What is Hyper Dispensationalism?
Dispensationalism is a religious interpretive system for the Bible. It considers Biblical history as divided by God into dispensations, defined periods or ages to which God has allotted distinctive administrative principles. According to dispensationalist theology, each age of God’s plan is thus administered in a certain way, and humanity is held responsible as a steward during that time.
Wikipedia – Dispensationalsim
Classic Dispensationalism
First of all, let me say that we at Discerning the World are classic-dispensationalist. We believe that Biblical history is divided by God into dispensations to which God has allotted distinctive administrative principles. Throughout time circumstances change, and therefore, God’s instructions change. I believe in a consistent literal and plain interpretation of scripture; the distinctiveness of Israel and the Church; and that the underlying purpose of God in the world is the glory of God. You could certainly expand on that further, but I think that captures dispensationalism succinctly.
The question then becomes, what is meant by hyper-dispensationalism?
The term is not new or made up. Hyper-dispensationalist make a very sharp distinction between the ministry of Christ and the Apostles, with a further sharp dividing between Paul’s teaching and that of Peter and the other Apostles. Here are some (but not all inclusive) characteristics of hyper-dispensationalism:
1. Hyper-dispensationalist believe that the four Gospels are entirely Jewish and contain no direct teaching for the Church. However, Hebrews 2:3-4 says that the same gospel of salvation preached by the Apostles was preached by Christ. In addition, 1 Timothy 6:3 shows that Christ spoke directly to the Church age.
2. Hyper-dispensationalist also believe that the Book of Acts was also largely Jewish. Hyper-dispensationalist believe that Jews were given a second chance to receive the Gospel in Acts. They teach two different Churches are viewed in the Book of Acts and the true Pauline church started in either Acts Chapter 9, 13, or 28 (depending on who you talk to.) But at the end of Acts, Paul is still preaching about the Kingdom as seen in Acts 28:23. Paul also preached the Kingdom in the Epistles in 2 Thessalonians 1:5 and 2 Timothy 4:1.
3. Hyper-dispensationalist believe that the mysteries given to Paul are a different revelation from that give to Peter and the other Apostles. Only Paul’s writings are for the Church today (and not all of Hebrews, James, Peter, and John’s epistles.) However, Paul said that the church is built on the foundation of the Apostles (plural!) and not just himself in Ephesians 2:20. Paul also said the mysteries were revealed to the Apostles (plural!) and prophets in Ephesians 3:5. Peter saw no distinction 2 Peter 3:1-2, 15-16. Paul certainly had unique revelations about the Church, but it didn’t contradict the general epistles.
4. Hyper-dispensationalists believe the Gospel preached by Paul is different that the one taught by Peter. Peter preached salvation through the blood of Christ, by God’s free mercy, the new birth, and eternal security 1 Peter 1:2-4. Acts Chapter 15 plainly states that all the Apostles agreed on the Gospel. Paul said they all preached the same Gospel 1 Corinthians 15:11-14.
5. Some (not all) Hyper-dispensationalist believe that baptism and the Lord’s Supper were given before Paul received the Church Age mysteries and thus are not for today. Certainly, baptism and receiving the Lord’s Supper are not necessary for salvation. Salvation is by grace alone apart from any works. And yet, Paul did baptize some (1 Cor 1:13-17) and Philip and Peter baptized two Gentiles (Acts Chapters 8 and 10). So why be baptized? Baptism is supposedly an outward action based on an inward reality. Baptism is a testimony that the participant has trusted in Christ as Savior and they are identifying himself/herself by submitting themselves to baptism. Baptism is not necessary. I think it is a matter for the individual to decide if they want to be baptized or not. I don’t think one should actively preach/teach AGAINST baptism.
6. Finally, some Hyper-dispensationalist believe that there are different ways of salvation based on faith plus works, in the Old Testament and for Tribulation saints.
Well, that’s enough for now. I could go into more detail but that adequately covers what hyper-dispensationalist believe for our purposes here. I guess the biggest problem I have with hyper-dispensationalism is the implication that Jesus’ own teachings in the Gospels are not binding or applicable to the Church. I cannot imagine calling myself a Christian and in the next breath saying the words of my Savior are not applicable to me. That is “wrongly dividing” the word of truth.
Thanks to John for allowing us to use his comment as an article.
See all articles on Kingdom Now Theology / Dominionism
So, my wife came across this site after listening to some absolute satanic nonsense on Sid Roth about the gal and her son the car accident etc. That wrote a book about MANY false things! This is some of the very reasons OUR apostle Paul warned us this side of the cross, in 2 Timothy 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. This is the very ungodliness that leads people astray from the truth of God’s word “rightly divided”. 2 Timothy 2:15 In laying some background here. I was raised Catholic, went into charismatic, assemblies of God, word of faith you name it for YEARS! My wife is a PK raised by an assemblies of God preacher father, who came out of heretic Billy Grahams teachings! I rubbed elbows for YEARS with the Copelands, Jesse Duplantis, and the rest of his crew as well as people like Kim Clement, and so many others week after month after year!
5 years ago my wife and I began to learn how to study the bible CORRECTLY! It’s ALL written FOR US, BUT not all written TO US! No matter how much you’ve been told, THINK, claim whatever, you are NOT Israel, spiritual Israel nor have ANY of the promises of the fathers nor ANY covenants! Yeah I know this riled some up already. Don’t come back with that Jesus loves everybody, or I don’t have his love in my heart, or I’ve never experienced a move of the Holy Spirit. Sorry on ALL those accounts I’ve been up to my eyeballs in Satan’s lies and parlor tricks.
Just to say this that may shock many of you, but MOST are not even saved nor know HOW they are saved! Yeah I know, I’M not the judge, BUT, scripture is MY credentials the KJB. Such as,
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 is the ONLY way anyone is saved this side of the cross.
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you THE GOSPEL which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
BY WHICH ALSO YE ARE SAVED, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Notice Paul’s words THE GOSPEL and BY WHICH YE ARE SAVED? Verses 3/4 is the FINISHED cross work of Christ! AND Ephesians 1:13 supports this,
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, THE GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Again, notice Paul’s words, GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION? as well, all you who falsely believe that you need to conjure up, invite in, ask to come around whatever when speaking of the Holy Spirit, well, IF you by belief, faith and trust the GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION, then scripture says we are SEALED with the Holy Spirit. He goes EVERYWHERE you go! The Bible is SIMPLE if you allow it it to be. So moving on…
Allow me to NOW begin by stating that obvious scriptural fact that MOST do NOT understand and is NOT obvious to MOST that Paul is our
1 Timothy 1:16 PATTERN. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
That his words are COMMANDMENTS of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
That men WILL be judged according to his gospel. ( not that he came up with it it was given to him by Jesus Christ.)
Romans 2:16
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
That should set the stage for my comments I hope, because if you in fact reject Paul, you are rejecting Jesus Christ himself!!
When studying the Bible we must not only be spiritual, we must be dispensational. We must know who is speaking, to whom and what are the circumstances. Otherwise we mix law/prophecy with grace/mystery. YES mystery. The mystery gospel given to Paul
Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was KEPT SECRET since the world began,
God in His INFINITE WISDOM, kept the secret of salvation coming to the gentiles!!! Why?
Because,
1 Corinthians 2:7-8
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
I also want to say that ANY of our opinions, suppositions, experiences, so called miracles etc. mean NOTHING! It’s the TRUTH of God’s word, again, RIGHTLY DIVIDED! If you cannot explain or even answer anything regarding the various things the host of this site has exposed on this site, using SCRIPTURE, using SOUND DOCTRINE for THIS SIDE OF THE CROSS, then you are doing just that, giving your thoughts or opinions. If you STUDY “rightly divided” ( you’ll hear me say that a lot) 2 Timothy 2:15, you will see the stark differences of what Jesus and the 12 were teaching and the 12 were INSTRUCTED BEFORE Jesus went to the cross, and what He gave Paul for AFTER the cross. It’s black and white.
Some examples are:
Matthew 15:24
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
John 4:22
Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
So WE were NOT even included until Israel fell and were temporarily blinded,
Romans 11:11
I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
Then you have scripture such as Peter in Acts 2:22 addressing who? Oh yeah ISRAEL
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know
Also Acts 3:19 telling again who? ISRAEL to WHAT?
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.
repent so their sins can be BLOTTED out when the times of refreshing come. (Jesus’ return) Their sins are NOT forgiven yet!
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
But wait that’s NOT what PAUL says,
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast
And that God no longer what???
2 Corinthians 5:19
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
and God did what?
Colossians 2:13
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you ALL trespasses;
So, our sins are FORGIVEN? Yet, multitudes ask forgiveness, ask Jesus in their heart, make him Lord of their lives, say the so called sinners prayer ALL to no avail when it is simple, belief, faith and trust in His death, burial and resurrection! Forgiveness and salvation are 2 DIFFERENT things! God did the forgiving at the cross, we GET the FREE gift of salvation by accepting and believing that!! SIMPLE!!
Anyway, I hope this posts and MANY will 2 Timothy 2:7 CONSIDER and not blow these things off or think you are smarter than or whatever. I don’t know everything but God’s word is infallible, inerrant BUT again I’ll say it we MUST 2 Timothy 2:15 in order to get UNDERSTANDING!!
Some GREAT resources in RIGHTLY DIVING from the KJB.
There is so much more to say, BUT this was long winded enough.
Good luck!! You never dying souls could lay in the balance!
Thank you Bobby!
OH and by the way Jeremae,
The ONLY way to be saved this side of the cross is belief and trust in the FINISHED cross work of Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
and Ephesians 1:13 seals us!!
Nothing more required. Nothing more to be added. We do NOT get water baptized this side of the cross. Nor Tithing I’ll ad a couple of links that will help you with this!
Don’t be fooled by these charlatans! They lie in wait to deceive! Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
– about water baptism
– again more on baptism
– about tithing
– again more about tithing
Water baptism and tithing were LAW issues NOT for us!!!
Bobby :hi:
Thank you, and I placed those links into the little headings themselves.
Thanks Bobby. Excellent articles! Paul said:
I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” (1 Co 1:14-17).
Paul baptized a few people as we see from the above passage. I don’t know the answer. Perhaps you can help. Why did he baptize them with water?
I followed the link that Bobby gave on water baptism to http://www.graceambassadors.com and I find something troubling on their doctrine page. It states that God gave Paul a “new, distinct gospel.” Really? Another gospel? I’ll have to read more from that website (when I get the time) but it hints of a wrong teaching called hyper-dispensationalism. Hope I’m wrong.
Deborah (Discerning the World) wrote:
awesome hopefully they help! This understanding was hard at first until my wife and I let the Bible be TRUE! Rightly dividing!
Tom (Discerning the World) wrote:
Hopefully these help. 🙂
This question is often asked in order to undermine mystery truths revealed to Paul. Do not let it trouble you. Paul himself explains why.
Baptism is Jewish, and Paul was a Hebrew of the Hebrews (Phil 3:5).
Baptisms were part of the law as a purification for sin, and Paul knew the ‘perfect manner of the law’ (Acts 22:3).
Baptism was part of Jewish conversion practices (even for Gentiles), and Paul was ‘zealous of the traditions of my fathers’ (Gal 1:14).
The Twelve apostles were sent to baptize unto repentance and remission in the name of Jesus Christ, and the Lord sent Paul to preach forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ (Acts 13:38-39; Acts 26:18).
Paul was sent to minister to Jews also, and when he did he “became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law” (1 Cor 9:20).
Most of the recorded baptisms in Paul’s early ministry were among Jews and proselytes (Acts 16:14-15; Acts 18:7-8).
Paul circumcised Timothy, according to the law, “because of the Jews which were in those quarters” (Acts 16:3). He took a vow in Jerusalem for the same reason (Acts 21:21-24).
Why Paul Stopped Baptizing
There are many reasons why Paul would baptize, but the more important question concerning the place of baptism for today would be “why would Paul stop baptizing?”, or “Why did he not baptize all?”
Paul says, “I thank God I baptized none of you “, save a few, and “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel” (1 Cor 1:17).
John the Baptist baptized all in his ministry to Israel. The Lord commanded his twelve apostles to teach the law and baptize all nations (Matt 28:19-20). Peter’s message was “repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ”.
When Paul says Christ sent me not to baptize, he is confessing that he was not following Matt 28 or Mark 16 in his ministry, nor was he baptizing under the same command given to Peter.
Paul was sent to dispense the gospel of the grace of God to Jew and Gentile alike (Acts 9:15; 1 Cor 12:13).
Though he baptized some, he did not baptize all, because he was sent to preach the glory of the cross, and the Lord told him baptism would make the the cross of none effect.
“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” – 1 Cor 1:17
Paul did not keep the law for justification nor did he baptize to obey the Lord. He used his liberty to help minister the gospel of grace to both Jew and Gentile.
Paul was not sent to circumcise, but he circumcised Timothy in order to minister to Jews. He does not circumcise Titus so that he could minister with a Gentile (Gal 2:3). He would later write circumcision avails nothing (Gal 5:2-6).
He goes to Jerusalem to minister to his kinsmen (Rom 15:27). He observes Pentecost to minister to his kinsmen (Acts 20:16). Yet, he teaches that one day is not above another and to boast in Christ not observation of days (Gal 4:9-11; Col 2:16).
He did not eat certain meats to minister to his kinsmen (1 Cor 8:13). Yet, he ate with Gentiles and taught that every creature is good to eat (Gal 2:12; 1 Tim 4:4).
He baptized Crispus (the chief ruler of the synagogue) in the name of the Lord Jesus, but he was glad not to baptize others that the Corinthians would know that the power of God unto salvation is in the gospel of Christ, and not in the baptisms of Peter, Apollos, or Paul (1 Cor 1:12-14).
He baptized some, and did not baptize others. In every case it was for the sake of the gospel of grace (1 Cor 9:22-23).
What Paul Knew
Paul knew the law, the traditions of Israel, and the ministry of the Twelve when he said that Peter, James, and John “added nothing” to him (Gal 2:6).
But Paul knew something those Jewish Baptists did not.
The Lord revealed to him the mystery of the one baptism that by one Spirit believers are identified as one body of Christ (Eph 4:4-6, 1 Cor 12:13). The Lord himself separated Paul to preach this mystery of Christ.
He was sent to preach the gospel to Jews and Gentiles, and he became all things to all men so as to save some with his dispensation of the gospel (1 Cor 9:17-23).
Paul spends his whole ministry making all men see the fellowship of this mystery, and doesn’t give a single instruction about water baptism. It was not required.
In every epistle he rages against the rudiments of the world, worldly ordinances, weak and beggarly elements, the works of the law, and traditions of men. Paul was not persecuted for water baptizing, he was in prison for what he said that replaced it (Eph 6:19-20).
Why did Paul baptize? He was a Jew ministering the Lord Jesus Christ to Jews. Baptism was a part of Jewish conversion practice. He ministered to Jews who wanted to convert. Why wouldn’t he?
Why did Paul stop baptizing?
Paul was sent to Gentiles with a gospel of grace without works, Paul stopped ministering to Jews, the Lord sent Paul not to baptize, and the preaching of the cross makes water baptism of none effect.
Yes, Paul did baptize some into water in his early ministry. In fact, Paul himself was water baptized by Ananias in Acts 9:18. Paul also circumcised Timothy (Acts 16:3), performed vows and head shavings (Acts 18:18), kept feasts (Acts 18:21), and even raised a man from the dead (Acts 20:10).
What we know is that water baptism did not begin at Paul. It had been in operation since the Mosaic Law and during Jesus’ earthly ministry and through Pentecost.
Secondly, Paul did not add anything to water baptism in meaning or in symbolism (see question on Romans 6:3-4).
Thirdly, Paul was given a dispensation of God that was ‘kept secret since the world began’ and so could not be the same message associated with water baptism (Rom 16:25, 1 Cor 9:17, Gal 1:11-12).
Lastly, Paul was eventually instructed by Christ upon further revelation not to baptize as is evident from 1 Corinthians 1:17.
“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” – 1 Corinthians 1:17
Paul’s Multiple Revelations
It would be wrong to think that Paul received his dispensational information all at one appearance of Christ. At the very time of Paul’s first appearance Jesus left the door open to further revelations and instructions:
“…And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” – Acts 9:6
Also, in 2 Corinthians 12:1 Paul declares that he “WILL COME to visions and revelations of the Lord.”
Six verses later he mentions that he has already received an ‘abundance of the revelations’ (2 Cor 12:7).
In Paul’s retelling of his conversion on the road to Damascus in Acts 9, he describes Jesus’ purpose for him in containing multiple revelations:
“But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, AND OF THOSE THINGS IN THE WHICH I WILL APPEAR UNTO THEE;” [emphasis added] – Acts 26:16
It is evident that Paul received multiple revelations of further instructions for this dispensation as his ministry progressed.
Paul and the Corinthians
It was in Acts 18:8 that Paul was ministering in Corinth and Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue and was baptized by Paul.
“And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. ” – Acts 18:8
That this baptism was water baptism is evident from Paul’s discussion of the event in 1 Corinthians 1.
Nevertheless, the next verse in Acts 18 describes that right after this joyous occasion of many in Corinth believing Jesus appears to Paul.
“Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision…” – Acts 18:9
It has already been established that Jesus spoke to Paul often in revelations for further instruction and encouragement. In this revelation, no mention of water baptism is recorded.
However, that Jesus spoke to Paul about water baptism after Acts 18 is evident from the letter Paul wrote later to the very Corinthians that were baptized.
“I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For CHRIST SENT ME NOT TO BAPTIZE, BUT TO PREACH THE GOSPEL: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. ” [emphasis added] – 1 Corinthians 1:14-17
Paul spent a year and a half teaching the Corinthians face to face and then later writes them thanking God that he did not baptize any of them except Crispus and Gaius and a few others.
Jesus’ Further Revelations
Paul states that he was sent not to baptize but to preach the gospel. It is then obvious that the gospel that Jesus told Paul to preach did NOT contain baptism.
This is contrary to the gospel of the kingdom taught by John the Baptist, Jesus (on earth), and Peter at Pentecost which all contained water baptism for the remission of sins.
Rather, Paul’s gospel was without water baptism but a spiritual baptism into Christ (1 Cor 12:13, Rom 6:3-4).
Why then did Paul baptize the Corinthians? The most plausible explanation is that it was done in ignorance which was subsequently remedied by further revelation and instructions of Jesus Christ about the clarity of his gospel.
What we can know now reading back through Paul’s experience with the Corinthians that just as Paul was not sent to baptize but to preach the gospel, so we are sent as followers of Paul.
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. ” – 1 Corinthians 11:1
By the way, Thank YOU tom!
Dear John :hi:
What is the difference between dispensationalism and hyper-dispensationalism? I am confused by this…
As far as I am aware and I might to wrong, hyper-dispensationalists don’t believe in communion as remembering Christ Jesus through breaking bread and drinking wine/grape juice.
Is this ‘new, distinct gospel’ that Paul and the other Apostles taught ie., the ‘gospel of grace’ not the very same gospel you and I believe in this dispensation of grace for the church, ie. the Bride of Christ? 🙂
[Edited by DTW: Tom has answered the question regarding dispensationalism and jumping right overboard into shark waters with hyper-dispensationalism]
Hi Boddy
Makes perfect sense regarding baptism.
Hi Deborah: I’ll get back with you in a couple of days. It’s been really busy at work (I’m self-employed and I have a very demanding boss 😀 . Didn’t want you to think I was ignoring you. John
Bobby Faulkner wrote:
I agree that true baptism is a spiritual one. However to say that it was “Paul’s Gospel” can, and in point of fact has already, confused many Christians to believe that there are two gospels – one which John the Baptist preached to the Jews, and the other which Paul preached to the Gentiles. The Hebrew Roots movement among Christians seems to use this as an argument against Paul who they claim did not preach the Gospel but another gospel. Bear in mind that the Law was given to the Jews as a shadow of things to come, and primarily as a “schoolmaster” to bring the Jews unto Christ.
As such, one may infer that John the Baptist’s water baptism was merely a “schoolmaster” unto repentance, reminding the Jews that entrance into God’s Millennium Kingdom on earth, which was promised to the Jews (Luke 1:30-33), required repentance (a change of mind). Hence his cry in the wilderness, “And Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2). Every Jew knew that their promised Messiah would establish his Kingdom on earth in their behalf (Deuteronomy 30:1-10). Jesus taught the Jews of this gathering in Matthew 24:31). He could not at that time declare to the Jews, “Repent and believe the Gospel” because it hadn’t been fully disclosed as it would be on the Day of Pentecost. It is interesting to note that John the Baptist did not say “Repent and be baptized” because, as you said, baptism in water is Jewish and every Jew knew that baptism in water was inexorably related to repentance. That’s why John the Baptist angrily told the Scribes and Pharisees, “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” (Matthew 3:7), because he knew they had no intention to repent. He also rebuked them for their belief that they had Abraham as their father and were, therefore, righteous and acceptable to the Lord. Hence his robust rebuke, “And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” (Matthew 3:9).
The Gospel (singular) of redemption is and everlasting and unchangeable Gospel (Rev. 14:6). It has and never will change because it has always been and always will be salvation through faith alone in God’s Gospel embedded in the work of Christ Jesus on the cross, his resurrection, his ascension and his Parousia. Abraham was a gentile when he got saved 430 years prior to the giving of the Law (Galatians 3:17). However, in order for “salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22) to be fulfilled in Jesus Christ, God had to choose and separate a people unto Himself, make a covenant with them, give them his commandments, and promise them that a King and Messiah would come from them to die on a cross, not only for their own sins, but for that of the entire world.
I must in all humility differ from your statement: “Paul states that he was sent not to baptize but to preach the gospel. It is then obvious that the gospel that Jesus told Paul to preach did NOT contain baptism. This is contrary to the gospel of the kingdom taught by John the Baptist, Jesus (on earth), and Peter at Pentecost which all contained water baptism for the remission of sins.”
I would like to suggest that we rather call Paul’s peaching of the Gospel the fulfilment of John the Baptist’s Kingdom-water-baptism prophecy (Matthew 3:11). It is true, as I suggested earlier, that John the Baptist’s baptism with water was a sign of repentance unto receiving Him as their King and Messiah of their promised Kingdom. To illustrate how even Jesus’ disciples misunderstood their Master’s teaching on baptism, I would like to refer you to Matthew 20:22 when the mother of James and John asked Jesus to grant her two sons the best place in his Kingdom. “But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, ‘We are able.’” They were as ready and able to be baptized with his baptism as much as Peter was when he said he would never deny him, or as much as they all were when they were offended and forsook Him when He was crucified (Matthew 26:31). Jesus distinctly told them that they did not understand what they were asking for, and then promptly also said “Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with:” (Matthew 20:23). What was He referring to?
He could only have been referring to Pentecost when the disciples and those in the upper room were all filled (baptized) with the Holy Spirit. It was then, at that moment, when they were baptized into the Body of Christ and which, may I add, gave them the power to fearlessly proclaim the Gospel and drink the same cup of persecution and suffering when some of them were martyred and crucified. I put it to you that water baptism cannot in any which way possible grant Jesus’ followers this kind of readiness to die for Him. It is for this reason that I cannot agree with your statement, “Paul states that he was sent not to baptize but to preach the gospel. It is then obvious that the gospel that Jesus told Paul to preach did NOT contain baptism. This is contrary to the gospel of the kingdom taught by John the Baptist, Jesus (on earth), and Peter at Pentecost which all contained water baptism for the remission of sins.”
There were not only Jews present on the Day of Pentecost. Many Gentiles were gathered there too. If Peter and his fellow disciples baptized them with water on that day, why did they also baptize believing Gentiles when it was only meant for Jews? The Gospel Paul preached on baptism was the one and same baptism that started on the Day of Pentecost.
Water baptism cannot possibly achieve this. Therefore, when Peter said “. . . and be baptized everyone of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins . . .” he did not mean “Come ye all so that we may baptize you with water.” He referred to the baptism of which John the Baptist spoke as the true baptism unto repentance and faith when he said,
I’m a little confused. What do you mean by “This is contrary to the gospel of the kingdom taught by John the Baptist, Jesus (on earth) . . .”?
Deborah
So great to hear!! It IS hard BUT if people will just read the Bible in context, know who is speaking, to whom, and what are the circumstances, THEY TOO would be hit by a ton of bricks!! 🙂
Thank you for allowing me to share on your site!!
It’s a battle for souls!
[Edited by DTW: Sorry Bobby, just removing links until we clear up what “grace ambassadors” really teaches regarding classic dispensationalism vs hyper-dispensationalism (Apostle Paul preaching ‘another’ gospel to what the other apostles taught) issue.]
Tom said
Ahhhhhhh now I understand… hyper vs non hyper. Thanks Tom! Wow, that’s quite an eye opener… I never knew that and to think I almost signed up for a study course and asked Tom to vouch for me. Now I see why Tom was hesitant, they were hyper-dispensational and I didn’t realise this – why? Because I didn’t look close enough at what they preached; it looked so biblical on the outside but inside it is not so biblical.
Hi John :friends:
LOL, no worries, but I think Tom has answered the question. Saved you oooooooooodles of time!
Bobby Faulkner wrote:
Well that’s OK it’s YOUR site. IF in fact you are using made up words such as HYPER dispensationalism as a negative. I’m sorry to hear that. IF, you are saying Paul preached another gospel meaning it is wrong, again, I am sorry for that. IF, I am misunderstanding your thoughts on this, well I’ll just say this, consider, you said yourself that you didn’t understand water baptism wasn’t for the church today. If in fact you were incorrect about that, could you also be incorrect about a viewpoint of Paul? Part of the issue is all these so called biblical scholars out there when we simply have the Bible in plain simple English. WORDS mean something, ESPECIALLY the words of scripture.
Paul’s gospel (not that he wrote it it was given by revelation from Jesus himself), IS “another gospel” NOT in the way Paul himself speaks of another,
Galatians 1:6-7
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
It is different than what Jesus and the 12 taught BEFORE the cross.
What Jesus taught himself and the 12 is starkly different than what he gave Paul. Doing as we are instructed scripture tells us to compare,
1 Corinthians 2:13
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual
So, IF we do just that COMPARE then we can SEE the differences.
there are MANY scriptures to see that what Peter said for example vs Paul are totally different,
Peter,
Acts 3:21
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath SPOKEN by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
Paul,
Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was KEPT SECRET since the world began
black and white difference! Even consider MANY people’s go to scripture of John 3:16 at that point Jesus hadn’t even gone to the cross! AND, since they didn’t understand it anyway, why is it MULTITUDES quote it as a “salvation” scripture? Think about that one. Also, comparing scripture such as Matthew 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for MANY. vs 2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for ALL, then were all dead:
The 12 didn’t even understand the cross,
Luke 18:33-34
And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.
And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
Peter wanted to stop Jesus,
Mark 8:31-33
And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
Paul on the other hand,
1 Corinthians 2:7-8
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Galatians 6:14
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Paul’s gospel IS the only gospel for ALL this side of the cross.
Is is evident from even a cursory reading of scripture God has “dispensed” different instructions throughout time.
The canon is closed and WE are the recipients of his LAST instructions!
Peter
Acts 3:19
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.
Paul,
Colossians 2:13
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
and it goes on and on, I could provide a boat load of scripture comparisons to PROVE THROUGH SCRIPTURE the vast differences between BEFORE the cross and AFTER.
Peter and Paul never taught the same gospel. When Peter taught the kingdom gospel at Pentecost, Saul was rejecting the Messiah. When Paul preached the gospel of the grace of God, Peter’s gospel of the kingdom to Israel was limited to the circumcision.
This not about Acts 2, Acts 28, mid Acts or whatever, it’s about letting God be true and every man a liar Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
and that RIGHTLY DIVIDED, 2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
None of ANY so called scholars, ecumenical geniuses, fellows with DR in front of their names and 3 letters in back of their names make ANY difference to me, UNLESS they are preaching the MYSTERY GOSPEL given to Paul without adding to or taking away. Most don’t even know they are saved through belief in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4!!!
We are not Israel, spiritual Israel and although scripture tells us 2 Timothy 3:16 ALL scripture is,
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
We MUST know where WE belong. We are NOT to keep ANY of Israel’s law program. The law was only ever given anyway to expose sin.
The church the body of Christ and OUR instructions to the church and OUR salvation doctrine is ONLY found in Paul’s epistles. Romans 2:16
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
We must ALL be fully persuaded on our own.
Romans 14:5
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
John wrote:
Paul WAS given a DIFFERENT and DISTINCT gospel. All you have to do is compare verses with verses what Jesus and the 12 were taught and given BEFORE the cross and what Jesus gave Paul AFTER the cross. I’d steer clear of made up words like hyper dispensationalism.
There are many gospels in the Bible I find it strange that people have difficulty understanding Paul was given one different from the 12. THEY were sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Paul to the gentiles. Anyway study it out!
Dear Bobby :hi:
Hey :heart: hold yer horsies there will ya, and just calm down a little, we are not arguing with you we are trying to understand ok?
I came up with a little saying yesterday while taking to someone; “Debate does not equate to hate ®”
Sorry Darlene. That’s one of the reasons I often dislike written communication especially when it comes to discussing the Bible. My intent wasn’t as harsh as it seemed. Sometimes the guard goes up because literally about 98% of the time, people reject any conversation when it comes from Paul exclusively, or if it is outside of what denominations, popular belief and tradition has taught them so, it seems to always be an uphill battle when you start proclaiming Paul is OUR apostle for ALL this side of the cross, his gospel has exclusive instructions for the church the body of Christ (especially Ephesians), and OUR salvation doctrine which is NOT found in Matthew-John or anywhere else! Folks get riled up about that, and because my wife and I are so passionate about the truth “rightly divided” (2 Timothy 2:15) it often causes people to shut down to CONSIDERING as Paul states in 2 Timothy 2:7 and they automatically have their ‘go to’ scriptures to TRY to dispel Paul’s gospel or they simply become contextual critics.
It was extremely difficult at first to come to the realization that MOST are taught, including us at one time, Bible INCORRECTLY. When we compare verses with verses, it becomes starkly clear that there ARE differences in what Jesus taught, what he taught the 12 and THEIR instructions BEFORE the finished cross work and what Jesus gave exclusively to Paul AFTER the finished cross work.
I think I sited some scripture examples previously about Peter vs Paul. Some others are James vs Paul.
such as,
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (LAW)
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone (Law/works)
James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead ( again, works)
James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. (works again)
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. ( and AGAIN, faith with WORKS=Israel’s law)
Paul on the other hand:
Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (NO works NO law)
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. ( again, NO WORKS)
Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. ( FAITH alone NO works)
Romans 4:5
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. ( again, NO works)
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast. ( and AGAIN, NO works)
This goes on and on in comparing scripture with scripture in MANY other areas not just about works. Once we realized how we had missed these things, they started to jump off the pages!!! It’s awesome to have TRUTH from God’s written word “rightly divided”, rather than tradition, popular belief, etc. The house of cards falls, the bubble bursts, the box we got put in collapses, and we become CRITICAL thinkers! Those words that are often used about hyper, ultra dispensationalists are troubling to say the least. If scripture “rightly divided” bares out what we are studying isn’t that the important thing? When we see for ourselves scriptures that contradict that should be an indicator differences in INSTRUCTIONS to us. It’s not so hard once we really study. So many including us at one time like to say oh I read the Bible, they know some scriptures, can recite/parrot what they were taught by momma said daddy said preacher said, all the while NOT having UNDERSTANDING!! WE were there we get it! It’s also hard sometimes because we always want to DO something, be involved, help God out.
So, what can tend to take place is, plucking out verses that meet OUR expectations, OUR agendas, what we THINK or WANT God to be which can be a recipe for disaster.
We when take in most cases YEARS of what a well meaning preacher has taught us and we discover it’s WRONG via our OWN study, that is startling. Then couple that with the wolves out there and viola, we are confused and in mixed up doctrine (MUD). Law with Grace. Prophecy with mystery. ALL mixed together. That’s why we say, all of the Bible is written FOR us, BUT, it’s NOT all written TO us!
Satan is a MASTER at deceiving for millennia now. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. He started in the garden twisting what God INSTRUCTED Adam and Eve and he has gotten progressively MUCH better at it to present date! Satan could care less if people sit and listen to Joel Osteen, Billy Graham, Paula White, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland etc. ALL the WRONG doctrine they teach as well as stuff they lie and make up, fits right in with what Satan wants! CONFUSION and souls going to hell THINKING they are saved!!
ANYTHING I say here and have said I CAN support with scripture again, “rightly divided” THAT is key, RIGHTLY DIVIDING!
When people say (not you), what about this, what about that, the Bible says, Jesus said, well, the Bible is a BIG BOOK. It says MANY things. Jesus said MANY things during HIS earthly ministry and HIS gospel of the KINGDOM on earth, and the gospel of the grace of God He gave Paul ( Ephesians 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: ) HE gave this gospel to Paul and NO OTHER.
People were IN CHRIST BEFORE Paul’s gospel, just in different ways. Such as the Little flock, the lost sheep of the house of Israel through works, law keeping and believing IN HIS NAME since he had NOT gone to the cross and you find NO mention of the cross in Matthew-John. Again,
They didn’t understand it.
Luke 18: 32-34 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:
And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.
AND THEY UNDERSTOOD NONE OF THESE THINGS: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
If we are doctrinal we MUST also for TRUTH be DISPENSATIONAL!
This isn’t ( not saying YOU say this) about Richard Jordan, Stam, or ANY other. It’s about what GOD has said vs what WE believe., and that RIGHTLY DIVIDED.
So, all that said, no hate here. Just a passion for the truth. I hope I have provided some good information to follow up and study.
Thanks again, for the voice here on your site.
Bobby
Hi Deborah, thanks for your patience. Been busy at work, but I do want to address the issue of hyper-dispensationalism since it has caught your attention and seemingly ruffled some feathers.
[Edited by DTW – John’s comment turned into article above, thanks John!]
PS. I do not want anyone to infer my critique as a personal attack. My comments are not intended as such. However, we should test every teaching against Scripture. None of us are beyond being deceived.
I do not know how that came out DARLENE instead of Deborah!! BIG typo. MY BAD!
Yes…I’ve been called many names but never Darlene :laugh: That was funny though.
Hi John
Thanks for the summarized version, I agree with you on the points you mention from a D view and not a HD view (sounds like were talking about the TVs :giggle: ).
Baptism can most certainly be a persons own choice, however I have found that if you tell someone it’s ok not the be baptised (dunked in water) those who believe in water baptism come on really strong and tell you that you are sinning if you don’t get baptised in water.
So us few who don’t see water baptism as necessary, we don’t get our tail feathers all in a knot about this – let it be your choice, but I don’t see why I have to be baptised twice 😉
And another question we must ask is where does one go to be baptised in this day an age? Calvinist church, Pentecostal church, Methodist church? Charismatic Catholic church? Hmmm. Thousands of people are baptised on a daily basis across the world under false religions, they are not born again (spiritually baptised by the Holy Spirit) but they surely did followed God’s commandment to be water baptised and because of that, they believe they are saved.
I actually want to move these comments to an appropriate article, because this is not the article to do it under. Can I please use your comment John as an article and then I’ll move all these comments under that new article?
I’ll move comments tomorrow and let ya’all know via email with link to where I’ve moved them too.
Bobby
Of those points John mentioned can you please tell us what you believe to be true? Or not true. Please go point by point, if you don’t mind.
It’s very easy to throw the words ‘rightly dividing’ the Word of God all over the place. Anyone from a Calvinist, to a tongue talking Pentecostal can say that (and probably say it in tongues too :laugh: )… it’s testing to see if what’s being said is true, that’s where the action of rightly dividing the Word of God takes place.
So shall we test?
Hi Bobby.
Was Abraham a Jew or a Gentile when he believed and God declared him righteous?
Tom (Discerning the World) wrote:
Better we let SCRIPTURE tell the tale.
In Genesis 15:6 God declared a man righteous without any evidence, proof, law, work, obedience, or sign that he would indeed be righteous.
“[Abraham] believed in the LORD; and [God] counted it to him for righteousness.” – Genesis 15:6
Abraham was ignorant about how God would do this. There was no law to obey, no work to perform, nothing for him to glory in. God intentionally left him ignorant about it (1 Cor 2:8-9).
Yet, it was clear that God’s statement was with gracious provision. How could God remain holy while declaring sinners like Abraham righteous? Something must be done.
Unknown to Abraham, Christ had to die to validate God’s statement. Christ could impute to faithful Abraham his righteousness, but he would not die for hundreds of years. Abraham was ignorant to all of this yet to be revealed mystery.
Until the time was fulfilled, God’s justification of Abraham was just a statement of promise, with its confirmation wrapped up in a hidden purpose to send Christ to die and resurrect.
Abraham could only trust God, and God never fails to keep a promise.
Every law abiding Jew knows of faithful Abraham, the father of Israel. Not one would place themselves above Abraham in greatness of faith towards God.
“Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead?” – John 8:53
Yet, if Christ had not died then the promise of righteousness made to Abraham was vain. If Christ had not resurrected then God’s statement of counting Abraham righteous without works was hollow.
For, on what basis was it then made? Then, how could a holy God say such a thing?
Abraham needed the death and resurrection of Jesus to be declared righteous by faith, and so do we who are saved by grace alone through faith alone.
If Christ had not died and resurrected then the promise of righteousness imputed to us is also vain.
“And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” – 1 Cor 15:17
Without the death, burial, and resurrection, every man would be forever condemned in his sins along with Abraham.
The preaching of the cross declares how every man could be justified by his faith only.
That no one knew this mystery until it was first revealed to Paul explains why in the past righteousness by faith without works was unacceptable.
Deborah (Discerning the World) wrote:
I tried to put my comments in and got a sucuri error??? Not sure what that is
[Edited by Deborah: Not sure why that happened…if it happens again please snapshot your screen and email the error to me so I can see what’s going on and contact Sucuri if need be.]
I understand what you are saying but, it’s really not what I believe for answers it’s what does scripture say “rightly divided”. By the way, the instruction of that came from Paul 2 Timothy 2:15 so, whether Calvinists or anyone else use it incorrectly is not my concern. What the instruction represents is dividing truth from truth not truth from fiction. The whole Bible is true from cover to cover. There are truths BEFORE the cross, and truth AFTER the cross. THAT, is why we all need to compare spiritual things with spiritual RIGHTLY. 1 Corinthians 2:13
I sited scripture pretty clearly where scripture proves the gospel BEFORE the cross is absolutely different from AFTER given to Paul. Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to MY GOSPEL, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was KEPT SECRET since the world began,
Ephesians 3:2 Colossians 1:25
Peter is VERY clear on what HE states and was instructed,
Acts 3:21
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath SPOKEN BY THE MOUTH OF ALL HIS HOLY PROPHETS SINCE THE WORLD BEGAN.
Spoken by and kept secret sound different because they are different.
To be continued. For some reason I got an error message so I will send my comments in sections. SORRY!
Also, Peter, Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you IN THE NAME of Jesus Christ FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. NO CROSS mentioned here.
Peter again, Acts 3:19 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.
How about Matthew 12:31-32, Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost SHALL NOT BE FORGIVEN unto men.
And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it SHALL NOT BE FORGIVEN HIM, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
How about 1 John 1:9 . IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Matthew 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, NEITHER WILL YOUR FATHER FORGIVE YOUR TRESPASSES
Vastly different from Paul,
Colossians 2:13-14 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having FORGIVEN YOU ALL TRESPASSES;
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, NOT IMPUTING THEIR TRESPASSES unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. This is part 2 of my comments. ( from your request about John’s points.)