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)
Signs and Wonders
Another revelation introduced by Paul within the mystery program is the way that God will interact with people. God showed Himself with great signs and wonders during Israel's program, but this all changed in the new grace dispensation. God's miracles, signs and wonders are specific for the Kingdom of Israel. Wherever they would go, signs and wonders would follow. The nation was initially built upon the mighty exploits of God who showed the 10 plagues in Egypt, then led them out by parting the waters of the Red Sea and displayed His fearful presence with lightning and earthquakes on Mt. Sinai. The Jews became familiar with how God presented Himself and identified themselves with God's miracles.
Jews "require a sign", as stated in 1 Cor.1:22. They believed in truth, but they wanted their own verification system—a supernatural system of verification. They wanted supernatural evidence manifested in a miracle as a ground for their belief in contrast to God's revelation.
Matt.12:38, Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You."
Matt.16:1, Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven.
John 6:30, There they said to Him, "What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do?"
On the other hand, when it comes to the Body of Christ, God does NOT work (by default) in this manner, however, this is not to say that God does not still do miracles in our day and age. This is completely in His prerogative to do. It is just NOT His default way of working today.
Our faith is NOT based on signs and evidence, but rather on faith (alone). We, today, have the AWESOME privilege of being able to walk in the completed glory of God's full revelation, His completed plan of redemption and restitution of His creation, and His completed canon of scripture.
1 Cor.13:8 Charity [love] never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
Why would one want to get evidence of a temporary wonder or miracle if one can trust in the fully exposed revelation of God regarding His plan of redemption. Paul writes to the Body of Christ that when, 'that which is perfect' (referring to the completed Bible), is come, then we will not need any more evidence, and that the miraculous is going to cease, to stop, to disappear! We now have the complete Word of God, His full revelation. There is now no more need to prove His presence, His love, His faithfulness and His plan.
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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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