Our Grace Commission

1 Corinthians 1:17-18 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

·       Paul was not sent to baptize, but to preach the gospel. The Twelve apostles on the other hand were sent to baptize (Matt. 28:19,20). We are to imitate Paul, as Paul imitated Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). Paul received a different message than the twelve received (Gal. 1:11,12). Water baptism in this verse would be the same as what is called the wisdom of words. Paul tells us to just preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words. The preaching of the cross is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes (Rom. 1:16,17). There is no need to add anything to the gospel. Just preach it!

Ephesians 2:8-9 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.

·       We are saved by grace through faith. We are not saved by doing good works or getting water baptized. Instead, it is a free gift from God. All we have to do is believe the gospel. That is, believe that Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Cor. 15:3,4).

Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

·       The twelve apostles were given the power to forgive the sins of a person. However, we today under the Dispensation of Grace are not given that power. Forgiveness of sins is by the power of God. We have forgiveness of sins through our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:6,7). God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their sins upon them (2 Cor. 5:16-21). Our sins have been paid for, all we have to do is believe it. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. All you have to do is accept the free gift.

1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

·       God desires all men (all persons) to be saved. This is the first part of our commission. It is to preach the gospel. Preach that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day! He paid for all of our sins on the cross. The second part of our commission is to see that all men come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

·       This is the second part of our commission from the verse above. To have all men come to a knowledge of the truth is to make (cause) them to see what is the fellowship of the mystery. The mystery was hidden in God before the foundation of the world. It was only revealed to the Apostle Paul in due time.

·       What is the mystery? At least one part of it is the truth about the one new man (the new creation). God has reconciled both Jew and Gentile in one body (the Body of Christ). There is now no difference between the two. That middle wall has been broken down (Eph. 2). We are now all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28).

2 Corinthians 5:19-20 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

·       We aren’t told in Paul’s Epistles that we have to start in Jerusalem or anywhere else for that matter. We can start preaching the gospel wherever we happen to be. The Jews, the disciples, on the other hand, were told to start in Jerusalem (Acts 1:8). God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them. He, therefore, has committed to us the word of reconciliation to take to the world. God has reconciled both Jew and Gentile in one Body. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile today. We can and should preach to both Jew and Gentile about the gospel, as well as the mystery that was given to Paul.

The So-called "Great" Commission

The so-called “Great” Commission is also called the Kingdom Commission. God promised Israel that they would inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5), they would receive a King, and that King would deliver her from her enemies. In Matthew through Acts, there are six key passages that explain the Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of Heaven (which means kingdom out from Heaven) will be that earthly reign of Christ when He sets up His Kingdom on the earth. The gospel of the Kingdom says you must believe in the name of Christ (John 1:12) to be saved. That means to believe that Christ is the prophesied Messiah (King) of Israel. To believe that He is the Christ [Messiah], the Son of the living God (Matt. 16:16).

Matthew

Matthew 10:5-7 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

·       This is the first part of the Kingdom Commission. The twelve apostles were originally told and sent to go only to the Jews. Why? It was because Israel, according to prophecy, had to be saved first. The children must be filled first (Mark 7:27).

Matthew 28:19-20 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: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

·       Then the twelve apostles, after Christ’s resurrection, were sent out to and supposed to take the Kingdom gospel to the nations. They were told two things. 1) Baptize them (the nations) in the name (or authority) of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 2) Teach them to observe all things whatsoever Christ had commanded them to do. That would mean they were instructed to follow all the law and so were the Gentiles. They were still under law. However, they never fulfilled this part of the Commission. Why? Because, they were still to carry out the first part which is in Matthew 10:5-7. Israel still had to be saved first. Israel was to be that light unto the world to bring blessing and salvation to the Gentile nations. Gentiles would be saved through the rise of Israel. However, we read in Acts 8:1 that all the Jews at Jerusalem scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. They have not yet gone out to all the nations with the Kingdom gospel. They will in the future, but this part of their commission hasn’t been fulfilled yet.

Mark

Mark 16:15-18 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

·       Again, they were instructed to go into all the world and preach the gospel of the Kingdom. There are two conditions to being saved under this gospel and commission and both must be met. 1) He that believeth. Faith is required in every dispensation. 2) And is baptized. Water baptism is a requirement under this commission. Salvation under the Law and the Kingdom gospel is faith plus works. Works were required to show your faith to be saved. But, faith is still important. If you didn’t have faith to begin with, then there is no point in doing good works or being water baptized. You’re damned from the very beginning. After you believe and are baptized, then signs will follow those that believe. We don’t see this today.

Luke

Luke 24:47-49 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, 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.

·       Repentance and remission of sins were also to be preached in Christ’s name among all the Gentile nations. Acts 2:38 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. But, where were they to start? They were to start in Jerusalem. Why? Because, Israel had to be saved first. Also, they were told to tarry in Jerusalem, until they received the Holy Spirit (endued with power from on high). In Acts 2:4, the twelve apostles were all filled with the Holy Spirit.

John

John 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

·       The twelve were also given the power to forgive sins or not to forgive them. This is because they were to reign with Christ on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matt. 19:28). We certainly don’t have this power today. And why would we need it since we are told that Christ himself has forgiven us of all our sin in this current Dispensation of Grace. God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them. We are instructed to forgive others, because Christ has forgiven us. 

Acts

Acts 1:8 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.

·       Again, the twelve apostles are told to be witnesses of Christ both in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria, and then the uttermost part of the earth. They were to begin in Jerusalem, and then work their way out to the rest of the world. But, they never left Jerusalem, because the nation’s leaders and the nation as a whole never repented and didn’t believe Christ was their Messiah.

Our Grace Commission

Christ, then set aside Israel as a nation temporarily and raised up a new apostle (Paul). Paul was given the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24) and the revelation of the mystery (Rom. 16:25). He is called the apostle of the Gentiles (Rom. 11:13). He was given a commission to take this new message, the word of reconciliation, to the world (both Jews and Gentiles). Now, there is a new creation (the Body of Christ) where there is neither Jew nor Greek, male or female, bond or free (Gal. 3:28). Instead, we are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28). The gospel today is to just believe that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (1 Cor. 15:3,4).

Jesus Christ is God!

Here are some verses that show that Jesus Christ is God, manifest in the flesh.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

John 5:22-23 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

John 8:56-58 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

John 12:44-45 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

John 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Romans 1:3-4 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

Romans 9:5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

Ephesians 1:22-23 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Colossians 1:18-19 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Hebrews 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Salvation comes to Gentiles thru Israel's Fall

Luke 13:6-9 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

The Lord forgave Israel on the cross and they were given one more year to repent and be baptized and come back to that covenant relationship that they had with God. They still needed to accept Christ as her Messiah.

The three years refer to Christ’s earthly ministry. Christ entered the priesthood at age 30, as it was required under the law (Num. 4:3,23). He ministered for three years, until He was crucified.

He was hungry for fruit. He wanted to see His chosen nation produce the fruit that she was supposed to, since she was supposed to be a kingdom of priests that was to be a light unto the world. But he found no fruit. (Matt. 21:18-22; Mk 11:12-14)

The one more year ends with the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7), which is where they rejected the Holy Spirit and committed the unpardonable sin (Matt. 12:31,32). Whoever speaks against the Son of man, it would be forgiven them. And it was forgiven them when Christ called out to the Father, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34).” But, when they resisted the Spirit, they weren’t forgiven for that. God set them aside, as a nation, in His eyes at that point. We know that the book of Acts is a transitional book and it took a while for Israel to be cast away (it was a gradual process). But, in God’s eyes He set her aside at the stoning of Stephen. That was the one more year that was given to Israel, before they were cut down.

Israel didn’t bear any fruit, so she was cut down. She didn’t repent.

Therefore, God raised up another Apostle, the Apostle Paul (Acts 9), after He set Israel aside temporarily. He commissioned Paul with the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24), not the gospel of the Kingdom (Matt. 24:14). God revealed to Paul the “revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began” (Rom. 16:25). Paul received the revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ directly. He didn’t receive it from man, nor was he taught it by man either (Gal. 1:11,12).

Romans 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

Since Israel fell, salvation has now come to the Gentiles. Romans 11:32 says that God has concluded us all (Jew and Gentile) in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon us all (Jew and Gentile).

God is now dealing with everyone on an individual basis, whereas before He was dealing with nations, particularly the nation of Israel. Salvation is now offered to everyone (Rom. 1:16; 3:22) by the grace of God. You don’t have to become a Jew to be saved. Once you believe in Christ Jesus as your personal Savior, you are immediately baptized (identified) into Christ’s body. You are placed into the Body of Christ, the church (Eph. 1:22,23). The Body of Christ is a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). Every believer in the Dispensation of Grace (whether Jew or Gentile, male or female, bond or free) is now one new man (Eph. 2:14-18). Believers today are not Israel or spiritual Israel, they are a new creation. They are each a new creation individually. And they are all one new creation collectively. The new man or new creation is the Body of Christ.

Once the fullness of the Gentiles come in (Rom. 11:25), the Body of Christ will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever at that point and God will resume the prophetic program with the nation of Israel. As the next verse says (Rom. 11:26), “and so all Israel will be saved.” God will resume His plans for her as a nation of priests. They will inherit the earth as it was promised to Abraham. They will receive the promised Messiah that was promised to come from David’s royal line. 

But, for the time being, we are still living in the Dispensation of Grace today. The message for today is to believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Cor. 15:1-4). If you believe in Him as your personal Savior and His finished work on the cross, then you will be saved. You will have eternal life in Christ Jesus! Please, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ today (2 Cor. 5:20,21)!

A Ransom for Many vs. A Ransom for All

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

1 Timothy 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

In Mark, Jesus Christ is talking to the twelve disciples and is telling them that He came to minister or to serve and to give His own life a ransom for many. In Matthew 21:43, Christ tells the leaders of Israel at that time that He will take the kingdom of God away from them and will give it to a nation bearing the fruits of it. He said He will give it to a nation, not nations. The nation is still the nation of Israel, but He will give it those in Israel who believe in His name, who believe that He is the Messiah. That will be the twelve disciples/apostles. Matthew 19:28 says that the twelve apostles will reign with Christ over the twelve tribes of Israel.

Paul says in Galatians 4:4 that Christ, in his earthly ministry, came to redeem those who were under the law. The law was given to Israel. They (Israel) were under the law. Paul also says about Israel in Romans 9:6 that “they are not all Israel who are of Israel.” So, Israel (the believing remnant of Israel) is the “many” that Christ is talking about in Mark 10:45. Christ, according to prophecy, came to redeem Israel, who was His chosen nation.

Christ later, according to His heavenly ministry, revealed to Paul that He (Christ) gave Himself a ransom for all. That was testified in due time. When? To the Apostle Paul. Now, while Gentiles could be saved under the law, at the same time they had to become a Jew in order to be saved. However, now it is revealed to Paul that because of Israel’s fall, not their rise, salvation has come to the Gentiles (Rom. 11:11).

Since salvation has now come to Gentiles, because of Israel’s fall, there is now no difference between Jew and Gentile (Gal. 3:28). God has concluded us all in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon us all (Rom. 11:32). God has broken down that middle wall of partition or separation that was between us (Eph. 2:14). God has reconciled both Jew and Gentile in one body through the cross (Eph. 2:16). So, you don’t have to become a Jew anymore to be saved. God is not dealing with man on a national basis. He is dealing with us on an individual basis. If anyone believes that Christ died for their sins personally, was buried, and rose again the third day, then they will be saved (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Acts 16:31). It doesn’t matter whether your Jew or Gentile, bond or free, male or female. All that matters is do you believe in Christ as your personal Savior? Do you believe that He died for you on your behalf? Christ died for all our sins! He died for everyone. He gave His life a ransom for all, in this Dispensation of Grace in which we live today.

This is one example that shows the importance of rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).