What are the differences between the Law and the Mystery programs?
This important question, neglected by many believers is answered by Paul’s epistles. Knowing the mystery program (as opposed to the Law) will help us to live according to the plan and will that God administers in the world today, as well as prevent confusion and malpractice of His Word. (Qualifying scriptures: Rom.11:13; 1 Cor.14:37–38; Rom.16:25–26)
Dispensation of Grace
First of all, let's look at the name of the dispensation that we're living in. Paul reveals it in Ephesians.
Eph.3:1-3 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; ...
This dispensation of grace started with Paul's conversion at about 35AD, so it's been active for a little less than 2000 years already. We know it started with Paul's conversion as he clearly states that he was the first convert into this program and that the Lord started a pattern of grace through Paul's salvation, (1 Tim.1:16).
Prior to grace is the Law Program which is central to Israel. The Law program is NOT the program we are under today, Rom.6:14. Sadly, many denominations are suffering under their own law agendas trying to please God and gain status in the church by acts of performance or acceptance.
The doctrine that makes up the grace program is called “mysteries” because they were never prophesied (made known) in the rest of scripture. They are found in Paul’s epistles alone. The grace dispensation stands completely separate from other scripture, and in many cases is in stark contrast to it. Simply consider the contrast between Law and Grace! One is rigid and the other is free. One is by the letter and the other by Spirit. Similarly, we will see many more of these contrasts as we work through the other differences in upcoming posts.
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Each item below has contrasting differences between the Law and Grace Programs
1. The Dispensation of Grace, 2. The Gospel of Grace, 3. The Body of Christ, 4. The Catching Away (aka the Rapture), 5. Holy Spirit Baptism, 6. Water Baptism, 7. The Blinding of Israel, 8. The Abolishing of the Law, 9. The Judgement Seat of Christ, 10. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit, 11. Equality of Jews and Gentiles, 12. The Bread and the Cup, 13. Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth, 14. Christ's Resurrection, 15. The Greatness of Salvation, 16. Our Heavenly Destination and Inheritance, 17. The Two Programs of Heaven and Earth, 18. The Count of Apostles, 12-Apostles versus 1-Apostle, 19. The Churches, 20. Signs and Wonders, 21. Prayer, 22. Hope, 23. Forgiveness
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