In order to understand the Bible in its true context, in order to avoid gross misinterpretation of scripture and seeming contradictions, and in order to recognize that although all the Bible is written FOR us (for our learning), not all of the Bible is written TO (directed to) us, it is critical to recognize these two programs; two distinct and separate parts of God's ONE plan to redeem mankind back to Himself and for His purposes.
The following is simply to draw your attention to these two programs and to make you consider that there is something deeper and more profound in the Word that a LOT of the modern church today has desperately overlooked!
The Prophetic Program
It is an established fact that 3/4 of the Bible concerns the nation of Israel (God's chosen and separated nation to bring salvation to mankind through the birth and life of Jesus Christ). This greater part of the Bible is referred to as the "prophetic program" since all that God planned to do was first revealed (prophesied) and made known to men, whether already fulfilled or still to happen. The apostle Peter, on the day of Pentecost preached to "the men of Israel" referring to that which was "spoken" by Israel's "prophets." (Take note of the ending phrase in bold…)
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 20 And He shall send Jesus Christ (again), which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things (the restoration of the Millennial Kingdom), which God hath SPOKEN by the mouth of all his holy prophets SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN." (Acts 3:19-21)
God "spoke" specific truths "since the world began" (v21 above), that is since He placed Adam on the earth. We see that God used "All His Holy prophets" and other spokesmen to speak and declare certain God-given information concerning that which 'was yet to come'. We call this the "prophetic program" which is directed to and concerns ONLY Israel and not the Gentile nations (you and me!). Later, we can discuss exactly what this involves. For now, just grasp this brief overview.
The Mystery Program
In Romans 16 there are key verses if we are to correctly understand the Bible in its true context and identify the Mystery Program (which is different to the prophetic program above).
Romans 16:25-26 "Now to Him that is of power to establish you according to MY (Paul's) gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to 'the Revelation of the MYSTERY', which was KEPT SECRET SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN, 26but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets (speakers), according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to ALL nations (Gk. "ethnos," ethnicities, Jews and Gentiles) for the obedience of faith: ..."
From these verses we note that, God, who had "SPOKEN" information by "All His Holy Prophets SINCE the world began" (Acts 3:21, above), also WITHHELD some information… a separate body of truth (and program) that was "KEPT SECRET SINCE the World Began" (Romans 16:25, above).
God did not make known this "SECRET" information until the risen and ascended Lord (from Heaven) revealed it directly to the Apostle Paul (Galatians 1:12) and "for YOU Gentiles" (Ephesians 3:1-5). Paul was given a unique apostleship to 'ALL men,' whereby all men are now seen as Gentiles (cf. Galatians 3:28).
Thus, Paul wrote, "I (Paul) am THE (one and only) Apostle to the Gentiles" (Romans 11:13). Note in Romans 16:25 (above) that the Holy Spirit led Paul to write the words "my gospel" when speaking of "Christ according to the revelation (unveiling) of 'the Mystery.'" God entrusted to Paul a 'unique Grace Gospel message,' good news that no man had ever known before, and also a new, unrevealed set of truths that is specific for the church today, information that is different and unique to us (Gentiles) as opposed to the Jews. Paul wrote:
"If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I (Paul) write unto you are the commandments of (from) the Lord." (1 Corinthians 14:37)
If we are to understand the Bible in its proper context and understand in full our part in God's redemption plan, it is vital to recognize the following:
- As the 12 apostles were the spokesmen for Israel, teaching them the way of salvation and the will of God for the Jews, so to, Paul is the spokesman (apostle) for the Body of Christ (true believers), teaching us a different way of salvation and the will of God for the Gentiles.
- As Israel aligns with the prophetic program, so the Body of Christ (true believers) align with the mystery (previously unrevealed) program.
- The prophetic program has a different (Kingdom) Gospel and different conditions (law) than the mystery program, which has its own distinct (Grace) Gospel and liberty from the law.
These and many more unmentioned distinctions should help you understand that if you are unfamiliar with these truths, it is important to dig deeper to understand how it might affect your insights into the Word, how it might confirm or question your current beliefs and faith practices and how it might bring about a deeper appreciation and love of God and His incredible Word.
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