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 Abolishing of the Law
Another new truth exposed by Paul was about the abolishing of the Law of Moses. During Paul's day the believers of the Jewish assembly were all under the Law, practicing its requirements daily. However, Paul was now teaching that when you get saved you're no longer under the Law and no longer have to carry its guilt and condemnation.
Eph.2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the Law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; ...
Col.2:13-14 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances [the Law] that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; ...
During Jesus earthly ministry, His purpose was NOT YET to be a light to the Gentiles! His current purpose was to restore Jacob unto God! (Isa.49:5-6)
This is why Jesus says the following,
Go only to Israel
Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: "Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans [mixed Jew/Gentile]. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matthew 15:24 But He [Jesus] answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
It might sound strange to hear that Jesus only came for the Jews during His earthly ministry, but this is THE TRUTH! However, let me mention in the same breath that Jesus had a second ministry, a ministry from heaven, that was fulfilled through the life and ministry of Paul to the Gentiles. And the revelations given to Paul proclaim that the act of Christs cross work; His death, burial and resurrection, were the saving grace of the Gentiles. So, Jesus came for the Gentiles too, but its only the cross that is meaningful towards our salvation. The rest of Jesus 3-years of ministry was to the Jews and very much under the law, which meant little to the Gentiles of that time or forwards (2 Cor.5:16).
Jesus taught and promoted the law (which was relevant to Israel only)
Matthew 5:17 Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy [the law and prophets] but to fulfil. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle [a very small amount, dot or stroke] will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them [the law], he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
It's interesting to know that as much of Jesus ministry was made up of promoting and fulfilling the law, Paul directly teaches us in this grace period that we are NOT under the law.
We are not under the law
Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
So, if we are not under the law then that which is under the law is not directed to us. Being under grace contains a WHOLE DIFFERENT set of instructions; the mysteries that are provided to us through Christs heavenly ministry through Paul.
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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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