Saturday, August 19, 2017

WHY PAUL QUOTES PROPHECY - GRACE AMBASSADORS

GRACE AMBASSADORS



By Justin Johnson
Paul references the law and the prophets hundreds of times in his epistles. This does not take away from his special ministry to preach Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (Rom 16:25).
Nevertheless, a common opposition to mid-Acts Pauline right division is in pointing out Paul’s use of other scripture.
If Paul is the preacher and teacher of a mystery kept secret since the world began, then, why does Paul quote prophecy? If we are not under the law why does he quote the law so many times? If the mystery was not revealed why does he quote from scripture already revealed?
Some would use the instances Paul quotes prophecy as evidence that he preaches the same kingdom message of Israel and the Twelve apostles, and did not receive the mystery of Christ.
This simplistic analysis is unbecoming of a workman that needeth not to be ashamed (2 Tim 2:15).
Just because the apostle of the mystery quotes prophecy sometimes does not mean everything he taught was prophesied.
There are many reasons why the apostle of the dispensation of the grace of God would quote the law and the prophets.
1. It was the only inspired scripture at that time
As the Lord started Paul’s ministry the only inspired scripture was what prophets spoke since the world began. If Paul never quoted God’s word, then that would be a good reason to doubt whether the Lord spoke to him at all. This brings us to another reason.
2. To authenticate his apostleship
If Paul had avoided using the law and prophets in his teachings then Paul would be like Muhammad or Joseph Smith starting a brand new religion. Even while teaching the mystery of Christ, Paul had to prove his apostleship did not void the prophecy of Christ (Rom 3:31).
Israel could search their scriptures to learn about their Messiah who had come in the Lord Jesus Christ. This same Jesus, the Lord Jesus of the scriptures, appeared also to Paul and revealed the mystery (Rom 1:5).
Paul’s knowledge and use of the scriptures confirmed to his kinsmen that God was not throwing Israel, their promises, and their scriptures to the trash bin of history.
3. All scripture is profitable
Mid-Acts Pauline right division does not excise non-Pauline scripture from our memory. Pauline dispensationalists are wrongly accused of only studying Paul. It is ironic, then, that within Paul’s writings we find hundreds of references to the rest of the Bible.
A steward of God’s mysteries needs to be more than acquainted with the entire Bible including the law and prophets.
It was Paul that wrote the definitive statement on the profitability and sufficiency of all scripture (2 Tim 3:16). He ends the foundational book of Romans with an appeal to all of scripture, including the prophets (Rom 16:26).
4. To reprove, rebuke, or instruct in righteousness
All scripture is profitable for a purpose. Paul writes entire epistles of rebuke and instruction in righteousness to both Jews and Gentiles. Why should he need to avoid using God inspired scripture which adequately rebukes wrong behavior, and instructs in right behavior?
The Corinthians were the sign of Paul’s apostleship according to the mystery of Christ, but after multiple references to Moses and the law Paul says to the Corinthians:
“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” – 1 Cor 10:6
Paul is not putting the Corinthians under the law here, but using the law to rebuke and instruct some very carnal members of the body of Christ. There are many examples of this in Paul’s ministry.
5. To communicate the gospel
The law was not given with the intent to save anyone. It was given for the knowledge of sin (Rom 3:19-20).
The law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, and it would be strange if Paul did not use it lawfully to teach the mystery of the gospel (Gal 3:241 Tim 1:8).
“For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” – Romans 4:3
6. To communicate with Israel
Though Paul says clearly he is the apostle of the Gentiles, it should not be missed that he was sent to all men with the gospel of grace which included unbelieving Israel (Acts 9:15).
“And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews… I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” – 1 Cor 9:20-22
When talking to Israel and in their synagogues he uses the scriptures of the Jews to bring them to and understanding of his doctrine.
In Acts 13 Paul is preaching to a synagogue of his kinsmen and retells Israel’s history. In Acts 17 before the Greek audience he references their poets and philosophers in order to contrast them with the gospel of the grace of God.
Paul quotes scripture more in his epistles in which he is ministering to Israel.
7. To prove Jesus was the Christ
Without the law and the prophets there is no promise of a coming Messiah. The scriptures are evidence Jesus is the Son of God. If Jesus was not the Son of God of the scriptures, then the preaching of the cross is in vain.
Paul went to synagogues of unbelieving Jews to persuade them that Jesus was the Christ and that their Lord died for them on the cross to provide their salvation by grace.
“And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.” – Acts 18:5
From what did he testify that Jesus was Christ? From the scriptures.
8. To teach about how salvation comes to Israel (past and future)
Knowing the mystery of Christ allowed Paul to understand the mystery of God’s will for both heaven and earth (Eph 1:10). The mystery information about Christ affects more than just the church, and the manifold wisdom of God explains how God could justify sinful Israel and grant their promised inheritance.
“For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.” – Rom 4:13
In Romans 9-11 Paul quotes from the law and the prophets almost every other verse. For specifically in these chapters Paul makes it clear he is talking about Israel, and how God will fulfill his promise to bring them salvation (Rom 9:1-6,10:1, 11:27).
“For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.” – Rom 11:27
8. To contrast another dispensation with the present
There are thousands of references to the prophets and the law on this website, yet we boldly declare our mission to make all men see the fellowship of the mystery (Eph 3:9).
As we teach the purpose God has for the church today, we often contrast it to God’s purpose for Israel by quoting prophecy. Paul did the same thing.
“Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands…but now…” – Eph 2:11-13
“ For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night…But ye, brethren, are not in darkness…” – 1 Thess 5:2-4
In Romans 8:36 Paul quotes prophecy concerning Israel’s suffering as sheep, and then contrasts it sharply to how the church responds to suffering:
“ Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” – Rom 8:37
Conclusion
These are just a few reasons for Paul to reference the law and the prophets. There are others. None of them take away from Paul’s special ministry to make all men see the fellowship of the mystery (Col 1:26Eph 6:19).
When Paul uses other scripture (law and the prophets) in his epistles, it shows that Paul was using all scripture for the profit of all, but it was not the only thing he spoke about.
“ But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:” – 1 Cor 2:7
It is not hard to figure out that Paul quotes the law and the prophets for the same reasons we do.
The more important question has always been why the law, the prophets, and the ministry of the twelve apostles never mention the hidden wisdom of God found exclusively in Paul’s ministry.

THREE TROUBLESOME PAULINE PASSAGES


The most amazing statements on salvation by grace without works in the entire Bible are found in Paul’s epistles. What liberation it is for sinners to learn that God offers salvation freely by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ (Eph 2:8-9Gal 5:1).
There is nothing you do to deserve or earn salvation from God.
Nevertheless, there are some Pauline passages that repeatedly cause people to question whether their works can negate the work of God’s grace in them.
For the religious minded and fruit inspectors 1 Corinthians 6:9-10Ephesians 5:5-6, and Galatians 5:21 become tests of salvation, and when you fail their test the explanation is given:
“You were never a Christian in the first place.”
“A Christian would never do these things.”
“You need to repent and get right (again) with God.”
Not Tests of Salvations
Let’s be clear. If these three passages are talking about conditions or qualifications for salvation then there will be no one but Christ in the kingdom of God.
A look at the wide scope of sins mentioned in these passages disqualifies all but the self-righteous in their own delusions.
It would also mean that your salvation by grace is not through faith, but through your continuance in doing good works the rest of your life. This described salvation under Israel’s covenant relationship, but not in this dispensation of grace (Mark 13:13Lev 18:5).
No, these passages are not tests of salvation or membership in the body of Christ.
Not Conditions of Inheritance
To avoid the obvious problem with making them tests of salvation, it is sometimes suggested that these three passages put conditions and qualifications on your inheritance, blessings, or levels of glory in heaven.
While it is true that the work of the saints will be judged by Christ for reward or loss, these passages can not be referring to that either.
1 Cor 6:10 says that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom, it does not say they will not have as many rewards or will “suffer loss” as does 1 Cor 3:15at the judgment of the saints.
Eph 5:5 makes it clear that those sinners do not have “any inheritance”. It is not lesser inheritance, but any inheritance at all. This would be contrary to Eph 1:3Eph 1:18, and Eph 3:6 that describe the saved having “all spiritual blessings”, “the riches of the glory of this inheritance”, and as being “fellowheirs” according to the mystery.
While these passages are surely intended to condemn wrong thinking and actions among the saints, they cannot be referring to believers who have been promised an inheritance by grace even if we do suffer loss for poor workmanship at the judgment seat of Christ.
A question remains. Why is Paul warning believers about what happens to unbelievers who are living in their flesh?
Understanding Your Position
Something often overlooked in Paul’s instructions to the saints is the difference between our position and our condition. It has also been referred to as our standing and state, salvation and service.
Your salvation, standing, or position in Christ is received by grace through faith. This new position in the body of Christ has changed your identity, that is, who you are.
You are no longer a sinner, but a saint (Rom 5:19). You are no longer in Adam, but in Christ (Rom 5:17). You are no longer a servant of sin, but a servant of righteousness (Rom 6:17-18).
This new identity is like the job title you are given on the first day of work. You have not done any work, but you have been given a new identity, you sit in a new position.
What would happen if on day two in your new position you were doing your old job and not your new one? No doubt, your boss would remind you that you no longer hold that position, and need to do the work becoming of your new position.
Whether or not you are operating according to the privileges, benefits, or description of your new position is called your condition, service, or walk. It concerns your performance in Christ.
All three troubling passages are trying to correct the performance, walk, service of believers by reminding them of who they are and who they are not.
“Remember your position. Remember who you are, not who you were. Walk according to who you are in Christ.”
Knowing your position will put these trouble passages in the proper perspective.
Trouble Passage #1) 1Corinthians 6:9-10
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither … shall inherit the kingdom of God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
This is very clear that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Though you had been in the position of an unrighteous person before you were saved, you have now, after trusting the gospel, been made the righteousness of God in Christ by grace through faith (2 Cor 5:21).
Notice the verse right after the passage that condemns the unrighteous:
“ And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. “ – 1 Corinthians 6:11
They were unrighteous, but now they are justified and sanctified. What they were was not what they now are in Christ, and it had nothing to do with their behavior. The reason Paul condemns the unrighteous is that the Corinthians were acting like them.
“Stop doing unrighteous things. That is not who you are anymore!”
Trouble Passage #2) Ephesians 5:5-6
“…hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.“ – Ephesians 5:5-6
What a terrifying verse, and rightly so! Sin deserves all wrath, and the wrath of God is revealed upon all sinners (Rom 1:18).
The question remains are you a child of disobedience or not? Is that your title? Is that your position?
The religious minded would have you believe that if you disobey then that means you are a child of disobedience. That was the case under the law, but no longer under grace. Now, you can be justified by grace through faith in Christ without works and without the law. This is the mystery!
Notice the verses immediately following the condemnation of the children of disobedience.
“ Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” – Ephesians 5:7
Don’t partake with them? Who is them? Not the saved Ephesians. But why?
“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light…” – Ephesians 5:8
They were children of disobedience and darkness, but now they are changed. They have a new position in Christ! Every saved member of the body of Christ is a child of light, and Paul teaches them to walk according to their new job description received and secured by grace without works.
“ walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” – Ephesians 4:1
Trouble Passage #3) Galatians 5:21
“…that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” – Galatians 5:21
Like the previous two passages, perhaps you will see how knowing your position solves this problem.
The Galatians had received the Spirit and salvation through faith, but they were being persuaded to walk under the law. There is a difference between living in and walking in. There is a difference between position and condition.
The Galatians thought the only way to avoid the condemnation of sin after salvation was to go back under the law. Paul exhorts them in the better way, “Walk in the Spirit” (Gal 5:16).
If they were truly saved through faith, then they do not live in the flesh, but in the Spirit. Their flesh was crucified with Christ (Gal 2:20Gal 5:24).
It is impossible for anyone living in Christ to live in their flesh – to live in Christ is for your flesh to be crucified. All of this happens by grace through faith upon salvation.
The admonition Paul gives the Galatians in chapter 5 is found in Gal 5:25:
“ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
They could tell whether their flesh or the Spirit was winning the war for their walk by what comes out of them. The works of the flesh were manifest, and are condemned by God. The fruit of the Spirit is where there is no condemnation.
If the Galatians received the Spirit by faith, then they lived by the Spirit. They needed to walk after the Spirit in order to bear the fruit of the Spirit. Any attempt to walk under the law would strengthen their flesh, increase condemnation, and manifest the works of the flesh.
Conclusion
These passages have troubled grace believers for a while and it is time to set them at rest. They may be difficult but not impossible. There is no reason to sacrifice the riches of God’s grace by neglecting to remember who you are in Christ and how you came to be saved.
Don’t forget who Christ made you, and how that was possible. It is the cross of Christ that did all the work necessary for your salvation, and the power of the resurrection of Christ that guarantees you a place in heaven in Christ.
The response to sin for the believer is to stop living like who you were, and start living according to who you are in Christ by grace.
It is our duty now to live up to the high calling we have received freely through Him.
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Published: August 19, 2017
Last Modified: August 19, 2017

WHAT IS THAT "ONE LITTLE WORD" THAT WILL FELL SATAN

Desiring God
Article by 
Content strategist, desiringGod.org
What is that “one little word” that will fell Satan?
The Prince of Darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! His doom is sure.
One little word shall fell him.
Somehow it took me about twenty years to realize that I had no idea what Martin Luther was talking about in this line in “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Now, a confession: I am a Baptist, not Lutheran — I’m willing to admit there may be a real, mystical meaning of the “one little word” that only Lutherans can understand. But probably not.
The identity of this word should matter to us. Most Protestant churches still sing this “Battle Hymn of the Reformation” regularly in worship. It does little good to know that a single word will take down the raging Prince of Darkness if we have no idea what that word is. So, what word might Luther have in mind?

“Jesus”?

When I was a little kid, the only act of spiritual warfare I knew was simply to say out loud the word “Jesus.” Somewhere, I picked up the idea that demons scatter when you mention Jesus’s name. Maybe Luther’s one little word was “Jesus”?
While it may be a popular and catchy idea to mention “Jesus” for protection against Satan, the Bible doesn’t specifically commend that approach. The demons themselves are not afraid to say Jesus’s name — they even talked directly to Jesus, knowing exactly who he was (Matthew 8:29Mark 5:7).
The common idea that “Satan flees at Jesus’s name” may come from the narratives in the Gospels and Acts where demons are cast out “in the name of Jesus” (Mark 9:38Acts 16:18). It is repeated in a well-known worship song: “The Enemy, he has to flee at the sound of your great name.”
But we know from the Bible itself that demons feel no fear simply at the sound of Jesus’s name. Some “itinerant exorcists” adopted this verbal formula of simply citing Jesus’s name only to be driven out by the evil spirit “naked and wounded!” (Acts 19:13–16). It is clearly not the mere sound of those two syllables that commands Satan, but the authority from God that lies behind them (Mark 1:25–27).
Jesus’s name is not a magic spell used to take down evil spirits.

Jesus, the Word of God?

Perhaps Luther meant the Word, Jesus himself (John 1:1). While it is certainly true biblically that Jesus will be the one to finally destroy the devil in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10), it’s probably not what Luther refers to here.
It is unlikely that Luther would refer to Jesus, the ascended King reigning now over every name in heaven and on earth, as a little word (in Luther’s German, wörtlein). Indeed, “the Word was God.”
Ultimately, our hope of victory against Satan’s schemes is secured by his final destruction, but more than that, we have hope now. Even while Satan prowls this earth like a lion (1 Peter 5:8), we are not at the mercy of our supernatural foe. “His rage we can endure” now, before his destruction, by another word.

That Little Word

Martin Luther actually identified the word he had in mind, the one little word to fell our foe:
“Devil, you lie,” . . . Dr. Luther sings so proudly and boldly in those words of his hymn, “One little word shall fell him.” (“Against Hanswurst”)
Speaking of himself in the third person, Luther says that the one simple proclamation that defeats Satan is the simple verdict “Liar.”
Satan is a “liar, and the father of lies” (John 8:44). From the very beginning, Satan has twisted and contorted the truth of God into a lie (Genesis 3:1). And from the very beginning, Satan’s favorite lie has been to declare “unclean” what God has made clean, to declare “guilty” those whose sins God has covered.
There’s nothing Satan wants more than to eat away your faith in Jesus. Satan wants nothing more than for you to forget who you are in Christ. Over and over, the Bible warns us not not play games with this devouring, roaring beast of a being. His rage we cannot endure if our strategy is just to disregard him.

The Word of Faith

The text Luther most likely had in mind was Revelation 12:10, where John writes that “the accuser of our brothers [who is Satan; 12:9] has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.” So there is an accusation, a lie — Satan speaks “guilty” against the ones God has redeemed. It’s the same lie that Satan always speaks to God’s people (Zechariah 3:1).
The answer to this age-old lie is not to repeat Jesus’s name like a mantra. Nor is it simply to remind ourselves that Satan’s days are numbered. The answer, for Luther and in the Bible, is to believe the truth, the gospel. The answer is to believe the promises of God, that in Christ you are justified (Romans 5:1), clean (1 Corinthians 6:11), holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4), loved by God (Colossians 3:12), a branch saved from the fire (Zechariah 3:2).
The one, little word against Satan — “Liar!” — is the word of faith. When we take all of Satan’s lies, his accusations, his reminders of our sins and place them in the blood-sealed file marked “Lies,” it is a profession of our faith in Christ’s promises over against Satan’s accusations. This word is “the victory that has overcome” not only the world, but Satan himself (1 John 5:4).

We Tremble Not for Him

Satan is the grim Prince. He is deadly. He is a devouring, fearsome dragon (Revelation 12:9).
But he is nothing against “the victory that has overcome the world — our faith” (1 John 5:4). We tremble not for him because every one of his accusations — “guilty,” “condemned,” “unrighteous” — are shown to be nothing but lies before Christ.
So, the next time you sing Luther’s hymn, sing these words with all the more confidence and joy in Jesus. Say with Luther, “I admit that I deserve death and hell. What of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf.
“His name is Jesus Christ.”