Putting Things Together

I used to think I could put those boxed up cabinets together without using the instructions.  You know the kind that you scatter all the parts around the living room in what you are sure will be a 15 minute project.  Three hours latter you are taking it apart for the second time because there were too many parts left over and the ones that were attached to the conglomeration didn’t swing right.  Now you are looking for the instruction pages that were thrown away with the packaging.

Now, I get the instructions out first and actually read through the whole thing.  Then I return to step one and follow the directions carefully.  What seemed to me to be a waste of time at first, was finally realized to be the quickest path to a completed project.  (Don’t get me wrong, I still refuse to stop anyone for directions when I am driving… I know where I am… just need to go back a block or two and make that other turn!)  However, if I were to put a second piece of whatever kind of furniture (or toy, or whatever) together that was just like the first one, I would keep the instructions close by for reference.  But I wouldn’t need to go meticulously step by step as I did the first time.  And if I did a third one, I would use the directions less.  Eventually, I could probably do it without the directions at all.

I would like to point out something though.  Memorization of the instructions was not what allowed me to come to the point where I could do the project without referring to them.  What actually happened was I began to understand the concept of how the project looked when finished, what the major components were, and how and when they went together. 

Often people’s approach to learning the ways of God is the same.  Trial and error is a painstakingly slow process that may not ever get you to the intended goal.  When learning spiritual truths that are new to you, the instructions (Bible) are vital.  When learning, each individual point must be carefully grasped. But equally important is the ability to connect those points to others, which begins to develop larger concepts that help us to gain a small picture of the subject of study. As we begin to carefully continue assimilating factual statements into our reservoir of knowledge, more and more connections are made… like pieces of a puzzle.  This is a process where memorization is great help.

However, as our knowledge reservoir increases we must begin to form concepts into which the bits of knowledge that continue to accumulate can be placed.  These concepts must continually be adjusted as we learn more and more factual information.  A dangerous tendency however is too start developing formulas, which resist any type of change to their structure.  Formulas tend to continue focusing on adding more and more supporting facts, thus seeking to prove the formula as opposed to allowing new knowledge to shape a more flexible concept.

Jesus’ method of teaching was parabolic, which almost entirely was conceptual in nature.  That is to say His teaching required the engagement of the student’s mind as the stories (or story forms) he shared became the structure (concepts) into which spiritual “facts” could be placed.  Most biblical debates revolve around biblical “statements” and less around biblical “concepts”.  There is not much debate as to what the parable of the sower means… especially as Jesus gave the meanings for us!  But great debates arise as statements in the bible are considered. 

“I will open my mouth in a parable…” the Old Testament prophesied the manner of Jesus’ teaching.  “Without a parable spake he not unto them.”  The New Testament agrees.  It is important to go beyond the “classic” parable when the teaching of Jesus is considered, for much of even his terminology is parabolic.  While His discussion with Nicodemus is not termed a parable, it uses parabolic language almost exclusively:  Born again (illustrating salvation) is one instance of parabolic terminology.  The wind (illustrating the moving of the Spirit) is another.

The subject of tongues is a much debated one.  However, the concept from which it emanates is rarely, if ever, debated.  Infrequently is it ever taught.  Jesus, and Moses stated it… “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” and “the word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart…”  Tongues proceeded according to the scriptures as “the Spirit gave the utterance”.  The Spirit filled the heart and the tongue spoke!  There are many more examples… but that is the nature of conceptual thinking.  Once a biblical concept is in place many statements align with the concept making proper understanding much easier. 

The gospel is a concept which was literally given to us by the Lord’s passion.  The story of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus brings images to our minds.  They are not difficult images.  As we use these images to place factual statements from scriptures into, a very efficient and organized way of interpretation begins to be put into place.  Using these three images many scriptures make perfect sense.  Once in place the concept cannot be totally forgotten even if a person were to try… for whatever reason.  A biblical fact can be moved around from one doctrinal position to another without too much trouble, but a biblical concept cannot.  A concept is an enlargement of one’s thinking and once the mind grasps a larger concept it can never be shrunk back to its former size.  No wonder it was the preferred, prophetically announced means of teaching by Jesus!  I can never “un-think” the story of the treasure in the field.

One last example is what is often referred to as the “great commission”.  While not going through it in great detail here, we know that most denominations use the words of Jesus… “of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” in there baptismal rites.  But what if repeating the words of Jesus to the exclusion of the intent of Jesus was taking place in those instances?  Would it be too far-fetched to understand that in His statement to the disciples He was (once more) putting forth a concept to be understood, rather than a formula to be repeated?  When Nicodemus first heard the term “born again”, he tried to see it with a literal interpretation, but Jesus corrected his thinking by helping the seeking Pharisee see beyond the statement and into the concept.  It is most apparent that this is the case here as well, as there is no bible example of anyone being baptized using the words “of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”.  

We see then, the superiority of conceptual thinking as opposed to factual thinking.  Concepts give a broader picture to a particular subject and help us to properly “place facts” into their intended contexts.  While strictly factual thinking becomes a chaotic jumble of information relying on our own judgment for interpretation… which leads to the forbidden “private interpretation” spoken of by Peter.  It is important to remember that our concepts must be based upon the stated facts.  That is why in the beginning we must use the factual method until the first concepts (however small) begin to take shape.  Kind of like carefully using the directions when we first start assembling our “out of the box” project in the living room.

After so after I get the concepts, I can now look at all the pieces of the unassembled “whatever” on the living room floor and confidently know that in a little while there will be a completely ready to use “whatever” standing there.  And there are no parts left over!

The Name (17)

As I contemplate this chapter, I realize the subject before me is one that to cover completely would take several chapters… even an entire book!  We have already addressed the use of Jesus’ name in baptism as one “calls on the name of the Lord”. For the purpose of this writing we will somewhat limit our considerations to that single application along with a few general thoughts about the name that is above all names!

To reinforce its essentiality in the salvation experience and its integral part of the gospel we can start with a statement from the apostle Peter.  “This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.  Neither is there salvation in any other:  for there is none other name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be saved.”  (Acts 4: 11-12) 

Again, the teaching of Paul, the preaching of Peter, and the prophecy of Joel all say “Whosoever calleth on the name of the Lord shall be saved”.  Combining that with the example of Paul’s baptism in Acts 22 where it is told to him to call on the name of the Lord “washing away thy sins”, the conclusion must be made that baptism, remission of sins, and the authority of the name of Jesus all combine when the sinner, who has repented of his sins, is buried symbolically with Christ in the watery grave.

As we have observed, every instance of someone being baptized in the New Testament Church was in the name of the Lord Jesus.  While this is only a brief consideration of the subject of the saving name, there is one point in scripture that may tend to be somewhat confusing if it is not understood. 

It is found in the last chapter of Matthew.  “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”   (Matthew 28: 19)

While all the scriptural examples of baptism reveal that the name of Jesus is the only name ever used, the majority of churches have elected to use the “formula” in Matthew of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Again, to understand how to rectify the apparent difference we should start with the context of the verse in question.

“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.  And when they saw him, they worshipped him:  but some doubted.”  (Matthew 28: 16-17)  

The disciples worshipped Jesus… but some doubted.  Two questions must be answered if we are to fully comprehend our passage:  Why would they worship Jesus?  And, what did some doubt?

The disciples were all Jews who, no doubt, believed what is known as the “shama” (the Hebrew word translated “Hear”). “Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is one LORD.”   (Deuteronomy 6:4)  They also would have known the first of the Ten Commandments, which forbid them from worshipping any other God but the LORD (Jehovah). 

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”  (Exodus 20: 3)

It is obvious then, for the disciples to worship Jesus they would have to recognize Him as God (in flesh… human form).  This, then, is the answer to our first question; they worshipped because they believed Him to be the incarnate God.

This brings us to the second question:  What did they doubt?  At this point it is evident that some were not sure of His deity.  The next statement of Jesus addresses their concerns.

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”  (Verse 18)  Only God has all power and as deity in human form, Jesus had been given all power.  To totally eliminate confusion from their thinking he spoke to them, as was his method, in parabolic form.  (In other words, they would need to consider what He said by examining his statement more than in a superficial manner.)  What truth could be wrapped up in the following commission?

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” (Verses 19 & 20)

We must remember that some of the disciples were in doubt concerning who Jesus was… so He was aiding them by these words:  Let us consider them as well.

We have seen by numerous examples that these same disciples always baptized in the name of Jesus.  No one was ever baptized in the bible using the words that Jesus just spoke here in Matthew 28.  Is there a reason for this?  Of course.  Let us find out what it is.

The command was:  Go ye therefore (because He has all power), and teach (give understanding to… to impart understanding one has to have understanding) all nations.  Baptizing them (after they have been taught by the apostles) in the name (singular… not names… name) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  In as much as all baptisms by these men were done in the singular name of Jesus, is it possible that the point of His commission to them was to identify Himself as the mighty Jehovah God in flesh?

The name of the Father is probably considered to be Jehovah by most.  The name of Jesus is actually a compound name that when broken into its two parts literally means “Jehovah (“Je”) salvation (“sus”).  Isaiah who revealed the name of Jesus to mean Immanuel (God with us) also wrote:

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song: he also is become my salvation.”  (Isaiah 12:2)  He goes on to say, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”  Jehovah has become my salvation is an almost literal translation of the name of Jesus.  The wells of salvation are a theme evidenced in the ministry of Jesus!

The compounding of the Old Testament name of Jehovah with other words describes particular attributes of the LORD.  Some of these names are:  Jehovah-Jireh, Jehovah-Nissi, Jehovah-Raah, Jehovah-Rapha, Jehovah-Shammah, Jehovah-Tsidkenu, Jehovah-Mekoddishkem, Jehovah-Shalom, Jehovah-Sabaoth, and Jehovah-Yesha.  The numerous compound names all add a dimension to the character of the LORD and no one would deny that each is still a legitimate name of Jehovah.  The name of Jesus is simply one more compound name using for a base the name Jehovah (the self-existent one).  Some of those compound names identify the LORD as: provider, banner, shepherd, healer, present, righteousness, sanctification, peace, over the host, and yes, salvation! 

Jesus made it clear when he spoke to the Jewish leaders in John 5: 43, “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not…”  Paul also declared that Jesus had received his name by inheritance (Hebrew 1:4).

The name of the son is rather obvious, but let us consider the fact that Jesus was named after the instruction of the angel who spoke to Joseph.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”  (Matthew 1:21)

The name of the Holy Ghost also can be identified as Jesus.  The Lord said that, “But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name…”

We can see, then, that the disciples used the name of Jesus to baptize people because it was the true understanding of the words of Jesus on the mountain.  If this was not the case, the apostles, who were sent of God, were not in obedience to the Lord’s command.  But as we have seen the name of Jesus does fulfil the conditions of his command in Matthew 28:19. 

Paul instructs us to do all in the name of Jesus.  “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of Jesus”!  (Col. 3:17)

The Obstacles (16)

It is important to realize that this study, while somewhat thorough, is not exhaustive.  There is much more to be learned about the subject of salvation.  There are important points that have not even been touched upon due to my desire to keep this writing relatively short.  There will be a follow up study that will cover more of this intriguing, not to mention, vital subject.

Before we conclude this first part of the salvation study, there are a few points I would like to touch on.  So as we begin the conclusion process several things will be mentioned… some of which will be covered more in depth in part two of this series.

The teaching of the gospel by Jesus

We have seen that it was clearly the actions of Jesus that put the New Testament Gospel into force:  It was His death, burial, and resurrection that put the power of salvation into effect.  But, as we saw with John the Baptist’s message, the gospel was taught by Jesus as something that would soon be available to the lost… that is, it was yet to come.

The beginning of the ministry of Jesus began with the same message as John preached:  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  (Matthew 4:17)  We have the first element of the template in agreement with the preaching of Jesus.  Upon repentance the door is unlocked and a two-step entrance is available to usher the seeker into the Kingdom of God.  Those two steps are the now familiar components of burial (of the repentant nature by baptism) and resurrection (bringing new life to the believer).  Jesus taught it by using the symbolism of the new birth… that is, water and Spirit.  Again the words of Jesus:

“Except a man be born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”  (John 3:5)

The bride from the side

This is in total agreement with the teaching in I John chapter 5 as John tells us that this he that came by water and blood.  It was from the side of Jesus that water and blood flowed when upon His death the Roman soldier pierced Him.  And as the first Adam received his bride from an opened side, so the second Adam will soon receive his bride (the church) from His opened side… those who came to the kingdom (Holy Ghost) by means of the blood (repentance) and water (baptism).  While there is further study of these truths, we will wait for the second in the series to consider it more.

Some objections

There are some ligitament concerns that need addressing as there are a few passages that perhaps would cause confusion.  I would like to mention three that are often used to object to the clear message of the gospel that we have seen.

In order of their appearance in the scriptures:

The thief on the cross is sometimes used as an example of salvation that does not seem to fit the pattern we have been seeing.  In our study we have actually already laid the basis for biblically answering this concern.  Simply, the New Testament Gospel, which is the means of salvation during the church age… our age, came into force after the death of the person whose will (testament) we are considering.  A testament is a statement of the will of someone (testator) at their death.  A will never is in force while the testator lives.  Jesus, although near death, was still living when He told the thief that he would join Him in paradise that day.  The thief on the cross died under the Old Testament law and Jesus, as the Word of God in flesh, had divine power to forgive sins and proclaim his eternal destiny.

The Philippian jailer in Acts chapter 16 asked, “what must I do to be saved?”  He was immediately (as he was about to kill himself with a sword) told to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved…”  (Verse 31).  The context of the story reveals the reality of the situation as well as the fact that the full message of salvation was not given at that “emergency moment”.

To save the man from suicide Paul needed first to give the man hope… it was not time to explain the gospel in its entirety.  Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ covered “all the bases”… the gospel message is generally understood as an act of believing… for all of the message is contingent upon believing… or faith!  So statements such as “we are saved by faith” are true statements… however, faith and belief are abstract terms needing further clarification.  The three-fold gospel clarifies the general terminology of “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ”.  Our study has also laid the foundation for this concept as John declared that “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself…”  John taught that there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”  (I John 5: 8)

Finally, in considering the context of the story.  We should read the rest of the verse and the verses following the statement that is often used as I just presented it… in an incomplete manner.  At the end of the verse that I quoted (believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved) are three more words, they are:  “and thy house.”  If we are to take this verse as it is often presented, as a complete answer to the question of the jailer of “what must I do to be saved”, we would have to believe that upon his belief that his house (family) would also be saved by his belief.  Common sense tells us that each member of the family would need to believe as well and that the belief of the jailer would open the door of opportunity for their own salvation.  While their salvation is not automatic upon the jailor’s belief, it is (to a great extent) contingent on his belief. 

In is obvious that there would need to be further explanation to his family… but not to them only… the jailer himself received more instruction.  Notice: “And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.”  We are not told the entirety of what was said, however there is no reason to believe that it was any different than what has been shown over and over to be the message of the gospel.  We can see a partial result of the words which were spoken to him and his family.

“And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes (the stripes he put on them!  Evidence of repentance.); and was baptized, he and all his straightway.”  (Acts 16:33)  Although it is not mentioned that they received the Holy Ghost it is clear that the message they were given, the word of the Lord, was one that when fully explained included baptism.  Again there is no reason to assume the message that Paul and Silas preached in the home of the jailer was in anyway different than the rest of the examples given.  After all it was Paul who said if “we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel… let him be accursed”!

A familiar verse often used as a salvation “proof” text is found in Romans the 10^th chapter.  It says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”  Again, we see that John’s mention of the three-fold internal witness of one’s belief as being the water, Spirit, and blood is once more applicable, as belief is a condition of salvation. 

However, there is more to be considered in this passage.  We notice a phrase being used in this verse that is not used anywhere else in scripture.  “… if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus…”  Why would it appear here and not anywhere else?  This is especially important given the weight this one verse is given in espousing a salvation doctrine taught by many.  Let us consider why it is used and in doing so we will clearly see its proper application.

Questions arising from biblical statements can almost always be answered by simply looking at the context of those statements.  This case is no different.  A few questions about the setting of this verse can help us to identify why this particular language is used. 

·         Who is it written to?

·         Who is it written about?

·         Are the terms in it abstract or concrete?

·         Are unfamiliar terms standalone commands or are they simply different ways of saying something that has already been stated?

The book of Romans was written by Paul to the church (saved) in Rome.  Again, we will not be seeing verbatim instruction to the lost of how to be saved.  This book is written to those who already are saved and know the plan of God as taught by the apostles who preached it to them. 

The tenth chapter is written about Israel.  Paul begins this portion of scripture by saying (Verse 1), “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.”  It is imperative that this is understood as the knowledge that this is written concerning the Jews is essential to seeing why the verse is worded the way it is. 

While the salvation plan does not change from group to group, or person to person, or religion to religion, the obstacles preventing differing groups of people from perceiving its relevance and truth can be different.  Paul wrote, “For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:  But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness”.  (I Corinthians 1: 22 & 23)   

A crucified Christ was not the mindset of the Jews of Israel.  Yet their salvation depends on an acknowledgment that their Messiah was crucified.  Peter put it this way, “Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious:  and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded… the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense…”  (I Peter 2: 6 & 8)

The Jew’s biggest problem, the one that was literally keeping from salvation, was their inability to confess that Jesus was their Messiah.  What was keeping them from salvation?  Repentance?  Baptism? Receiving the Spirit?  Of course, all of those things are necessary as we studied the verses to follow quite thoroughly (Verses 13 – 15)  But until they confess the Lord Jesus and believe in their hearts that He was raised from the dead, all of the elements of our template do not matter.  Paul’s heart’s desire and prayer was that Israel be saved.  To be saved what did they first need to do?  It is this concern that Paul is addressing… the biggest stumbling block to Israel was confessing Jesus.  So what did they need to do?  Confess… and they will be saved.  Obviously, the elements of the gospel are not negated because of this primary need, but rather they are easily understood and obeyed once the stumbling block is removed by confession and belief. 

This is not to say that other groups or religions don’t need confession and belief… we all do, but some road blocks are peculiar to specific people… such was (and is) the case with the Jews of Israel. 

We see then, the reason for the use of the phrase here and not elsewhere.  Paul was singling out a specific group of people and addressing their greatest particular hindrance to obedience to the universal gospel.  The terminology of confessing and believing is somewhat abstract, leaving the concrete terms of death, burial, and resurrection in place as the three-fold concrete witness to the abstract terms.

The Disciples (15)

John the Baptist is often called the forerunner of Christ.  He came to prepare the people for the Lord’s coming.  A quick look at his message will reveal a very familiar pattern as he plowed through the religious hypocrisies of his day like a bull dozer. As Jesus would later say he was not a man of soft clothing… unless one would consider camel hair soft.  His message was not soft either.  It was very straight forward and it shook the religious world of his time. 

“Repent!”  John cried, “for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  He came to call the nation of Israel to repentance in preparation for the coming Messiah. 

“John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.  Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.”  (Matthew 3: 4-6)

Our template is showing up very plainly.  This is not to be surprising to us as when truth is discovered within the word of God there tends to be many confirmations… especially on important doctrines like salvation.  There are many more witnesses to this templates’ legitimacy.  Repentance (death) and baptism (burial) are the key parts of John’s message up to this point in the bible’s account of his ministry.

John had one more element to his preaching (by now we should expect that to be the case… and we even have an idea what that element might be!).  John declares, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance.  But he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear:  he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire”!  John preached repentance and practiced baptism.  His final message was that there was coming a empowering of the Holy Ghost!  It was from these teachings that many people followed and became his disciples.

In the meantime Jesus began his own ministry and many of John’s disciples followed the Lord… John said “He must increase and I must decrease.”  He knew this was God’s plan… his was a ministry of preparation and by the time his work was winding down, Jesus had begun his.

Not all of John’s disciples were local.  Some moved on into other regions before Jesus came on the scene… so they continued in all that they knew… John’s teachings.  It is here our story begins.

“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?  And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.  And he said unto them, unto what then were ye baptized?”  (Acts 19: 1-3)

The setting of this event was in modern day Turkey, far from the land of Israel.  Paul comes across this group of disciples and begins to visit with them.  Asking if they had received the Holy Ghost he was informed that they didn’t know if there was a Holy Ghost.  Paul then asks, what appears to be, a strange question.

“Unto what then were ye baptized?”

Before we read on let us examine his question, which actually is a very logical one… once we see why he asked it. 

When these disciples answered that they didn’t know if there was a Holy Ghost Paul realized something.  (More likely than whether the Holy Ghost existed… as the King James makes it sound, they did not know if the Holy Ghost was poured out yet.  These disciple would have known of the existence of the Holy Ghost… we will know that when they answer Paul’s question.)

Paul understood (as do we) that the first proclamation of the New Testament plan of salvation came at Pentecost when Peter stood with the eleven and preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and told the crowd to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and that they would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Basically, it was a package deal.  It all was first preached at Pentecost and was practiced then as well.  Three thousand people responded and were added to the church that day… the first day of the Churches existence.  

Paul knew it all went together.  If they had not known about the Holy Ghost, then he understood they most likely had not been baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins.  While he was ready to find out if they had received the Holy Ghost, he realized that they had probably not been baptized in the “only name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.”  He needed to know how, or if, they had been baptized.  Their answer gives him all the information needed for Paul to continue ministering to their salvation need.

“Unto John’s baptism.”  The answer came and Paul knew what to do!

“Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”  (Acts 19: 4)  Now that Paul knew where these disciples stood he could tell them where they stood!  They understood his message and responded appropriately.  By doing what?  (Lets’ look for a template!)

“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.  All the men were about twelve.”  (Acts 19: 5 & 6)

Again, we see the element of repentance (accomplished some time earlier under John’s ministry), baptism (actually a re-baptism in this case), and the out pouring of the Holy Ghost (by the laying on of the Apostles hands with the accompanying sign of tongues).

This is a story of a group of believers who had gone as far as they knew to go in their religious understanding and subsequent experience, but needed more.  How vital it is for people in any age to have the same attitude as the disciples of John in this chapter of Acts.  Many people today have gone as far as they understand, but like these disciples, they need more.  

One more thing

The need to go further in the Lord’s plan is illustrated by one more account in Acts… from the previous chapter… a man (mentioned in verse one of our story) named Apollos.

“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.  This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.”  (Acts 18: 24 & 25)

We see that Apollos was a gifted speaker and knew the scriptures well.  He would not be one that we would expect to need further explanations in the ways of God.  However, he knew only the baptism of John (like our group of twelve men in Ephesus).

“And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them and expounded unto him in the way of God more perfectly.”  (Verse 26) 

The preacher needed more!  How humbling it must have been to need to have the way expounded more perfectly, when he was an eloquent, educated, preacher who was fervent in the Spirit.  The need of being teachable is maybe nowhere in the scripture made more clear than in the example of this great and yet humble man who wasn’t presumptuous about his salvation.  He was willing to have his faith (as well as his teaching) verified.  His humility did not hurt him, or his reputation, as after he was recommended in writing to the disciples in Achaia it was said of him…

“For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.”  (Verse 28)

While it is not specifically written what Aquila and Priscilla taught this man who knew only the baptism of John, it is known what was taught twelve others who knew only the baptism of John!  We can safely conclude that it was the same message!  Paul confirms this as he later writes concerning Apollos that they worked together in reaching the lost.

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”  (I Corinthians 3:6)

One does not need to be eloquent or educated like Apollos (the disciples of Jesus were called “unlearned and ignorant men”) to understand the ways of the Lord.  One reason is the simplicity of the Gospel… Death… Burial… Resurrection.  The point is:  Anyone can understand this simple message if they have an open mind, can set aside the traditional teachings of religious dogmas, and be taught by those who have learned for themselves what the original message of the apostles to the lost was.  You can count yourself among that group now!  Obey the gospel and become an Apollos, or a Peter, or a Paul… or, best of all be yourself in the hands of God!  How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel!  We can see why!

The Gentiles (14)

It was a strange sight to say the least.  A sheet was being let down from heaven with all kinds of animals on it.  Then it was taken back up.  It happened that way three times.  Fortunately, this was not a literal event, but a vision!

Of course it had its purpose, but before we explore that let us examine the setting of the spiritual sight.  A man by the name of Cornelius was praying (but it wasn’t him who received the vision). 

“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.”  (Acts 10: 1&2)

As Cornelius was praying one afternoon he saw a vision (not the one mentioned earlier), it was of an angel of God who spoke his name, “Cornelius.” 

“And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, what is it, Lord?”  (Acts 10: 4)

The angel spoke and told him that his “prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God”.  Cornelius was instructed by the angel to send men to Joppa and “call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:  He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.”  (Verses 4-6)

When the angel left, Cornelius sent two servants and a soldier to Joppa to get the apostle Peter.  The next day they as they were approaching Joppa, Peter was on the roof of the house… it was about noon and Peter grew hungry as he prayed.  While lunch was being prepared it happened.  Peter fell into a trance and saw the afore mentioned sight.  “Heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth”. 

The point of the vision was to show Peter, who was a Jew and did not eat the kinds of animals on the sheet, that “what God hath cleansed, call that not common.”  He was told to “Kill and eat.”  There was something else Jews didn’t do… they wouldn’t come into company with Gentiles… Italians if you would.  Peter, because of his religion, would not associate with Cornelius.  That is, until God spoke to him… but it took three times!

All of this was happening so that the door to the last region of gospel propagation could be opened… “the utter most parts of the earth.”  Jesus was biding Peter to break tradition and fulfill the promise made to Abraham two thousand years earlier that all the families of the earth (Gentiles and Jews alike) would be blessed.

As Peter considered the vision, the three men arrived at his door and the Spirit told Peter that they were there and to go with them, not doubting anything.  The men spoke to Peter and said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee”. 

As Peter would later recount the story to those who “were of the circumcision” (Jews) and told them that Cornelius sent men to Joppa, and called for him.  Cornelius described Peter as the man “who shall tell thee words, where by thou and all thy house shall be saved.”  (Acts 11: 14)

While Peter was coming to meet with Cornelius, the family and friends of the centurion gathered together to hear what Peter was going to say.  It should be noted here that the description of Cornelius was that of a prayerful, giving, and good man… but he still needed saved (according to his own words… and the word of God… “For all have sinned and have fallen short”).  Peter was there with words that were going to save, not only Cornelius, but his whole household as well!

As Cornelius explains to Peter the events that precipitated their meeting he told him, “Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come.  Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.”  (Acts 10: 33)

“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons…  and we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:  Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us (the apostles), who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.  To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”  (Acts 10: 34-43)

Peter is addressing the spiritual needs of Cornelius and all his house, but not only theirs, but of all humanities as well.  It was determined early in this writing that the sin nature (as well as specific “sins”) needed removed from the creation of God called “man”.  Here we see Peter sharing with people who were not the chosen nationality of God how to have the sins and the sin nature removed from their being.  Not by means of natural death that comes to all, but by means of a spiritual “type” of death that can send the sin “before (physical death) to judgment”.  That spiritual type of death is through the typology of the gospel: the death, the burial, and the resurrection.  Peter is preaching that remission (removal) of sin is now available through faith in the name of Jesus.  This is such great and exciting news to these gentiles that something happens… faith arises in their hearts and they immediately receive a type of resurrection:

“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on them which heard the word.”  These were filled with the Spirit of Resurrection before they were even baptized… before Peter even finished his message!  The men who had journeyed with Peter to witness these things were astonished because they saw the Holy Ghost fill these gentiles!  And, like Simon the Sorcerer they were able to observe Cornelius and his family receiving the Holy Ghost!

This time scripture tells us how they knew they received the Spirit:  “And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.” (Verses 45 & 46)

Peter, in his recount of the story to the Jews in Jerusalem, confirmed that what happened to Cornelius and his house was the same experience that came upon the 120 in the upper room as they initially waited for, and received, the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost.  In Peter’s own words, “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.”  (Acts 11: 15)

At this point it is clear that by the description of his life and character Cornelius was a repentant man… the gospel type of death had then been fulfilled.  They of his house all received the gift of the Holy Ghost thus fulfilling the gospel type of resurrection.  This leaves only one more leg of the template we are using for establishing a consistently preached and taught salvation message… and one more gospel precept to be accounted for… burial… water… baptism (as we have studied:  all representing the different symbols of the same thing).  For the fulfillment of the types, and for the obedience to the gospel… including calling on the name of the Lord, we would expect to see baptism be part of the story of Acts chapter ten as the door to the gentiles is opened to the gospel… and salvation!

“Then (after they received the Holy Ghost) answered Peter, can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.”  The gentiles now had the complete salvation experience… and we have our complete salvation doctrine once again being confirmed.

The sheet carrying the animals that were in the vision had made its point.  Peter took the gospel to the gentiles for the first time.  The door to the uttermost parts of the earth was opened.   A man and his family were saved.  And, the elements of the gospel and of our template have remained intact and consistent.  Again, the words of Jesus ring loud and true… the scriptures cannot be broken! 

The Samaritans (13)

When truth is discovered in scripture, there will be confirmation regarding that truth.  While we have seen that the message Peter preached on the day of Pentecost fits the template perfectly, as well as answering the question of how to call on the name of the Lord, further confirmations should be expected.  Confirmation coming by other accounts of the lost receiving the apostle’s words would lend an absolute credibility to what we have seen so far.

Before considering those accounts, let us return, momentarily, to John’s symbolic terminology as a reminder of our three-fold template’s application. 

·         Blood:     Which represents death, is accomplished in us through repentance.

·         Water:   Which represents burial, is accomplished in us through water baptism.

·         Spirit:   Which represents resurrection, is accomplished in us through the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

We can see then that John’s symbols of blood, water, and Spirit are representations of the Gospel and that the message of Peter on the day of Pentecost solved the Kingdom Mystery of how to obey the Gospel.  Mankind, by the words of the apostle, can now become obedient to the Gospel of Christ!  Have you obeyed it?

Let us then continue to examine the actions of the apostles to determine if Peter’s message was ever delivered again to those seeking salvation.  We will continue in the order given in the book of Acts.

Example:  Acts 8   

“Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ unto them.”  (Verse 5)

Jesus had given instructions to the apostles to go into all the world to preach the gospel… Samaria was the next door neighbor of Judea (in which Jerusalem was situated).  This was the first step outward in their efforts at world evangelism.  The Lord had told them to be witnesses after they received the Holy Ghost.

“But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”  (Acts 1:8)

The Gospel’s points of progression were declared by Jesus.  It was to start in Jerusalem.  This corresponds to what Jesus told His disciples after His resurrection in the book of Luke. 

“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:  And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name beginning at Jerusalem.  And ye are witnesses of these things.  And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”  (Luke 24:45-49)

Peter’s message was delivered in the city of Jerusalem, thus fulfilling the words of Jesus in the book of Luke, as well as fulfilling the order of progression as delineated by Jesus in Acts chapter one.  Jerusalem is located in the region of Judea, which were the first two locations Jesus declared would receive the witness of the gospel.  Now the word is going forth in Samaria, by the preaching of Philip.

“And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.  For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.  And there was great joy in that city.”  (Acts 8: 6-8)

God, through the preaching of the evangelist Philip, was doing great things in Samaria.  It would appear that all was well and nothing was lacking, however, as we read on we find that there was something lacking.

“… when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”  (Verse 12)

So far we have seen that Philip preached Christ to them in Samaria and the resulting works of God were impressive to say the least.  People’s lives were being changed and turned around.  The word translated from the Greek to “repentance” means to turn around.  We find evidence of this happening as they heard and responded to the preaching of Philip.  As he preached the “things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” the response of the Samaritans was to be baptized.  It is apparent that baptism was part of the message of Philip.

As these things were taking place, a sorcerer named Simon became interested in what was happening as he saw the “miracles and signs which were done.”  “Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized he continued with Philip.”  (Acts 8:13)

Even though many things were taking place as God moved in this new region, there was not a total administering of the gospel to the Samaritans.  Notice the actions of the apostles at this point.

“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:  Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:  (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of Jesus.)”  (Acts 8: 14 &15)

We see that Philip’s preaching moved the people to the point where they had repented and had been baptized in the name of Jesus.  This is the same as Peter’s instructions to the crowd at Jerusalem, but it was specifically noted that none of them had received the Holy Ghost at that point.  It was then that Peter and John were sent to Samaria.  Let us see what happens when the apostles arrive.

“Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.”  (Verse 17)  The gospel had now reached Samaria in its fullness.  Apostolic authority was present and we see that the same elements preached by Peter in Jerusalem were present in Samaria.  The last arena of evangelism on Jesus’ list is the “uttermost parts of the earth.”  We will see it preached there in the tenth chapter of Acts.

One more thing

When the Holy Ghost was received by the Samaritans, Simon was present to witness the event.  He was so impressed that he offered to buy the Holy Ghost with money. 

“And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money…”  (Verse 18)

While this verse begins to move us into another part of the story, a very interesting point is seen.  Simon was able to observe the people receiving the Holy Ghost.  How was he able to tell that they received the Spirit?

In summary, as the gospel began to be spread from Jerusalem and Judea, the first place beyond these was the “city of Samaria”.  This is in total agreement to the Lord’s declaration that the apostles would be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and then in Samaria… the apostle Peter was part of each of these expansions.  It is thought that this was because unto him the keys of the kingdom of God were given to him by Jesus.  See Matthew 16.

The elements of repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost were all preached and/or evidenced here in the Samaritan revival of Acts chapter 8.  Our template is still in alignment with the Acts of the Apostles! 

The Preaching (12)

The preaching of the Apostles to the lost is the highest order of witness to the true salvation message.  This must be pointed out, as randomly choosing scriptures to “prove doctrines” can cause great confusion.  We are told to study to show ourselves approved… rightly dividing the word of truth.  It is imperative to place every word into its proper context in order guarantee accurate conclusions.

Examples of New Testament Divisions:

·         As we read the letters (the epistles) to the churches, we do not read accounts of the lost being brought to the Lord and to not observe the verbatim gospel message as it is delivered first hand to those who desire and are seeking salvation.  These are instructional letters written to various churches and individuals… all of who already have received the salvation message… they do not need the gospel explained to them again as they already know it.   

·         The ministry of Jesus (the four gospels) was that of choosing His disciples, teaching kingdom concepts by parables, healings and miracles, and finally His death, burial and resurrection.  But the gospel message of salvation could not go forth until the steps of the gospel were lived out by the Messiah, i.e. Jesus had to die, be buried, and rise again before the message of the same could go forth.  For example:  (“But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.”)  (John 7:39)

·         The prophetic book of Revelation alludes to salvation and reveals the results of obeying the gospel and the consequences of not obeying it, but we do not see the apostles delivering the salvation message to those seeking salvation. 

·         The New Testament was not in force until after the death (and subsequently the burial and resurrection) of Jesus.  Hebrews 9:16 & 17 tell us that “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.  For a testament is of force after men are dead:  otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.”

All of this leaves one book in which we can find actual examples of people being brought into the New Testament church by means of the salvation purchased at Calvary.  The book is call the book of Acts.  It might be well if we used the fuller version of this book’s name as a reminder of its importance in light of the things we have learned and studied in this writing.  Its full name is The Acts of the Apostles.  Where else would we expect to find the apostles preaching the salvation message to the lost.  This is the history book of the church.  This is what they did in the beginning… this is the record of the original source!

Let’s consider the first instance where an account of people receiving salvation instruction from one (or more) of the apostles is given.  Remembering we are looking for the template pattern of the death, burial, and resurrection, as well as for people calling on the name of the Lord as they follow the gospel pattern.  It seems like that is asking a lot… but God wants you to know, by “many infallible proofs” that you have the “real deal” when it comes to your eternal salvation!

The day of Pentecost… it is referred to as the “birthday of the church”… and rightly so.  It was on the celebration of the feast of Pentecost, a few days after the ascension of the resurrected Lord Jesus, that like a mighty rushing wind from heaven, the Spirit of God “filled all the house where they were sitting.  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”  (Acts 2:2-4)  The apostles were gathered in “one accord” in an upper room where a total of 120 people were waiting for the promise of the Holy Ghost.  The entrance of the Spirit of God into that room, and more importantly into the hearts of those gathered there, is what was just described in the book of Acts chapter 2.

The Spirit who resurrected Jesus from the dead, descended from heaven, into an upper room, and into the hearts of those who were seeking and waiting for it to come.  The spirit of resurrection was now on earth and available for those who would prepare for its coming. 

The infilling of the 120 caused quite a commotion and it wasn’t long until quite a crowd had gathered to see what was going on.  Peter stood with the other apostles and began to explain what was happening.  He used a prophecy of the prophet Joel concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit to show what was taking place… the last quotation from Joel’s prophecy went like this:

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  (Acts 2:21) 

Peter is now using the exact words of Paul!  The words we have already considered… remember we are looking for the answer of how to call on the name of the Lord.  Interestingly, the very Old Testament scripture quoted by Peter in explanation of the Spirit’s initial baptism of the church contains the quote Paul used in Romans 10.  Remember it was to this quote Paul posed the four questions that made the point stating that no one can call upon the name of the Lord without the preaching of an apostle.  Peter is an apostle and he is preaching… and he just quoted the verse in question!  Things are aligning.  Now we will just read (Acts 2), or in this case, retell the story and find out what he said to do in reference to calling on the name of the Lord Jesus.

Peter began to expound on the resurrection and deity of Christ concluding with the statement from the 36^th verse; “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”  

The crowd knew they had made a terrible mistake in crucifying Jesus.

“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?”  (Acts 2:27)

At this point let us consider the factors:

·         Peter has quoted the very verse that Paul taught needed an explanation by an apostle… that of how to call on the name of the Lord in order to be saved.

·         The very first sinners in the church era are gathered before the apostles (all 12) and they are asking what to do… for they have been convicted of their sin by the Holy Ghost through Peter’s preaching.

·         This is the birthday of the church.

·         Peter is poised to give an answer that (according to our study) must tell them: 1) How to call on the name of the Lord.  2)  How to obey the three elements of the gospel… the death, burial, and resurrection (also, matching our template).

What does Peter tell them?

“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.”  (Acts 2: 38)

There it is!  The very first answer of an apostle to a sinner’s question of what to do.  Now we must see if all of our considerations up till now align with Peter’s response to their need of salvation.

Was the name of the Lord called upon?

They were told to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Does this constitute calling on His name?

The account of Paul’s baptism in Acts 22 affirms that it does:

“And now why tarriest thou?  Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.  (Acts 22:16)

Secondly, does Peter’s answer fulfill the gospel and its three elements?

Death

We have already shown that death comes to self through repentance… that is, in as much as the salvation plan of sending sins before to judgment is concerned.  Peter commanded the people to repent.

Burial

We are buried with Jesus (and in his name) in baptism as we have read before.  Peter preached to be baptized in the name of Jesus.

Resurrection

The agent of the resurrection is the Spirit.  Paul declared that it was the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead.  Peter proclaimed that the promise of the Holy Ghost would come on those who died to themselves by repentance, and were buried with Jesus in baptism.  He called it a promise.  And in the next verse he proclaimed that this was for everyone everywhere!

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.”  (Acts 2:39)

We now have the initial response by an apostle to a group of sinners who asked what to do to be saved.  This is what Peter would tell you to do if he were here.  But, we will continue to verify even further.

The Apostles (11)

The role of the apostles in the salvation plan may be one of the most overlooked elements in God’s design for reaching the lost.  While Jesus paid the entire price and He was the only one who could pay the price, He left a tremendous responsibility to His apostles… they would take it to the world. 

It is easy for us to agree with that point and leave it at that.  However, scripture reveals that their efforts were an integral part of the process of reaching the world... not only in disseminating the gospel, but in keeping it pure.  The apostles were defenders of the truth as well as propagators of it.  So much was their awareness of the need to keep the gospel pure that they made sure to instruct the believers as to how to safe guard the message of salvation after their deaths.    

Paul warned, “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.”  (Acts 20: 29)

And Peter said, “Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.  Moreover I will endeavor that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.  For we have not followed cunningly devised fables…”  (II Peter 1:14-16)

Jesus made it clear as he prayed for His apostles in John 17 that they had a grave responsibility in reaching the lost… as it was the Lord’s plan for these men to be the link between Himself and the lost humanity for whom He died.

“Sanctify them (the apostles) through thy truth: thy word is truth.  As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.”  (John 17:17-20)

Simply, the lost would be reached through the words of the apostles and the apostles would leave an adequate gospel pattern that could verify their original gospel teaching… a template if you would!  Of course, it should match ours!

The writing of Paul to the church in Rome makes this very clear in chapter 10 of Romans when he made a statement concerning salvation by the gospel.  He begins by making a salvation statement and then follows the statement by asking some questions concerning the ability to put the pronouncement into effect.

“Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  (Romans 10:13) 

The questions immediately following this straight forward declaration give a clear cut means by which to understand how to call on the name of the Lord (Otherwise it would remain a term that could have many possible meanings).  One by one let us consider them.

“How shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?”  (Verse 14)

The answer to this and the other three will reveal a clear method of determining the exact details of calling on the name of the Lord as well as on believing on the Lord.  It would appear that these two terms are in some way the same.  But to answer the question… A person cannot call on one in whom they have not believed.  The question has an implied answer of “they can’t”.  Thus the second question is asked.

“… how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?”  (Verse 14)

The same conclusions hold true to the second question… but we assume that there is a purpose to these leading queries, so let us continue answering.  A person cannot believe in one of whom they have not heard.  The implied answer to the second question is “they can’t”.  Thus the third question.  (we see a pattern here!)

“… how shall they hear without a preacher?”  (Verse 14)

Again, a person cannot hear without a preacher.  The implied answer to the third question is “they can’t”.  This final conclusion brings us to the last answer, which is really where Paul wanted to bring us to in the first place… the questions were simply the logical path that leads the reader to the point he wants to make.  Thus, the last question.

“And how shall they preach, except they be sent?”  (Verse 15)

Again, the answer is “they can’t”.  But now he asks no more questions, but makes a statement.

“… as it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  But they have not all obeyed the gospel.”

His obvious point is that there are some who have been sent (with authority) to preach the gospel, which in turn must be obeyed.  The word “apostle” means “one sent”.  Jesus sent his apostles into the world with the gospel.

“Afterward he appeared unto the eleven… and he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”  (Mark 16: 14-15)

We can conclude that the apostles were sent of God into the world with the gospel message of salvation.  We have seen by the teachings so far that the gospel matches our template of death, burial, and resurrection.  If this is the message the apostles delivered to the lost, we can be assured that it is the pure and original message of salvation.  It should be obeyed today as well!   How is that done?

We find ourselves back at the original question… almost!  How shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? 

But now we have an answer!  They hear by the preaching of the Apostles.  In other words we can expect two things from the words of the apostles when they preached to the lost:  How to call on the name of the Lord.  And, how to obey the gospel… the death, burial, and resurrection.  If these things are clearly seen, we know that our template and the words of the apostles are in alignment.

One more thing.

John, an apostle, writes in his first epistle to the church, instructions on dealing with false teachers… false apostles.  He begins:

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:  because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”  (I John 4:1)

Trying the spirits is obviously associated with examining the teaching of false prophets according to this verse (and those to come).  There is a way to know if a spirit (and its teaching) is of God.  To start with we must examine what they say.

“Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:” (Verse 2)

Knowing the truth is intrinsically related to who the spirit behind the teaching declares Jesus Christ to be.  The Spirit of God declares that Jesus has come in the flesh.  One might ask then; what was He before He was flesh?  There are two forms of life… flesh and spirit.  It would seem then that he was spirit before flesh.  Philippians 2:6 tells us that Christ was in the form of God.  Jesus said that God is a spirit.  (John 4:24)  Simply, Jesus was Spirit before He was flesh.  According to Philippians He was equal to God.  I Timothy 3:16 declares that God was manifest in the flesh!  What a great way to start… Jesus is God in the flesh! 

But what about those who don’t teach or believe that He is? 

“And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, where of ye have heard that it should come, and even now already is it in the world.”  (Verse 3)

These are pretty strong words from the apostle John.  Knowing the identity of Jesus Christ is of utmost importance and for any teaching declaring Him to be less than God (Spirit) coming in flesh is plainly called the spirit of antichrist.  In order to avoid such a terrible error very close attention needs to be paid to what the apostles preached to the lost.  We continue.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.  They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.”  (Verses 4 & 5)

John affirms to those to whom he writes that they are of God because they have overcame “them”.  The antecedent of “them” is the antichrist spirits that are working through false teachers… this is the “trying of the spirits”, which he initially spoke of.  John said that He that is in us (those who have believed the gospel and obeyed it… the gospel the apostles preached) is greater than he that is in the world (antichrist spirit).  The Spirit within the truly born again church witnesses with greater power to the truth of God’s identity than the spirit of the world, which is antichrist, witnesses to the lie of bringing Jesus down to a lessor deity.  But John makes sure we understand all this with one more statement.

“We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us.  Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”  (Verse 6)

“We are of God!”  John must be extremely presumptuous or he really knows what he is saying and is speaking with the authority of one sent of God… an apostle!  He continues by declaring that those who know God have heard us (apostles).  And anyone who does not hear the apostles is not of God.  He then declares plainly:  This is how to tell the difference between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error!

Now we see why it is important not to minimize the role of the apostles in understanding and receiving the salvation message.  It is by them that we will understand fully whether we are standing in faith that is founded in the word of God or in presumption that has a foundation of shifting sand. 

When the apostle Peter confessed the deity of Christ by revelation (Matthew 16: 13-17) Jesus declared that upon this rock He would build His church.  The revelation of His identity is the foundation of the church… a rock.  The theories of man as to Jesus’ identity are the shifting sands of the antichrist spirit’s confusing proclamation… that Jesus is somehow less than God in flesh.

When we consider the teaching of the apostles to the lost we will look for all these things to be brought into total alignment.  Jesus said “the scriptures cannot be broken” and in these things we can expect that it all holds true… without contradiction!

The Gospel (10)

The gospel of Jesus Christ matches our template very well… because it really is our template.  While Paul doesn’t use the term “template”, he seems to be using it as one.  Again, he declared the gospel to be the death, burial, and resurrection.  This declaration is made in I Corinthians chapter 15. 

“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.”   (I Corinthians 15:1-4)

In these scriptures Paul states his intent to “declare” the gospel, but seems to take his time in doing so.  The declaration is made by the time the first four verses of the chapter are complete, however, he makes a number of statements concerning different functions and aspects of the gospel in those four verses as well.  It is those statements that I would like to examine here, as they will give weight to the importance this great message holds.  We will consider each statement, but first let’s simply list those statements.

·         He preached it. 

·         They (the Corinthians) received it.

·         They stand in it.

·         They are saved by it.

·         They must keep it in their memory unless their belief was in vain.

·         He delivered to them the gospel he had received.

Now let us consider the implications of these statements and how they add explanation to the importance of this three-fold gospel… as well as to our template… for they are the same.

Paul stated that he preached the gospel… he preached the very same points as our three-fold template!  The ramifications of a simple statement like this can easily be overlooked.  Let’s look at some of them.  Paul writes a stern warning to the Galatians concerning changing the gospel… Paul says, some would “pervert the gospel”.  

“But though we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”  (Galatians 1: 8)   

The word accursed is the Greek word “anathema” which Paul used in conjunction with the Greek word “maranatha” in his warning to the Corinthians.  The translation would be that those who do not love the Lord would be accursed at the coming of the Lord in judgment.  The point being that Paul issues a strong warning to those who do not preach the same gospel as he… whether it be man or angel!

That Paul took ownership of the gospel is made clear when he states on more than one occasion that it was “his gospel”.  To Timothy he wrote, “Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel”.   (II Timothy 2:8) 

“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.”  (Romans 16:25)

These words from the apostle reveal the gospel Paul preached was not only owned by him, but that it came by revelation.  It was not to be perverted, lest severe consequences come upon those who would change the simple three-fold message. 

They received the gospel.  The good news of salvation will not be of any benefit to those who do not hear and respond to the message.  Paul’s responsibility was to deliver the word to those who he preached to; it was the responsibility of those who heard him preach the gospel to act upon the message. 

Paul was stating that the Corinthians had not only heard the gospel, but had responded appropriately… they received it.  Similarly, the people of Berea in Acts chapter 17 received the word.  It was written concerning their attitude toward the preaching of the gospel that…

 “These were more notable than those in Thessalonica in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, as whether those things were so.”  (Acts 17: 11)

The power of the gospel remains latent, awaiting the response of the hearer.  While God would move heaven and earth to save the sinner from his sin (and he did more than that upon the cross), it is the choice of the lost soul that brings this wonderful power to its effective potential.  Paul wrote in Romans that the gospel “is the power of God unto salvation”.  How unfortunate it is for that powerful message to fall upon ears that don’t hear and upon a heart that doesn’t care to seek its veracity!

Jesus commanded his disciples to shake off the dust of the city in which there was no response to the word of God.  He declared that in doing so they would testify against those who would not hear.  It is a good thing to continue to search for the implications of this message of death, burial, and resurrection… and to be counted alongside the church of Berea as “noble” in your efforts of searching and verifying its authenticity!

Standing in the gospel

To stand speaks of being unmovable and in an upright position.  Once the gospel is heard and responded to, Paul asserts that the Corinthians are to stand in the gospel… as it is the only foundation.  As we use the gospel template, we see that it can be applied to many teachings and stories to give an ever increasing understanding to the child of God.  With each new illumination we add strength and surety to our foundation. 

He is telling us that the three-fold gospel is not just a starting place, it is a standing place.  The foundation never needs adjusting, or replaced… it just needs to be the place where the child of God places their feet.

Saved by the gospel

What more needs to be said?  The entire writing here is to help a seeker of truth to come to the saving knowledge of the Lord’s gospel.  Paul writes to the Romans…

“Whosoever calleth upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  (Romans 10: 13)

And then.

“But they have not all obeyed the gospel.  For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  (Romans 10: 16 &17)

It is clear that salvation is contingent on obedience to the gospel.  As Paul wrote, calling upon the name of the Lord is part of that obedience.  There is more to learn here, but for now we will simply conclude that the gospel saves us.  It must be asked, if the method of salvation used by churches and preachers does not include the three-fold gospel template, can it really be the salvation message at all?

Keep it in memory or believe in vain

The statement here is similar to his word about standing in the gospel, but now he adds the consequence of not keeping the gospel in mind.  The gospel is our salvation and will continue to be its keeping force.  In a sense it is the warning to the inner man to not change, pervert, or do away with the very template of the gospel that first saved you.  We may preach the gospel outwardly to others after we are saved, but Paul points out the danger of letting the wonderful message slip from its spiritual position of importance.  Let it always permeate our thoughts!  Jesus died was buried and rose again for you!!

Delivered the gospel you received

One of the principles coming from a group of spiritual laws known collectively as the law of the harvest is that you reproduce after your kind.  To state it in the words of Genesis chapter one, “whose seed was in itself”.  Simply, apples reproduce apples, and oranges reproduce oranges.  We reproduce what we are. 

It is obvious that with the many varying beliefs, doctrines, and denominations, which go by the name of “Christian”, this law has not been adhered to.  The gospel message has been changed down through time.  To verify (like the Bereans) that our gospel is the pure message we must put aside all modern teaching on salvation and return to its original source.  While that may seem to be a daunting task, it is really quite simple… and it makes all the sense in the world.  We will look at that soon. 

Paul’s conversion can be easily seen in the book of Acts and as we identify the elements of it, and compare his salvation experience to his teaching a very important conclusion can be made.  In as much as he stated that he delivered (preached and administered) what he had received, we must find his experience and his teaching to be in alignment… not only with each other, but with our gospel template as well!  Our conclusion then is; when all of these things (and many more) dovetail the chance for error is completely eliminated!  When it concerns the salvation of your soul, the search effort is not even worth considering.

One last thing.  Paul received the gospel experience and that experience should be the same as ours, or more precisely, ours should be the same as his… which in turn should be the same as his teaching… which in turn should be the same as the gospel template.  We are developing a fool proof manner of checks, which will verify our own salvation experience. 

Paul also received the gospel in another form.  Whereas we have been considering his salvation experience, we can also look at his salvation doctrine and where it came from.

Notice his statements from the book of Galatians:

“But I certify you brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.  For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.  (Galatians 1:11 & 12)

When God called Paul… “to reveal his Son in me (Paul), that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:  neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.  Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.  But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother”.  (Galatians 1: 15-19)

The scriptures are rather clear that Paul not only received the gospel experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), but that he received the “gospel doctrine” in Arabia by revelation from God.  He is an original source of the “gospel seed”.  Paul by spiritual revelation and the other apostles by the direct teaching and commands of Jesus.  These are the original sources of the gospel message… they can be trusted.  We will consider more closely their message… remembering that each of these different angles must converge with all the others in the gospel message… which is our gospel template.