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 Body of Christ
Another new truth revealed to Paul was information about "the Body of Christ". We know this is from Paul because nobody else ever knew about, spoke of, or wrote about the Body of Christ before Paul came on the scene. Paul was saved in Acts 9, and its only after this and in his writings that you hear of this name.
Rom.7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the Law by the Body of Christ; ...
1 Cor.10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the Body of Christ?
1 Cor.12:27 Now ye are the Body of Christ, and members in particular.
Eph.4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ:
Paul was the first member of the Body of Christ. He tells us himself precisely which program he was saved into. Let's see what the Bible says,
2 Timothy 4:17-18 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Paul was saved into the Grace program because he mentions the "heavenly kingdom". The destination of the Body of Christ is of course the heavenly kingdom. In addition to this, I want to share one more scripture that seals the deal, so to speak,
1 Timothy 1:15-16 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief [foremost]. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering (patience), for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Paul was the "first"? The first of what? The only sensible answer is the first member of the Church the Body of Christ (as the only other group of believers God has in His Word is the redeemed nation Israel, and Israel is fallen at this point). Many have been saved before Paul, but he was the "first" to be saved in a new program/pattern of salvation by grace (with no works).
Since Paul, the pattern of membership into this 'Body of Christ' has remained the same. All who are saved by the grace gospel, by hearing and responding in trust to the message that Christ died for our sins, that He was buried, and that He rose again for our justification, is saved into the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ will inherit the heavens, filling it up with the glories of Christ when Jesus casts out Satan from this position at the mid-point of the Tribulation.
Until this event, we have a commission to fulfil here on earth. Our Commission is the 'ministry of reconciliation',
2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation [reunion], 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing [charging] their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
An ambassador is a respected official acting as a representative of a nation. Members of the body of Christ are God's ambassadors in that they have been "approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel" (1 Thessalonians 2:4). As we go through this world, we represent another 'kingdom/realm', and it is our responsibility to reflect the "official position" of heaven. Submitting to the Spirit of Christ within, we follow His lead. reflecting the Gospel message in word and deed, imploring everyone, everywhere to be reconciled to God.
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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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