We completed our look at the 3 gospels this morning. The gospel of the kingdom that John the Baptist, Jesus, and the disciples preached was focused on the nation of Israel, her repentance and belief in the Messiah. Returning the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” to the sheepfold was the central goal, even after the resurrection of Christ.
The salvation and call of Saul of Tarsus (Paul) to be the apostle to the Gentiles, in Acts 9, changed everything. The Dispensation of Grace came into clear focus, offering salvation to the entire world, through belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Peter, James, and John came to an agreement with Paul, that they would focus on the redemption of Israel, and he, and Barnabas would focus on bringing the gospel of grace to the Gentile world.
Galatians 2:7-9: But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
This is known as the Mystery period, known as the Dispensation of the grace of God, kept secret from creation, and revealed to and through Paul.
1. The mystery revealed is “Christ in you, the hope of glory!”
Colossians 1:25-27: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
2. The mystery of the relationship between the Church and Christ was revealed, one of Bride and Bridegroom / husband and wife.
Ephesians 5:25-32: …This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
3. The mystery of the rapture of the Body of Christ was revealed.
1 Corinthians 15:51-54: Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
There are more mysteries revealed, but these three are sufficient to help us realize that we shall be held accountable for our stewardship of these mysteries, or revealed secrets, that God has given to us in this dispensation. The judgment seat of Christ is all about receiving our reward, based on our stewardship.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2: Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
2 Corinthians 5:8-10: We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15: According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
The reward is real, and the stewardship is just as real, in this spiritual kingdom of God. Romans 14:17 and 1 Corinthians 15:50
The 3rd gospel is found in Revelation 14:6-7, bringing the final call to the entire world to fear God, glorify him, and worship the creator of heaven and earth! 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.
Next week will dig into 1 Corinthians 15, so please bring your outlines!