Without Paul

Did you ever stop to think about…

What information would YOU be missing without Paul’s revelation from the risen Christ?

God tells us that the MYSTERY was an entire BODY of truth that he gave to ONE apostle and that information is found in Romans thru Philemon.

It actually consists of fourteen doctrines NOT FOUND anywhere else in God’s Word.

Without the "preaching of Jesus Christ ACCORDING TO THE REVELATION of the MYSTERY..." Romans 16:25 we would HAVE NO…

"Body of Christ"

"present dispensation of grace"

"gospel of the grace of God",

"temporary setting aside of the nation Israel",

"equality of Jew and gentile",

"One baptism" of Eph 4:5,

"new commission to preach the gospel",

"heavenly position of the believer",

"Christ as the head of the Body",

"coming of Christ in the air for his church",

"judgment seat of Christ",

"different ministry of the Holy Spirit",

"full and complete revelation"

That’s a lot of important teaching that wouldn’t even be IN the bible if it wasn't for God giving to Paul a NEW message, for a NEW CREATION, for a NEW program never before given to anyone.

…from a friend's Facebook posting

Where would we be without Paul?   

It’s been said that the books of Paul don’t even belong in the bible.     

But, without Paul, where would we be? We as gentiles would be without hope just like we were in time past when we…

…walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: …in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath…

Without Paul whom the risen, ascended Lord Jesus Christ entrusted the ministry of the dispensation of the grace of God (though he’d committed the unpardonable sin, blaspheming against the Holy Spirit), we would have no hope in this world or the next.  But praise God…

…who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast. [Ephesians 2:3-9 KJB]

Do we worship Paul?  

Israel didn’t worship Moses, but they knew if they hoped to have a relationship with God they better follow him, as he was God’s spokesman to them.  Well, neither do we worship God's spokesman to us in this present dispensation of grace.  Rather, we acknowledge Paul’s unique and distinct ministry (magnifying his office) and—as scripture teaches—follow him as he follows the Lord’s words given to him for us.

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.   [1 Corinthians 14:37 KJB]

Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.  Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.  (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: [Philippians 3:16-18 KJB]

To God be the glory for great things he has done!

Grace to you through our Lord Jesus Christ!

;j an

P.S.  Another item to add to the list above is that we would have no "understanding" [Rom 1:31a KJB]

It is through Paul (who, by the way would not have us be "ignorant brethern") that we have the promise of the Lord that he will give understanding.

Consider what I say; and the Lord [will] give thee understanding in all things. [2 Timothy 2:7 KJB]