. It does not carry His blessing, and it is contrary to His Word. Don't be deceived. To depend upon anything or anyone for your salvation other than Jesus Christ, God's sacrifice for your sins, is to put your confidence in another gospel. God condemns those who purvey these errors, and He calls them "false teachers."

Christ's Deity Perverted

A third instance is given by John. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresses, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (Second John 1:7-9) Please note these three: Another gospel-not the gospel of Christ is preached, (1) when single hearted faith is drawn away from Christ, (2) when a system of works is substituted or added to the grace of God, or (3) when the doctrine of Christ is violated.

The apostle John wrote in strong words the divine condemnation of deceivers who deny that Jesus is the Christ of God manifest in the flesh. Check it out, friend. What does your church teach and what does your preacher believe about Jesus Christ? All that scriptures says about Him and all that He declares concerning Himself is true. The one who departs from either is a false teacher and dispenser of a false gospel.

CONDEMNATION OF FALSE TEACHERS

The Word of God clearly condemns anyone who perverts the gospel of the grace of God, or who departs from the doctrine of Christ. In fact, you will find no stronger language in all of Scripture. Paul said that even an angel would be "accursed" if he preached anything different. Read for yourself his inspired words: But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8) The curse of God is upon all preaching that says man has to work to be saved or to be kept saved. This sounds the death knell to all who mingle law and grace. John gave this warning about anyone who preaches another gospel. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him Godspeed; For he that biddeth him Godspeed is partaker of his evil deeds (Second John 1:10-11) At the time of John's writing, the homes of the Christians were the primary places for assembly and worship. Stated simply, these believers were to have no fellowship whatever with one who preached a different gospel, and who denied the doctrine of Christ.

May I put it pointedly to you? If you are affiliated with a church or a religious group that tolerates the preaching of another gospel, or that goes beyond or does not abide in the doctrine of Christ, you are not only exposing your family to false teaching but are disobeying the Word of God. Ephesians 5:11 commands us to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but, rather, reprove them."

You and I must stay by the unchanging standard given to us in the inspired Word of God. This is the safeguard for the believer. Weigh every message in the balances of God's Word. "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20).

Dear friend, you have nothing to offer God, No good works, nothing to commend you to Him. I invite you to receive the grace of Christ. Trust the Savior who died for you, and believe the gospel of God. Then you can say with the hymn writer, My hope is in the Lord who gave Himself for me, and paid the price of all my sin at Calvary. No merit of my own His anger to suppress, My only hope is found in Jesus' righteousness. And now for me He stands before the Father's throne, He shows His wounded hands, and names me as His own. His grace has planned it all, 'tis mine but to believe, And recognize His work of Love and Christ receive. For me He died, for me He lives, And everlasting life and light He freely gives.  -Norman J. Clayton

THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL 

Chapter 4

God has had His witness in every generation. In every age God's good news has been announced. The word "gospel" is not used exclusively in our age (nor of the message we preach). The Bible student who fails to recognize that there are different aspects of divine revelation, and that different gospel emphases apply to various dispensations and people, who will be led into great confusion in the interpretation of the Word of God. By the subject, Which Gospel When?, I am not suggesting that God has different gospels. But God's gospel has different phases.

The gospel of the kingdom was given particularly to Israel. This gospel, the subject of much of the prophetic Old Testament, announced that Jesus Christ would reign on the throne of His father David, and that He would set up His kingdom upon this earth. The same message was proclaimed by John the Baptist and by Christ Himself, and it will be heralded forth again during the great tribulation.

During this age of the church, the gospel of the grace of God is predominant. The ministers of the gospel around the world preach a message of salvation made possible through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is good new that you and I may come into a right relationship with God. This was accomplished "not by works of the righteousness which we have done" (Titus 3:5), but by the work of another, the perfect sacrifice, God's Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. To concoct some other method of salvation to concoct some other way is to preach another gospel, and the anathema of God is upon it.

The gospel of the kingdom is primarily to Israel. But they rejected their King. They would not have that Man to reign over them. The King is therefore in exile, and the kingdom is yet to be established upon the earth. The "nobleman" has gone into the far country to receive His kingdom. Just prior to His return to this earth, a great company of witnesses will again announce "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." But now you and I are to make known the good news of salvation by grace to a world that is lost and perishing. The good news is that Christ has died "the just for the unjust, and that He might bring us to God" (First Peter 3:18).

I ask you now to consider another aspect of the gospel, which is referred to in the book of Revelation. And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. (Revelation 14:6-7.

THE SETTING

To understand the meaning of these words, yon must know the setting. The blackest storms always make the loveliest sunsets; and the darker the night, the brighter the stars. In the vision given to the apostle John in chapter 13, Antichrist engages in terrible blasphemy, the earth's multitudes worship this imposter, and the false prophet exercises his power in the infernal counterfeit trinity. It would seem that chapter 14 is not placed chronologically but is a parenthesis to speak of an anticipated victory.

Remember that in the middle of the week of 7 years the lawless one (Antichrist) will renounce his covenant with Israel. He will assassinate God's two witnesses, and he’ll be determined to exterminate the saints. Into this dark scene the Holy Spirit interjects a chapter of hope. John looked up and saw a Lamb on Mount Zion. He heard the song of the heavenly choir and the refrain was echoed on the earth by the 144, 0000 out of the 12 tribes of Israel who had been sealed. This is a preview of the reigning Christ, the Lamb, sitting upon the throne. The conquering Christ is upon the throne in Jerusalem. Following this anticipatory vision, John saw another angel flying in mid-Heaven who had the everlasting gospel.

WHAT IS THIS GOSPEL?

The message of Revelation 14 is addressed to the earth dwellers immediately before the bowls of God's wrath are poured out. This dreaded event will take place in the latter part of the tribulation. The everlasting gospel is precisely this: "fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come" (Revelation 14:7). The emphasis is upon judgment. When God is unheeded as He speaks in grace, He is forced to speak in judgment. But when men and women listen to His gracious admonitions and walk in His ways they will reap great blessings. His servant Isaiah assured Israel that "the work of the righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever" (Isaiah 32:17)

Dr. John Walvoord said, "The everlasting gospel seems to be neither the gospel of grace nor the gospel of the kingdom, but rather the good news that God at last is about to deal with the world in righteousness and establish His sovereignty over the world." God will place His King on Zion's holy hill to reign righteously, "This is the news of God's Ruler-not grace, His judgement! Not a Savior, but a Sovereign!

This is also the final call for guilty nations to prostrate themselves in the dust and pay homage to their Creator. The nations of the earth, which at that time will be worshiping the Beast, are called to the worship of God. The message of this gospel will be that the Creator alone is to be feared and worshiped. It is called "everlasting" because these principles reach above and beyond any particular age: that God always was, is now, and always will be the proper object of man's worship. God's last call is being trumpeted to the Gentiles. Instead of"... now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (Senond Corinthians 6:2), the proclamation will be, "... the hour of His judgment is come" (Revelation 14:7).

It's as if we hear this angel in mid-Heaven proclaiming the words of Psalm 2. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him. (Psalm 2:10-12)

THE CONTRAST

In reading this proclamation of the everlasting gospel, you cannot help but notice the difference between it and the announcement of the angel to the shepherds long ago on the. Judean hills. As the light shone round about, the angel said, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy" (Luke 2:10). But in the day before the return of the Lord when He will establish His kingdom upon (the earth, the word of the angel will be, "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come." Yet those serious tidings will be a gospel for that time of unequaled darkness. To many the proclamation that the hour of God's judgment is come will not be "good news," but to others it will bring rejoicing because only through judgment can the earth be delivered.

THE WARNING

This is God's eternal good news to an earth long under the curse, and under the sway of the usurper. The kings of the earth cry, "Let us break their bands asunder" (Psalms 2:3). But judgment awaits the earth dwellers who refuse to give glory to God and acknowledge His sovereign right to rule. This will be the Lord's last warning to the nations. Let us not ignore this sobering thought:" The wicked shall be turned into sheol, and all the nations that forget God" (Psalm 9:17)

The phrase, "them that dwell on the earth," or "earth dwellers," is used a number of tines in the book of Revelation. It's not as much a geographical term as a moral description. It describes those who have taken up abode upon the earth-who desire nothing more than what the world's commerce and religion can offer. They have no desire for God's eternal dwelling place nor the blessings of spiritual wealth. They are wildlings, taken up with earthly things.

To you who think this world to your heart with no thought of the future and God, I ask yon to read from His infallible Word a description of the time that will come upon this earth and its inhabitants. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? (Revelation 6:15-17) But this does not end the display of God’s wrath against those who reject His grace. Revelation speaks of that time when the books are opened and the book of life reveals its record . “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15).

"OH," you say, "that is a time in the feature. It doesn't concern me." But friend, in every age and in every juncture of the divine program of time, God has held man accountable to Him. The gospel received brings life and blessing in every dispensation. To refuse God's good news, be it now or when the everlasting gospel is heralded by an angel to the nations, is to merit the judgment of God. The record is plain: you and I must accept God's message, believe His word, and trust His grace. We dare not exempt ourselves by postponing our decision, claiming that these issues are for a future day.

It would be unfair to your soul if I should close this series of studies without presenting again the claims of the gospel of the grace ol God. Personal individual faith in God's Son as your Savior is absolutely imperative if you are to know the favor of God and the forgiveness of sins. Let me ask you pointedly right now, can you say from your heart, "Jesus died for me, paid for my sins by (the shedding of His blood; and I have deposited my faith in Him and nothing else"?

To reject the Savior is to warrant the execution of God's sentence of judgment upon you. "He that believeth not is condemned already" (John 3:18). I urge you to flee from the wrath to come. Flee to the arms of a loving Savior who died for you and rose again. He is waiting to save you. The Scriptures says, "All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37)

The End 

Also Read 

The Gospel of The Kingdom - Paul R. Van Gorder

Grace Bible Church  (Click Here)

How God Saves Men

Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.

Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.

Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4

Read the KJV BIBLE in large print (Click Here)

(A 10 Minute Video)

Jesus is JEHOVAH The One True GOD (Click Here)

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Baptized Into Christ Dennis Kiszona

Baptized Into Christ
By Dennis Kiszona

Biblical Baptism

Let’s start in Matthew chapter 3 where we see the ministry of John the Baptizer - the Baptist.

“In those days, John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’.”

Here in the opening pages of the New Testament, we read about John the Baptist preaching the kingdom. It’s interesting to turn over and read about John’s ministry in John chapter 1, how that the leaders of Israel came out to observe and to question him about his ministry. They came and asked, “Why are you doing this out here in the wilderness? Who sent you? By what authority are you baptizing?” It is interesting that they never came out to him and asked, “What are you doing?” or “Why are you dunking (or sprinkling, or pouring water over) these people in this river?” They didn’t have to ask him what he was doing because they knew. They had seen it many times before. Baptism itself was not a new thing. It was an old thing.

It goes all the way back in the Old Testament to the book of Leviticus. In chapter 8, we see the ordination of a priest for the nation of Israel.

“And the Lord spoke to Moses saying, ‘Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, the anointing oil, a bull as the sin offering, two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread, and gather all the congregation together at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.’ So Moses did as the Lord commanded him. And the congregation was gathered together at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. And Moses said to the congregation, ‘This is what the Lord commanded to be done’” (vv. 1-5).

Now begins the ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons to become priests in the nation of Israel.

“Then Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water” (v. 6).

The first step in becoming a priest in the nation of Israel was that the priest was to be washed with water at the door of the tabernacle. So Moses washed them. But there’s another thing shown here as the ceremony continues in verse 10:

“Also Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, and consecrated them. He sprinkled some of it on the altar seven times, anointed the altar and all its utensils, and the laver and its base, to consecrate them. And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him” (vv. 10-12).

First, Aaron is washed with water. Second, Moses pours a beaker of oil on him. Then we drop down further in the passage to verse 14, and the sacrifices begin.

“And he brought the bull for the sin offering. Then Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the bull for the sin offering, and Moses killed it.”

Then verse 22:

“And he brought the second ram, the ram of consecration. Then Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram and Moses killed it. Also he took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.”

So we see Aaron with his hair wet, with oil dripping down his head and neck and on his clothes, and now with blood on his ear, blood on his thumb, and blood on his toe. Not only that, but we find in verse 30 that,
“. . . Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood which was on the altar, and sprinkled it on Aaron, on his garments, on his sons, and on the garments of his sons with him; and he consecrated Aaron, his garments, his sons, and the garments of his sons with him.”

Moses takes the mixture of blood and oil and splatters these men. We see them dressed in a fine and beautiful outfit, but how do they look? They have blood on their face, blood on their hands, and their clothing is stained with blood. Then in chapter 9 the priests, having been ordained, begin their ministry.

Now flash ahead 1,500 years to the Jordan River and these types that we see become reality. Here came the greatest of the prophets, John the Baptist, and he was saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” What kind of a kingdom will it be? In Exodus 19:6, God says that Israel would be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. John comes and announces the imminent coming of the kingdom. The Israelites needed to assume their rightful part in that kingdom of priests. The first thing they needed to do was to be ordained. How were priests to be ordained? Back to Leviticus . . . they needed to be washed with water, anointed with oil, and sprinkled with blood.

And so these people lined up by the river, ready to be baptized with water. The ordination had begun. They had seen this many times in the temple. They had seen priest after priest being washed (baptized), anointed, and sprinkled as they were ordained for the ministry. They knew what it was about and so they came as a multitude down to the Jordan.

But wait! Someone else came.

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?’ And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness’” (Matthew 3:13-15).

What righteousness did Christ need to fulfill? The righteousness of the law, as commanded by God, in Leviticus chapter 8. The Lord Jesus Christ is to be the High Priest of Israel and needs to be ordained. He comes to the river and John says, “No. I’m not going to do this.” The Lord says, “Yes you are, for we are going to fulfill all righteousness. The law says that I must be washed with water in order to become a priest.” Immediately afterwards, in verses 16 and 17:

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. And suddenly a voice from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’.”

The Lord Jesus Christ was first washed in the water like Aaron. But unlike Aaron who had oil poured upon him to anoint him to his ministry as a priest, the Lord Jesus Christ was anointed with no one less than the Holy Spirit by God Himself. Peter understood this, for he says:

“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. . . ” (Acts 10:37, 38).

Act 10:37  That word, [I say], ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

Act 10:38  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.

God Himself came into the ordination and anointed His Son - not with oil, but the real thing which oil only symbolized as a type. There were many people in the history of Israel who had been anointed - the priests, the kings, and the prophets - but this man was the anointed One. Peter says about Him, “God has made Him to be both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). (”Christ” is from the Greek word Christos, meaning “the anointed Messiah”)

Act 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.

How do you become a priest? First, you are washed - baptized - in the water. Then, you are anointed with the oil. Finally, daubed in blood from your ear to your foot. Christ had been washed with water in the Jordan. Then he was anointed with the Holy Spirit Himself. But there was one more baptism.

“I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled. But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished” (Luke 12:49, 50).

When we see in the Old Testament Moses daubing the blood on the ear, the hand, and the foot of Aaron, then sprinkling him, splattering that blood on the priests, we know now that it was pointing ahead to Jesus Christ, the High Priest. The Anointed High Priest of Israel, after being baptized with water in the Jordan, and being anointed with the Holy Spirit by God, was then baptized with blood - splattered from head to foot - as the whip broke open His skin, as the thorns pierced His brow, and as the nails tore his hands and feet. He was baptized in His own blood that He might complete His ordination and offer Himself as a sacrifice.

We looked at Aaron’s ordination and at the Lord’s ordination, but now we return to the people of Israel. They were to become a kingdom of priests, and they needed to be ordained to enter into Messiah’s priesthood. John the Baptist began this ceremony to prepare the people, but he said,

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11).

John was, in effect, saying, “I can only take you this far, through one part of the ordination. But the One who comes after me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” We turn to the book of Acts and we see the realization of this on the Day of Pentecost.

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4).

What was happening? Peter explains it in verses 16:

“But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh’.”

God is baptizing here with the pouring out of His Spirit, the pouring out of the anointing oil on these who desire to enter the kingdom of priests. As we continue in verses 32 and 33, Peter says,

“This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore, being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.”

There is one last part to the ordination. In his first epistle, Peter reveals the final stage of the priestly initiation.

“You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).

Peter calls these people “a holy priesthood.” How did they get ordained? They were washed in the water, they were anointed with the Spirit by the Messiah, then, looking in the beginning of the book, we see that they were,

“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ” (1:2).

They had been fully ordained - washed in the water, anointed with the Spirit, and sprinkled not with the blood of a goat or ram, but with the blood of Jesus Christ.

All of these baptisms that we have seen so far, as beautiful as they are, were all part of a prophesied program of God. They were all part of a message which promised entrance into a kingdom here on the earth. This was God’s plan for the nation of Israel. These were Jewish baptisms. We know from reading on in the Bible, through the book of Acts, there came a time when God set aside the nation of Israel and postponed their kingdom.

He had sent them John the Baptist. The Lord Jesus Christ had come to the nation. The Holy Spirit had come and filled the disciples. Israel’s response: murder, murder, murder. They stood by as John the Baptist was beheaded. They handed over the Lord Jesus Christ to crucifixion. They themselves picked up the stones and stoned Stephen, a man who was filled with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 7 and 8, the nation of Israel was cast away and that earthly kingdom was put “on hold.”

Then a wonderful thing happened. From heaven’s glory, the Lord Jesus Christ reached down in unfathomable grace and mercy to a man traveling down a road with vengeance and bitterness in his heart - a man named Saul - who was on his way to persecute the saints of God. He was a man who was called “the chief of sinners,” and the leader of Israel’s rebellion against the Lord. The Lord reached down and stopped that man in his tracks, saving him by His grace. This man’s name was changed from “Saul” to “Paul” and God made him an apostle.

He was called as an apostle not to the nation of Israel, but rather to the Gentiles. An apostle not of an earthly kingdom, but of the Body of the Lord Jesus Christ. An apostle not of a prophesied program, but of a secret - a mystery - hidden in God from before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 3:9).

Part of that revelation called “the mystery,” which the Lord Jesus Christ revealed to Paul, was a baptism. It was not a baptism of water, not a baptism of oil, nor a baptism of blood. It was a baptism that was unknown before the apostle Paul. You can search the Scriptures from Genesis up to Paul’s writings and you will not find even a hint of it.

The first mention of this new baptism is in the book of Romans and chapter 6.

“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (v. 3)

In 1 Corinthians 12:12 and 13, Paul writes,

“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body being many are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free - and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.”

He writes about a baptism that is only part of “the mystery” which is found only in his letters - a unique baptism for us who are living in the dispensation of the grace of God. Here is a baptism that is not at all related with entering into an earthly kingdom, but a baptism that brings you into the Body of Christ. It is not a baptism of the priesthood - not a washing in water, not an anointing with oil, not a sprinkling of blood. It is not even a baptism of Messiah pouring out His Spirit on His people. It is a baptism that is an operation of the Holy Spirit Himself, taking a believer, the moment he puts his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, fusing him into the body and person of the Lord Jesus Christ so that he becomes one with Him (1 Corinthians 12:12). Paul was able to look at the church in Corinth and see Christ, not many individual members. They were one with Him. They were Christ!

I don’t think there can be any doubt that the “one baptism” of which Paul writes in Ephesians 4:5 is the same baptism which he wrote about in Romans 6 and 1 Corinthians 12. It is the fact that one Spirit baptized us into one body. This is the one baptism for this dispensation of the grace of God in which we are living.

Someone will inevitably say, “Hey, wait a minute! Didn’t Paul baptize some people with water? And if he baptized some with water and the Holy Spirit baptized them, that’s two baptisms, right?” Let’s check it out.

We need to realize that in the early ministry of the Apostle Paul in the book of Acts, he not only baptized people, but he circumcised them too (Acts 16:3). After all that Paul had written in Galatians about not practicing circumcision, he takes one of the Galatians, Timothy, and circumcises him. Continue reading in the same book and you see how Paul cut his hair to keep a Jewish vow. You observe Paul going into the temple to offer a Jewish sacrifice. You hear Paul speaking in tongues. You watch Paul baptizing people with a Jewish baptism. The question is, “Should we follow him?” or “Is that an example for us?”

Take a look at what he says in 1 Corinthians chapter 1.
“I thank God that I baptized none of you . . .” (v. 14a)

A good Baptist, isn’t he? But then he remembers a few:

“. . . except Crispus and Gaius. . . . I also baptized the household of Stephanus. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect” (vv. 14, 16-17).

Among the many things that could be said, I want to make one point: When Paul preached his gospel (the gospel of the grace of God), from the beginning of his ministry to the end of his ministry, he did not have to preach water baptism along with it. When Peter preached his gospel (the gospel of the kingdom), he had to preach water baptism. Everywhere Peter preached he preached water baptism. Christ had sent him to preach water baptism and the kingdom (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-18). Paul says, “I was not sent to baptize.” It was never an intrinsic part of his gospel. In fact, as we read the letters of Paul, we find nowhere that he beseeches, or commands, or exhorts, or recommends, or says anything to the effect that members of the body of Christ ought to be baptized in water.

Why then did he baptize? He writes:

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then shall I know just as I also am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

The Greek word for “dimly” (KJV: “darkly”) is enigma, which means “a puzzle.” At this point in his ministry, during the book of Acts, as Paul looked at his own ministry he could say, “I don’t know it all yet.” We could ask, “Paul, why did you cut your hair, why did you keep that vow, why did you offer that sacrifice, why did you speak in tongues, why did you baptize those people with that Jewish baptism?” There are several reasons, but I believe there are times when Paul would say, “It is kind of an enigma, isn’t it? Even I, at that time, didn’t know the whole thing yet.”

But there came a day when the Lord Jesus Christ completed that revelation of the mystery to the apostle Paul in prison at Rome. At that time he moved into the full light of that revelation that Christ gave to him. We read about it in the prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon - and in the pastoral epistles. Paul says, now having the full knowledge of the mystery, “There is one baptism” - one Spirit baptizing us into one body (Ephesians 4:5). And in Colossians 2:15, he tells us that, when we are in that one body, baptized into Christ, we are “Complete in Him.”

The Effects of the “One Baptism”

I would like to conclude by reflecting upon the effects this has in our lives - being baptized by one baptism into the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Being baptized into His Body, we are made close to the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul writes, in 1 Corinthians 6:17, “But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” When we were baptized into Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:13), we became one body with the Lord. Now we see in this verse that we became one spirit with the Lord.

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. . . “(Galatians 3:27).

We are Christ’s. We are members of Him. I may forget something that belongs to me, but I will not put down my hand anywhere and forget it. I may misplace a book that is in my library, but I won’t lose track of my foot. My hand and my foot are my members - they are me. Paul says that we have put on Christ. We are baptized into His body and have become one with Him.

“For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. . . . This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:30, 32).

Twenty-five years ago I was graduating from 8th grade at St. Mary Star-of-the-Sea School on the south side of Chicago. At the end of that year, the Sister said, “I want you each to take a piece of paper and write down what you want to do with your life.” Some kids said, “I want to be a teacher,” or “I want to be a mechanic,” or “I want to play for the Chicago White Sox.” But I wrote down on that piece of paper, “I want to live on a mountain and really get close to God.”

By His grace, I made it! Bone of His bones, flesh of His flesh, one body and one spirit with the Lord. What more could God say? You cannot be any closer than that. You can’t feel it, see it, or touch it, but you know it because Christ said it: He is in me and I am in Him.

Being baptised into His Body, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:13, 14).

Note the order: First, you heard the gospel. Second, you believed - you trusted the Lord as your Saviour. And Paul says that at that moment, God’s Holy Spirit moved in with that baptism. It was not only the baptism, but also a sealing in Him. We are not part of the vine and the branches, where the branches can be cut off if they’re not fruitful and be thrown into the fire. We are members of His body and sealed in Him, safe and secure.

Being baptised into His Body, we are seated with Christ in heaven - now!

“Even when we were dead in trespasses, [He] made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:5, 6).

We may be walking about on this earth, but we are members of Christ’s body, and our head is in heaven. Because I am one with Him, I am already seated with Him in heavenly places. Ephesians chapter 1 and verse three tells me that, because I am seated with Christ in heavenly places, God, my Father, has blessed me “with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ.”

Being baptised into His Body, we are joined to each other with a spiritual bond.

“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians  4:3).

The same Holy Spirit that came to live in me is the same Holy Spirit that came to live in you. I don’t understand how the same person can be in me, in you, and in each member of Christ’s body, but this tells me that this one baptism by one Spirit into one body has pulled us all together - not only individually into the Lord Jesus Christ, but also with one another. When you see that unity, you begin to look at fellow Christians in a different light. You begin to treasure each one. God the Spirit is dwelling in each one to make us one body by this one spiritual baptism.

By this one baptism, I am placed into Christ and Christ into me. I become one with Him as a member of His body.

By this one baptism, I’m not only in Christ, but I’m sealed in Him forever.

By this one baptism, I have been seated in the heavenlies and have been blessed with all spiritual blessings.

By this one baptism, I’ve become one with Him and one with each member of Christ’s Body forever.

I believe in baptism - this greatest baptism in all the Bible, baptised into the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

A Final Word . . .

Maybe you’ve been baptised with water or had some kind of “religious” experience, but you can receive this real baptism. The Lord Jesus died on the cross to bear my sins and your sins, to pay for them once for all time. Whoever you are, no matter where you’ve come from, no matter what you’ve ever done, if you have never trusted in Him, He’s waiting for you and He’s inviting you now to trust in Him as your Savior. Stop trying to save yourself. Stop depending on a church, a sacrament, some ritual prayers, or a religion. God will save you tonight if you will simply put your faith in, and rely on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior. At that very moment, God the Holy Spirit will baptize you and will place you into the body of the Lord Jesus Christ. You could never be closer to God than that. If you want to be saved right now, trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and God will save you.

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PAUL, THE APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES

1. Romans 11:13 — "For I speak to you GENTILES, inasmuch as I am THE apostle to the GENTILES."

2. Romans 15:15-16 — ".......because of the grace that is given to me of God, that Ishould be THE minister of Jesus Christ TO THE GENTILES..."

3. Galatians 3:8 — "For He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision (the Jews) the same was mighty in me towards the GENTILES."

4. 1 Timothy 2:7 — "Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the GENTILES in faith and verity."

5. 2 Timothy 1:11 — "Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the GENTILES.

"WE ARE TOLD TO FOLLOW PAUL, OUR EXAMPLE!

1. 1 Cor. 4:16 — " Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me." (in other translations, various phrases are used in place of the word "followers," such as "take me for your model.....follow my example.....be imitators of me.....copy me,' etc.

2. 1 Cor. 11:1 — "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."

3. Phil. 3:17 — "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example"

4. Phil. 4:9 — "Those things which ye have botrr teamed, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."5. 2 Tim. 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."

Eph. 3:1-2 — "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for YOU GENTILES, IF YE HAVE HEARD OF THE DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD WHICH IS GIVEN ME TO YOU-WARD"