Christians and the Law

When God began the body of Christ with the salvation of Paul, He produced the most radical change a Jew could think of. God did away with the law for believers. That is, God did away with the law for believers in the body of Christ.

Even though the reformation was based on the recovered truth of justification by faith alone, yet most of the reformers thought we should keep the law. It hasn’t changed much since Reformed theologians still seem to think that we should keep the law. They do have Scripture to back them up. For instance, what is the “perfect law of liberty” of Jam 1:25 & 2:12? “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” 2:12 “So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.” Luther wrote, “The epistle of James however only drives you to the law and its works. . . . He calls the law a law of freedom (James 1:25; 2:12), although St. Paul calls it a law of slavery, wrath, death, and sin (Galatians 3:23f; Romans 4:15; 7:10f).[1] When we look to see what this law of liberty is that James refers to, we can see in Psa 119:44,45 where it shows it is a law of liberty: “So shall I keep Your law continually, forever and ever. And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts.”

In contrast to James and Psalms, let’s look carefully at what God inspired Paul to write about the consequences of the abolition of the law in Eph 2:11-17 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh – who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands – 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made the both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 the enmity, in His flesh, having abolished the law of commandments in ordinances, that He might create the two in Himself into one new man, making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile the both in one body to God through the cross, having put to death the enmity in it. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.

As we see in Ephesians 2, God abolished the law for us Christians today because it caused enmity between Jews and other people. Even though God destroyed it to make peace, too many believers are causing confusion by attempting to put Christians back under it. Instead of living according to the law God gave through Moses, God wants us to live the Christian life by being filled by the Spirit, not be trying to live according to the law. We try to live according to the law too often, in the power of the flesh.

After God showed how we became dead to the law in Romans 6, and how a man could not perform the law in Romans 7, He inspired Paul to write this in

Rom 8:2-4: For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

I know how easy it is to fall into the snare of legalism, because my temperament is drawn to legalism. I was also raised in a legalistic Christian home. However, because I was involved in youth work for so many years, I saw the damage legalism causes. Now, I see how awful it is since many say it’s necessary to keep the law in order to be saved.

Temperament wise, Paul also was a legalist. Further, he was a Hebrew of Hebrews and a Pharisee. He was a disciple killing, church ravaging legalist on the road to Damascus to destroy the church which began on Pentecost.

But then he met Christ. And his whole life changed. Jesus Christ taught him a gospel completely foreign to his temperament and heritage. If Christ had not been the one he met on that road, he would never have changed. And if God had not inspired Paul to write it down in his letters, I would still be a legalist.

But Christ gave Paul a new dispensation. Simply put, a dispensation is a program or method for how things will be run in a specific house. Christ gave Paul a new dispensation and a different gospel for this program. How do we know that? He told us. For the new dispensation, the we are now in, we find Ephesians 3 and Colossians 1 to be the most definitive.

Eph 3:1-3,8,9 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles – 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already. 8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the dispensation fellowship of the mystery, which has been hidden from the ages in God who created all things through Jesus Christ.

Col 1:25-27 I became a minister [of the church] according to the dispensation stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To whom them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ among in you, the hope of glory.

This dispensation also received a new gospel. Look what God inspired Paul to write about the gospel Christ gave directly to him and no one else in

Gal 1:11,12 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. The contents of that gospel are presented many places in Paul’s epistles, but I’ll just read three passages: Gal 2:14-16, Rom 4:4,5 and Tit 3:5-7.

Gal 2:14-16 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faithfulness of Jesus Christ, we also have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by Christ’s faithfulness and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”

Rom 4:4,5 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

Tit 3:5-7 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Now, when we consider these truths from Paul’s epistles, how does Paul’s gospel differ from the gospel Christ gave to Peter before He ascended. Peter preached and wrote about the gospel of the circumcision that Christ gave to him in his epistles. We also find it at the end of the gospels and the first 10 chapters of Acts.

But first, what is the gospel? Gospel literally means good news. What’s the greatest news we can hear? For me it was the answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” I think it’s the same for you. No matter what the message was at different times, the one consistent requirement is always faith.

Let’s look at some portions of scripture that show different ways or methods to get saved. First let’s look at Gen 15:5,6. God was speaking to Abram.

Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6 And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

After this, Abram’s name was changed to Abraham at the time that God, gave him a different covenant, the covenant of circumcision. In Genesis 17:2, God told him, 2 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. 10 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; 14 And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.

Later, when the law was added to this covenant, God said in Lev 18:5, You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the LORD.

From these passages, and others, we can see that the circumcision dispensation is one where faith must be associated with law works. We also see that the believer must endure in these works by faith to remain saved.

The gospel associated with the circumcision program gave procedures, methods, or directions (whatever you want to call them), anyway, these methods must be followed, in faith, for them to attain to salvation. Most of the confusion comes from trying to make these procedures, methods, or directions apply to us today in the dispensation of grace. For instance, we must realize that the passages I’m going to read only apply to the gospel of the circumcision, the gospel Christ gave to Peter and John. The gospel of the circumcision was the gospel that Peter and John preached before Paul got saved. This gospel was also presented to the believing Jews in the writings of the twelve and the Lord’s brothers, James & Jude. Those writings are the gospels and the books of Hebrews through Revelation. For instance, Matthew wrote in his gospel, 24:12,13, And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Mark was inspired to write the great commission in 16:16-18. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. This gospel began according to Mark 1:1,4 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Luke 3:3 reported it this way, And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

In Luke 10:25-28, Christ responded to a man who knew the law when asked this question, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” 27 So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”

Peter’s answer to the question, “What shall we do?” in Acts 2:38, was, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Water baptism was necessary for the remission of sins, salvation, then. Therefore, we see that this gospel was to Israel and included:

1. Works of the law had to be performed by faith.

2. They had to endure in their faith-works.

3. They had to be water baptized to be saved.

In contrast, Paul & Silas answered the jailor in Acts 16:31 “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Remember, in Romans 4:4-5, Paul wrote, Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

And Galatians 2:16, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faithfulness of in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faithfulness of in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

Let’s remember Titus 3:5-7, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Now, again, we must contrast what I just read from Paul’s epistles with the circumcision epistles. Heb 10:38,39 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. After Abram received the conditional covenant of circumcision and had his name changed to Abraham, he was justified by a different method. Works were made part of the covenant requirements. From then on, the faith of Abraham’s circumcised seed had to be expressed in the works God required. This is seen in Jam 2:21-24 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

Also, we see Peter’s epistles are in conformity with his message that water baptism was necessary for salvation in 1 Pet 3:21, There is also an antitype which now saves us; baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1 Jo 2:3,4 and 3:24 show the condition of keeping the commandments. 1 Jo 2:3,4 “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 Jo 3:24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him.

Salvation has the same conditions in John’s book, The Revelation of Jesus Christ, 2:5,10,11; 3:5, Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place; unless you repent.

2:10,11 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.

3:5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

22:14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

Now, if we didn’t know that these Scripture passages were found in a different dispensation from ours, this would be total confusion wouldn’t it?

What is the answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” This is where dispensational truth really comes into use. In fact, it is absolutely vital to knowing the answer to that question.

We have seen these scriptures can be rightly divided. Because of this, we can say that there were two general methods of salvation. They are faith plus works – for those under circumcision. And faith alone for us.

We are in a life and death situation. Life for those we evangelize depends upon our biblical knowledge. Unless Paul’s prayer in Phi 1:9-11 is fulfilled in us, people are going to die without Christ. And others are going to be in bondage because they are claiming the wrong promises. Let’s look at Paul’s prayer. Phi 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

When we look at Philippians 1:9, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge[2] and all discernment,” we should see that this is not just any kind of knowledge, it is real knowledge. Notice how this word is used in Rom 10:1,2, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.”² A zeal for God is not enough. It must be according to real knowledge. When that knowledge is distorted, problems multiply. Then, as we look at the next word, and all discernment [perception, insight, experience], we see that Paul was inspired to write that our love must be a knowledgeable, perceptive, insightful love.

Then we see why you need this knowledgeable, insightful love. You need it so “that you may approve the things that are excellent”[3]. This translation is acceptable, but it misses the point. What we really should be doing, is testing things that differ, and then approving the things that are more excellent. The Greek dictionary meaning for this word always means differ when used intransitively.

Notice its usage in 1 Th 5:21, “Test all things; hold fast what is good.”[4] Then, when Paul was writing to the religious Jew who thought he had it made because of his own righteousness, he wrote, Rom 2:18, “and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent [Testing the things differing.[5] Our phrase again.], being instructed out of the law”.

Then, Paul continued in Phi 1:10, “that you may be sincere [judged by sunlight,[6] unalloyed, pure] and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” I would translate the whole passage this way: “And this I pray in order that [i@na] your love may yet more and more overflow in knowledge and all perception, (Love is not enough. It must have real knowledge and perception.) with this in view [ei*"] – that you test the things that differ in order that [i@na] you may be pure and inoffensive (The central focus is knowledge that produces love, the love of Christ which is flooding their souls. They’ll be loving when they evangelize or discuss theology.) with this in view [ei*"] – the day of Christ (because they would be those) having been filled the fruits of righteousness [the fruits] through Jesus Christ with this in view [ei*"] – [the] glory and praise of God.

Our reward from God depends on two things: Testing things that differ, and, living our lives in the Spirit. A parallel in Colossians 3:23,24 says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Another parallel in 2 Ti 2:15 says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” And it’s all put together in Colossians 1:24b-2:2: I became a minister (of His body, the church) according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. 2:1 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ.

Now, I might ask you, what are you going to do? If your tendency is to knowledge, will you concentrate on loving God and others, more? And, if your tendency is toward feeling relationships, will you learn God’s word better so you can present His message of grace better? If you are willing, now, we’ll test the things that differ in this dispensation from things in other dispensations.

I’ve heard many speakers debating the issues about salvation on the radio. Some have maintained that works were important for salvation. Others maintained that the justification in James was not for salvation. Neither group could prove their position consistently. Many are confused and have called in about security of salvation. Others have asked if they had to be baptized to be saved. Others wonder if addiction (which they are fighting) would keep them from being saved. Some have called us heretics because we made salvation too easy. They maintained we needed to follow Christ’s teachings to be saved. When these questions surfaced in Galatia, Paul was amazed. Notice what he wrote in Galatians 1:6-9, I’m amazed that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

As these questions come up, how should we respond? 1 Ti 1:5 tells us, “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.” So, we should be as concerned as Paul was with the Galatians. And we must not only be concerned, but we must continue to test the things that differ, because lives are at stake. Paul was “afraid for” those in the churches of Galatia. Notice what he wrote in, Gal 4:9-11, But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.

We have seen what the basis for testing the things that differ is and why we have such problems. Remember, Christ was sent only to Israel. Mat 15:24 shows this, “But He answered and said, ‘I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’” In support of this, Paul was inspired to write Rom 15:8, “Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers.”

Peter & the eleven and Paul were under different dispensations.

Peter & the Eleven Offered the Davidic kingdom Acts 1:6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 3:18-21 “But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.”

Paul Mystery, Grace Eph 3:1-9 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles; 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery 8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship [dispensation][7] of the mystery, which has been hidden from the of ages in God who created all things through Jesus Christ.

Peter & Paul had different gospels

Peter – Circumcision Gal 2:7-9 as the gospel of the circumcision [had been committed to] to Peter. and they [the twelve] to the circumcised

Paul – Uncircumcision. Gal 2:7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision had been committed to me. we [Paul and Barnabas] should go to the Gentiles

Here is the whole passage. Gal 2:7-9 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel of the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

Circumcision Gospel Gentile (Uncircumcision) Gospel

The Mission of the Twelve Mk 16:15-18 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

The Mission of Paul 1 Co 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. Gal 1:11,12 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

For Salvation

Works Acts 10:34,35 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.”

No Works Rom 4:4,5 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

For Salvation

Water Baptism Mark 16:16 “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” 1 Pe 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Spirit Baptism 1 Co 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. 1 Co 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. Eph 4:4,5 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism [Spiritual].

Prayer

Whatever Prayers Mat 21:22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. Mk 11:24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. John 14:13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. John 16:23 Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 1 Jo 3:22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 1 Jo 5:15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

No Whatever Prayers 2 Co 12:8-10 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Phi 4:6,7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Health and Prosperity

Sign Gifts Mat 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Mark 16:17,18 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Jam 5:14,15 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 3 John 2 Beloved, I pray [or wish][8] that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Sign Gifts Pass Away 2 Co 12:7-10 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me [not given by God (Jam 1:16,17), but allowed as with Job], a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 1 Ti 5:23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. 2 Ti 4:20 Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.

Security of the Believer

Sin unto death 1 Jo 5:16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.

Dead to Sin Rom 6:3,11 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 11 Likewise you also, recognize yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Security of the Believer

Make Your Election Sure Mat 6:15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Mat 24:13,14 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. John 15:6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 2 Pe 1:10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble. 1 Jo 2:3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.

Sure of Your Election Eph 1:4,5,11-14 He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. Eph 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

In light of all this information, what should we do? First concentrate on loving God. Then, get concerned and learn how to present God’s message of grace. Then, lovingly share God’s wonderful gospel of Grace. Then spend time teaching the message of grace to those who are faithful. Then, we’ll know we can say that the answer to that all important question for today, “What must I do to be saved?” is, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. Have you done that? Do you trust Jesus Christ as your savior?

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[1] Luther, The Epistles of St. James and St. Jude, Preface.

[2] Bauer, Arndt, Gingrich, Danker, e*pignwvsi", knowledge, recognition in our lit. limited to relig. and moral things . . . a knowledge of the truth. . . . Knowledge of God and Christ . . . to recognize God Ro 1:28; (w. ai!sqhsi") Phil 1:9; a*nakainouvmeno" ei*" e*. renewed in knowledge Col 3:10. kat * e*pivgnwsin in accordance w. (real) knowledge Ro 10:2.

[3] Ibid., a. differ, be different tinov" fr. someone or someth. differ fr. someth. w. respect to someth. b. differ to one’s advantage fr. someone or someth.=be worth more than, be superior to. Abs. taV diafevronta the things that really matter. taV d. au*toi'"=what is important for them.

[4] pavnta deV dokimavzete: toV kaloVn katevcete:

[5] dokimavzei" taV diafevronta

[6] ei*likrinei'"

[7] The Majority Text and the Critical Text have oi*konomiva, dispensation. My translation. See an interlinear.

[8] eu[comaiv