Rightly dividing the Word of Truth. Part 49
Rightly dividing the Word of truth.
This is part 49 in a series of 53 articles about RIGHTLY DIVIDING GOD’S WORD OF TRUTH. All scripture quoted will be from the King James Bible.
Part 48 left off with (EP) Jesus for the earthly program. Part 49 starts with (HP) Lord Jesus Christ for the heavenly program. Special Abbreviations: (e.g.) meaning “for example” (ff.) meaning “following verse or following verses” (EP) meaning Earthly Program—(HP) meaning Heavenly Program
(HP) “Lord Jesus Christ” is the Apostle Paul’s usual title for Him. Paul used it often, especially in beginning all his letters. He prayed, “That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified…” (II Thess. 1:12). Instead of “Jesus took bread” at the Lord’s Supper (Mark 14:22), “the Lord Jesus…took bread” (I Cor. 11:23). The crucifixion now involves not “Jesus” (John 19:23), but “the Lord of glory” (I Cor. 2:8). Both salvation and the Holy Spirit require calling Him “Lord” (Rom. 10:9; I Cor. 12:3). This change is clearly stated: “though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Him no more” (II Cor. 5:16).
(EP) Conditional Blessings if you obey; were formerly promised to God’s people. God has Moses “tell the children of Israel…if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people” (Ex. 19:3,5). Later Israel was told “if thou shalt…do all His commandments…all these blessings shall come on thee…if thou shalt hearken unto…the Lord thy God” (Deut. 28:1,2,13). “But…if thou wilt not hearken…to do all His commandments…that all these curses shall come upon thee” (Deut. 28:15). In the Sermon on the Mount, blessing also depends upon what people do (Matt. 5:1-9; 6:14-15).
(HP) Unconditional Blessings belong to all true Christians today. The Apostle Paul declares that “God…hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). Even unspiritual believers are told “all things are yours” (I Cor. 3:1:21-22). Now believers “are the children of God: And…heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:16-17). “And ye are complete in Him” (Col. 2:10)
(EP) Salvation for Israel required faith plus works under the earthly program, James 2:14-26. The book of James was written to the twelve tribes of Israel, James1:1: 1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
(HP) Salvation today for the Body of Christ is by faith alone, with no works, because we are under the heavenly program, and it’s all by grace, Ephesians 2:8-9: 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Galatians 3:1-3: 1O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? ———- To be continued