BACK TO THE BIBLE WAY (The Mystery of God). Back To The Bible Way (Mystery of God) Without a careful...

BACK TO THE BACK TO THE BIBLEBIBLE WAY WAY

(The Mystery of God)(The Mystery of God)

Back To The Bible Way (Mystery of God)

Without a careful search in theology (i.e. the study ofGod), one may conclude that God is to blame with regards to this world of religious sects which havesprung up these days namely:

• Mohammedanism (i.e. Islam)• Hinduism• Buddhism• Christianity • Baha’i Faith, and so on.

But a careful search will reveal that by one man (i.e. Adam), we have all come short of God’s glory (Rom. 5:12-16) and by another man (i.e. Jesus), this glorycan be regained (Rom. 5:17).

On the other hand,without a careful survey of the Bible

(the only source of divine religious authority), one may

seem to see that Christ and His religion have failed or

disappointed the world – with regards to

denominationalism in Christendom – different

churches differing in faith and doctrine. Thus one

church may seem to have been told in the Bible to:

• Baptize by sprinkling,

• Baptize infants,

• Use instrumental music for worship,

• Pay yearly and monthly dues (Tithes),

• Allow women to pray and teach in the presence of men in the churches and


• Worship God on Saturdays (Sabbatarianism); whereas another church may seem to have been told to do totally different things from the aforementioned items – confusion all the way. And, of course, this sort of confusion in Christianity has caused some people to ignore the religion, whilst others are led astray by some self-claimed “Christian churches and leaders”.

To this end, I personally believe that Christ groanswithin Himself day in and out, as long as the memoryof His prayer for unity exists.


For, prior to His death, Christ prayed to God saying:“Neither pray I for these alone but for them also whichshall believe in me through their word that THEY ALLMAY BE ONE…”(John 17:20-21). Paul, in hisdays, sounded some warnings against departure fromthe faith; “Take heed…for I know this that after mydeparting shall grievous wolves enter in among younot sparing the flock…to draw away disciples afterthem. Therefore watch…” (Acts 20:28-31).“Now…brethren…speak the same thing…that there beno divisions among you…” (1 Cor. 1:10). “Now thespirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing


spirits and doctrines of devils. Speaking lies inhypocrisy…forbidding to marry, and commanding toabstain from meats…” (1 Tim 4:1-3). “…mark themwhich cause division and offense contrary to thedoctrine which ye have heard and avoid them…”.(Romans 16:17-18). So it is evidently clear that menhave departed from the old faith (the only way to God),a situation contrary to God’s will. But we shall pleaseGod if only we will pay heed to the “Weeping Prophet”,Jeremiah, who said; “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye inthe ways and see, and ask for the Old Paths, where isthe good way and walk therein and ye shall find restfor your soul…” (Jer. 6:16). Hence the call to


“Back to the Bible Way”, THE OLD PATHS.

This writing is designed to help any true-seekingindividual to come to know that God is not to blamewith reference to this world of religious divisions; butthat He has established only one religion (Christianity)through which all will be saved.

Secondly, it is designed to help any true-seekingindividual to come to the knowledge of the LOVE ofGod for man – even the Mystery OF GOD; and havingknown the Mystery of God, one will come to know thereligion which is in connection with it. It will further


help the individual to know the essentiality of the unityin the God-instituted religion (Christianity). And withregards to church, it will help the individual to know thedangers in denominationalism. It will also help theindividual to have a self-examination whether he/she isin the Bible church, and as to whether he/she is in theright position before God (II Cor. 13:5, I John 4:1, I Tim4:1-3).

My short advice is that before you start readingthrough this writing, pray to God to show you the way.Also, you should shun every prejudiced andpreconceived ideas.


In other words, let us allow the Bible to become ourneutral ground, common denominator and basis forunity. Thus it requires a willing and humbled mind.God bless you.

Write to the address below for questions and further studies or call:

Philip Obeng-OwusuChurch of Christ OR Call :P.O. Box A338 1-347-596-9111La,Accra, Ghana ( In the U.S.A.)


THE MYSTERY OF GOD The Bible reveals the Mystery of God.This is the

central message of the Bible. The main character inthe Mystery of God is the man JESUS CHRIST.Without the knowledge of this MYSTERY OF GOD,one is lost. Let me present to you some facts toremember about this MYSTERY OF GOD. But first ofall, kindly read carefully I Timothy 3:15-16.The word “Mystery” from the Greek word“MUSTERION” means primarily, “that which isknown to the ‘MUSTES’, the initiated… In the NewTestament it denotes, not the Mysterious (as with the


English word), but that which being outside the rangeof unassisted natural apprehension, can be madeknown only by divine revelation, and is made known ina manner and at a time appointed by God and to thoseonly who are illumined by His Spirit. In the ordinarysense a Mystery implies knowledge withheld…” Vine‘s expository dictionary of the N.T. words, page779.

Thus here, I am talking in terms of God’s secret planfor redeeming man after he fell from God. Let us bearin mind that before He created the world, Godforeknew the state of man (Acts 2:23; I Pet. 1:2).


Therefore an advance plan was made as a provisionfor man to return to God later. Hence the MYSTERYOF GOD. See Chart ‘A’ for illustration. Find time toread the following passages also: 1 Cor. 2:7-10;Eph. 1:9, 3:9; Col. 1:27, 2:2.

Chart ‘A’:


God’s scheme of Redemption after man’s fall

Our Father God

Man’s 1st State

Isaiah 59: 1-2

Man’s 2nd State

Shortly after the creation of man by God, man fell intothe ‘sin of disobedience to God’. “…your iniquitieshave separated you and God, and your sins have hidHis face from you that He will not hear” (Is. 59:1-2). Thus it is axiomatically believed that immediately afterthe fall of man, this scheme of Redemption must havestarted to function. This is clearly seen in God’spromise to Abraham of the SEED “…and thy SEEDshall possess the gates of his enemies and in thySEED shall all nations of the earth be blessedbecause thou obeyed my voice” (Gen. 22:17-18). Yousee, God, who had earlier cursed man due to thelatter’s transgression, is seen here as having


Our Father God

Is. 59:1-2

ABRAHAM

The Promised Seed

Chart ‘B’:Man’s Access To

GodGal. 3:16Cf. Gen. 22:17-18

compassion on man and to bless him – what aprivilege for man to go back to God by a promisedseed of the patriarch Abraham! See chart ‘B’ whichShows the beginning part of the systematicdevelopment in God’s plan for redeeming man. Bearin mind that at the time of the promise of the SEED,Abraham and Sarah, his wife, were in their old age.


They wondered as to how they could bear a child,through whom the PROMISED SEED would come. Soupon the advice of Sarah, Abraham went into Hagar,their Egyptian maid-servant, and a male child wasborn to Abraham. He was called Ishmael. (Note thatthis Ishmael was the father of the Arab world whereMohammed, the founder of Islamic religion, comesfrom-: Gen.16:2-3, Galatians 4:25).

Abraham was confident and hopeful that the promised Seed would come through Ishmael; so left to him alone,the plan of salvation would have beenas indicated in chart “C”



Chart ‘C’:The Plan asAbraham proposedTo God.

Our Father God

Is. 59:1-2

ABRAHAM

ISHMAEL

The Promised Seed

This is seen to be so in a conversation betweenAbraham and God. Because in the conversation,Abraham, seeing that the SEED would not likelycome through the loins of Ishmael, but through alegitimate child of Abraham and his wife, Sarah,..“fellupon his face and laughed and said in his heart,‘shalla child be born unto him that is a hundred years old?’.


And shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?”And Abraham said unto God, “O that Ishmael mightlive before thee.” And God said, “Sarah thy wife shallbear thee a son indeed and thou shall call his nameIsaac, and I will establish my covenant with him for aneverlasting covenant and with HIS SEED after him.And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee; behold, I haveblessed him, and I will make him fruitful exceedingly;twelve princes shall be beget, and I will make him agreat nation. But my covenant will I establish withIsaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at the settime in the next year” (Gen. 17: 17-21). Thus on thecontrary, the promised SEED was to come through


Isaac’s loins but not Ishmael. See Chart “D” for anillustration. And it will be seen that Ishmael is awayfrom the covenant or the Promised line. He was not agodly person, for, it was foretold of him, “..he will be awild man..” (Gen.16:12); Gen.21:10—“..cast out thebondwoman and her son..” ; so Isaac was chosen.

Chart ‘D’:The Plan asGodproposed andImplemented(Isaacchosen).

Our Father God

Is. 59:1-2

ABRAHAM

ISAAC

The Promised Seed

Ishmaelout of thepromisedline.


Yes, God always wants a Godly seed (Mal. 2:14-15)in His dealings with man, in the Scheme ofRedemption. He named Isaac as His choice. Isaacbrought forth Esau and Jacob, though Esau was theelder, but he sold his birthright to his youngerbrother, Jacob (Gen. 25:29-34), so the blessing in thepromised line shifted to Jacob (cf. Gen. 25:22-26;27:22-29). See Chart “E”.

Chart ‘E’:Jacob Chosen

Our Father God

Is. 59:1-2

ABRAHAM

ISAAC

The Promised Seed

Ishmael

EsauJACOB


This shows another development in God’s Plan forRedeeming man. Jacob also brought forth thirteenchildren, and since it is the will of God that one person should be chosen at a particular point in time in HIS SCHEME OF REDEMPTION. Judah was chosen among his brethren. (Gen. 49:8-10; Ps. 78:67-68).See chart “F”. It was through Judah’s loins that our Lord and Saviour descended (Matt. 2:1-6).

Chart ‘F’:Judah Chosen

Is. 59:1-2

ABRAHAM

ISAAC

The Promised Seed

Ishmael

Esau

JACOB

JUDAH

Our Father God


But before the coming of our Lord, God appointed prophets to prepare His way. Some of them were Moses (Deut. 18: 15-20), Isaiah (Is. 7:14, 9:6), and Malachi (Mal. 5:2). John the Baptist was the last prophet before Christ came (Matt. 3:1, 11:13-14). So, we see the development in God’s plan of salvation taking a shape as we see Christ’s physical appearance on earth drawing nearer.

And at the appointed time, “…God sent forth His son…to redeem those who were under the Law that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Gal. 4:4-5). As it has earlier been known that Christ came through the loins of Judah, we see that the SEED as promised by


God to Abraham was the man Jesus Christ-Hallelujah! (Gal. 3:16). It was neither Mohammed nor Hindu, etc.And when Christ came,the Holy Spirit bore witness ofHim saying, “this is my beloved Son…” (Matt. 3:17). God also, in Matt. 17:5, commands us to pay heed to Him (Christ). So neither Hinduism nor Islam, but Christianity, comes from God. Although Judaism came from God, it was to pave a way for Christ and His religion. For, even Moses, who was the real mediator in Judaism, forewarned any disobedience to Christ (Deut.18:15-18); and John the baptist,the last prophet before Christ who prepared the Lord’s way (Matt.3:3)said “He must increase but I must decrease”-John.3:30. Christ, knowing the plight of mankind, said, “Come unto


me…and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). And to assure us of eternal salvation, He said, “I am the way…” (John 14:6). See Chart “G”.

Chart ‘G’:“I AM THE WAY”(John 14:6)“COME UNTO ME”(Matt. 11:28)“HEAR HIM”(Matt. 17:5)

ABRAHAM

ISAAC

The Promised Seed (Gal. 3:16)Christ,the way{Jn.14:16}

Ishmael

Esau JACOB

JUDAH

Our Father God

Is. 59:1-2

PROPHETS

It was the plan of God that Christ should die. Yet before His death, He promised to build his Church (Matt. 16:18). This was fulfilled fifty days after the death of Christ ( Acts 2:1ff ).


Note that Pentecost was celebrated fifty days after each Passover feast; and Christ was crucified during the Passover feast. Hence the proof that the Church was established fifty days after Christ’s death; and from the Greek Lexicon, Pentecost means fifty days.

The Importance of the Church

The Scriptures say that the body of Christ represents His Church; and that Salvation is found in Christ alone; so it is logically true that Salvation is found in His Church (John 1:4; Col. 1:22-23). This has been confirmed in Acts 2:47, “…and the Lord added to the


Church daily such as should be saved.” See Chart “H”.

Chart ‘H’:The church, theMedium to God(Acts 2:47)

ABRAHAM

ISAAC

Christ, The Seed (Gal. 3:16)

Ishmael

Esau JACOB

JUDAH

Our Father God

Is. 59:1-2

PROPHETS

Acts 2:47

But the devil, knowing for sure that if all should be added to the Church would be saved, has since the beginning of the establishment of the Church made every effort to confuse people. An example is the fact that the devil has convinced men into believing that the way to

Back To The Bible Way ( Mystery of God)

heaven is not one but many. Hence, the multiplicity of churches (denominationalism) – a situation which goes against the prayer of Christ (John 17:20-21). Thus left to the devil alone, God’s plan for Redeeming man would have been as indicated on Chart “I”:

Chart ‘I’:“Any church is as goodas another”

“The plan as the devilwould have wished itto be”

ABRAHAM

ISAAC

Christ, The Seed (Gal. 3:16)

Ishmael

Esau JACOB

JUDAH

Is. 59:1-2

PROPHETS

Matt. 16:18I Cor. 3:11Acts 2:47

Our Father God

Many ways to Heaven


But this cannot be true since God, in His dealings with man in the Plan of Salvation, has always chosen one person at a time and one thing at a time to stand in His promised line. The following are some helpful points to the above facts: 1.The man Abram,chosen out of his family (Gen 12:1-3),2.One child Isaac chosen – Gen. 17:16-19,3.One child Jacob chosen –Gen. 25:22-26,4.One child Judah chosen –Gen. 49:8-10,5.Godly seed always chosen – Mal. 2:14-15,6.Christ as God’s only begotten Son John1:14;Heb.1:5,


(7) one way – John 14:6, 10:16,(8) one shepherd, one flock – John 10:16,(9) one door – John 10:9,(10) oneness in God head –Matt. 28:18-20; John 17:20-21,(11) oneness in Christ – I Cor. 1:10-14,(12) one body, one Spirit – Eph. 4:4-5,(13) one hope, one Lord – Eph. 4:4-5,(14) one faith, one baptism – Eph. 4:4-5,(15) one Father and(16) one Church – Matt. 16:18, Acts 2:47.

With a sincere heart, one can see that there is muchbeauty and perfection in God’s Scheme of Redemption.The devil is rather not allowing us to see things alike


in this Scheme. We therefore need to have an openmind and delve into the scriptures so as to be able tofollow the apostolic examples of the early church.Thus

ifone wants to please God,one has to make sure if one’sChurch doctrine is in conformity with that of the earlyChurch. The name and doctrine of the church count alot. Obeying Christ as an individual is also of paramountimportance (Rev. 2:10; II Cor. 13:5).


Food For Thought

Our true faith in God would actually help us to acceptwhatever He says in the bible. Thus, if He says “no”, itis emphatically “no” and if He says “yes”, it isemphatically “yes”. In other words we should let His willbe done. We humans have no choice but to listen andaccept His will or words including:

(1) “…He shall be a wild man…” Gen 16:12-16, that is concerning Ishmael.

(2) “…and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant” Gen. 17:17-21, that is concerning Isaac.


(3) “The scepter shall not depart from Judah…” Gen 49:7-9.

(4) “Today, thou shalt be with in paradise” Luke 23:43(5) “In him was life…” John 1:4(6) “…upon this rock I will build my church…” Matt:

16:18(7) “…the church which is His body…” Eph. 1:22-23(8) “…wherein few, that is eight souls were saved by

water”, I Peter 3:20-21(9) “…and the Lord added to the church daily such as

should be”…Acts 2:47.(10) “…he that entereth not by the door into the

sheepfold…is a thief and a robber”, John 10:1


CAUSES OF CONFUSION IN CHRISTENDOM

The devil is the main architect of confusion inChristendom, but we humans play some roles:

(1) LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONTRASTBETWEEN OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS (See the charts below):

(a) Misinterpretation of Matt. 5:17-19 “…I came not to destroy but to fulfill…” This passage doesn’t mean that Christ came to fulfill the “thou shalts”and “thou shalt nots”. Rather he came to fulfill that which was spoken about Him (Luke 24:44-47) in the law of Moses (Deut. 18:17-19),


in the prophets (Amos 8:4-8, Matt. 27:45-46, Jer. 31:31, Heb. 8:7-10) and in the Psalms (Psalm

110:1, Acts 2:34, Luke 24:44-47).(b) “…now that faith is come we are no

longer under a schoolmaster” (the OT Laws), Gal. 3:19- 25.

(c) Thus we are worshippers/ministers of the new testament, not the old (II Cor. 3:4-11).(d) “…He taketh away the first in order to

establish the second” (Heb. 10:9). “For if the first covenant had been faultless…” (Heb. 8:7-10).

(e) “For the priesthood being changed…change also of the law”-Heb.7:12

CONTRAST BETWEEN OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT

OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT

Subject Description Passage(s) Subject Description Passages(s)

Shadow Heb. 8:5; 10:1-2 Substance (Object) Col 2:16-17

Good Heb. 8:6 Better Heb. 8:6

Outward Worship Heb. 9:8-10 Inward (Spiritual) Worship

John 4:23-24

Venue for Worship: Jerusalem

John 4:20-21; Ps. 78:67-70 Everywhere Matt. 18:19-20

Priesthood: Only Levites

Num. 1:50; Deut. 10:6-8 Priesthood: Every Christian

I Peter 2:9-10

Administrator(s): Priest(s)

Num. 1:50; Deut. 10:6-8 Administrator(s): Male Christian(s)

I Tim 2:8,11-14

Day of the Lord: Every Sabbath

Ex. 16:23 Day of the Lord: 1st day of the week

Luke 24;1-6; Acts 2ff; 20:7; I Cor. 16ff

Day of Rest: Every Sabbath

Ex. 20:8ff Day of Rest: Future eternal rest promised

Heb. 4:1-11; 11:13-16

Jewish (Tabernacle) Worship: Physical

Lev. 8: 1-10 Christian Worship: Spiritual

John 4:22-24; II Cor. 3:6,8

OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT

Subject Description Passage(s) Subject Description Passages(s)

Daily Burnt Offering as Sacrifice

Ex. 20:15-18, 38 Daily Devoted Life (As Spiritual Sacrifice)

I Peter 2:5; Rom. 12:1-2

Washing of Hands and Feet

Ex. 30:17-21 Heart Cleansing James 4:7-8

Lighting of Lamps Ex. 30:8; 25:37 Glorifying God Matt. 5:13-16

Daily Incense Burning

Ex. 30;1-9 Daily Prayer Life I Thess. 5:17

Tithes (Compulsory) Mal. 3:10 No more Tithes, but FREE will offering

Heb. 7:1-12; II Cor. 9:6

Instrumental Music; Physical or Literal Instruments

I Chron. 16;42; 23:1-5 Lips Music (The chords of the Heart being the instruments)

I Cor. 14:15-16; Heb. 13:15

Reading and Studying God’s Word: (I) The Law of: Moses, Flesh Death(II) Schoolmaster’s Law

Deut. 31:11; Josh. 8:35; Neh. 8:1-13(I) Josh. 23:6; Rom. 7:5; II Cor. 3:6-7(II) Gal. 3:23; II Cor. 3:15

Reading and Studying God’s Word:(I) The Law of: Christ, Spirit, Life (II) The Law of Faith

I Tim. 4:13; II Tim. 2:15; II John 9; II Cor. 3:6; Gal. 3:25-26

Show Bread: (I) Displaying it on Table(II) Changed and Eaten Weekly by Priest Only

Ex. 25:30; Lev. 6:16; 24:5-9; I Chron. 9:32

Bread of Life (Christ’s Body): (I) Displaying Christ’s Body(II) Eaten on 1st day of week by Christians only

John 6:51; Gal. 3:27; Acts 2:42; 20:7; I Cor. 10:16-18

PATTERN OF THE TABERNACLE

The Most Holy Place Holy Place (Sanctuary)Heb. 9:2

Ark of CovenantHeb. 9:1-6

Golden Censer-Altar of IncenseEx. 30;1-9, Heb. 9:1-6

Table of ShowbreadEx. 25:29-30

Lamp StandEx. 25:31-37

LaverEx. 30:17-21

Altar of Burnt OfferingEx. 29:15-18

http://www.bible-history.com/tabernacle/images/GL39.gif


Some Facts to Remember:• With regards to the showbread and the Lord’s

Supper, it is generally known that the frequency of a pendulum is directly proportional to its shadow; thus the frequency of the eating of the showbread must be directly proportional to that of the Lord’s Supper; hence the weekly basis.

• On musical instruments, the Jews might wholeheartedly play; its allusion to New Testament music must not be the literal instruments wholeheartedly played, as far as the difference in shadow and object is concerned. It must have something better and stronger in order to be called the real substance of the shadow; hence the chords of the human heart, being the instrument.


THE PURPOSE AND DURATION OF THE OLD TESTAMENT LAWS

Canaan (Promised Land)

(Gen. 12:7)Christ, the End of

the Law (Rom. 10:1-9)

Egyptian Bondage(Gal. 3:17)

A

Red Sea

The First Mentioning of the Sabbath Law (Ex.

16:23-24)

Mt. SinaiThe Law/Ten

Commandments Given

(Ex. 20:1-17)Period of the Law

(Gal. 4:1-5)

Period of the Law until Christ came

(Gal. 3:19-25)

Z


“Tell Me, Ye That Desire To Be Under The Law, Do Ye Not Hear The Law?” (Gal. 4:21-31)

Introduction - Paul challenges those who want to be under the Old Testament Law

The Lesson Analyzed:ABRAHAM

ALLEGORY

Ishmael

Hagar

Bondwoman

Mt. Sinai

OT

Bondage

Judaism, System of Bondage

Persecutor

“Cast out the Bondwoman & her child…”

Judaism, System of Bondage

Isaac

Sarah

Freewoman

Heavenly Jerusalem

NT

Freedom

Christianity, System of Freedom

Victim of Persecution

The Son of Freewoman is the Heir

Christianity, System of Freedom


(2) LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF EXPIRY OF THE MIRACULOUS GIFTS, (See the chart below):

(a) Notice that God’s time-table must work accordingly, so if he says something would pass away at a particular point in time, it is axiomatic!

“when that which is perfect is come…” (I Cor. 13:10-12). The “perfect” in this context is not Christ, but rather the maturity state of the

church, (Eph. 4:11-14).

Let us continue to search the scriptures and we willcome to know the truth. Hence a call to “Back to theBible Way.”

THOROUGH ANALYTICAL STUDIES OF I COR. 13:8-13 AND EPH. 4:11-14 IN COMPARISON

PROOFING THE EXPIRY OF MIRACULOUS GIFTSI Cor. 13:8-13 Eph. 4:11-14I. The Gifts: I Cor. 12 (v. 8-10) v. 11 (The Gifts as listed in Eph.4:11)

II. Purpose: Compare with I Cor. 12:25 (to edify members)

v. 12 To perfect the saints, for the edification of the church; for the work of the ministry (compare with v.13c, “..unto a perfect man..”), To confirm the word spoken by the apostles (Heb. 2:1-4),The then infant church needed to grow to maturity, “..on unto perfection..” (Heb.6:1-2 , Heb.13:20-21;James 1:4).

III. Time Limit: v. 10 “…when that which is perfect is come…”. People mistakenly refer the perfect to Christ –that’s wrong! Yes, we all know that Christ is perfect (Heb.5:9; 7:28), but do you know that the Father (Matt. 5:48), the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4) and the Bible (Ps. 19:7; James 1:25) are perfect? And, do you know that Christians are expected to be perfect (Matt. 5:48)?

So, we conclude that the context will prove what the perfect is all about!

v. 13 “…till we all come in the unity of the faith…”>The “we all” denotes Jews and Gentiles coming together:(i)“…and other sheep…I must bring…there shall be one fold, one shepherd”-John 10:16.(ii)“…that they all may be one…” . John 17:20-21>And this unity has been attained:(i)“…we are all one in Christ…” (Romans 12:5)(ii)“…the middle wall of partition has been broken down…” (Eph. 2;14-15)(iii)“…no Jew, no Gentile, for ye are all one…” (Gal. 3:27-28)

I Cor. 13:8-13 Eph. 4:11-14IV. “…now I know in part, but then…” v. 12b: the “now” denotes the time of miraculous gifts; the “then” denotes the time the perfect would come (the knowledge of the son of God during the period of miracles was inferior to that of the period of perfection)

v. 13b “…and of the knowledge of the Son of God…”>Thus miracles must have existed till Jews be no more stumbled by the gospel, but have full knowledge about Christ as the Son of God (Romans 10:1-2; I Cor. 1:23)>Also, till Gentiles no more term Christ’s gospel as foolishness, but rather come to know Christ as the Son of God (I Cor. 1:23)

V. “…when I was a child…” v. 11 (childishness was the order of the day); “…I spoke as a child…” (period of miracles); “…I understood as a child…” (dark sight/partial knowledge, v. 12)

v. 13c “…unto a perfect man…”, “…unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…” (a state of perfection was expected)

VI. “…but when I became a man…” (a state of maturity, period of perfection, v. 11)

v. 14 “…that we henceforth be no more children…” (a state of maturity; thus miraculous gifts would cease since the church was expected to be in a state of maturity - perfection)

VII. “…and now abideth…” (essential elements to our salvation after the passing away of miracles are as follows): v. 13: Faith – yes, we have to go to God; faith can help us to that far after which it will no more be needed (Heb. 11:1,6); Hope – yes, we need this too, to go to God; it can carry us to that far after which it will no more be needed (Rom.8:24-25); Love – Love reigns supreme in heaven as it is on this earth; it will never end.Hence “…love never ends…” (I Cor. 13:8; I Cor. 13:13; Col. 3;14)

Voice of Prophecy

Old Testament

Joel 2:28

Fulfillment (Last Days) Heaven

New Testament Judgment

Manifestations AttentionPlease!!

Remnants Final Remnant

Mark 16:15-16

Acts 1:8

Acts 2:14ff

Acts 8:16ff

I Cor. 12:1ff

I Cor. 14:1ff

I COR.13:8-13

FAITH

HOPE

LOVE

ONLY

LOVE

I COR. 13:8


BEAR IN MIND THAT:(a) Prophecies were made concerning the gifts of the

Holy Spirit to the early Christians (Joel 2:28).

(b) God had His purpose for which He gave the gifts through Christ.(i) the Jews knew they would please God only by obeying Mosaic Laws.(ii) They held this view with a clear conscience.(iii) But God in His wisdom had a purpose and time limit for the Mosaic Laws, thus God’s timetable must work (Gal. 3:19-25). (iv) Thus at the appointed time God sent forth His son (Gal. 4:4-5).


(v) Period of reformation was planned.(vi) This period of reformation couldn’t materialize but by miracles .(vii) When the time of reformation was due, miraculous gifts were given to confirm the WORDS for a limited period (I Cor. 13:8-13, Heb.2:1-4). (viii) After the mission and the purpose of the gifts were acomplished,God,who cannot lie, makes sure He goes by His time table-making those who claim to possess the ‘gifts’ big liars ; because the devil can perform lying wonders to deceive humanity (Matt.7:22-23, IIThess.2:9).


SOME FACTS TO REMEMBER(HISTORY OF THE LORD’S CHURCH VERSUS

DENOMINATIONALISM)The Lord’s Church was established in about AD 33.Founder - Christ (Matt. 16:18)Venue – Jerusalem (Luke 24:47, Acts 1:4-8, 2:41-47)Faith – One (Eph. 4:5)DEPARTURES FROM THE FAITH“Some shall depart from the faith “I Tim 4:1-4”(Voice of prophecy) – (See the illustration below):The above passage is a prophecy concerning theCatholic church and its doctrine “…forbidding tomarry…” (celibacy), “…abstaining from meats…”. Afterthe Catholics, came other departures also with variousdoctrines.


CLAIMS OF SECULAR HISTORY CONCERNINGFIRST ROMAN EMPEROR TO BECOME ACHRISTIAN – Constantine, (400 AD). If Constantine,said to be the first emperor to become a Christian livedaround 400 AD, then he must have been a member ofa church other that the Roman Catholic, which started606 AD. No doubt it must be the first church whichChrist established after His death under the RomanEmpire-the church of Christ, out of which the RomanCatholic church came. If this argument is wrong, whichchurch then was he a member of? Let us be honest toGod and to ourselves.


“BACK TO THE OLD PATHS” Jer. 6:16If the same seed planted in 33 AD that yielded thechurch is planted in 2000 AD, it will yield the samechurch. Thus the same Christ, if preached today willyield the same church – hence a call to “Back to theBible Way ”. – THE OLD PATHS.

WHAT THEN MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

After having known the mystery of God, one has tomake a self examination to see if one is in the faith:

IICor. 13:5


STEPS OF SALVATION• Hear the Word – Romans 10:14• Believe – Romans 10:14• Repent – Acts 2:38• Confess – Romans 10:9• Be Baptized into the Church –Acts2:41-47.

After having been added to the church, one needs to live upright before God,2Pe.2:5-8,Rev.2:10 Thus being a member of the church without a good heart with God ( sincerety ) means nothing.On the other hand claiming to be sincere to God without being a member of the Lord’s church is nothing- Acts 2: 47.May God forgive us of our sins and bless us in Christ’s name -AMEN

BACK TO THE BIBLE WAY (The Mystery of God). Back To The Bible Way (Mystery of God) Without a careful...

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