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The two gospels theory
Dave in Tenn:
"Rightly dividing" is another theological booger bear for some teachers of this ilk. The word is "cutting" or "slicing". Peter, Paul and especially the Lord Jesus did it. This true statement lifted from that scripture and combined with another true statement from an entirely different passage, one or both of which may have nothing obviously and directly to do with the grander point being made. That's what rightly dividing the word of truth means, not arguing over what hunk of scripture belongs to an alleged divided gospel. Only the Spirit of God can help us "slice" the spiritual word of Truth. Ray talked about this a bit. If I wasn't on my phone, I'd attempt a search.
Besides, it is THE Word of Truth. ONE.
Paul didn't invent grace. He didn't invent a concept of grace. He used sound language and spiritual wisdom from the Hebrew scriptures and of his own experience, not human reasoning to understand and explain and preach the gospel. He wasn't a hobbyist theologian thinking himself wise while becoming a fool. He knew what words mean, though some things are hard to understand. They are also hard to explain to the carnal minded. I think he did just fine, though.
Dennis Vogel:
Mat 10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
Luke's account confirms this:
Luk 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
This does not say "is" made known in the present time but will be made known sometime in the future. Is that future time now? Don't know.
So you can try to "rightly divide" till you're blue in the face. But if it's not time yet it's not going to happen.
indianabob:
Dear Dave,
Here is what Paul told his disciples about the gospel he was teaching.
Gal 1:1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
Paul Called by God
Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Gal 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Gal 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
Gal 1:14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
Gal 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
Gal 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Gal 1:17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
Gal 1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
Gal 1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
Gal 1:20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
Gal 1:21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
Gal 1:22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
Gal 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
Gal 1:24 And they glorified God in me.
= =
*
If Paul taught the same gospel as those before him, then why did he call it “my gospel” three times?
Paul uses both phrases “the gospel” and “our gospel” in his epistles, but when Paul mentions “my gospel” it shows that he had a unique message.
My Gospel: to Jew and Gentile
Paul’s gospel made no distinction between Jew or Gentile. All are counted in unbelief as sinners, and are judged by God without respect of persons whether given the law or not.
Therefore, Paul says:
“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” – Romans 2:16
During time past, Jesus’ earthly ministry, and up to his encounter with the Roman, Cornelius, there was a distinction between Jew and Gentile in Peter’s ministry preaching. The Jews had a special spiritual standing with the Lord. Gentiles did not.
My Gospel to Stablish
Paul says “my gospel” is how God stablishes the Romans.
“Now to him that is of power to stablish you 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
To the Corinthians, Paul claims to be the masterbuilder who lays the foundation of the grace of God upon which other men build.
“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.” – 1 Corinthians 3:10
Resurrection According to My Gospel
Resurrection was a part of Jewish prophecy, Jesus foretold his own, and Peter preached the resurrection of Christ before Paul was saved. So how could Paul say this?
“Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:” – 2 Timothy 2:8
The fact of the resurrection was prophesied, and both Paul and the twelve taught it (1 Cor 15:11). However, the resurrection of Christ was preached by Peter as proof of his Messiahship, and assurance of the kingdom come.
Paul preached the resurrection of Christ as the means of salvation and sanctification for all humanity as part of a new creature, the church the Body of Christ.
Unique to Paul
Paul’s gospel message was entirely of Christ, and so Paul stands alone in calling it “the gospel of Christ” and “Christ’s gospel”, but that he also calls it “my gospel” can only be explained by the fact that Christ gave it first to Paul exclusively.
No one else in scripture could claim “my gospel”, nor can we. We learned the gospel from Paul’s writings, and the twelve apostles taught the same gospel as John the Baptist and of which the prophets spoke (Mark 1:4; Mark 1:15; Acts 3:19-21).
Paul repeatedly says that the dispensation of the grace of God was given to him (Eph 3:2; Eph 3:7; Col 1:25; Rom 15:15).
The Lord revealed to Paul a mystery kept secret since the world began (Rom 16:25; Eph 3:3). Paul was the chosen vessel of the Lord, appointed to the office of apostle of the Gentiles (Rom 11:13; 2 Tim 1:11).
A “dispensation of the gospel” was committed unto him (1 Cor 9:17). His gospel was not received by man, nor was it of man, but given to him first by the Lord (Gal 1:1; Gal 1:11). Even Peter had to learn that God had given Paul further information about God’s grace (Gal 2:9).
It was truly his gospel from Christ, and it was his responsibility to preach his gospel wherever he went.
“If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward…to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:” – Ephesian 3:2-9
Porter:
Hi Bob, who's teaching is this that you replied with?
Joh 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
That teaching talks a lot about the “gospel”, but I can't seem to figure out what he or she thinks the gospel is. Maybe you can spell it out for me?
indianabob:
Porter,
I think that I have said enough for now and should not be teaching on this forum.
If one is of a mind to do so one can pursue additional understanding on their own using the power of Christ's spirit and prayer. What you DISCOVER from your own study is of more value than any comments I could offer.
God is patient and will guide you as God sees fit.
Just look up the scriptures mentioned and follow along in a good concordance or in the www.e-Sword.net application that is available free on the web.
For clearer definitions of Greek and Hebrew words, I also recommend use of the Concordant Literal New Testament available free on line.
Kindly offered, Indiana Bob
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