1. The Law of non-contradiction – Two opposing doctrines, though true, cannot both be true at the same time. They are true for different groups at different times. (Contrast Acts 3:17-21 with Romans 16:25-27. Contrast Romans 4:1-5 with James 2:14-18. Contrast Romans 8:1-2 with James 2:10.) In all three examples, both statements are true, but not to the same group at the same time. Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17). We are not bound to the law because we are in the dispensation of the grace of God where all our tespasses are forgiven.
2. The Law of trans-dispensational truth – Some truths are universal, in that they are true in more than one dispensation. Example: The definition of faith is the same regardless of the dispensation. Studying the Bible through the lens of the mystery of the dispensation of the grace of God helps us to understand what the writers of the Old Testament understood to be true, and how it impacts our understanding of the scriptures.
Hebrews 11:1-6, 2 Corinthians 5:7
3. Paul's letters are the commands of Christ. 1 Corinthians 14:37 Do we follow what Jesus said for the cross, or what Paul said after the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. The truth of the matter is: What Paul is what Jesus said after his ascension. Galatians 1:1-2:16
4. A change of dispensation brings a change of administration, and a change of administration brings a change of operation. Ephesians 3:1-12, Colossians 1:25-29
What does eternity future hold for Church Age believers? 1. Our vile bodies will be changed! Romans 8:22-23 – our adoption will be finalized in the redemption of our bodies.
Ephesians 1:13-14 – the Holy Spirit takes up residence within every believer until the redemption of the purchased possession of our incorruptible bodies.
1 Coritnhians 15:49-54 – the redemption of our new bodies occurs at the rapture of all the Church Age saints. This mystery / secret was revealed to Paul who was commanded to share it with us.
Philippians 3:20-21 – we are commanded to look for the imminent return of the Lord, who will change our vile bodies like unto his glorious body. See 1 John 3:1-2 as a transdispensational look at the appearing of our Lord.
Colossians 3:1-4 – we must set our affection on things above while we are in this life, and remember that when He appears, we too, will appear with Him in glory!
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 – we shall be changed into the same image from glory to glory, like looking into a mirror.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 – we are not to gireve like thos ewho have no hope. The Lord is going to bring the dead in Christ with Him, when he returns to get us at the rapture.
Romans 6:8-9 – if we are dead (to the world) with Him, we shall also live with Him. This helps us to see John 14:1-6 through the lens of the mystery understanding this great trans-dispensational truth. Jesus promised a home in heaven to his disciples, and He promises us a home in heaven, as the body of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:7
Revelation 4:1 – the voice of a trumpet will call unto us and say, “Come up hither...” This event begins our eternity future taking us to heaven for seven years, while the world, and especially the nation of Israel suffers. Revelation 4 & 5 detail events in heaven concerning the Church Age saints.
b. We will judge the world and angels. 1 Corinthians 6:1-3, Revelation 5:9-10
We will have some sort of administrative responsibility that is not fully defined in scripture, but we are not called to understand all things at this time, just believe them.
c. Our authority to rule and reign with Christ will be bestowed upon us at the judgment seat of Christ.
Right now, in this life, we are responsible to be faithful stewards of the mysteries (the unsearchable riches) given to Paul and revealed to us.
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 Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:16-17: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
May we all seek to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our Lord this week. Micah 6:8 Your Fellow Student, Ken Wooten
