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)
The Gospel of Grace
Another thing given to Paul, that was different from the Law program, was the truth about the gospel of grace. It is a gospel that no one knew about previously. It states the following in Acts,
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Today we are saved by the gospel of grace (Rom.1:16). This is a completely new and different gospel from the one that was being preached in Paul's time, known as the gospel of the Kingdom (Matt.9:35, Matt.24:14). Where the Kingdom gospel was preached to the Jews, to prepare them to receive the Kingdom through faith in the identity of Christ and through works like obeying the Law and water baptism, the Grace gospel was preached to all men (Jews and Gentiles), to save them into the Body of Christ through faith in the cross work of Christ without works, since Christ had done it all for them, (Eph.2:8-9).
1 Cor.15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
That's the gospel friends! The message of the good news of grace that saves us. The verse explains what Jesus Christ has done, and that He has accomplished everything necessary to save us. This is the message that activates faith to cause you to believe. The instant you respond to that faith, to believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose again for your justification.
Unlike the Kingdom gospel which required faith and works of obedience, there is nothing you need to do of yourself in the Grace gospel. There is no works of obedience you can do to earn salvation on your own. It is Christs righteousness imputed to you as 100% grace! It's a gospel of grace and this was unheard of in Paul's day. It was a new gospel for a new dispensation. This gospel is not related to or associated with the nation of Israel.
Another interesting fact about the Grace gospel is that Paul says three times that this gospel was his gospel. He mentions it in Rom.16:25 above, and also in the two scriptures below,
Rom.2:15-16 Which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
2 Tim.2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
Do you think that Paul was conceited because he says, "my gospel"? Certainly not! Paul simply states that the gospel that Christ gave him was different. Its message and conditions were different from the gospel which the 12 apostles taught. It was also a message for a different time and a different group of people.
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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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