IT'S
IN THE BOOK!
By
Robert E. Hanna
... a dispensational exposition
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 30:5, 6
How often do we hear defense of a doctrine or an interpretation in the
declaration, "THE BIBLE SAYS". And how frequently do we encounter
those who justify their denominational stand with, "Every promise in the
Book is mine". By the same token, how staunchly do these same zealots
affirm, "We obey every commandment of God". One cannot help but
wonder at the number of various and sundry and divergent sectarian divisions.
For if all of the above convictions are valid, why need there be but one
persuasion - that of total compliance with every instruction to be found in the
entire body of scripture?
"Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust
in Him. Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a
liar" (Proverbs 30:5, 6). What shall we do, then, with: "HEAL THE
SICK, CLEANSE THE LEPERS, RAISE THE DEAD, CAST OUT DEVILS..."
(Matthew10:8)? And how shall we regard the instruction to "MAKE THEE AN
ARK OF GOPHER WOOD; ROOMS SHALT THOU MAKE IN THE ARK, AND SHALT PITCH IT WITHIN
AND WITHOUT WITH PITCH" (Genesis 6:14)? The obvious answer of course, is
that in neither example was God commanding you and me to do these things.
In the first instance referred to above, Jesus Christ, during His earthly
ministry ["I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of
Israel" (Matthew15:24).], was dispatching His twelve disciples to perform
a miraculous ministry for which He was empowering them and equipping them
specifically. And the other instruction was given to Noah exclusively and
related only to the circumstances of Noah's generation.
What is the significance, then, of that terribly frightening word
-DISPENSATIONAL1SM'? It simply defines the application of God's own instruction
to His saints: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH" (II Timothy
2:15). Detractors will do well to heed God's admonition rather than the
shackles of tradition!
KEEPING THE SABBATH!
Scripture Reading; Exodus 31:16, 17
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8). Obedience to
this commandment of God is the hub and focal point of more than one religious
denomination claiming the truth of Holy Scripture as their doctrine. Truly,
this is a direct commandment - a stern and severe declaration.
"...Whosoever doeth work therein SHALL BE PUT TODEATH. Ye shall kindle no
fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day" (Exodus 35:2b,
How uncomfortable this would be in the winter time. "See, for the Lord
hath given you the sabbath...abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out
of his place on the seventh day" (Exodus 16:29). Confined to quarters with
no heat, and non-compliance to be punishable by death! "Six days may work
be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever
doeth ANY WORK in the sabbath day, he shall SURELY be put to death"
(Exodus 31:15).
Indeed, this would appear to be quite a predicament. However, it becomes even
more confusing when we read elsewhere in the Word of God: "Let no man
judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new
moon, OR OF THE SABBATH DAYS" (Colossians 2:16). Does God contradict
Himself? Is God inconsistent? Does the Psalmist lead us astray? "The law
of the Lord is perfect...The testimony of the Lord is sure...The statutes of the
Lord are right ...The commandment of the Lord is pure..." (Psalms 19:7,
8).
By what means can our strict religionist friends find verification of their
deep-seated conviction regarding the keeping of the sabbath? Shall they abide
by "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy"? Or shall they observe
the admonition to "Let no man judge you in respect of the sabbath
days"? There is but one solution to such a dilemma. He must resolve the
seeming contradiction by "Rightly dividing the Word of truth". In
giving the commandment. God said, "THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL shall keep the
sabbath, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign BETWEEN ME AND THE CHILDREN OF
ISRAEL for ev
HOW MANY BAPTISMS?
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:5
Should the Christian believer be sprinkled or immersed? Should the ceremony be
performed as a means to salvation or as a testimony for Christ or to
"follow Christ's example?" Should the water be drawn from a tap or
imported from the river Jordan for the sake of authenticity? Such questions have
been the source of much contention and conflict among and between church
organizations for centuries. It is one of the most divisive issues in the
history of Christianity. John the Baptist baptized the Lord Jesus Christ in
water. The apostle Peter declared, "Repent and be baptized every one of
you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38).
But another apostle spoke of water baptism. To a congregation of saints of God,
he declared, "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the
gospel" (I Corinthians 1:17). Shall we be disobedient to Peter and refuse
water baptism? Or shall we ignore the statement of Paul, minimizing the
significance of the practice, and submit to it?
In considering the instruction by Peter to "be baptized every one of you",
let us ask ourselves whether we are members of the house of Israel who
"dwell at Jerusalem". Were we present in Jerusalem "when the day
of Pentecost was fully come" and "that which was spoken by the
prophet Joel" was miraculously fulfilled in part? Of course, we were not.
Therefore, Peter was not speaking to you and to me.
On the other hand, the apostle Paul made his statement as "the apostle of
the Gentiles" (Romans 11:13). He explained his ministry as being
"according to MY GOSPEL, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to
the REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY, which was kept secret since the world
began" (Romans 16:25).
Peter did not mislead the Jews at Pentecost. Paul was faithful in his words of
instruction to his hearers who were not of the house of Israel but were saved
under the dispensation of grace, even as you and I.
ONE BAPTISM -
WATER OR SPIRIT?
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:13
Having been accepted in the Beloved One, and knowing that we are members of the
Body of Christ, we are assured by our apostle (Paul) that we are "of His
flesh, and of His bones" (Ephesians 5:30). "For by ONE Spirit are we
all BAPTIZED into ONE body." Can this be water baptism? "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" (Romans 6:4). Can this be water baptism? "One Lord,
one faith, ONE BAPTISM" (Ephesians 4:5). Can the ONE baptism by the ONE
Spirit into ONE body - can this be water baptism? Surely this was not
accomplished by a humanly-ordained human minister of the gospel in the
sanctuary of a human church organization!
Paul besought the Galatians to "Stand fast therefore in the liberty
where-with Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke
of bondage" (Galatians 5:1). Every shackle has been struck from our limbs.
Every fetter has been loosened and cast aside. We cannot work to obtain
salvation. We cannot work to retain salvation. "Not by works of
righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by
the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on
us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His
grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life"
(Titus 3:5-7). Can this washing be that of physical baptism in water?
Under the law there were many washings. But - "Christ is the end of the
law for righteousness to every one that believeth" (Romans 10:4). "If
by grace, then is it no more of works" (Romans 11:6). It is the human
tendency to want to "do something" in our own strength. But under the
dispensation of the grace of God there is no provision for this self-indulgent approach.
"For BY GRACE are ye saved...NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast"
(Ephesians 2:8, 9). Our freedom was bought - purchased in blood by the
suffering of the living God. Enjoy it!
WHY MATTHIAS - WHY
NOT PAUL?
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:21, 22
The distinctive ministry of the apostle Paul has been much misunderstood by
laymen and theologians alike. Many insist that Paul should have replaced Judas
as the twelfth apostle, that the choice of Matthias was man-made and that Paul
preached the same message as did the Twelve. That a replacement for Judas must
be appointed was prophetically established. "Let another take his
office" (Psalms 109:8). However, the choice was governed by specific
qualifications.
Selection of candidates was made according to these qualifications, namely,
that they "have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in
and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that
He was taken up from us." Note that the chosen replacement "must be
ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." Paul later makes
reference to the fact that "He rose again the third day...and was seen OF
THE TWELVE" (I Corinthians 15:4, 5). This would indicate completeness of
the twelve, including Matthias.
While both of the candidates (Justus and Matthias) were fully qualified, Paul
was not. Paul had not been among the company of apostles at any time, much less
for the entire duration of Christ's ministry from baptism to ascension.
The ministry of the Twelve was based upon the instruction directly received
from Christ as He walked with them in the flesh. Paul's ministry was a message
revealed only to Him from the risen Christ when Paul "was caught up into
paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to
utter" (II Corinthians 12:4).
That Paul's message was different from that of the Twelve, is evident from his
own report. "And I went up [to Jerusalem) by revelation, and communicated
unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles...When they saw that
the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the
circumcision was unto Peter...(Galatians 2:2, 9).
"GREAT"
OR "GRACE" COMMISSION?
Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 5:18, 19
On every hand we hear the admonition by pastors, teachers and layman to obey
"The Great Commissiort". By definition, "The Great
Commission" is the instruction by Jesus Christ toHis eleven (later
restored to twelve) apostles immediately prior to His ascension.
"And He said unto them. Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to
every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe;
In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they
shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt
them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark
16:15-18).
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in
heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and / teach all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them
to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you..."
(Matthew28:18-20).
Supposing that you or I were to witness to an unbeliever and that individual
were to become saved. Shall we then expect that he will thereupon cure the
insane, suddenly become fluent in some language other than his own and heal
sick people by the touch of his hand? And shall we then insturct the new
convert according to all the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ to His apostles
when He walked the shores of Galilee?
Many, many evangelistic witnesses for Jesus Christ expect these very things to
occur. And when (notice, WHEN - not IF) the anticipated miracles do not take
place, there is great disappointment and self recrimination.
How shall we resolve the dilemma? By RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH, of
course. Through our own apostle we know that OUR "Great Commission is THE
WORD OF RECONCILIATION, which we are to minister and teach as a pure work of
gra
THE END OF THE
LAW-CURSE!
Scripture Reading: Romans 10:4
Those professing Christians who today live under the law, have failed to
understand and/or accept the significance of Calvary. Such was the condition in
the church at Galatia when the apostle Paul was moved to upbraid them for their
faithless behavior. "For as many as are of the works of the law are under
the curse: for it is written. Cursed is every one that con-tinueth not in all
the things which are written in the book of the law to do them...Christ hath
redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse FOR US: for it is
written. Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree" (Galatians 3:10, 13).
The attempt to "follow Christ" by striving to emulate His earthly
walk, is a totally futile effort. He did not minister to us at that time, but
to Israel. And He said to them (the Jews) at that time, "Think not that I
am come to destroy the law...I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." He
was born under the law, He lived under total obedience to the law. He
ministered the law. This is not the Christ that we know in this present
dispensation of grace. "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness
to every one that believeth."
When ministering to Israel, He admonished them, "One jot or one tittle
shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled" (Matthew5:18).
But through the apostle Paul, the risen, heavenly seated Christ declared to the
Church which is His Body, that He has "forgiven you all trespasses,
blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, and took it out
of the way, nailing it to His cross" (Colossians 2:13, 14).
Like the foolish Galatians, untoM numbers of Christians still labor under the
law, thinking to please God. But He has told us, "By GRACE are ye saved
through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: NOT OF WORKS,
lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8, 9). "Stand fast therefore
in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again
with the yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1).
FORGIVEN FOREVER!
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:3-7
Paul, our apostle, has exhorted us to "Pray without ceasing" (I
Thessalonians 5:17). And he has diligently set the example for us.
"Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers" (Romans
1:9). "We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in
our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith..." (I
Thessalonians 1:2,3). "...Without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my
prayers..." (II Timothy 1:3). But never do we find Paul praying for
forgiveness of sin; never do we find him instructing us to pray for forgiveness
of sin. And yet he continually enjoins us to live spiritually, to be
continually thankful for all things - even for our suffering.
To most praying saints, the focal point of their petition is to beg God to
forgive them for their sins. It would shock and dismay many such devoted and faithful
ones, were they to be advised that this is not honoring to God. Why should we
not plead with God to be forgiven of our sins? The apostle answers this
question frequently throughout his epistles. A notable example is this
exhortation: "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, even as GOD FOR CHRIST'S SAKE HATH FORGIVEN YOU" (Ephesians
4:32). Past tense! God HATH forgiven you!
When one is saved by God's grace, one's position is one of completeness.
"For in Him [Christ] dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. AND
YE ARE COMPLETE IN HIM, Who is the Head of all principality and power"
(Colossians 2:9, 10). Complete in Christ, "Who His own self bare our sins
in His own body on the tree..." (I Peter 2:24). He suffered, He bled, He
died. And as He died, the last words He uttered were "IT IS FINISHED"
(John 19:30).
We do not pray to God for forgiveness, because we are already forgiven!
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who HATH blessed
us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies...HATH chosen us in
Him...HATH made us accepted in the Beloved One. In Whom we HAVE redemption
through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grac
OBEDIENCE - STRONGHOLD OF FAITH!
Scripture Reading: Romans 6:16
The very crux of faith is obedience. The ultimate relationship with God is the
product of faith in Him and the exercise of that faith. Obedience requires
commitment, and commitment requires knowledge of that to which obedience is
due. The broad term, "faith in God" has blinded many seekers of truth
by the interpretation: "believe that God is". It is essential that
one should believe God, to believe that God's Word is true. But there is one
more step to the understanding that leads to the true faith which brings the
peace that satisfies the hungry soul.
Miles Coverdale has said it well: "It shall greatly help ye to understand
the Scripture if thou mark not only what is spoken or wrythen, but of whom and
to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what
circumstances, considering what goeth before and what followeth after."
By the use of these guidelines we are well equipped to carry out the Lord's own
exhortation to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God...rightly dividing
the Word of Truth" (II Timothy 2:15). Thus do we find how we are to be
obedient. Paul clarifies the principle of proper obedience in our textual
verse: "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?"
By our rule of right division, we find that Paul is our apostle (Romans 11:13).
He further instructs us that we must emulate him as he directs in recognition
of his spiritual authority (I Corinthians 11:1). He reminds us of Christ's
obedience at Calvary (Philippians 2:8), and he commends those who obey his
teaching: "Ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was
delivered you."
Faith is manifested by obedience. The apostle affirms "the just shall live
by faith" (Romans 1:17). Having been justified "freely by His grace
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:24), we are to
live in obedien
COVENANTS ARE OF
GOD!
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 1:16-20
Any valid covenant ever made between God and man, was made on God's terms. We
cannot "make deals" with God. When God makes a covenant. He
establishes all the conditions. Agreement between God and man consists of man's
acceptance of God's demands, not a compromise arranged through discussion. The
only decision which rests with man is the choice of whether or not to submit to
the will of God. We are not in a position to offer enticements or to barter
with God.
How often have we heard well-intended believers relate how they have promised
God that they would do this or that for Him, if He would only do this or that
for them! And all too often the end of the story is said to be that God came
through with His part of the "bargain", thus proving Himself
deserving of the recipient's reciprocation.
When God spoke to iniquitous Judah regarding their waywardness. He said,
"Come now, and let us reason together." This did not mean that there
was to be a mediation process wherein two opposing viewpoints were to be
considered and moderated. God was instructing His people and warning them of
the consequences of further misbehavior. They were being told that they must be
reasonable - to listen to reason and heed the words of their Holy God.
The instruction: "Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your
doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil."
The terms: "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the
land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: FOR THE
MOUTH OF THE LORD HATH SPOKEN IT."
No provision here for counter-discussion! God ordains, man accepts or rejects
and is rewarded or punished accordingly. This principal of operation has never
changed. But God's manner of dealing DOES change. And today He simply offers
the free gift of His finished work, which we may accept or refuse. "The
wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life" (Romans 6:23).
PAUL HAS THE LAST WORD!
Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:25-27
Those who contend that "Every promise in the Book is mine" cannot
possibly know "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding" to
the extent that they would if they were truly aware of their position
dispensationally. Where is the assurance, if one is continually frustrated with
attempting to resolve apparent inconsistencies?
"Peter said unto Him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee;
what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them...when the Son of man
shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones,
judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matthew19:27, 28). How can anyone
but the twelve apostles claim this promise? There will be only twelve thrones!
"And God said to Solomon,...! will give thee riches, and wealth, and
honour.. (II Chron. 1:11,12). Who but King Solomon can claim THIS promise? And
what of God's promise to "make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of
carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones" (Isaiah 54:12)? Only
the nation Israel can claim this one.
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall
receive" (Matthew21:22). "Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat?
or. What shall we drink? or. Wherewithal shall we be clothed?...
For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things"
(Matthew6:31, 32). Were we to literally abide by these promises today, we would
have no need of employment - or even the expenditure of sufficient energy to
perform ordinary household duties.
The apostle Paul pled with the Lord three times to be relieved of his almost
intolerable suffering. The Lord's answer;"My grace is sufficient for
thee". And if we are not to be concerned with food and clothing, why does
Paul affirm that "if any would not work, neither should he eat" (II
Thessalonians 3:10)? Once again, we must rightly divide the Word of Truth!
THERE IS ONE
MEDIATOR!
Scripture Reading: I Timothy 2:5, 6
Petitioning God through a human intermediary is a persistent tendency of the
penitent. This practice persists even to the extent of regarding such men as
holy and addressing them as "Father". And yet, Christ Himself (Who is
very God) has said, "Call no man your father upon the earth: for one is
your Father, which is in heaven" (Matthew23:9).
"There is ONE God, and ONE mediator between God and men, the man Christ
Jesus." The apostle Paul instructs us as to prayer. "We know not what
to pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for
us...and He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,
because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of
God" (Romans 8:26, 27). If no man is to be called "Father"
except God Himself, and if Christ is the only mediator between God and men, and
if our intercessor is the Holy Spirit alone, then how can there be any possible
role for a human agent in the process?
"Verily the FIRST covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a
worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the
candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all.
Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the
first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the
high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for
himself, and for the errors of the people" (Hebrews 9:1-3, 6, 7).
So much for the FIRST COVENANT! But what has that to do with you and me?
"For by ONE OFFERING He [Christ] hath perfected FOREVER them that are
sanctified" (Hebrews 10:14). "He nccdcth not daily, as those high
priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for His own sins, and then for the
people's: FOR THIS HE DID ONCE, WHEN HE OFFERED UP HIMSELF" (Hebrews
7:27).
GRACE - THEN AND
NOW!
Scripture Reading: Galatians 3:22-24
"Noah ifound grace in the eyes of the Lord" (Genesis 6:8). "By
faith, Noah...became heir of the righteousness which is by faith" (Hebrews
11:7). "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness"
(Romans 4:3). Both Noah and Abraham lived before the law of Moses was imposed.
"David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth
righteousness without works" (Romans 4:6). David lived under the law of
Moses. Salvation, then, is proven to have always been by grace through faith.
And yet we make a great distinction between the dispensations prior to the
dispensation of the grace of God and the dispensation of the grace of God per
se. Since we know that God has always dispensed grace, and righteousness has
always been attained through faith apart from works - why the controversial
issues regarding the distinctive dispensation of the grace of God?
The basic difference lies in the revelation of the risen Christ to the apostle
Paul: the revelation of the mystery. Paul explains the contrasts between
doctrines. He establishes the responsibilities and privileges of the believer
in this present age. He defines the one true Church which is the Body of Christ
and charges the members thereof in their work and witness.
God required works and ordinances, rituals and washings, ceremonies and
sacrifices, tithings and offerings and the keeping of the law. All these things
He demanded of previous generations - but not of the members of the Body.
"The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be
justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a
schoolmaster."
All that went before was in preparation for the completeness which was to be
established by the finished work of Christ at Calvary. No longer does God
impose the law and works upon His people. "And ye are complete in Him, Who
is the head of all principality and power" (Colossians 2:10). All works
are now to be works of love, and the only law is the law of Christ.
Grace Bible Church
(Click Here)
Transformed By Grace
#1 - Unity in Christ
Transformed By Grace #2 - One Body in
Christ
Transformed By Grace #3 - The Apostle of
Grace
Transformed By Grace #4 - The Gifts of
Christ
Posted By Cecil and
Connie Spivey
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