DISPENSATIONAL DISTINCTIONS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

by

Dr. O. Wilburn Swaim, Th.B Th.M Th.D

www.angelfire.com/nc/exhortationplace.index.html

INTRODUCTION:

Dispensationalists are often accused of "pigeon holing" gospel truths, in order to avoid having to live by them. We do, after some fashion, the first, but are not guilty of the asserted motive. For purposes of this study, the validity of dispensationalism is assumed, though argued for as necessary to the discussion at hand. Two examples are cited to demonstrate the difficulties encountered outside of that good method.

Apart from dispensationalism, how does one justify the present day omission of Matthew 10:5-10, from our missionary method? In Matthew 24:13, how can one avoid a conflict with the doctrine of eternal security, apart from a dispensational context? How dispensationalism solves these, and other problems, is for the study to follow.

There are distinctions in what is said in scripture, according to who said it, to whom it was spoken, and concerning about whom, or what, it was spoken. The Books of Matthew and Acts are core elements around which much false doctrine and errant practices, in religious systems, are devised, when they are interpreted apart from the dispensational method.

A Chevrolet and a Ford automobile have much in common. They both have a motor, four wheels, a transmission, and thousands of other similar components. One chooses to purchase an automobile because of these similarities. That is, because these are the components comprising an automobile. All have them. But, the choice of one brand over another is based on the differences, not the similarities. One brand may be set up to please the manufacturer’s engineers, to provide a ride that is a little firm, for superior road handling. A competitive brand’s suspension may be the product of overruling marketing division consultants, who demand a soft ride. It does not handle as well in tight turns, but the soft ride is a sure selling point when the customer takes it for a test drive.

This is not, and is not intended to be a research paper. While quotations will be duly noted, the

purpose is not to find out what others have said, but solely to present the views of the author.

The foundation of distinguishing between Israel and the church stretches Bible-wide. The distinction is vividly painted with master strokes within the borders of Matthew and Acts, the two Books with which this study is concerned. I Corinthians 10:32 is a key verse in establishing that Israel and the church are two separate programs of God. Matthew and Acts, as books of historic record, crown this distinction in portraying both the regal presenting of Christ as King (21:1-11), and the prophetic revelation of Christ as the foundation Rock of a brand new building, The Church (Mt. 16:18). In Acts, we find the church program instituted and developing, and the pattern for future generations established, as Israel is sidelined, waiting for their reclamation at the return of Messiah.

Matthew initiates his presentation of His kingly destiny with the first dozen words of the first verse, on the first page of the book:

"The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."

They set the tone and tenor of Matthew’s message. They at once tell us that Christ is the promised Seed of Abraham, the royal heir of David. That He is the son of Adam is not pertinent to the main inspired message from Matthew’s pen. Enough is said in the succeeding verses to verify that, but it is not the streaming truth emphasized here. He is David’s Son, the King of Israel. That is that with which Matthew is consumed.

But, if there is no kingdom ahead, who cares? If Israel has permanently forfeited the promises of kingdom blessing, what is the significance of starting with David, instead of Adam, or Seth, or Shem, or Abraham? If there is no future kingdom, then why emphasize the coming of the King?

If Messiah is not to reign on earth in a kingdom of imposed righteousness, but will only reign in Heaven as King of the Church, why place David at the first of the genealogical record? Why revert back to Abraham to begin the listing? David was king in Israel. If Christ is only king in the church, why bring in the name of David, in such an obtruding manner. He is generations removed from Abraham. Why start with him, and then revert back to his distant ancestor?

He is David’s Son! It is David, the King, twice declared in verse six. As such, He must have a throne. Who ever heard of a royal heir without a throne, at least in prospect? If Israel’s promised reign as the head of the nations (Deuteronomy 28:13a), with their King ruling all the earth (for purposes of staying in the same context, note the implication of Deuteronomy 28:36), is no longer valid, then to what purpose is all this emphasis on Him as the Son of David, the King?

There is a kingdom ahead. Only the pre-millennial, dispensational method can develop this area of doctrine with consistency and accuracy. That method alone can, and does, hold to a future for Israel, and bring all other related doctrines into agreement, particularly the doctrine of the church. Any other method is wracked with errors that lead Bible students to doctrinal shipwreck.

Consider The Wise Men.

The Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12), or Magi, fan the fire ignited in chapter one.

That they followed the star to Jerusalem, is not accurate. The doctrine of Christmas carols and cards is often in error. The prophet Daniel, or someone in his deported company, carried the extant writings with him to Babylon. In them he discovered that the seventy-year period, prophesied by Jeremiah, was about to end (Daniel 9:2). It is reasonable to believe that he also left Israel’s precious cache of truth as the heritage of his peers, the wise men in Babylon, and their successors. Included in that treasured knowledge would have been the great prophecy of the ambiguous Balaam, recorded in Numbers 24:17, concerning a future luminary arising to shine in testimony to the birth of the King. The Babylonian astrologers included it in their collection of "The World’s 1,000 Most Famous Religious Claims," as they well might have entitled it. This would all be in the spirit of Nimrod, their spiritual father, and his system, being perpetuated to this day. His religion was characterized by the creating of new gods, based on the heavenly array of signs in the corrupted Zodiac, and his infamy as the author of individual religious practice organized into a system

For centuries the Babylonian stargazers looked for that star to appear, until on the night of record in the Matthew account, they saw it. It did not have to shine long. It did not lead them anywhere. That they saw it, even for a few minutes, would be sufficient to convince them concerning its identity. Doubtless, it disappeared with the same quietness of its manifestation. The sign motivated them to set out for the land from where the prophecy had originated: the land to which their ancient countryman, Abram, had journeyed, though for a wonderfully different reason. If one is going to look for a king, the capital city is the place of choice. They were, erroneously, Jerusalem bound.

Herod inquired as to the time frame of the appearing of the star. It is obvious he could not walk outside and see it, for it shone no longer. Had it been visible in Israel, as in that eastern land, he certainly would have known of it. The very wording infers the same. But verses 9 and 10 settle any remaining doubt. The star they "saw" in the East, came again. This time it did lead them on their way and stood just above the very house in which the Christ child abode. They rejoiced when they saw that star (again!). It was no regular star, neither so close as the sun, nor light years away in outer space. It was a special manifestation of light, shining so near the earth that men could tell the exact Bethlehem dwelling over which it hovered.

Matthew speaks in chapter 24 of "...the sign of the Son of man..." (verse 30). What is the identity of that sign? The passage tells us it will appear when the sun is darkened, the moon ceases to shine, and the stars fall from the sky (verse 29). In the pitch darkness above and all around, it shall be "seen." "Seen?" How could it be seen in a setting of desolate darkness? Unless the sign itself shines! It shall. It is the very sign we have been considering, the star the wise men saw. It shall appear again, at Messiah’s return to earth. Malachi says so: "The Sun of righteousness (shall) arise..." (Verse 2). In the closing prophecy of the Old Testament, and the concluding one of the New, the testimony is clear. The Revelator said, "...his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet...as if they burned in a furnace...in his right hand seven stars...and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength" (1:14-26). From the same pen, Jesus is called "the bright and morning star" (22:16).

Can you not picture it? Worldwide, men of the tribulation period are attempting to gaze into this latest, and most eerie phenomenon: A sky without sun, moon, stars--any light at all--enshrouding in total darkness the desolate landscape, laid bare by the wrath of God against this rebellious earth. Suddenly, from the smallest child’s telescope, to the most modern instrument man will have placed in outer space (if such of the latter are still in place and operational), one by one, a faint light is detected in the far reaches of the North place. It draws nearer, growing brighter, until the shocking Revelation is discerned. As the disciples saw Him that night on the sea, and John suddenly realized that strange ghost of a figure (to his mind) was the risen Lord (John 21:6-11), so shall the Revelation come to all the survivors of the time of Jacob’s trouble. The light assumes the form of the One Who is called, indeed, "The light of the world" (John 8:12). The Light was, is, and ever shall be, Christ Himself. The Star of Bethlehem was but the same kind of thing. The Light to come is the prophesied sign, the perfection of the Old Testament prophecy from Balaam.

Does He now reign, in the church? From the texts of some hymns, one could be led to think so:

Rejoice--the Lord is King! Your Lord and King adore!

Rejoice, give thanks, and sing and triumph evermore:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jesus the Savior reigns, the God of truth and love;

When He had purged our stains He took His seat above:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

His kingdom cannot fail--He rules o’er earth and heav’n;

The keys of death and hell are to our Jesus giv’n:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rejoice in glorious hope! Our Lord the Judge shall come

And take His servants up to their eternal home....

Charles Wesley would have us believe that Jesus in now seated on David’s throne, reigning as King, and someday will come and take His redeemed there to reign with Him. This is neither an isolated, nor a rare instance. Consider Lelia N. Morris’s words, in her poem set to the music of "What If It Were Today?":

Jesus is coming to earth again--what if it were today?

Coming in power and love to reign--what if it were today?

Coming to claim His chosen Bride....

. . . . . . . . . . . .

Satan’s dominion will then be o’er...

Then shall the dead in Christ arise, Caught up to meet Him in the skies.

These are but examples of songs and hymns that deny or confuse the prophetic facts, concerning the future reign of Christ on earth.

Matthew 2:23--

Matthew 11:10--

If this preceding argument seems less than conclusive, consider the prophecies enmeshing themselves with the spiritual barnstorming of John the Baptist. Malachi 3:1, declares the coming of both the forerunner, and the One before whom he runs:

"Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts."

Malachi 4:5 names the one who is to prepare the way of the Lord:

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD...".

But did not our Lord say, in Matthew 11:10, that Isaiah was speaking of John the Baptist?

" For this is [he], of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee."

However, continuing on, in verse 14, he explained that John the Baptist would be Elijah, if, notice, "...if ye will receive it (author’s emphasis)." "It"? What is "It"? Allow the context of verses 11 and 12, make it unmistakably clear. The Kingdom of Heaven would appear to be the obvious object of reference. But, one must notice that the word "it," is in italics. A further look into a wider context, offers an alternate interpretation. Read verse six:

"And blessed is [he], whosoever shall not be offended in me" (author’s emphasis).

It is not the kingdom, but the King, which they find offensive. They would gladly have received the kingdom, had it been offered on their terms, and based upon their religious system and hierarchy. But the offense is in Jesus. Their attitude is revealed later in two Old Testament prophecies, referenced by Matthew. The first, in 21:4,5, quoting Zechariah 9:9--

The second, in 21:42, quoting Psalm 118:22,23--

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?....And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Verse 43 unequivocally states that the reason that generation lost the kingdom, is due to their rejection of their King. The Kingdom would have been established in that very era, had the people received Christ as their Messiah. They did not, so it was, and still is, postponed. Now, instead of a marvelous cornerstone, Messiah has become a masticating millstone.

Matthew 17:12,13 reinforces the truth already declared concerning John the Baptist, and Elijah. The obvious then, is, since they did not receive the offered kingdom, John the Baptist is not Elijah. Malachi said Elijah would come, so he has to come! When will he come? Before the coming of that day. What day? Malachi 4:1-3 tells us clearly:

For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do [this], saith the LORD of hosts.

It is the day when our Lord (verse 2) will come and set things straight; when the kingdom shall be established. Otherwise, what shall Elijah do? Come to announce a kingdom that is not to be? That which could have been in John the Baptist’s day (verse 18), but failed to materialize, will be in that future day. Elijah appears just prior to the return of Christ. Upon His descent, He will execute judgment and restore all that Israel has lost. Read carefully all of Malachi, chapters 3 and 4. Indeed,

"Jesus shall reign wher’ere the sun, does its successive journeys run.

His kingdom stretch from shore to shore, til moons shall wax and wane

no more."

This pattern continues on through this first of the gospels. There is a future kingdom, and a King. Otherwise, one must surely relegate all prophetic material to a non-literal interpretation. One who holds that all the Bible is filled with allegory and fables, is not even in the same hall which houses the recording of this debate. But, many today want to believe the Bible literally, except to allegorize, or spiritualize, prophetic material. Little wonder. In rejecting the dispensational method, they can only allegorize prophecy pertaining to the future of Israel, and attribute Israel’s promises to the church, denying Israel any future in God’s coming economy. Combining their attempt to accept the remnant of Holy Writ literally, spiritualize prophecy, and operate outside the dispensational method, a hodgepodge of "every man teaching that which is right in his own eyes," is purported a viable theological position.

Consider the Sermon on the Mount.

In Matthew 5 through 7, Christ gives that on which many folks today profess to base their hope of heaven. But, we must incorporate the distinction (worthy of a section all to itself, but deferred to a separate study in hermeneutics), between interpretation and application.

The beatitudes, and the teachings of these chapters, applied to everyday living, is with much merit. But, to interpret them as though spoken to the Church, is to bring much confusion into the doctrine of salvation, and related doctrines (all Bible doctrines are related to that doctrine).

The very reason why it has been said that, "Ask ten preachers to explain marriage, divorce, and remarriage, and you’ll get eleven different answers," is due to failure to distinguish between interpretation, and application, of Matthew 5:31,32, and 19:3-9. So it is in our present matter, also. By wrong interpretation, is meant, interpreting it apart from the context of Mosaic Law (for Christ said it to Israel, not to gentiles, and not to the church), and applying it to the church program, without regard to its Jewish context. Christ came and spoke to the Jews, alone (Luke 19:10, "the lost" being, by definition, Israel, according to Matthew 10:6 and Ezekiel 34:16a). Any speaking to gentiles was rare, and duly noted. Hear Him, in Matthew 15:24--

"But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

Christ ministered to Israel. He is concerned, in Matthew, chapters 4-12, only with Israel. He is offering them the kingdom. In Matthew, chapters 5-7, He sets forth the principles upon which the kingdom should be, and shall be, established.

In 5:3-12, He declares the heart character of the kind of people who shall comprise that kingdom, and pronounces blessing upon them. In 5:13 through 7:11, He reveals the conduct of the people that will demonstrate the character of the kingdom. In 6:10, in the model prayer, He shows us the consummation of these three chapters. They concern, by interpretation, solely, the time when the Will of God, perfectly ruling in Heaven, shall likewise be in all the earth.

That has never been! It is not so, now. It will not be the case, tomorrow. But, there is coming a time on earth when it shall be. The prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel tell us plainly why it will be so then, but is not now:

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah...But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more (Jeremiah 31:31-34, author’s emphasis).

For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. 25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them]. 28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God (Ezekiel 36:24-28, author’s emphasis).

It is because Israel (the believing and surviving remnant) shall experience a new birth, regeneration, and God’s holy principles will be effectively established in their innermost beings. That will make the difference. They will then dwell in the land, and never lose it. Today, in the closing days of the Twentieth Century, Israel has that land in possession. But it shall be taken from them again (Zechariah 14:1-3), in the time of great tribulation that looms ahead. The next time they get it back, it will not be the League of Nations, or the United Nations, or a block of Western and European nations that so grace her. God Himself will do it, and it will never be undone (Jeremiah 32:37-42).

A professed Bible believer has two choices. Believe some of it, or believe all of it. Only the dispensational method can allow one to both accept literally the whole word, and make sense of these great prophecies.

In Chapter 4, Christ initiates His ministry to Israel. John baptized Him in Chapter 3. John’s gospel record shows that John introduced the Lord to Israel following the temptation experience (1:29), as Matthew records in Chapter 4. Following the foundation lessons of Chapters 5-7, our Lord manifests His power over disease, sickness, nature and demons. He did this to fulfill prophecy (note 8:17--Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled in the life time ministry of Christ, not at Calvary, as Pentecostals and Charismatics would have us to believe.)

In Chapter 9, He gathers His disciples, and in 10, sends them forth to preach and minister to God’s chosen people.

In Chapter 11, Jesus then goes forth, and is rejected. He pronounces judgment on the nation. The chapter ends with an invitation to individuals. The ministry has been to the nation, but now the first hint of a change is given.

Chapter 12 records the fatal sin of blasphemy, allegedly here committed by the religious leaders of the day. Blasphemy is a greatly misunderstood doctrine. It is directly related to the reality of the kingdom being lost to Israel, at that time, and the resulting crucifixion of their King.

The record states:

The key is to determine what shall be forgiven and what cannot be forgiven, and, whether or not these religious tormentors did that which cannot be forgiven.

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit has nothing to do with the Pharisees accusing Jesus of doing His (i.e., God’s) work by the power of the Devil. That is the common definition heard in preaching, and in writings concerning, the subject. Neither is that the definition given in this context, nor is it what the Pharisees did. They did do this kind of thing against Christ (Mark 9:30). But He said that could be forgiven. It is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit that is unforgivable.

In the Old Testament, God worked among men in the Person of the Godhead Who had, to that point, been clearly revealed: The Father. While this writer believes that all Old Testament anthropological appearances of God were Christophanies, nevertheless, it is God, as God, Who worked among, and talked with, His people as the norm for the day.

In the end of the Old Testament God became incarnate, and Christ became the central figure moving among His people. This held true on past Calvary, to His ascension, 40 days after His resurrection. Ten days later, the Holy Spirit came and assumed His place, not only dwelling among, but in, His people.

They did not commit such blasphemy at this point. The Book of Acts provides the evidence of this truth, Acts 2:38-40--

The next recorded occasion for the potential repenting of their murderous deed, is found in Acts 3:14-26--

"14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses... 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, which before was preached unto you...".

12 A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God [are] always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year. {careth...: Heb. seeketh} 13 And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, 14 That I will give [you] the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. 15 And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full (Deuteronomy 11:12-15).

1 Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; [so] the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field (Zechariah 10:1).

All these blessings shall come, as Joel says, when "the LORD dwelleth in Zion." Noting the Deuteronomy passage above, has Israel ever loved "the LORD (their) God, and (served) him with all (their) heart and with all (their) soul"? None of the above promised blessings have ever been received by Israel. Accept it literally. View it dispensationally. Jesus shall reign in a kingdom on this earth that will realize the fulfillment of all these things.

According to the Acts passage, had Israel repented then and there, Messiah would have returned and ushered in all these graces. To those who deny Israel’s future kingdom blessings, one might inquire, "If they had repented, and there is no future earthly kingdom over which Christ shall reign, just what would have happened?"

Instead of repenting, they instituted a period of persecution against the people of "The Way" (Acts 9:2, note the Greek text). They did not repent. They did not receive their Messiah. The King was again rejected, but this time, it is the voice of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33), against which they are rebelling. They are rejecting His testimony, and call to repentance. This is blasphemy, and for it, there is no forgiveness--nationally.

As Pentecost began a new program, individuals who repented and believed became a part of the same. Blasphemy, then, by strict interpretation, concerns nation of Israel. However, one who hears the true gospel of Christ, and rejects it, has effectively done the same. By definition, it is not the same. But the results are the same. It is the same kind of thing.

The severity of Israel’s national rejection of their King, leads Christ to now begin the unveiling of a new view of the kingdom. Matthew 13 is the most important chapter in the Bible for the accomplishing of II Timothy 2:15 "...rightly dividing the word of truth." According as a student understands Matthew 13, he understands what God is doing, and what He plans to do. As this chapter is the key to biblical interpretation, so verses 10-17 are the key to understanding this chapter:

10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16 But blessed [are] your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous [men] have desired to see [those things] which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear [those things] which ye hear, and have not heard [them]

Our Lord establishes several things, herein. First, that He is speaking "mysteries." A Bible mystery is understood as a truth in the Old Testament concealed, but in the New, revealed. Men could be quoted who hold that definition, but the best source for definitions of Bible terms, is the Bible. Colossians 1:26 tells us exactly what is a Bible Mystery. Ephesians 3:9,10 elucidates it further, but definitely stating the involvement of the church program in making mysteries known.

The Master Teacher, then, is speaking things never told or known before. He is making known the new program, soon to begin, while the promised kingdom is in temporary abeyance.

Then, Jesus tells why He chooses to speak in parables. The explanation this writer heard most often, in early days of Bible preaching, is that they were used to make difficult truths easier to understand. But actually, He says it is for the opposite reason. There were two categories of people present: Those who believed, and those who did not. (It is interesting to note that every person who was a true believer within the Old Testament economy, when they heard the Lord speak, believed on Him [John 5:46, 47]). The latter had seen His miracles and heard Him teach. Their response is rejection of the King and His message (to Israel, concerning the coming kingdom). He now resorts to parables in order that they might not be able to understand what He is now saying, concerning the coming intercalation program. The disciples, who had believed, would be able to understand, for He would take them aside and explain in plain words His new doctrine (13:10 with verse 18 and following). That revelatory doctrine consists of the new form which the kingdom of heaven will assume, for some indeterminate time span to come. It is the kingdom in mystery form.

The parable of the sower reveals how the gospel (the new gospel message to begin being preached), will work among the mass of men. The results would be the conversion of a minority number of hearers, while pseudo-professors and gospel rejecters would abound. The ratio of religious converts and Bible deniers, to true believers today, testifies to the parable’s message.

The Parable of the Tares among the Wheat, instructs us to avoid an error of Romanism, and some Protestants in centuries prior to this present one, namely, the purging of dissidents. Our Lord says to let them grow, and He will do the separating. This, of course, does not refer to disciplinary measures being exercised within a local church. There is an abundance of instruction from the master church planter, to establish that. It does concern Christendom, as it is called, worldwide. Baptists and Jehovah’s Witnesses, for instance, would have no mandate to have one another arrested, with punitive measures to follow, just because the one is convinced the other consists of false prophets and prophecies. False prophets are to be left alone to do what they will. Our only charge is to testify to them of the Truth. When the Lord comes again, He will set it all straight.

Matthew 13:31-35 shows us that the kingdom will grow worldwide, but will be the habitat of two wicked things. First, birds of the air will light in the branches of this growing tree. When its development is complete, every species will be found therein. Second, as the enemy sowed tares among the wheat, so shall Satan mask his sinister work within the new program. A small amount of error grows until the whole would be wholly corrupted, if it were possible.

Since it is a parable by which we are being instructed, there is recognizable symbolism, representing and teaching literal truth. What do the birds and the leaven represent? The answer is found in determining how our Lord used them in other lessons. We find "birds," in verse 4 of this very chapter. In verse 19, the Master Teacher tells us the literal identification of these symbolic characters: They are Satan, or, satanic activity. In context, birds represent satanic activity. Leaven clearly represents false doctrine (Matthew 16:6-12), and sin (I Corinthians 5:6-13).

The kingdom in this new form is not to grow into the worldwide domination of Christianity. Rather, it is to grow into such a perverse form of universal occupancy, that birds of every religious belief and philosophy may be found nesting in the branches of its denominational and cultic structure. Its very capillary system will flow with the venom of hell, for the most hellish thing on earth is Satan’s Great Lie. Religion is indeed the most damnable thing on earth. Our Lord was gentle toward individual sheep ensnared in the thorn bush of that Lie. But, the devisors of the system, and the propagators of the demonic dogma of Christ’s day, received from Him the worst tongue lashing of His short ministry (Matthew 23:13-36). Religion is hated, and will be destroyed, by God (ref. Revelation 17,18). More people are going to hell by the route of religion, than any other road. Religion is simply man’s effort to seek out God, and through his own attainments, by ritual, ceremony, and personal efforts, to make himself presentable and acceptable to God. Biblical Christianity is not religion. It is not a system of rituals, ceremonies, and prescribed codes of conduct. It is rather a personal relationship with the only True and Living God, Who revealed Himself to fallen man, provides that relationship solely because of His love, works the plan in mercy, and perfects the offer by grace. One can easily recognize religion: It always locates on the Calvary Bypass.

It is interesting, if not purposely significant, that the Lord says, "A woman" (v.33). Chapter 16:6 calls the leaven of His day, the product of the Pharisees and Sadducees. But in that future day, it will be of a woman. The Revelation 17:1-7 presents this woman prophetically. She is a spiritual whore, having fornicated and sold out the Truth. She is identified with a name that includes the word, "Mystery." She is the corrupted form of that which the Holy Spirit created on Pentecost, long since devoid of the True Church--the separatists (Ref. The Revelation 2:24 and 3:4), Bible believing people down through the ages who rejected her perversion, and refused to identify with her errors (The Revelation 18:4). She is the prophetic personification of that religious system begun by Nimrod, at Babel. Though it has been altered many times in form, it remains the corrupt substitute religion fostering Satan’s Great Lie on a spiritually gullible world. She is the Roman Catholic religious system, and all her daughters, who worship Mary, offer the Sacraments, baptize babies, bind souls in religious dogma and traditions, and deny the perfection of His Holy Word. Rejecters of Grace, they are, and of Christ. She is still termed "Mystery," because she is not the fulfillment--the final form, dispensing the Viper’s venom. This system will be destroyed by the Antichrist, and replaced with that perfection of perversion, the substitute imitation of The Faith of Christ. It will be complete with a pseudo trinity (Note Revelation 12;17; 13:1,11, The Dragon, and the two beasts), the walk of sight (Revelation 13:13,14), and the exaltation of Antichrist (II Thessalonians 2:3,4; Revelation 13:14,15); the culmination of the great lie Satan introduced in Eden (II Thessalonians 2:11, note the Greek, "The Lie).

The final three parables deal with the three-fold division of this world, established by Christ (Acts 1:8), and Paul (I Corinthians 10:32).

Verse 44 is Israel, the hidden treasure, buried in the world (Deuteronomy 28:64-68; Ezekiel 37:12). The man purchases the whole world, and consequently owns all that is in it--even the buried treasure! Our Lord did so at Calvary.

Verse 45 is the Church, the Pearl of Great Price, for whom Christ sold all, that He might purchase it (I Peter 1:18), as a peculiar treasure unto Himself (I Peter 2:9).

The Gentiles are seen in verses 47-50, as it will be at the return of the Lord to this earth. Matthew 25 delineates the process, from a variety of viewpoints.

Chapter 13 is the introduction to, and a general overview of, the new program about to be instituted. Our Lord says the man who understands it is able to handle the distinctions between the program about to end, and the one about to begin, i.e. "Things new and old."

In Matthew 16;18, Christ announces the new program, the Church. This simple future form in the phrase, "I will build," can only denote something that is not yet begun, but will begin at some future time.

Verse 28 plainly states that there is a coming kingdom, to be seen of men. The coming King will be seen of men presently being addressed. Chapter 17 fulfills the portion, which prophesied the viewing of that event. Of those men, 3 of them did see Christ in the glory of His kingdom (verse 2), and even Elijah is there, with the other personage who likely will complete the duo prophesied in Revelation 11:3. The remainder from Matthew’s pen tells of the event preceding that kingdom: The death, burial, resurrection and ascension of the future King (17:12,22,23). Interspersed within the recording of the Calvary experience, are parables designed to warn them of their rejection (20:1-16; 22:1-14; Chapter 23), inform them of the transfer of programs (21:32, 43), a section foretelling the events of His return to earth (Chapters 24, 25), and the record of His final offer of Himself to them, as King (21:1-11). His second cleansing of the temple, followed by the little children praising Him, was sufficient for any believer of Moses to transfer their faith to Him. This, and all His activities, was solidly founded upon the Word of God, sufficiently demonstrating His identity as the Son of God, the King of the Jews. The prophet called Him "the King;" they called him but a mere prophet. The rejecters are rejected. The cursors are cursed. The new program is about to begin.

The new program, of course, is that of The Church.

The church is distinct from Israel. It has its own distinct beginning, and ending (as concerns the earthly scene, as a program). It is distinct from the dispensation in which the program is active. It is distinct from those scriptures speaking to Israel, or the gentiles.

Already, one may see in this section a strange term, even to staunch dispensationalists. Years of studying have constantly and consistently been satiated with the phrase, "The birth of the church." Where in the Holy Scriptures can we find that terminology, or the idea that the church was born? Nowhere, neither in declaration, typology, nor by inference.

While one rightly recognizes that typology does not establish doctrine, when that is all we have to go by--the Word is silent elsewhere, and all the imagery supports an idea--one uses what is given him. There is no Word for saying the church was "born," or colloquially, "birthed," into existence. There is support from typology for saying it was created. It is a distinction to be made.

It is clear that Adam is presented as a type of Christ (I Corinthians 15:45). Ephesians 5:30-32, similarly infers the typology of Eve, representing the Church, Christ’s Spiritual Body. Eve was not born. She was created, and from the bone and flesh of the body of her Head. When Christ began the Church, it was created by the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12:3). He took those approximately 120 believers gathered in the upper room (Act 2:1-4), and baptized, or placed, them into one brand new entity, called the Body of Christ (Colossians 1:18). The Holy Spirit is the "Baptizer," and continues so in this program, as Christ shall be in the kingdom age.

If the evidence is sketchy, the logic verily screams this truth. It fits. Nothing contradicts it. It quells another error, the alleged embryonic beginning of the church in the upper room. There was no embryo, for there is neither conception nor birth. The individual is birthed into the family of God, but is baptized into the body of Christ. The body itself, however, originated through an act of creation, not procreation.

That the church began at Pentecost is clear. Our Lord said that until He went back to heaven, the Holy Spirit could not come (note John 16:7), because He was not yet glorified (7:39). Establishing the exact moment of His glorification is difficult. But all Scripture is in harmony that all the blessings began at the exaltation, and seating of Christ at the right hand of the Father (John 17; Acts 2 & 3; Ephesians 1 & 2; Colossians 1, et al). In Peter’s sermons in Acts Two and Three, he never mentions the ascension. But note the close relationship his words concerning the "raising up" of Christ, have with His exaltation. There is a lot of implied support for John 7:39 referring to Christ taking His rightful seat on His Father’s throne. To view His glorification as occurring at the instant of His resurrection, would contradict His own words in John 16:7. There can be no Church until the Holy Spirit comes to earth. He could not have come in John 20, in the upper room, for Jesus had not yet departed, and was not yet glorified.

If the church began in the lifetime of Christ, the prophetic language of Matthew 16:18 has to be strangely twisted. There is no statement or inference that Christ meant to convey the meaning of "I will build up my church," as opposed to the Bible statement, "I will build."

If the church existed in His lifetime, who was the Head? Colossians 1:15-18 and Ephesians 1:20-23 unequivocally show that His Headship over both Creation and the Church, are inseparably bound to His post-resurrection exaltation to the right hand of the Father.

If the church existed in the lifetime of Christ, how was the body formed? Only the Holy Spirit could do this work. It is by Holy Spirit baptism. Such never occurred, and could not, until Christ was exalted, and Pentecost arrived. While Acts 2:4 speaks only of the "filling of the Holy Spirit," chapter 11:14-16 establishes the fact of the Baptism by the Holy Spirit. They both occurred, just as they continue to do, effectively simultaneously. Only the grace of filling is repetitious (Ephesians 5:18, note the Greek); the Baptism is permanent.

If the church existed in the lifetime of Christ, it was a church preaching a kingdom gospel, practicing a kingdom baptism, and under the restrictive authority and orders of the kingdom commission. It was a church under the Law!

If the church existed in the lifetime of Christ, it is involved with two dispensations. It is not a new program at all, but a mere facelift of the kingdom endeavor. True, God’s program with Israel covers more than one dispensation, but there are no major changes occurring concerning the nature of that nation, therein. For the church to exist within both the pre-cross era, and post-cross era, would have it changing in its very nature and makeup:

1. From law to grace;
2. From the message of a coming kingdom, to the message of individual salvation;
3. From the promise of a coming King, to the message of a returning Savior;
4. From Gentile exclusion, to a "whosoever will" inclusion;
5. From a limited area of ministry, to worldwide evangelism;
6. From a band of followers, to members of a body;
7. From followers who are saved by promise, to a family of regenerated believers: Saved and

safe!

8. From an accompanying Holy Spirit, to an indwelling Comforter;
9. From a physical sanctuary, to an indwelled human temple;
10. From the anticipation of a King reigning on earth, to the expectation of the Rapture;
11. From the Rod of Iron, to the rule of Grace;
12. From the demand for signs, to the Faith of, and faith in, His Word.

The church is a new program, beginning, and completing its course within the confines of one dispensation.

This issue is profusely treated in many volumes of author’s good works, but the citing of the distinctions is justified here. The honest look at the matter, dispensationally, will show that both the spiritual body exists, as does the visible, or, local church. It is understandable that the titles, Holy Catholic Church, Universal Church, or, Invisible Church, would be distasteful to Bible believers who see the overwhelming emphasis in the New Testament on the local assembly. However, one need not tear down the whole building for the sake of a couple bad write-ups about it.

The very theology of the church requires the existence of a spiritual body. It is comprised of all believers since its creation on Pentecost, to the present day, and continuing on through eternity. As a program it ends at the rapture, but the Bride will continue on forever. Ephesians 3:21 is clear about the everlasting character of the Church. No idea of a building is mentioned. Does it refer to a local assembly? No! If so, to which does it refer? Are we to understand that there will be local churches assembling throughout eternity? No, for "Church," in the verse, is singular. It can only be the church to which Hebrews 12:23 refers. The program is the local, organized assembly—multitudes of them, the churches of this dispensation. They have a location, a Pastor, and deacons (Philippians 1:1). The Body of Christ is the Church, composed of all believers world wide, from Pentecost to the Rapture, "written in heaven," and waiting for it’s first gathering together, in Glory. This Body has no Pastor but its Head, no deacons, and has never yet assembled. But, it shall!

But if the church was created, then there is an unseen body into which all are placed at salvation, by Holy Spirit baptism. It was not born, nor is anyone born into it. However, it is the local churches upon which majority emphasis is placed in the New Testament, to one of which every Christian should belong.

A related parallel is often ignored: As the Holy Spirit baptizes regenerated people, fresh born into the family of God, into the spiritual Body, so, the proper entrance into a local, visible body is through baptism--water baptism. This would change the practices of a lot of fundamental churches, who baptize any convert, anytime, whether or not they join that church, and whether or not they ever will see them again.

The dividing line between these two positions is consistent in parallel. The one purports a pre -Pentecostal beginning (or, at least an embryonic beginning in John 20), and believes only in the local church. The other consistently holds the alternate position and practice, when sufficiently executing the command of II Timothy 2:15.

In Matthew 16:19, Christ promised to Peter "the keys of the kingdom of heaven." He was addressing Peter, and "thee" is dative, singular. Possession of the keys is meaningless, unless he in some way, at sometime, used them. Since they are the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and three chapters earlier, the Lord had explained the new form it would take, that is, the new program He would begin, the Book of Acts is the logical place to look. Further, as the new program does not begin until the Day of Pentecost, one would not expect to find Peter locking or unlocking any doors prior to that. With no pun intended, it would be good to have a key, to Peter’s using the keys. Such is found in Acts 1:8.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall

be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto

the uttermost part of the earth.

The Greek text reads:

martures en te ierousalhm kai en pash th ioudaia kai samareia kai ews escatou

ths ghs

The delineating of the geographical locations in the Greek text is significant. It shows the four locations to be in three divisions. They are:

1. Jerusalem;
2. Judea and Samaria,
3. the uttermost part.

This does not quite show through in our English Bible. The significance will be discerned when we see Peter using his keys accordingly.

Nowhere are we told that Peter is using the keys. Nowhere is the procedure laid out for us. Only systematic, principled exegesis can uncover it. If the following is unprincipled to the reader, or perceived as flawed, then the author simply requests that one demonstrates it to be another way, according to the same standards. Only a dispensational approach, and the literal method of interpretation, can uncover it and establish a consistent view. Even the highly revered and honored Dr. C. I. Scofield missed it on this one. He only lists, in his note on Matthew 16:19, two uses of the keys.

Where can one find Peter involved in anything that could be considered using keys to unlock, or lock, any kind of a door, in the geographical locations cited?

Acts, Chapter Two, is a good beginning place. It is the beginning of the new program, the beginning of Peter’s Spirit filled ministry in Jerusalem, and the first record of any conversion of Jews to the resurrected Christ. Peter, on the Day of Pentecost, unlocks the gospel door to the Jews, and the new program is underway with its first converts.

But, had not the prophets, and our Lord, prophesied that salvation would be for the Gentiles as well? Are the hated Samaritans (by the Jews of that day), included in God’s plan?

Acts 1:8, as noted, shows Judea and Samaria together comprising one geographical entity. There is no ministry of Peter recorded in Judea, after the fashion of that great Day in Jerusalem. But, he is next seen in Samaria, Acts 8.

Philip is central figure in a great evangelistic campaign, being conducted by the Holy Spirit, in Samaria. Sinners are converted, and baptized. The Apostles in Jerusalem hear the buzz, and send Peter and John to Samaria, expecting to find some kind of heretical happenings. These converts were water baptized, but not yet Holy Spirit baptized (verse 16). The phrase "only they were baptized" could be understood, as, "although they were submitting under the baptism." Even though they were submitting to that baptism which John the Baptist instituted, which Peter had preached at Pentecost, adding to it, "in the name of Jesus Christ," they were not yet placed into the Body of Christ. Were they regenerated? One thinks not, but were in this time of transition, as the Old Testament believers of old.

Peter and John’s observation, upon their arrival, must have convinced them that this was of the Lord. That is what the sign gifts were for, and they accomplished their purpose on this occasion (verses 7.13). They prayed for them, and laid hands on them. John participated, but it is Peter who has the keys. The Holy Spirit falls on the converts, regenerates them, and places (baptizes) them into the Body of Christ, the Church. Key number two is now used.

Samaria, being the utmost of the two regions, covers Judea. The two regions are encompassed in the unlocking of the door, in the location of Samaria.

All that now remains is for the final location named in Acts 1:8, to be visited. But, this is gentile country. All know that the only way a gentile can get saved is to come through the Jews. That is in accord with Old Testament prophecies (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 60:3; Jeremiah 16:19). Hearts must be prepared, and Heralds must be procured, before this next door is opened. Saul must be converted, and Peter must be convinced, before another door is unlocked. For this gospel door will send the new gospel to the ends of the earth, over the ensuing years.

Saul joins the persecution that had already begun, and becomes a leader in search and destroy missions against these propagators of this newest of heresies. Preaching threats, and delivering edicts consigning the offenders to death, he sets out for Damascus (Acts 9:1,2). On the way, he is converted, and immediately engages that same zeal in the service of the Lord. Barnabas takes up his case and brings him into favor with the Apostles. He then retreats to his hometown. On the surface it is because of the fear of the disciples, and the great persecution now being directed toward him, the turncoat, that he leaves town. However, while the gospel record is silent concerning the purpose of Paul’s disposition, the overview verily shouts that God is simply piecing together the elements of this new program, in preparation for the third key’s employment.

Though the Apostle (Missionary) to the Gentiles is now converted, before he can be commissioned to warfare, he must be trained. God had reserved this student for Himself. While his education is occurring, Peter is brought into line. Acts 9:32 begins the process to get Peter to Joppa, and then Peter and Cornelius together. In Chapter Ten, Peter receives an introduction to the new program’s attitude of Gentile inclusion. That which his Jewish upbringing had taught him to consider unclean, now must be included in--indeed, will become the heart of the new program. While the Gentile will not be his main area of ministry, it is he to whom God gave the keys. The door must be unlocked.

He winds up in the home of Cornelius, and preaches a great gospel message to all assembled therein (10:34-43). Peter now understands the message of the great sheet, and its application (verses 35,43). Suddenly, interrupting his sermon, the power of God falls on that assembled household. The door bursts open! The first Gentile convert is made. Without any "laying on" of hands, they are saved, baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit--the new order, for the new program. The tongues were for a sign to unbelievers present (I Corinthians 14:22). In this case, it is Jews who did not believe Gentiles could be converted, without becoming Jewish Proselytes. Just imagine, Gentiles, saved, without "laying on" of hands, without any message of baptism (verse 42), and without being water baptized. In fact, there has been no baptism for Gentiles established, only commanded (in the Revised Commission). Only John’s baptism had been practiced until now (even Philip preached and practiced it, for the first words out of the Eunuch’s mouth in Acts 8, were, "What doth hinder me to be baptized?"). So, Peter asked the question in 10:47, as to whether these Gentiles can be baptized as well as we (i.e., Jews). The implied answer expected is that no one can forbid it, especially since the Holy Spirit has already baptized them into the Spiritual Body. As John the Baptist commanded the Jews to be baptized, now, Peter so commands the Gentiles (verse 48). The original commission in Matthew 10:5-7 said nothing about baptism. Baptism was already in place, dating from John’s ministry. But now, the baptism commanded in the revised commission (Matthew 28:19.20, which incorporates the Gentiles), is now personalized to these first Gentile converts, and enacted, for the first time!

Again, Apostles in Jerusalem got wind of this. When Peter came back to Jerusalem, they called him on the carpet concerning the affair in Caesarea. But, he gave good account of his actions, and they also became convinced of this final step in bringing about God’s new program, the Church. It now has Gentiles in it, on equal footing with Jews (Ephesians 2).

The message has changed. It is no longer the Gospel of the Kingdom, but the preaching of the Gospel of Grace.

The Baptism has changed. It is no longer a repentance baptism, to the Jews, but a baptism of confession, for the Gentiles.

The makeup of the Body has changed. It is no longer an exclusive privilege of the Jews, but now includes Gentiles. The third key has done its work.

More changes lie ahead.

The Center of Activity is Relocated.

While the churches of the New Testament are local, independent churches, on the Day of Pentecost (and for some indeterminate time thereafter), there was just one church. The local church in Jerusalem, and the Spiritual Body, were one and the same (Acts 2:41,47). As the membership grew, there not being any one building large enough to accommodate the thousands of new members in one gathering, they would have met in houses throughout the city. These congregations eventually would have become local churches: Independent and autonomous. But for some time, during the lifetime of the Apostles, they were under their control. Whatever doctrine or practice was proposed, the Apostles--the foundation stones (Ephesians 2:20)--approved or disapproved (Ref. Acts 11 & 15).

Now that the Gentiles are included, and, as God knows they will become the primary component of the Body, and that a new ministry is about to be instituted, God shifts the center of operation from Jerusalem, to a Gentile city. These Gentile churches would also operate independently of Jewish control, and of one another.

Paul’s formal training had been completed. He came with Barnabas to Antioch. They taught them for a year. Such spiritual growth occurred that these Gentile church members were tagged with a new title: Christians (Acts 11:26). Antioch is destined to become the center of operations, for the new ministry about to be initiated. Peter unlocked the Gentile door, but Paul is the one who will step through it. He will pioneer a path of ministry for future Apostles and Evangelists to follow: The proclamation to the world of the person of Jesus Christ, and His gospel of grace.

Barnabas and Paul prove themselves faithful servants, through fulfilling an assignment by the Church at Antioch (Acts 11:27-30), and faithfully serving in that local assembly (Acts 13:1).

The Holy Spirit then separates Barnabas and Saul, to institute a brand new ministry--the one which is to be the heart of the ministry of all Bible believing local churches. The Jewish cry was "Come to Jerusalem." The (revised) Great Commission shouts, "Go forth to the world." Peter continues the Apostle to the Jews, but it is Paul and Barnabas whom God has chosen to pioneer the New Testament church program of worldwide evangelism. It is a new concept, a new method, never done before.

They go forth to begin the first missionary ministry of the local church. There had been much evangelism, but this is the beginning of what we call missions, or New Testament Church missionary activity.

An interesting phrase is observed in Acts 13:2, "For the work whereunto I have called them." One would expect that as there is a specific work to which they are called by the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Instructor would enable us to identify that work. Since this text is silent, one could hope to look at the ministry of Barnabas and Paul and discover the nature of that work. Not until the end of this first missionary journey, as it has come to be called, do we make that discovery.

A summary statement of their ministry objectives and accomplishments in several churches, appears in the last verses of Chapter 14. From it, one may deduce a four-fold ministry that fully defines the work of a New Testament Church Missionary:

1. a. Ministry of Evangelism. Verse 21 speaks of their preaching the gospel. Folks were saved,
2. in accordance with the (revised) Great Commission;

2. Ministry of Strengthening. Verse 21 says they taught them, as in imparting of facts, but

Verse 22 goes further. They established them in The Faith, and stirred them up to serve

the Lord and not turn back;

3. Ministry of Establishing Churches. They took the churches planted in the ministries just

cited, and established them with their own trained leaders, pastors. In this case, the

leadership was indigenous, but it was not so in every case, even as it is not today;

4. Ministry to the Sending Church. In verses 26-28, the missionaries returned to Antioch and

This is the Biblical definition of New Testament Church Missions. Nothing else qualifies. It is good to operate schools, build hospitals and minister to the homeless. But they are not New Testament Missions, by definition. They are good benevolent works, and worthy of church support and involvement, so long as they are operate from and through the local church. But they need to be recognized as such: benevolent ministries. Missions is evangelism, and church planting and establishing, properly related to the local church.

In the above, we have continually spoken of missions, seeking to establish a Bible definition for the same. One thing is greatly lacking: The use of the name in the scriptures. We neither have the term missionary, or missions. It is what modern day churches call it, and there is no real problem with that. However, if one would agree to the validity a certain asserted principle, a problem is created.

The Principle: There is no calling to ministry without a spiritual gift. It is not the purpose here to prove this statement, but a parallel truth is offered, to illustrate the principle. One would not expect a member of the church congregation to be called upon to play the piano for the gathered assembly, if that person had absolutely no talent for it. Neither would one expect the Holy Spirit to call one to do a service for Him, for which the Holy Spirit had not enabled and equipped him.

Then, just what is the gift for a "Missionary?" There is no listed gift entitled "Missionary." It is established that the Holy Spirit commanded and initiated this ministry. The title is rooted in the movement’s modern day origin and development. But what gift is listed that could be the basis of this wonderful ministry?

Some would say that one or more of these gifts are no longer operative. On what basis? Because it does not fit the Baptist’s, or some other denominational or sectarian concept of the form of the ministry? Because modern usage does not allow for the term? Because some groups misuse, and make false claims for the gifts? None of these is adequate to determine that the gifts are no longer operative. The only solid foundation for determining if a gift has ceased, is, "Does the Bible say that it will cease?" And, if so, then the time frame concerning such cessation must be established--again, based solely upon Biblical testimony.

Where is it stated that any one of these four gifts is to cease? Only one appears to be so, prophets. However, it is actually, "prophecies" (I Corinthians 13:8), of which it is stated. Neither does it necessarily follow that the former cannot function apart from the latter. There can be no prophecies, without a prophet to deliver them. But, there could be a prophet, if, the function of the office is amended: Not to "foretell," but to "tell forth."

Herein lies a principle in need of recognition. The consistent dispensational view is that the church program is absolutely distinct from God’s program for Israel. They involve, at least, different people, a different purpose, and different beginning and ending points. Why would one think it strange, then, that an office could change in its function, between the two programs? For example, that an Apostle in Israel, during the life time ministry of Christ (when the kingdom was being offered, and the kingdom gospel declared), is in function different from a New Testament church Apostle. As is developed later on the matter of Paul’s call to be an Apostle, it will become clear that this is indeed the case.

Likewise, a prophet in the New Testament church does not coincide with the Old Testament office of the same name. The former declared both exhortations and predictions. The prophet of the latter era did the same, until such time as the revelatory element of that gift ("prophecies") ceased. Now, he continues the ministry of declaring God’s present truth, and proclaiming the predictions already recorded, in the local church, in some official capacity. It is the same title, but the function of the office is different in the two programs.

Now, to return to build on, and finish, the original discussion--the absence of the word "missionary," in the New Testament.

While the Greek for Apostle, whether in the noun or verb form, never occurs in the Acts 13 passage, Paul did receive the title from God. In Acts 9, the record of his conversion, it is likewise absent. However, in the two recorded testimonies he gives of his conversion, the word is significantly present. Acts 22:21 uses an intensified form of the word, with 26:17 also incorporating the term. These statements occurred at his conversion. Spiritual gifts are given at conversion. Paul’s status as an apostle dates from his conversion. However, as one does not do physically that for which they have no talent, neither does a talented one exercise that talent until the possessor is mature, and the talent developed. Need the parallel be stated? Paul is saved, immediately gifted as an Apostle--a Church Apostle--but not sent forth to exercise that gift until he is mature. The possessor is proven through service in the local church (Acts 13:1,2), and the program developed to the point where the Holy Spirit is ready to initiate the ministry of that gift.

Lingering doubt that the gift of Apostle--as manifested in the local church program--is what we call our modern day missionary, must surely be erased by these enlightening considerations:

First, nowhere are we told that the gift of Apostle would ever cease. However, neither is there Biblical authority for apostolic succession. Judas was replaced only because the Old Testament prophet said he would be--because he committed suicide, rather than dying naturally. Though there is no apostolic succession, nevertheless, the gift is never prophesied to cease. Consequently, one has no right to exclude it from our local churches today. But, one must determine, biblically, its proper place.

Second, we have two knowns, involving two unknowns: A title, Apostle, without a job description, and a job description, the ministry of a missionary, without a Biblical title. If a tie between the two can be legitimately established, the unknowns will disappear, and the knowns will become clearer.

Third, is the inclusion of Barnabas. He is introduced in Acts 13:1,2, as primarily a prophet. "Teacher" is also used there, but Barnabas was the first of all, a prophet. Two reasons support this: One, he is seen in chapter 11:23, exhorting the church family. Two, he brought Paul into the church, and then they stayed and taught the people. When Barnabas had reached the limits of his ministry as exhorter, he brought in the one whom God had prepared for that ministry of teaching God’s people, training called servants, and building up of planted churches, to finish the task. The exhorter brought in a master teacher to help in his own inadequacy.

Note Acts 14:4, "But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles." After the Antiochan Assembly had released them to this ministry, the title is changed! Whose title is changed? The ones to whom were granted power to do signs and wonders--Apostles. They are the two (note verse 1, "both") who have gone forth, Paul and Barnabas. We know Paul is an Apostle, but, Barnabas? Verse 14, confirms it: "Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul...". Barnabas is also called an Apostle. Is "The Twelve," now, "The Thirteen? Or, "Fourteen?" Or, rather, has a change taken place in the identity of an Apostle, in the change over from God’s program for Israel, to the Church Program?

Barnabas is revealed under a new title, the one he received at the church in Antioch. When the Holy Spirit sent Paul and him forth (both who had been gifted at their respective conversions), from that Antiochan assembly, God gave them their title. We call them missionaries; God called them Apostles! Surprisingly, even the secular dictionary has it right:

The definitions quoted distinguish between an Apostle in the lifetime of Christ, and one in the church program. Our modern day Missionary, Biblically, is an Apostle. The gift of Apostle stills operates, but in the context, definition, and identity of the local church. Whether we call them Apostles, or Missionaries, is not the point. The importance of the issue is to recognize that a spiritual gift must be possessed, in order to have the call of God upon one’s life. The gift exercised by the missionary, is the gift of Apostle.

Further reinforcement of the concept may be seen in the Book of I Thessalonians 2:6. From Acts, Chapters 16 and 17, it can be determined who was in Paul’s company, when he first went to Thessalonica. Comparing that with the salutation of Paul in his first Epistle to that church (1:1), and tracing the pronouns through 2:1-6, it can be clearly determined whom he designates, in verse 6, Apostles! Silas and Timothy are included, for they are, at this time of ministry, missionaries.

There is another point that needs to be faced. It is the matter of who qualifies to be a missionary. Should a woman be ordained as a Pastor-Teacher? Will God call a woman to be a Prophet? an Evangelist? If one believes not, in accordance with Biblical principles, then one must likewise be consistent concerning the office of Apostle, or Missionary. Only a man, gifted, proven, called of God, and going forth to do the four-fold ministry defined in Acts 14:21-28, can be a Missionary. The precious ladies may assist their husbands and engage in all kinds of benevolent ministries--even on the mission field (note I Corinthians 9:5). But, they do not qualify to be called, commissioned, or sent forth as Apostles, or Missionaries.

The Church is Supplied.

What great gifts the Holy Spirit has given to the local churches:

connection of these two gifts. Like the proverbial horse and carriage, they just go together.

There is a separate gift of "Teaching," given to individuals. But in the local church, the Pastor

is the Teacher of the Assembly. All others need exercise their gift in subjection to his

leadership.

II. The Boundaries of the Age of Grace, and the Church Program.

Very often, good Bible teachers and preachers speak of the present dispensation, and the church age, as one and the same. They are not! Dispensational distinctions are readily discernible in contrasts between the two.

Confusion is evidenced by the variety of terms that are used. Some call this the Dispensation of Grace. Some are not sure of that title, as grace also operated in the previous ages. But, neither are they certain what other name to give to it.

Confusion is betrayed in the titles by which the church program is called. Some call it the Church Age, others, the Dispensation of the Church. A few call it the Church Program.

It is not the similarities that will clear up the confusion, but the distinctions.

The time of the end of the previous dispensation is easily established. When our Lord said, "It is finished," dismissed His spirit and physically died, a great change occurred. The Law was fulfilled in His perfect life; exhausted in His suffering, and satisfied in His death. The Temple veil was unnaturally and supernaturally torn apart. That is the end of the Dispensation of the Law.

A beginning point for the next dispensation is not so easily determined. Did it begin immediately at the ending of dispensation number five? Or, at His resurrection? Or, at His ascension? Or, at the coming of the Holy Spirit? What chapter and verse so declares it? Without engaging in a theological treatise, or debate, which lies outside the stated purpose, Hebrews 10:1-18 is offered to establish the correct position. This passage continually points to the offering of Christ, as the dividing line between the old and the new systems.

God gave Adam the instructions for the new dispensation about to be instituted. Did it begin at that point? when God clothed them? Or, when they were expelled from the garden? Is it necessary to pinpoint it to an exact second, moment or hour? The important thing is that one ended with the failure in the garden, and the other began with their ordering life in accordance with the new guidelines from God. Each of the dispensations follows this pattern. Even number five could be seen as beginning at the first giving of the law, the second one, events interspersed in between, or when it was actually delivered to the people. It is not necessary to be that precise. The old order ended; the new one began, and we know when: At the fall and expulsion; on Mt. Sinai, et al. Grace began when law ended, at Calvary. Place whatever degree of preciseness to it one can, but that is when the one ended, and the other began.

The ending point of this present age is also in much dispute. Some place it at the Rapture, with the Tribulation Period being a separate dispensation, else, transpiring outside the confines of any dispensation. Of course, others hold the correct position. The key to identifying the correct position is a correct view of what the dispensation involves, and to whom it pertains. It is unique among all the others, and likely is why there is so much confusion concerning it.

A dispensation may be viewed in four components: (Luke 16:1-8)

a. The Charge (1a "had a steward")

b. The Corruption (1b "wasted")

c. The Chastisement (2 "called him...mayest be no longer steward")

d. The Correction (8 "commended," by implication, a new stewardship established).

God charges, or commits, to the people of the dispensation certain guidelines, principles, or rules, by which they are to live, and for which they shall be held accountable. When they fail (they always do), judgment is meted out, and a new order is established.

Dispensation Number Six differs from all the others, in that it involves three categories of people: The Jews, the Gentiles, and the Church. Every previous dispensation is for some one group, exclusively (if, in the first one, Adam and Eve can be termed for sake of argument, a group). An argument could be made for numbers four and five, that two groups existed--Jews and Gentiles. However, the Gentiles are not included in God’s charge, except as a promise is given to Abram concerning them. They are not charged directly. They are simply left to their own devices, having so utterly corrupted themselves (Romans 1:18-32), until redemption is accomplished (Acts 17:30).

In this present age, there are three charges given:

1. The Jews are commanded to repent, concerning their unbelief (i.e. rejection of Christ, Acts

2:38);

2. The Gentiles are commanded to repent, concerning God (Acts 17:30), and exercise faith

toward Christ (Acts 4:12 "must be saved"; 20:21);

3. The Church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles who have been saved, is commanded to

faithfully proclaim the gospel to the world (Matthew 28:19,20).

By examining these, the asserted beginning point can be reinforced, and the ending point established.

Concerning the Jews, once they had consummated their rejection of Christ, by crucifixion, the need to repent immediately becomes incumbent upon them. Their repentance, nationally, will not take place until the end of the Tribulation Period, at the Return of Christ. They shall look upon Him, and national repentance among the remnant will transpire, shortly followed by the establishing of His kingdom--the beginning of the next dispensation.

Likewise, the chastisement of the Gentiles will occur in the Tribulation Period (Acts 17:31), as the plagues are poured out upon the "earth dwellers" (The Revelation 13:8). While multitudes will be converted from among the Gentiles, this is not a time of converting the mass of mankind, but of punishing them. Mankind will not repent. Jesus will return. Multitudes will be slain, and a host will be cast alive into hell.

Christ’s command was given before Calvary (Matthew 10:5-7). Along with its revision (Matthew 28:19,20), it was only given to the Apostles, not to everyone. But, Paul establishes that the Apostles are the foundation stones of the Church. So His revised command to them concerns their establishing of the Church Program. The revised Great Commission is to be carried out by the local church. The Church Program began at Pentecost, and will consummate at the Rapture.

One can clearly see, then, that the dispensation must extend to the time of our Lord’s return to earth; from Calvary, to the coming of Christ. God’s purposes for all three entities must be fulfilled within the dispensational period. Two of them require the Tribulation Period to transpire and come to consummation.

The church program is distinct from the dispensation. The Dispensation, or Age, of Grace (John 1:17; Ephesians 3:2), stretches from the Crucifying to the Crowning. Within those boundaries is seen the Church Program, flowing from the coming of the Holy Spirit, until the catching away of the saints: 53 days after the dispensation began, until some seven years prior to its end. The Church Program, or as some would call it, Church Age, is not synonymous with the Dispensation of Grace, but that which occurs within the confines of it’s duration.

A popular concept inherent in the Trinity Broadcasting Network, is often verbalized and declared by various personages. It goes like this: "Jesus cannot come until we have preached the gospel to all the world." Or, "You must help us get the gospel out to every person in the world, so Jesus can return." The statement betrays their confusion between the Gospel of the Kingdom, and the Gospel of Grace.

The Kingdom of God Differs from the Kingdom of Heaven.

First, one must understand the identity of the title Kingdom of Heaven, and how it differs from the Kingdom of God, and from the church program. Much of this explanation has been previously presented, so duplication will be avoided as much as possible.

It is good to let the Word of God define our terms.

a. The Kingdom of God is defined in I Chronicles 29:11,12--

in the heaven and in the earth [is thine]; thine [is] the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

12 Both riches and honour [come] of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand [is] power and might;

and in thine hand [it is] to make great, and to give strength unto all.

Simply, it is God’s rule over all His creation.

b. The Kingdom of Heaven is prophesied in Isaiah 40:3-5--

3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway

for our God.

4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight,

and the rough places plain: {straight: or, a straight place} {plain: or, a plain place}

5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it],

and defined, in Matthew 6:10--

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven

It is simply the time when the promise of the prophets shall be fulfilled, and the prayer of our Lord will be answered: The will of God shall be done on earth, as in Heaven.

It has already been established herein that a kingdom is to be established. The message of that kingdom is distinct from the gospel proclaimed in this present dispensation.

There are several gospels found in the scriptures. One must learn to distinguish between them. For instance, in Romans 1:1,9,16, there are three distinctly declared: The gospel of God, of His Son, and of Christ. The gospel of God (verse 1), is simply the good news that God has provided salvation; verse nine informs us that the salvation is in His Son, and the Gospel of Christ (verse 16), is the very message we preach, as defined in I Corinthians 15:1-4. However, practically, these all are but different angles of, or different views into, the one gospel preached in the Church Program.

But, the Gospel of the Kingdom is entirely different. It simply announces that the King is coming, and the subjects are to get ready to receive Him. It was preached to an exclusive audience. It does not preach salvation, but the coming of the One Who would bring salvation.

John first introduces us to the message in Matthew 3:2. It concerns a King about to appear on the scene to announce the setting up of His kingdom. The message becomes the core preaching of Christ (4:17), and of the disciples (10:7). It was to be preached only to Jews (Mt 10:5,6). With the worsening rejection by the ones to whom He came, as already noted above, the shift to the unveiling of the new program occurs. The message is no longer relevant, as the people have fully rejected it: They crucified the King; they crowned Him with the wrong crown.

For the new program, a new gospel is needed. It is a gospel, not restricted to one family group, but offering God’s salvation to all people everywhere. Thus, the Matthew 10: 5-7 commission is revised, becoming what is now commonly called, "The Great Commission." Five clear changes comprise the revision:

a. Their going forth is assumed. In Matthew Ten, the disciples are commanded to go. They need no such command now; the original command has not been rescinded. Instead, in Matthew 28:19, a participle is used, assuming their obedience to the command.

b. The whole world is included. Not just to the Jews of the whole world, but to all the people of the world.

c. Baptism is commanded. John had ordered it, therefore the disciples practiced it. The original commission is silent concerning it, for it was already being done. In the revised version, it is commanded, as it is to be a different baptism.

d. Propagation of a program is ordered. Nothing was to be propagated concerning the kingdom of heaven. It would be established, and all believing Jews would be in it from the beginning (Jeremiah 31:34). It would only remain for the Gentiles to come and enjoy the benefits of it. The commission, and the gospel of the kingdom, were only to call Jews to prepare for its establishment. The revised commission instructs to announce to individuals, worldwide, the accomplished redemption, bring them into the local assembly, and teach them to repeat the exercise. This change, then, includes two inherent component parts:

1) The message changes. Originally, they proclaimed the coming of the King to establish His kingdom, and commanded the people to so prepare. Now, it is the message of the grace of God for salvation. We are to preach the gospel, as defined in I Corinthians 15:1-4.

2) The Activity changes. They were commanded to engage in a ministry of healing and exorcism. The Church is only to preach the gospel, lead sinners to Christ, and teach them to do the same.

e. The Apostles of the kingdom program were to make no provision for their own sustenance (Mt. 10:9013). However, this was rescinded by our Lord, as His plan involved a coming new program, in which such contingency would not be needed (Lk. 22:35,36). In the Church Program, Christ’s servants are to walk by faith, depending on God to supply their needs, through His people. But, there is no prohibition concerning laying up for the future.

This new gospel concerns the death, burial and resurrection of the Savior; that through His finished work, all may be saved. It will be preached until the church program ends. Then, the gospel of the kingdom will again be preached, with two revisions! Matthew 24:14 declares: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." The "end," refers to the end of this age. Before Christ returns, all the world will hear of His (second) coming. The original commission excluded Samaria and the rest of the world, from hearing it. This verse has nothing to do with the Church program, or the gospel inherent therein. It is the gospel of the kingdom. It will be preached to all peoples, the first revision. The second? They will proclaim the coming of the crucified, risen and returning King.

IV. Salvation in the OT and NT as concerns the new birth.

Outside the dispensational method, few distinctions are seen between what went on up to Calvary, and that which is transpiring since. It is just simply God’s major plan, as it would be viewed, to bring redemption to mankind, or the elect, or whomever. But, with all the distinctions contrasted above, one would be wise to carefully examine the doctrine of salvation, to see if something changed concerning it after the cross.

God promised Abram a land, a seed, and a blessing. The Seed promise was fulfilled at Bethlehem. The blessing refers to all the benefits Abram received, and shall receive, because of his faith. The land...his descendants had it, but lost it. They got it back and lost it again. Why?

The Palestinian Covenant promised the land to Abram’s descendants on the condition of their obedience. They disobeyed, and, in time, the curses pronounced in Deuteronomy 28-30 were imposed upon them, continuing to this very day. Chapter 30, however, promises a coming day when Israel will obey the Lord, and the land will be their possession, never to be taken from them again. The question that should be obvious is, what is the difference in then, and the future? Why could they not obey in that day, but will obey in that future day?

The most renown verse concerning the new birth is found in John 3:3,5. Jesus told Nicodemus that in order to enter the kingdom, he would have to be born again. He would have to be born, not only of water (the natural birth), but also of the Spirit. Of which kingdom was Jesus speaking? the kingdom of heaven, or, the kingdom of God? The answer is easily ascertained by considering the well known ministry of John the Baptist, and the message he preached, as previously considered.

Jesus had come for the purpose of setting up His kingdom. According to Ezekiel 37:14, the initiation of His kingdom will involve, among other wonderful acts, "put(ting) (His) spirit in (them)." It will be the day when Jesus becomes the Baptizer, and pours out His Spirit upon "all flesh" (Joel 2:28; Matthew 3:10-12). Ezekiel said:

24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your

flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them]. 28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God (36:24-28).

We have abundant Old Testament prophecies and promises that God will regenerate His people at the setting up of the millennial kingdom. The reason they could not obey Him before, and lost the land, is because of their unregenerate state. God’s law was not written in their hearts, but on tables of stone:

...I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for

they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity,

and I will remember their sin no more (Jeremiah 31:33,34).

If the people of Abraham’s day, Moses’ day, and David’s day had been regenerate, they would have obeyed and retained possession the land. They were not, for there was no regeneration in the Old Testament.

And, again:

...and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit

within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them]. 28 And ye shall dwell

in the land that I gave to your fathers...(Ezekiel 36:26-28).

Why, then, did Jesus tell Nicodemus that he must be born again? Simply because our Lord was offering the kingdom, and had Israel received it, in just a matter of days this regeneration would transpire. It is similar to the troubling question as to why Jesus healed the infirm man at the pool of Bethesda, but not the others. Had the kingdom been established on time, they all (believers) would have then been healed, as they entered into the kingdom (Isaiah 35:5--note the context).

One must understand that nothing in these above prophecies took place at Pentecost. Peter said so: Acts 2:16, "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel...". Peter then commenced to tell what Joel had said. After disclosing the things Joel had said would happen at the time of which he (Joel) was speaking, Peter then said: "He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear," i.e. that which has happened today. It was the same kind of thing, but not the same thing that was prophesied! Joel’s words provided the foundation for believing that the occurrences of the day were of God. Throughout the Book of Acts, and in all the writings of the Apostles, a two fold foundation is laid for all their doctrine:

a. The Old Testament scriptures;

b. The accompanying signs and wonders (until the time of their cessation).

On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit changed His method of operation (John 14: 16,17), from abiding with, to indwelling believers. It is peculiar to the church program. At no other time has this been the norm. Regeneration is bound with the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is He in us, that is the new birth we enjoy. If Old Testament Jews were regenerated without an indwelling Holy Spirit, it is a theological position that is without description in Holy Writ. They were more safe, than saved. Their sins were covered, not eradicated. The supreme price had not been paid. They were saved on the (sure) promise that the redemption was coming, based on their faith concerning that promise. They were not saved by the offering of sacrifices. Burnt offerings only testified to their faith in God’s promises (Hebrews 11:4). It was faith in something to come, but which had not yet transpired.

When the redemption price was paid on Calvary and the Redeemer went back to Glory, the Holy Spirit came. His began a new work of indwelling believers, baptizing them into the formation of the new Body, and sealing them unto the time of the full redemption of the purchased possession. The objects of His work were, and are, regenerated. That work will come to an end at the Rapture. At the Return of Christ to the earth, His kingdom will be established in righteousness. The Holy Spirit will be poured out upon all flesh (everyone who enters the kingdom will be a saved person). Some form of regeneration will occur in them. The Holy Spirit will be in them: "...and shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live..." (Ezekiel 37:14; note 36:27). In what sense is not clear. Will He continuously indwell each individual, as He does in the church program today? He will be "in" them in some sense that will allow for regeneration and control, but that may, or may not be, the identical mode of the church program indwelling.

If I Peter 1:11, is troubling, as touching the possibility of regeneration in the Old Testament, just consider this: If the Holy Spirit was in the Old Testament saints, in the same way that He shall be in the Kingdom saints, why was the law not written in the hearts of the former, as prophesied to be in the latter? So that they would have been able to obey, and possess the land. There must be a distinction in the state of the two settings. There is. It is that the Old saints were not regenerated, but that state is reserved, as concerns Israel, for those saints to come.

Then, one might inquire as to the reason saints today do not obey God fully, since we each individually have the indwelling Holy Spirit. The answer is based on another distinction between the nature of the relationship of the Spirit to those future generations, and that which we now experience. Believers today have a dual nature. We retain the sin nature, until the Day of Redemption, when we receive the "end of our salvation" (I Peter 1:10), and become like Christ (I John 3:1-3). For church saints, after the rapture, there will be no more sin nature. But until then, one is in constant warfare as to who is in control: God? Or, one’s Self? In the millennium, God’s people likewise will not be plagued with sinful flesh, tempting them to walk contrary to the King. Neither will there will be any devil around to fool them concerning the Truth (Revelation 20:1-3), nor any world to allure them from God (i.e. the world will be ordered by its Creator, not the god who it stole it away in the Garden [II Corinthians 4:3,4]). In the Millennium, the Kingdom citizens will have the Spirit "on," "upon," or "in," them, as all these terms are used, for power in godly living. Those resurrected at the return of Christ, and the remnant ushered alive into the kingdom, will have bodies and natures like Adam and Eve, prior to the Fall, except they will be established in righteousness. With no temptation, no sinful nature, no devil around, and with God’s law written within, by the power of the Holy Spirit they shall follow the Lord in perfect obedience.

When the comparison is being made (i.e., water versus the spirit), "with" is very proper. But when Paul would tell us (I Corinthians 12:13), that the believer is placed into the Body of Christ, it is properly translated with, "by." Both are instrumental, and good translations.

In Pneumatology, Spirit baptism is the Holy Spirit placing us into the Body of Christ (I Cor. 12:13). In Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist declares that Christ will baptize "with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." This is either referring to:

1. Pentecost in totality, or,
2. Pentecost and the Day of the Lord, or,
3. The Day of the Lord exclusively.

If the prophecy refers to Pentecost, then the prophecy was fulfilled on that day, and there is nothing future concerning spirit baptism. But, Old Testament prophecy will not allow for that. Joel 2:28, 29, refers to the Day of the Lord in speaking of the pouring out of God’s Spirit, the context clearly placing it at the Return of Messiah (supporting references may be noted in: Isaiah 44:3; Ezekiel 11:19; a36:26, 27; 37:14; 39:29; Zechariah 12:10).

If the reference is to both Pentecost and the Day of the Lord, then we have a partial fulfillment at the former, and final fulfillment at the latter. Many conservatives would hold this view.

Toward resolution of these difficulties, only one of the three positions above is adequate to satisfy the prophecy, and solve the grammatical problem. The dispensationalist believes the Church began at Pentecost , and is formed by the Holy Spirit baptizing the new converts into the Body of Christ. But, Matthew says Christ will do the baptizing, and so some have developed the idea that one is baptized by Christ into the Spirit. Christ becomes the Baptizer, rather than our being baptized by the Holy Spirit. However, principled exegesis of the verse will refute such an idea.

John the Baptist said that Christ would do the baptizing. In Luke 24:49, and Acts 1:4,5, Jesus spoke words that are assumed to produce, upon their fulfillment, the fulfillment of John’s words. But, it is not so. Our Lord never said in either place cited that He would do any baptizing, on the coming Day of Pentecost. His words in Luke assure the hearers that He would send the promise of the Father upon them. In John 14:16 and 26, He expounds on that promise. Acts 1:4,5 calls it the promise of the Father, "which ye have heard of me." Then He says, "ye shall be baptized." Our Lord did not say that He would baptize them, but that they would be baptized. John the Baptist, and Jesus, are talking about two different events. John prophesies in the strain of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Joel and Zachariah (note above), concerning the Day of the Lord. Our Lord is speaking of the event of which no Old Testament Prophet had any knowledge (i.e., the events of the particular day, as recorded in Acts 2), the Day of Pentecost.

Matthew is totally talking about the Day of the Lord, in Matthew 3:11. The prophecy has nothing directly to do with the Day of Pentecost. Matthew’s "fire" is obviously representative of judgment, not the fire that fell on Pentecost. The word is used in verses 10, 11 and 12. Ten and 12 are definitely judgmental fire. Why would the tenor change in the middle verse? Some would separate the Holy Ghost part, from the fire baptism. To do so is groundless, very arbitrary. The positions held concerning Matthew 3:10-12, are:

1. That the first and last "fire" is judgment falling in the Day of the Lord, but verse 11, is the fire of Pentecost. Hence, the verse is referring to the Holy Spirit’s coming on that Day;
2. That Verse 11 is the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost, but the "fire" is the judgment at the end of the Tribulation Period.

But neither is accurate. To view Christ baptizing with the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, is in violation of the theology of Paul. Christ never said, when prophesying of Pentecost after His resurrection, that He would do any baptizing on that day. He only said, "Ye shall be baptized".

The correct position, is, that on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit baptized the believers into the Body of Christ, and has continued to do so throughout the course of the church program. The Holy Spirit is the "Baptizer," in this Church program, adding members to the Body of Christ. Christ, however, will also engage in a work of baptizing. At His return to earth, He will, in fact, administer two baptisms:

First, He will baptize unbelievers with the consuming fire of His judgment (II Thessalonians 1:6-10). This is the fire of which John the Baptist, in the Book of Matthew, prophesies.

Secondly, He will baptize the believing remnant of Israel, and the converted Gentiles who survive the Tribulation Period, with the Holy Ghost. He will be the Baptizer in that day, in fulfillment of Matthew 3:11, and much Old Testament prophecy. Joel establishes the position. In chapter 2, verse 28, the Lord Jesus (note verse 27) is recorded to say that He will pour out His Spirit. This was neither fulfilled, nor partially fulfilled, on the Day of Pentecost. Nothing recorded in the chapter took place on that Day. In fact, Peter himself makes that distinction, in Acts 2:33, "...this which ye now see and hear". Peter recognizes that the things Joel prophesied had not taken place. Only, the same Holy Spirit of which the prophet had spoken, had now come. It was the same kind of thing.

That all of Joel’s prophecy concerns the Day of the Lord, and none of it the Day of Pentecost, is solidly established in Chapter 3:1-17. It is the same time of which John the Baptist, Matthew’s record, spoke (3:12), when the wheat is gathered into the millennial barn, and the chaff is burned up in judgment. It is, in verse 2, Joel continues, when the nations shall be gathered against Jerusalem. It is when Israel shall know that Jesus is their Lord Jehovah, the Messiah: when He is dwelling among them on earth (verse 17). None of that is fulfilled at Pentecost, but reserved for that Great Day of Messiah’s return.

In the Church Program, the Holy Spirit is the "Baptizer," placing the new believer into the Body of Christ. Christ will do His baptizing when He comes again.

Matthew 3:6-10--John’s "repentance baptism" was restricted to the concern of the setting up of the kingdom on earth (Verse 2). John declares the purposes of his baptism:

First, the people were to confess their sins, while being baptized Verse 6), the baptism being the outward demonstration of the inward reality of repentance;

Secondly, there was to be a change in conduct, demonstrating their sincerity (Verses 7-9),

Thirdly, there was a warning of judgment on those who refused to repent (Mt. 3:10).

The accomplishing of these would pave a smooth road for the King en route to establishing His kingdom (Lk 3:1-5). The result would be the availability of salvation for all Israel (Lk. 3:6; John 1:29), and consequently all the earth. John is not preaching salvation, but repentance, which would prepare the way for Messiah, Who would be, and bring, salvation.

Acts 2:38--This is only to the nation of Israel. We see how closely baptism is related to John’s message. That message is all that Peter knows at this point, so he preaches it.

However, John’s message was not one for the purpose of obtaining the "New Birth". But, for bringing forth the King and His kingdom, so the King can provide the New Birth. Note Acts 19:4. It is said to these disciples that John’s baptism of repentance was designed to prepare them for salvation. John’s ministry was not an end, but a means to an end. The object was to prepare them to "believe" on the coming Messiah. John’s ministry didn’t bring salvation, except in the same Old Testament sense that those who believe are safe until Messiah comes to provide for perfect(ed) redemption. He ministered to a covenant people, though in unbelief. They were circumcised in body, but not in heart. All who were genuine believers also believed on Christ when they heard of Him (John 5:46,47). So, in Acts 19:4, even though a man had believed John’s message and truly repented and been baptized, he still was required to actively respond concerning Christ, upon His appearing. For in Acts 19:3, we are told these disciples had received John’s baptism. It was genuine, for they are called "disciples". But, in verse five, they are not merely re-baptized—they receive a new baptism--Christian (i.e. local church program) baptism (introduced in Acts 10:48, in the home of the first recorded Gentile convert). There is a distinction. Their first baptism (19:3) had been only John’s, as taught to them by the recently departed Apollos (18:24,27), who only knew of that same evangelist’s doctrine (18:25). Acquilla and Priscilla educated Apollos before he departed to Achaia (18:26). Meanwhile, the disciples of Chapter 19, discipled by Apollos, were enlightened by Paul upon his coming, and baptized in the new baptism. John’s baptism concerned only the establishing of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. Church baptism concerns the crucified and risen Christ. The former is a baptism of repentance; the latter, of confession. Those who received John’s baptism, upon meeting the Messiah and placing faith in Him, did not have to be baptized with the new baptism, when it was later established (Acts 10:48). This is exemplified in the case of the Apostles, of whom there is no record of their being re-baptized. Those who received John’s baptism, as in Acts 19, after the new was instituted (Acts 10:48), were invalid in their baptism, though saved. They were yet deficient in their discipleship, and had to receive the new baptism, the norm of this new church program.

That there is a clear distinction between John’s baptism and Church Program baptism, is well supported. Luke 3:2, Acts 10:37, 13:24, 18:25 and 19:3,4 clearly call it, John’s Baptism, or John’s Baptism of Repentance. Acts 20:21 clearly shows that "repentance" is directed toward the Father, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance is the theme of the preaching to the Jews. Faith is the core of the gospel aimed at both Jew and Gentile, in this present program.

Repentance is commanded for all (Luke 24:47 and Acts 17:30; 20:21). But contrast the actual messages preached throughout Acts. The word repentance is used 26 times from Romans through Revelation. However, not one message is preached to a Gentile in which the specific command is given, "to repent". Confession and faith are the key words. As church centrality shifted from Jerusalem (Acts 2-11:18), to Antioch (11:19ff, note 13:1-4), where Apostles (i.e., Missionaries) to the Gentiles are commissioned and sent forth, so the preaching shifts from Jews to Gentiles. Shifts in the sense, that Jewish rejection increases, Gentiles increasingly turn to Christ, and, the message is no longer kingdom oriented, but the gospel of grace takes center stage. As it does, the terminology changes. They were called the people of "The Way" (Acts 22:4); now, "Christians" (Acts 11:26). Concurrently, the relationship of baptism to the message changes. Nowhere among the Gentile messages is there any indication or implication of baptism saving anyone. Only where it is akin to John’s message does baptism appear to be related to salvation.

John the Baptist, then, preached to Israel a message requiring repentance, signified by water baptism, as preparation for the promised Messiah, that His coming and success might be easily achieved. Christ and His disciples preached the same, to Israel only, for the swift accomplishment of Messiah’s purposes. Peter, on the Day of Pentecost, declared the same. But, it is preached to Israel, in the "Name of the Lord Jesus, in order that Messiah might immediately return and establish His thwarted kingdom. In every case, water baptism is inseparably declared the outward demonstration of inward reality. Will not this same message again be preached in the Tribulation? Although then, it will be the message of a rejected, crucified, buried, risen and returning King.

But once the Apostle to the Gentiles is placed by the Holy Spirit, in and through a Gentile church, into the forefront, and the ministry is now in the third phase of Acts 1:8, where does baptism stand? Following the third use of Peter’s keys (Acts 10)--to the Gentiles (uttermost parts), Jews who were baptized by John are now baptized in a local church setting (Acts 19:5)--"in the name of the Lord Jesus". Converted Gentiles are baptized, but nowhere is found any kind of statement indicating that baptism is necessary to their salvation. First, a different "gospel" is preached. It is not the kingdom gospel, involving the repentance baptism. Now is proclaimed the gospel according to I Cor. 15:1-4. Note: Acts 2:38 and 3:19, contrasted with 13:46; 14:7; 15:7-11 (that Peter even now says it is by faith for Jew and Gentile); 16:10, 31; 17:2-4--to Jews, as there is now no difference; 17:30,31, no word of a kingdom; 18:8; 18:24-28, a prime case in point, where a John the Baptist convert is taught the way "more perfectly." In Acts 26:17-23, Paul clearly shows that both repentance and good works have their place. Repentance, according to 20:21, and works are evidences of genuine faith. But, no baptism is mentioned. In 28:31, Paul, during two years of house arrest, identifies his message with the terms "kingdom of God" and the "things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ." One might assume that this one who had received the full revelation from God concerning God’s plan, instructed Jews concerning the postponed kingdom, including the gospel of the King Himself, while Gentiles, who would have little knowledge of, or concern for, a postponed kingdom, need only learn of the King. In any case (except for 19:5), any strong emphasis on water baptism relating to salvation is conspicuously absent, in the preaching of the gospel by the Apostle to the Gentiles, to both Jew and Gentile.

In Matthew 10:7, we find the original Great Commission. Given by Christ directly to the Apostles, it is to preach only to the Jews. The subject of the preaching is the Kingdom of Heaven. The object is to motivate the people to prepare the way for Messiah, that He may establish that kingdom. However, the King is rejected and the kingdom postponed. The commission is then revised and reinforced in its new form, in Matthew 28:19,20. Now the commission, in its revised form, is again committed to the Apostles, who no longer will serve in the capacity of the foundation stones of the kingdom, but of the Church (Ephesians 2:19,20). It now is the Gospel of Christ offering salvation to every individual, Jew and Gentile. Note Peter’s declaration of this distinction in Acts 11:18, as he defends his different and offensive (to the Jews) actions in Cornelius’ house.

A parallel is found in the relationship of baptism to the two different programs. John the Baptist commanded baptism as an outward demonstration of inward repentance. Peter continued the theme in Acts 2:38, as the newly created Church was entirely Jewish in makeup. However, based on the revision (Mt. 28), and the first Gentile was convert (Acts 10), the message becomes one of confession and faith (Acts 10:37-43). No mention of baptism occurs in verse 43, defining the way of salvation. Faith alone brings remission of sins. Further, to demonstrate that regeneration has occurred, the record declares their receiving of the Holy Spirit. Cornelius and his household had believed. They were not yet water baptized. No mention of baptism had been uttered in this gospel message. Yet, it is obvious they have been regenerated. What about water baptism, then? In the Matthew Ten commission, there is no command to baptize. The Baptism of John (the Baptist) was already in effect, and the disciples were already administering the same. Why, then, in Matthew 28 is there a command to baptize? Simply because the Christian Church baptism in this age of the Gentile church (Acts 15:14), is different from John’s, as previously shown. These are Gentiles. They have just been placed by the Holy Spirit into the Church. Now a public testimony is needed. In Acts 10: 47, 48, we have a new command for the Gentile church—to those already saved—"Be baptized." The command was in place, from the revised commission, but no occasion to exercise it had occurred, until now.

Allow me to reiterate for emphasis. Here is a group of Gentiles, in this dispensation, believing on Christ, baptized with the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues—all the proof possible that they are genuinely saved, but not water baptized. Is water baptism, then, necessary for salvation? If any one person in all the Scriptures, in this dispensation, can be saved apart from water baptism, then anyone may be.

Further support is seen in that the Church, while still Jewish, had been known as the people of "This Way" (Acts 9:2; 19:23). Now, with the inclusion of Gentiles, and the shifting of the church’s center of activity to Antioch (Acts 13, 14, where true New Testament missions begin), they are tagged with a new name (Acts 11:26).

One must see a distinction between the Church, which is Jewish, and the Gentile Church (in the sense that it becomes primarily Gentile in makeup, though individual Jews are saved and become a part of it in all equality). The Gentile commission is different. Its makeup is different. Its baptism is different. There is no baptismal regeneration taught anywhere in Scripture. But even language, which on the surface might be construed to teach that error, is significantly absent from Church doctrine following Acts 10.

Indeed, as Paul and Silas told the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:31a), "...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved...". I know some would say this is source material and not method. But, this heathen Gentile, in dire desperation, had asked how to get saved. He is already repentant. He must know all that is required of him, to be saved. He has heard the testimony of Paul and Silas. He has seen the powerful intervention of the God they serve. He does not need to be told to repent. When he ran in and fell down before them, he had already "changed his mind." The only thing he needs to know, and to do, is "Believe..." (i.e. place his faith in Paul’s God as his own Lord and Savior). And that is all he is told. Baptism follows, as it biblically should, but is neither stated to be, nor implied to be, in any way involved in the saving act.