Msg #24046 Gentile Salvation, A Mystery Revealed
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan’s Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, writes “to the saints which be at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus” (everywhere), to show (1) the exalted position in Christ, (2) its proportion in the body of Christ, and (3) our expected walk in that hallowed position. God the Father blessed Gentiles, chose Gentiles, and predestinated Gentiles, “to the praise of the glory of his grace” (1:3-6). In Christ Gentiles have redemption, forgiveness, all wisdom and prudence, and an inheritance, “to the praise of his glory” (1:7-12). When saved by faith we Gentile believers are “sealed with that holy Spirit of promise: Which is the earnest of our inheritance … unto the praise of his glory” (1:13-14).
With the whole trinity thus involved in Gentile salvation, Paul reveals that this was quite a mystery that is revealed to us now, because “in the dispensation of the fullness of times” (which is about to dawn on this earth) God will “gather together in one all things in Christ”(1:9-10).
A period of time where stewardship is tested is called a dispensation. We are in one of them, called a dispensation of grace (3:2); man previously came out of one, a dispensation of law; and an upcoming great tribulation period and the Battle of Armageddon will open the next one, a dispensation of Kingdom. Law and Kingdom are openly revealed in scripture, but this dispensation of grace, “Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed”, is/was indeed a mystery that is revealed. It is easy for a Bible student, not intimidated by popes or priests, scholars or clergy, to start in the Garden of Eden and measure out the seven stewardship dispensations. That’s how one rightly divides the word of truth (2Tim.2:15).
An Essay for week #46, Nov 17, 2024
A Journeld Tour of the Holy Land www.GSBaptistChurch.com/israel22
Systematic Theology in 12 Volumes at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/theology
Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs241117.mp3
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