What is the Dispensation of the Mystery?

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=100 BGCOLOR="#CCCCFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0c900640egdysm.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000066" FACE="Arial" ><B>Grace Bible Fellowship</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><B>    |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Grace Bible Fellowship"><B>home</B></A><B><IMG SRC="0e7523c0.png" border=0 width="82" height="60" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> back to<B>  </B><A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="GBF 2000 Bible Conference"><B>GBF 2000 Bible Conference</B></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#0000BF" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c8ffcccc00.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">What is the Dispensation of the Mystery?</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id49.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sola Scriptura and the Dispensation of t">Sola Scriptura and the Dispensation of the Mystery</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id85.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Dispensation of the Mystery, the Lor">The Dispensation of the Mystery, the Lord's Supper and Ceremonies.</A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=380 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>What is the Dispensation of the Mystery?</B></div> <div> Phillip Dennis</div> <bR> <div> Abstract: This session will provide an introduction to the dispensation of the Mystery and set the framework for the subsequent sessions.  Specific topics will include: (1) What is the Biblical definition of a dispensation. (2) What are the dispensations in Scripture. (3) What is the dispensation of the Mystery. (4) When did the dispensation of the  Mystery begin; how and to whom was it revealed? (5) The Seven Ones of Eph. 4:4-6 as the complete doctrinal framework for the Body of Christ.</div> <bR> <div> I.     Outline</div> <div> A.     Introduction.</div> <div> B.     What is a dispensation?  Its Scriptural use.</div> <div> C.     What are the dispensations in Scripture?</div> <div> D.     What is the dispensation of the Mystery?</div> <div> E.     When did the dispensation of the Mystery begin?</div> <div> F.     The Seven Ones of the Body of Christ.</div> <bR> <div> II.   Introduction</div> <div> A.  This talk is intended as the introduction and background to the subsequent talks.</div> <div> B.  We will not be able to cover each of these topics in depth.</div> <div> C.  Let's look at Eph. 3:9: "And to enlighten all what is the dispensation of the mystery, which has been kept hidden from the ages in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ" [Greek Text].</div> <div> 1.   Paul here states that it was his God-given task to "make all see" (enlighten) what is the dispensation of the Mystery.</div> <div> 2.   It is unfortunate that when you ask most Christians what is the dispensation of the mystery, you are likely to get blank stares. </div> <div> 3.   Several things are noted in the text.  Paul states that:</div> <div> a.     His task is to "enlighten all"  </div> <div> b.     It is called the  "dispensation of the Mystery"</div> <div> c.     It has been kept hidden from all the ages.</div> <div> 4.   It was revealed exclusively to Paul apart from the twelve:</div> <div> a.   Eph. 3:3: "How that by revelation he made known unto me [Paul] the mystery..."</div> <div> b.   Gal. 1:11-12: But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.</div> <div> c.   Gal. 2:1-2: Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.</div> <div> d.   Col. 1:25-26: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, <B>to complete the word of God</B>; 26 Even the <B>mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations</B>, but now is made manifest to his saints: [Greek Text].</div> <div> e.   Rom. 16:25: "Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, <B>according to the revelation of the mystery, which was held-in-silence since the world began</B>..." [Greek Text]</div> <div> 5.   Two questions need to be asked:</div> <div> a.     What is a dispensation?</div> <div> b.     What does mystery mean?</div> <bR> <div> III.   What is a Dispensation? Its Scriptural use.</div> <div> A.  Biblical term.  The English word "dispensation" is the translation of the Greek <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Greek" ><B>oikonomia</B></FONT> (oikonomia), which is the source of the English word "economy."  The Greek word is a compound of the two Greek words <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Greek" ><B>oiko"</B> </FONT>= house + <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Greek" ><B>nomo"</B></FONT> = law.  Thus the idea of a dispensation is a household plus an administering law or household administration.  A complete concordance of the <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Greek" ><B>oikonomia</B></FONT> (oikonomia) word family is as follows</div> <div> 1.   The noun form  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Greek" ><B>oikonomia</B></FONT> (oikonomia; household rule; stewardship): Lk. 16:2,3,4; 1 Cor. 9:17;Eph. 1:10; 3:2,9; Col. 1:25; 1 Tim. 1:4.</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >2.   The noun form  </FONT><B>oikonomo"</B> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >(oikonomos; a steward): Luke 12:42; 16:1,3,8; Rom 16:23; 1 Cor 4:1,2; Gal 4:2; Titus 1:7; 1 Pet 4:10</FONT></div> <div> 3.   The verb form <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Greek" ><B>oikonomew</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT>(oikonomeo; to manage) - Luke 16:2</div> <div> B.  The idea of a dispensation is similar to a group of people who organize for a goal.  They write a constitution that usually states:</div> <div> 1.     Why the organization exists and its goals – this would correspond to the hope.</div> <div> 2.     What a member’s obligations and privileges are – This corresponds to the administration or the household law.</div> <div> C.  Erroneous views of a dispensation.</div> <div> 1.   Covenantal view:  Dispensations = economy = covenants.  There are just two dispensations or economies, the old and new covenant.  Old dispensation = old economy =  old covenant.  New dispensation = new economy = new covenant.  Based on the mistaken idea that mankind is homogeneous (monolithic) and that each covenant applies uniformly to all men.   There is one law/covenant change at the death of Christ. </div> <div> 2.   Scofield Dispensational view:  Dispensation is a set of rules during a period of time whereby God tests man.  A change of method of testing ushers in a new dispensation or a new "age."  Every time there is a "law" change, there is a corresponding change of dispensation.  Typical of this view is the "seven dispensations" of Scofieldian dispensationalism.  In this case a dispensation almost becomes equivalent to a period of time.  Essentially all "Acts-2" dispensationalists hold to some form of this view.  Some Mid-Acts dispensationalists also hold to some form of this view, e.g. Cornelius Stam (cf. chart on p.29 of Things That Differ).</div> <div> 3.   Neither the Covenantal nor Scofieldian views are found in Scripture.  They are constructs resulting from other doctrinal errors.</div> <bR> <div> D.  Biblical idea of a dispensation.</div> <div> 1.   Connected with the hope and administrative position of God’s elect.  Each individual of God’s elect is unconditionally chosen, redeemed and regenerated to a specific household and hope.</div> <div> 2.   The hope (Greek: <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Greek" ><B>elpi"</B></FONT>) is the goal to which members of the dispensation look and expect.</div> <div> 3.   Relation of the dispensations and hopes to God’s sovereignty in salvation.  Immutability of the hopes.</div> <div> a.   If you determine the hope of an individual in Scripture then you have determined that person’s household.</div> <div> b.   God does not elect someone to a household, tell that person what his hope is (or would have been), then change his mind and elect that person to another household and then tell him what his hope "really" is. </div> <div> c.   This is one aspect of the doctrinal inseparability of Calvinism and Dispensationalism.  More on this in sessions 3,4, and 5.</div> <div> d.   Theologically:</div> <div> (1)     Such a view is a slander of God’s veracity and makes God a deceiver of that individual, or</div> <div> (2)     Denies the doctrine of God’s election and makes God dependent on the creature.</div> <div> e.   Biblical proof of Immutability of Hopes:</div> <div> (1) These are all rooted in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, i.e. the doctrines of Calvinism.  The Father unconditionally chose, the Son unconditionally redeemed and the Spirit unconditionally regenerates individuals to specific hopes.</div> <div> (2) Heb. 6:19: The hope is the anchor of the soul. "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul..."  Question: What kind of an anchor is one that can mutate?</div> <div> (3) Rom. 11:29:  The gifts and callings of God are without repentance.</div> <div> (4) Heb. 11:1:  Faith is the substance of things hoped for.  A hope that can change results in a misplaced faith or false faith.</div> <div> f.    Let’s take an example, Peter the apostle.</div> <div> (1) Question: Is Peter in the Body of Christ (whose hope is in heaven)? </div> <div> (2) Veracity of Christ is at stake + the Biblical doctrines of God’s sovereignty in election (God’s choosing of a person to salvation to a particular hope) and perseverence of the saints.</div> <div> (a) Christ told his audience (of which Peter was a member) that they would inherit  <B>the earth</B>. Matt. 5:5; cf. Psalm 37 especially vv.  9, 11, 18, 22, 28, 29  (the inheritance -- <B>the earth</B> -- is for ever).  Further, Peter was promised a position of authority ruling over the 12 tribes of Israel, Matt. 19:28. </div> <div> (b) Christ was not misleading his hearers.  He was not misleading Peter.  The audience was to believe and expect what Christ declared that the Scriptures promised them.</div> <div> (c) Peter was to believe and hope this.</div> <div> (d) Peter is saved. Peter has been elected to this hope by God, and Peter is eternally secure in this hope.</div> <div> (e) Conclusion: Peter’s hope is to dwell eternally on a restored earth.  Peter’s hope is not in heaven. Peter is not a member of the Body of Christ.</div> <div> 4.   Point: Look for hopes in Scripture and you have identified the households (the dispensations).</div> <div> 5.   Another principle: The channel of blessing in God’s administrative order goes from those in the higher administrative position to those in the lower position.  Heb. 7:7.   The role of angels in relation to God’s elect is a key issue in the administrative relation of the dispensations.  The Body hope is to rule angels; Israel was and will be eternally ruled by angels. (Cf. Appendix B).</div> <div> E.  Biblical Examples:</div> <div> 1.   It turns out there are three dispensations (households) in Scripture (Cf. <A HREF="id58.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Table of the Hopes in Scripture">Appendix A of this outline for a summary chart</A>).</div> <div> a.     Gentiles: hope is on the earth.</div> <div> b.     Israel: hope is on the earth.</div> <div> c.     Body of Christ: hope is in heaven.</div> <div> 2.   Gentile dispensation</div> <div> a.   Gentile dispensation begun at creation of Adam.</div> <div> b.   Only portions of Scripture that describe Gentiles when Israel is not in view are Gen. 1-10 and Job.</div> <div> c.   Emphasize at this point there is no distinction among men.  All men are administratively equal.</div> <div> d.   What is the Gentile hope?  An individual saved into this dispensation has as elements of his hope the following:</div> <div> (1) To fill the earth -- Gen 1:26-28, 3:16-19.</div> <div> (2) To be righteous servants of the righteous Jews -- Isa 14:1-3.</div> <div> (3) To be under the authority of Israel economically, religiously and politically: -- Isa 2:1-3; 60:1-16; Zech 8:13,22,23; Rev 21:24-27.  </div> <div> (4) To spend eternity (eternal life) on a perfect and righteous earth. -- Job 14:12-15; 19:25-27; Rev 21:24-27.  Note: Job expects to be resurrected when?  See Job 14:12-15, when the heavens and earth are no more.  This is after the millennium.</div> <div> 3.   Jewish dispensation</div> <div> a.   Begun at the calling of Abraham.  At this point God made mankind into "twain." This is an important point.  Keep in mind that there are now numerically two distinct groups of men. God is now dealing with man on the basis of the distinction between the circumcision and the uncircumcision.  From this point on, all the prophesies speak of Gentile salvation through Israel. We will see later that the "mystery" is the formation of the One Body by the removal of this distinction.</div> <div> b.   Some features of the Jewish (Circumcision) dispensation:</div> <div> (1) Abram called and name changed to Abraham. Gen. 12:1-3.</div> <div> (2) Sign of circumcision given, Gen. 17:9-14.</div> <div> (3) Jews (he circumcision) are the channel of blessing to rest of mankind (the uncircumcision).  Gen. 12:3. "And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." The uncircumcision manifest their salvation by recognizing the Jew’s special position as masters and as the channel of blessing.  </div> <div> (4) Abraham and his descendants are promised a specific geographical location (Canaan) on the earth as their eternal habitation. Gen.17:8.  Abraham’s hope is not heaven.  This promise is unconditional, absolutely secure for the elect of Israel.</div> <div> c.   Point:  From the calling of Abraham onward, the Gentiles are viewed in relation to and in administrative subordination to Israel.  All of the prophecies regarding Israel’s eternal kingdom view the saved Gentiles in a subordinate position to Israel.  Gentiles are viewed as being blessed through Israel’s rise. See Appendix B, paragraphs III and I(A) for Biblical references.</div> <div> d.   What is the Jewish hope?  An individual saved into the Jewish  dispensation has as elements of his hope the following:</div> <div> (1) Born-again Jews possess born-again Gentiles.</div> <div> (a) Personally as slave-masters:  Isaiah 14:1-3.</div> <div> (b) Politically as the chief/supreme nation: Amos 9:9-12 ;  Isaiah 60:1-16 ;  Isaiah 19:23-25 ;  Joel 3:1</div> <div> (c) Spiritually as the prophetic/priestly nation. Jews teach Word of God to Gentiles, Jews sacrifice for Gentiles.  Isaiah 2:1-3 ; 19:23-25;  Rom 11:24-26;  Zech 8:3, 13, 22, 23; 14:16-19;  Gen 12:3;18:18; 22:17-18; 26:4; 28:14;  Ex 19:5,6;  Ezekiel 40-46 .</div> <div> (2) On the Earth.  Resurrected after 70th week of Daniel (before millennium): see above Scriptures, plus  Gen 17:8 ;  2 Sam 7:16;  Job 19:25-26;  Is 9:6-7;  Jer 23:5-6 ;  Ps 25:13; 37:9, 11, 18, 22, 28, 29 (cf. Matt. 5:5);  Eze 37:21-22;  Ps 101:8;  Eze 47:13-48:35 ;  Dan 2:35,44;  7:14; 12:11-13.</div> <div> (3) In perfect, righteous subjugation to the holy angels (Cf. Appendix B.XIII.A).  </div> <div> 4.   Body of Christ.  Subject of the great mystery revealed to Paul. (See Appendix B).</div> <div> a.   Body of Christ begun with the calling of Paul. Acts 9.</div> <div> b.   What is the Body Hope?  Jointly seated with Christ ruling over the angels.  Resurrected, glorified and ascend with Christ to 3rd heaven before Daniel’s 70th week.</div> <div> 5.   Summary of the Dispensations: Complete administrative hierarchy of God’s elects: </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="09bf93a0.png" border=0 width="761" height="570" ALT="Bitmap Image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> IV.  What is the dispensation of the Mystery?</div> <div> A.  Texts: Rom. 16:25,26; Eph. 3:3-9 (cf. Eph. 2:11-16; Col. 2:11-18); Col. 1:23-28; Gal. 1:8-12;2:1-2;Eph. 4:4-6.</div> <div> B.  We have seen what a dispensation means.  Let us now look at the word we deferred,  "mystery."</div> <div> 1.   The Greek word does not mean something, "mysterious," "baffling" or "hard to understand."</div> <div> 2.   It has two meanings, the second which is derivative from the first.  </div> <div> a.   The main meaning, is something that is unknowable unless it is revealed.  So the idea of a "secret" is the root idea.  A secret is understandable but unknowable unless someone reveals or tells you the secret.  A mystery in its Biblical use is something not revealed, but when it is revealed  the mystery is KNOWABLE. Examples:</div> <div> (1) Secrets of Israel’s kingdom: Matt. 13:11; Mk. 4:11; Lk. 8:10.</div> <div> (2) Dispensation of the Secret (Body of Christ) revealed to Paul: Rom. 11:25; 16:25; 1 Cor. 15:51;  Eph. 3:3,4,9; Col. 1:26,27.</div> <div> (3) These references show that absolutely no notion of ambiguity is intended by the word MYSTERION. </div> <div> b.   Second meaning of mysterion is  a "symbol."  The symbol is understandable but needs to be revealed for the symbolic import to be known.  Examples: Rev.1:20; 17:5,7.</div> <div> 3.   Scriptural usage bears this out.  In each of these cases the mystery is something unknowable until revealed.</div> <div> a.   Rom. 16:25: This passage is one of the clearest.</div> <div> (1) Greek text: "Now to Him who is of power to establish you according to my gospel, even the proclaiming of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the held-in-silence secret (mystery)."</div> <div> (2) Paul calls it his "good news" (gospel).</div> <div> (3) The passage uses two words to underscore the fact that Paul’s gospel was completely unknown, not revealed in any way in the Hebrew Scriptures. "the held-in-silence secret."</div> <div> b.   Eph. 3:3,4,9: "How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) ... 9 And to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:</div> <div> c.   Col. 1:25,26:"Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:"</div> <div> C.  Characteristics of the dispensation of the Mystery</div> <div> 1.   It was a <B>secret</B> held <B>in silence</B>: Rom. 11:25; 16:25,26; 1 Cor. 15:51;  Eph. 3:3,4,9; Col. 1:26,27.</div> <div> 2.   The "mystery" is not Gentile salvation. Gentile salvation is known throughout Scripture.  Saved Gentiles of prior dispensation confess their subservience to Israel.  Gentiles are saved but not administratively equal to Jews. Examples: </div> <div> a.   Ninevites in book of Jonah.</div> <div> b.   Matt. 15:26-28. Christ maintains the distinction between Jews and Gentiles (In v:26, Christ answers the woman’s pleas with: "...It is not meet (proper) to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.  The children are the circumcision, the dogs are the uncicrcumcision.)  The Canaanite woman confesses that she is a "dog" in relation to Israel, and then she receives the blessing.  </div> <div> 3.   The Mystery is the joint administrative equality of Jews and Gentiles.</div> <div> a.   Eph. 3:6,7: "That the Gentiles should be joint-heirs and joint-body and  joint-partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel of which I was made a minister..."  (Greek text)</div> <div> b.   Eph. 2:11-16:</div> <div> (1) middle wall of partition is the division between Jews and Gentiles, between the circumcision and the uncircumcision;</div> <div> (2) middle wall of partition was the ordinances that made a distinction between the circumcision and the uncircumcision; properly called "enmity" or "alienation."</div> <div> (3) middle wall of partition has been removed, thus making peace.</div> <div> (4) The Jews were nigh to God (the favored nation); the Gentiles were afar.</div> <div> (5) As a result of the removal of the middle wall of partition , the twain have been made one.</div> <div> c.   In the prophetic program Gentiles are blessed by Jews.  Gentiles receive truth through Jews.  Gentiles are blessed through Israel’s rise.</div> <div> d.   In the Body, all are equal.  Body of Christ now blessed through Israel’s fall.  The record of Israel’s fall and the transition to the Body of Christ is related in the book of Acts.</div> <div> 4.   Dispensation of the Mystery given to Paul completes the word of God: Col. 1:26,27.</div> <div> 5.   It was revealed exclusively to Paul: Gal. 1; Eph. 3:1-5,9; Col. 1:26,27.</div> <div> 6.   Hope of the Body is eternally in heaven not on earth. Eph. 2:6; Phil. 3:20; Col. 1:5.</div> <div> 7.   We enter our hope at the "rapture" before Daniel’s seventieth week. 1 Thess 4:13-5:11; 2 Thess. 2:1-12.</div> <div> 8.   Administrative principles</div> <div> a.   The Body of Christ rules over the angels: 1 Cor. 6:3; Eph. 2:6.</div> <div> b.   The Body of Christ is non-ceremonial: Christ's work on the cross for the Body abolished the Jew-Gentile distinction and the related ordinances and ceremonies. We are complete in Christ apart from all ceremonial observances.  Eph 2:14-16; 4:5; Col 2:10,14,18; Gal 4:8,9.</div> <div> V.   When did the dispensation of the Mystery begin?</div> <div> A.  Recall immutability of hopes.  Mystery did not begin at Acts 2.  The Church, the Body of Christ, did not begin at Acts 2.  If so we have Peter with an earthly hope being made a member of the Body, which has a heavenly hope.</div> <div> B.  Acts 2 is fulfillment of a prophecy to Israel and for Israel.  </div> <div> 1.   As long as there is an Israel, there is a distinction between Jews and Gentiles, therefore NOT One Body.  Therefore Acts 2 is NOT the birthday of the church, the Body of Christ.</div> <div> 2.   Events of Acts 2 are the subject of prophecy:</div> <div> a.   Acts 3:21: "Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which <B>God hath spoken</B> by the mouth of all his holy prophets<B> since the world began</B>."</div> <div> b.   Acts 3:24: "Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, <B>as many as have spoken</B>, have likewise <B>foretold of these days</B>."</div> <div> 3.   The Mystery was held in <B>absolute silence</B> <B>since the world began</B>. Rom. 16:25: "Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery<B>, which was held-in-silence since the world began</B>..." [Greek Text].  </div> <div> 4.   <B>Point</B>:  Events of Acts are not related to the dispensation of the Mystery.  That which was spoken cannot be that which was held in silence.</div> <div> C.  Dispensation of the mystery begins with the saving of Paul, Acts 9.</div> <div> 1.   Paul’s epistles contain the new law for the Body of Christ, the Law of Christ.</div> <div> 2.   Everything prior to Paul’s calling is still the Jewish and Gentile dispensations, still the Kingdom program, still a distinction between Jews and Gentiles.</div> <div> a.   Every event in the gospels and Acts up to Acts 9 is the Kingdom program, not dispensation of the Mystery.  Acts 1:4-9: Israel’s kingdom still in view.  </div> <div> b.   Rom. 15:8: Christ was a minister to the circumcision for the truth of God to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.  Every event in the gospels is the Kingdom program, not dispensation of the Mystery.  This includes Matt 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20.  The "Great Commission" and all of its commands are to the twelve.  It is the Kingdom commission.  </div> <div> c.   "Great Commission" (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20) is not the Body’s commission.  The "Great Commission" does not contain Christ’s last words.  Christ spoke again from heaven to Paul and revealed the dispensation of the Mystery to Paul.  Our commission is to follow Paul, by obeying Christ’s words to Paul in Paul’s epistles.  Our dispensation (household) has interrupted the prior dispensations (households) and their temporal development. </div> <div> D.  Explains chronology of Daniel’s 70 sabbatic years.</div> <div> 1.   True that our dispensation occupies the chronological gap between the 69th and 70th weeks of Daniel.</div> <div> 2.   But, the existence of gap in the weeks can be understood entirely in Jewish terms, especially when we note the weeks are recognized sabbatic years, i.e. the weeks are ceremonial observances of Israel.  If there is no Israel as a distinctive people, then the "clock" can’t tick.</div> <div> 3.   So, the gap in the prophetic record for Israel provides no clues to dispensation of the mystery.  The dispensation of the mystery was held in total silence Rom. 16:25 until revealed to Paul.</div> <bR> <div> VI. The Seven Ones of the Body of Christ.</div> <div> A.  Eph. 4:4-6: One Body; One Spirit; One Hope; One Lord; One Faith; One Baptism; One God and Father.</div> <div> B.  Seven One’s of the Body contrasted with seven many’s of the Jewish dispensation.</div> <div> 1.   The seven many’s of the Jewish dispensation occur everywhere outside of Paul’s epistles, both in the "Old Testament" and the "New Testament."  Yet another indicator of the distinctiveness of Paul’s gospel.</div> <div> 2.   See Appendix B, for summary.</div> <div> 3.   Many bodies.  In contrast, earthly program is not One Body – we have already seen this.  The twain were made one, there was an ethnic distinction.</div> <div> 4.   Many hopes.  Hope of Gentiles and Hope of the Jews. For more details see Appendices A and B. </div> <div> a.     Hope of the Gentiles is eternal life on the earth, having dominion over the earth in submission as servants of Israel.</div> <div> b.     Hope of the Jews is eternal life on earth, governing the Gentiles in submission to the angelic hosts.</div> <div> 5.   Many lords, gods, spirits.  The angelic hosts are mediators to Israel. As such Israel has many lords, gods, and spirits. They are designated lords, gods, and spirits throughout Scripture. </div> <div> a.   Point.  Only Jehovah is God by nature.  When Scripture calls created beings "gods" it means they are "gods" by commission.  It is indisputable that Scripture refers to created beings as "gods."</div> <div> (1) John 10:34-36: "Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken..."</div> <div> (2) Moses is a "god" to Pharaoh: Exodus 7:1.</div> <div> (3) 1 Cor. 8:5,6.</div> <div> (4) Heb. 2:7 (a quote of Psalm 8:5 which in the Hebrew text reads "a little lower than the gods."  The LXX (Greek) of Psalm 8:5 reads "angels.")</div> <div> b.   Jehovah is the "God of gods," and "Lord of lords," i.e. He is The God of the angels. He is the Lord of the angels.</div> <div> c.   Angels are spirits, e.g. Heb 1:13,14.</div> <div> d.   There are many verses were angels are designated and called "lords" Dan 10:16, 17, 19; 12:8; Zech 6:4.</div> <div> 6.   Many Faiths (doctrine & practice; not act of believing but what is believed): Gentile faith and Jewish faith.  All of the following characteristics are continued and practiced throughout book of Acts by Jews and Gentiles of the Kingdom program.</div> <div> a.   Gentile faith (doctrine and practice) includes:</div> <div> (1) sacrifices (made through mediation of Jewish priests).</div> <div> (2) faithful submission to Jews (acknowledgment, submission and confession of conditions of the Abrahamic covenant).</div> <div> (a) Note this submission to Israel was vocalized by the Canaanite woman to Christ, and that manifested her regeneration. That was her confession of her Gentile faith. </div> <div> (b) Further, Christ dealt with her on the basis of the distinction between Jews (children, masters) and Gentiles ("dogs"), cf. <U>Matt. 15:26-28</U>.</div> <div> (3)  dietary rules (after Gen. 9:3-4 all animals are allowed for food but the animal must die by bleeding, no things strangled are permitted.  Note: James enforces this law for the Gentiles in Acts 15 at the council of Jerusalem. Paul later throws it out in Col. 2).</div> <div> (4) faith in Christ as Redeemer.</div> <div> (5) Messianic water baptism.</div> <div> b.   Jewish faith (doctrine and practice) includes:</div> <div> (1) circumcision.</div> <div> (2) sacrifices.</div> <div> (3) exclusive priesthood (within Israel there was an exclusive priesthood and, in addition, every Jew is priest to the Gentiles).</div> <div> (4) dietary regulations (prohibited foods, "kosher" preparation).</div> <div> (5) Sabbaths, holy days (observance of days, months, years).</div> <div> (6) feasts (Passover, etc.).</div> <div> (7) diverse baptisms, including Messianic baptism, </div> <div> (8) faith in Christ as Redeemer, etc.</div> <div> c.   Clear to see from theses lists that in times past there were twain.</div> <div> 7.   Many baptisms, Hebrews 6:1,2.</div> <div> a.   Inward baptism (regeneration).</div> <div> b.   Diverse baptism of Mosaic law, Heb 9:10.  Some of the baptisms of Moses:</div> <div> (1)     Identification with the priesthood:  the induction Ex 30:17-21 ,  Ex 40:12 ;  Lev 8:6 .</div> <div> (2)     Continual hand, foot baptisms of priests : Ex 30:18-21 ,  Ex 40:30-32 .</div> <div> (3)     Day of Atonement baptisms:  Lev 16:4,24,26,29 .</div> <div> (4)     House baptismsHouse baptisms  Lev 14:48-53. </div> <div> (5)     Diet baptisms:  Lev 11:23-28 ,  17:23-28; 22:6; Heb 9:10 .</div> <div> c.   Israel’s baptism into Moses: 1 Cor. 10:2.</div> <div> d.   The Charismatic Baptisms:  John 20:23; Acts 2:4 (cf. Acts 1:5; Luke 24:49), Acts 2:37,38, Mark 16:17, etc. [<A HREF="id54.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Many Baptisms of Scripture: Part 2, ">Follow this link for more on Charismatic Baptisms</A>]</div> <div> e.   Messianic water baptism (baptism of repentance for remission of sins) begun with John the Baptist to make Messiah manifest to Israel, John 1:25,31; John 4:1,2, Matthew 28:19,20;. Mark 1:3, Luke 3:3 (cf. Matthew 2:6,11; Acts 13:24); Matthew 21:25-27; Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:37,38.</div> <div> f.    Acts 2:38 is a key passage that conjoins three of these many baptisms for Israel.  Inner baptism (implicit, since repentance issues from regeneration), Messianic water baptism for remission of sins, and finally experience of the charismatic spirit baptism for miraculous signs.  All three of these are necessarily conjoined in the Kingdom program, (Mark 16:16-18, 1 Pet. 3:21, etc.). </div> <div> C.  The essential unity of the Body is that it is numerically one in each of these seven areas, but this in turn is rooted in the fact that Body has only one in each of these seven areas –  areas in each of which Israel's kingdom has many. </div> <div> 1.   The fact that each is numerically one is emphasized by:</div> <div> a.   the contrast that Paul has made between the numerical two (the "twain," "the dividing wall") of the prior dispensations.  Israel is "nigh," Gentiles are "afar."</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="09d003f0.png" border=0 width="768" height="575" ALT="Bitmap Image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> b.  and the Body being numerically one ("one Body", "One new man") </div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="09ff93a0.png" border=0 width="761" height="570" ALT="Bitmap Image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> D.  The Seven Ones are CREEDAL</div> <div> 1.   They describe the fundamental aspects of the Body's salvation, hope, position, doctrine, and essential unity. What could be more creedal?</div> <div> 2.   The practiced unity of the Body is rooted in its essential unity (verse 3 of Eph 4) which in turn is rooted in the Seven Ones.  We are obligated by Paul’s command Eph. 4:3 to strive for this unity in the faith (Eph. 4:13).  See Eph 3:8;  1 Cor 11:1.</div> <div> 3.   The seven ones are the doctrinal unity of the Body that we are commanded to guard.  The other dispensations have their doctrinal unity too, but those are not our doctrinal unity.</div> <div> 4.   Eph. 4:3.  "Making every effort to guard the unity of the Spirit in the sinews/ligaments of the peace." [Greek text].  "The" peace is the article of previous reference – refers back to the peace of Eph. 2:11-16. </div> <div> E.  Seven Ones as complete doctrinal framework for the Body.</div> <div> 1.   Body has no ethnic divisions whatsoever, i.e., the One Body is completely non-ethnic  (this is Paul’s point in Eph. 2:11-16);  hence it is:  </div> <div> a.   of One Doctrine and Rule of Faith, i.e., of One Faith.</div> <div> b.   of One Hope, and that non-earthly.</div> <div> 2.   Seven Ones are the One Faith.  Same set of doctrines to be believed and guarded by all members of the One Body.  </div> <div> a.     Paul exhorts us to all come into the unity of the faith. Eph. 4:13,14. </div> <div> b.     The objective doctrine is part of our armor, (the shield of the faith) in Eph. 6:16.</div> <div> 3.   Discussion of the Seven Ones.</div> <div> a.   Certainly no one typically thinks that any of the seven ones means more than one (except for the baptism).  </div> <div> b.   To emphasize this numerical one, Paul places the One Body at the head of the list of the Seven Ones.  Surely we are one Body, not two; there is one Spirit, not two or more spirits, etc. And there is one baptism, not two or more baptisms.</div> <div> c.   One Body.</div> <div> (1) There is numerically ONE BODY of believers -- not two.  Both Jew and Gentile have been united into the BODY OF CHRIST, and they are members in full equality, both as to administration AND hope. </div> <div> (2) The Body of Christ is a NON-ETHNIC BODY. </div> <div> (3) There is not one part of the Body that has one set of laws and another part of the Body that has a different set of laws.  That is more like the denominational schisms that we see today.</div> <div> (4) There are to be no schisms in the Body. 1 Cor. 12:25.  Don’t make the One Body "twain" by dividing the Body.  Don’t divide by going beyond what is to be guarded.  (Don’t guard another, extra baptism – for example the fight between the Presbyterian body and the Baptist body).</div> <div> d.   One Spirit: The Body has One Spirit, the Holy Spirit, not many spirits (angels).  The Body of Christ is superior to the angels (lords, gods, spirits).</div> <div> e.   One Hope: The Body has one hope. Every member of the Body has the same hope.</div> <div> f.    One Lord: The Body has One Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ, not many lords (angels).  The Body of Christ is superior to the angels (lords, gods, spirits).</div> <div> g.   One Faith: Every member of the Body of Christ is to confess and guard one body of doctrine – not one faith, doctrine and practice for one part of the Body and a different kind of faith, doctrine and practice for another part of the Body.  This remark is more of a picture of the denominational schisms in the Body we see today.  The One Faith is outlined by the seven ones.  This one faith: </div> <div> (1) Excludes ceremonies and rituals:</div> <div> (a)     no religious washing (baptisms) for the Body.</div> <div> (b)     no religious surgery (circumcision) for the Body.</div> <div> (c)     no religious food regulations for the Body.</div> <div> (d)     no Sabbaths, holy days, feast days for the Body.</div> <div> (e)     no other man-made, non-normative behavior for religious purposes for the Body.</div> <div> (2) Excludes submission to priests. No priests/mediators within the Body, i.e. no part of the body is an exclusive group of priests that mediate on behalf of another part of the Body.  Body of Christ has one mediator, 1 Tim. 2:5.</div> <div> (3) All of the above practices were different for Jews and Gentiles in times past.  Removal of the distinction of Jew and Gentiles entails removal of the distinctive practices!</div> <div> h.   One Baptism: Rom. 6:3-5; 1 Cor. 1:17; 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 4:5; Col. 2:12; Titus 3:5. Body of Christ has only one baptism, by the Holy Spirit into the One Body (1 Cor. 12:13), that is to be confessed and guarded.   </div> <div> (1) The one baptism is regeneration = inward circumcision = inward baptism, Col. 2:11,12. We are complete in Christ apart from all ceremonies, Col. 2:10.</div> <div> (2) No water baptisms – whether Messianic or Mosaic, no charismatic baptisms for miraculous signs.  </div> <div> (3) Both the Messianic water baptism and the charismatic baptisms functioned as signs to Israel.  Cessation of water baptism and charismatic baptism (1 Cor. 13:8-12) is another consequence of the twain being made one.</div> <div> i.    One God and Father.  Body has One God the Father, not many gods (angels).  The Body of Christ is superior to the angels (lords, gods, spirits). See Appendix B.</div> <bR> <div> VII. Conclusions</div> <div> A.  We have examined the Biblical idea of a dispensation.  The dispensations are identified by the immutable hopes revealed in Scripture.</div> <div> B.  Looked briefly at the three Hopes in Scripture.  Therefore, there are three dispensations: Gentiles, Jews, and Body of Christ</div> <div> C.  The Body of Christ was a secret unknown to the world, until revealed by Christ to the Apostle Paul.</div> <div> D.  The dispensation of the Mystery completed God's revelation of his plan for creation.</div> <div> E.  Body of Christ is that portion of redeemed humanity made one new man when the dividing wall of ordinances (between the circumcision and uncircumcision) was removed.  Implications:</div> <div> 1.   Body has no ethnic divisions whatsoever, i.e., the One Body is completely non-ethnic  (this is Paul’s point in Eph. 2:11-16; Col. 2:11-18);  The Body has:</div> <div> a.     One Doctrine and Rule of Faith, i.e., of One Faith.</div> <div> b.     One Hope, and that non-earthly.</div> <div> 2.   The Seven Ones are the One Faith.  The same set of doctrines to be believed and guarded by all members of the One Body.  This is the unity we are to guard and the unity of the faith to which we are to strive tirelessly to attain.  Ignoring this true unity by going beyond the seven Ones  produces schisms in the Body; ignoring this unity by truncation leads to a false unity ("ecumenism"). </div> <bR> <div> </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>