THE GOSPEL PAUL PREACHED

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SIX PRECIOUS REVELATIONS WHICH HE RECEIVED FROM CHRIST IN GLORY
Preface
The writer feels the exceeding importance of these precious revelations which, though given for the whole Church of God, are little known to many of the household of faith. May this brief outline lead many of the beloved saints of God to meditate upon these things, and seek grace and faithfulness to walk in the blessedness of the truth.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable” (2 Tim. 3:1616All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16)) at all times, for the moral ways of God do not alter with dispensations. But the voice of a glorified Savior is so important, revealing all the precious fruit of redemption, and with it the hidden mystery of, “Christ and the Church, which is His body”, for it is only by the apprehension of these things that the believer can walk aright, while waiting for God’s Son from heaven.
Paul’s Doctrine, Which He Received by Revelation from Christ in Glory
5th. We also learn from Paul’s gospel that the believer who passes through death is, “absent from the body and... present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:88We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8)). There was positively no revelation of this truth until Paul gave it. No Old Testament Scripture reveals this precious truth. The dying thief was the first of which we have any record, and he had it for himself only. Paul received it for the Church, that is, for all saints.
6th. Paul alone tells us that in resurrection believers will have incorruptible and immortal bodies. Added to this he also tells that our bodies will be like Christ (See 1 Cor. 15:35-5435But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 36Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 37And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 38But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. 39All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. 40There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (1 Corinthians 15:35‑54); Phil. 3:2121Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:21)).
It is very important to see that Paul alone gives us all the above teaching, which he received, not by reading the Old Testament, but by revelation. It was not the fulfilling of Old Testament promises, (of which Peter speaks) but NEW REVELATIONS from Christ in glory. It is all connected with our heavenly calling. Peter links the chain in 1 Peter 1, by contrasting our heavenly hope with that of Israel’s hope, but goes no further. Peter never gives the ministry committed to Paul, though he commends the teaching of Paul, and there is no doubt Peter learned it from Paul (Eph. 3:5,5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; (Ephesians 3:5) and 2 Peter 3:15-1615And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (2 Peter 3:15‑16)).
Introductory—Paul’s Doctrine
Before entering upon the first point to be considered in Paul’s doctrine, we would call the attention of the reader to the fact that Paul is led of the Spirit to tell us in Galatians 1:11-12,11But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11‑12) the source of his gospel. “But I certify [or make known to] you, brethren, that 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.”
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-1716All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16‑17)). But there are certain revelations peculiar to Paul’s ministry, which could not have been given until God had been glorified as to the whole question of sin, and Christ as Man glorified at His right hand.
In the Old Testament, God took knowledge of the sins of His people, but the root of sin which produced the evil fruit was not under judgment. Now Paul says that, “God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel” (Rom. 2:1616In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. (Romans 2:16)). For this reason, Paul gives us the precious truth, revealed from heaven, that the guilt of the believer’s sin is gone, and that the believer has died in the death of Christ, so that both are gone as before God, and we are now, “in Christ.” The believer now stands before God in a life that never sinned at all. This is the meaning of “justification of life” in Romans 5:1818Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (Romans 5:18).
Every Christian blessing is a gift. It is not attaining anything by our own efforts, but receiving all by faith. All Christian exhortation is based on what we possess. The heart of God and the grace of God is the source of every blessing.
The reader is referred to the following Scriptures in which Paul especially refers to that gospel which was committed to his trust: 1 Cor. 15:11Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; (1 Corinthians 15:1); Col. 1:23-2523If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 25Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; (Colossians 1:23‑25); 2 Tim. 2:88Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: (2 Timothy 2:8). These precious revelations Paul especially committed to Timothy, as one who was faithful, and Timothy was charged to commit them to faithful men who would teach others also (2 Tim. 1:13-14,13Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. (2 Timothy 1:13‑14) also 2 Tim. 2:22And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)).
It is Paul’s ministry which gives to the Church that which is her special blessing as “The bride of Christ”, and it is so necessary that we apprehend this if we are to walk intelligently and faithfully in a day of ruin. Thus we wait for the coming of Christ to receive us unto Himself, before judgment falls upon this world, which has rejected the Son of God’s love.
The following three very important truths, which are characteristic of the present day of grace, should be known by all the children of God.
First: The truth of the Church as the body of Christ.
Second: Her heavenly calling, waiting for God’s Son from heaven.
Third: The presence of the Holy Spirit as a divine Person indwelling the believer (1 Cor. 6:1919What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19)), and also His presence to lead the saints, when gathered in worship and in ministry (1 Cor. 14).
Since Christ and we are one,
What room for doubt or fear?
He sits upon the Father’s throne,
And we are in Him there.
The Spirit doth unite
Our souls to Him our Head,
And forms us to His image bright
While in His steps we tread.
And grace it is—free grace—
Which keeps us on the road,
Till we behold the Savior’s face,
And city of our God.
First: The Believer “Justified From All Things”
The first time we hear the inspired voice of Paul preaching is in Acts 13. In verse 39 Paul reached beyond that which had heretofore been preached, and communicated the precious truth that: “in Him [New Trans.] all that believe are justified from all things.” Paul alone teaches that the believer is “in Christ” (Rom. 8:11There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)). Peter tells us of forgiveness of sins and coming glory, but Paul tells us that Christ is our life (Col. 3:44When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)), that Christ is our righteousness (1 Cor. 1:3030But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (1 Corinthians 1:30)), that we are “risen with Christ” (Col. 3:11If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1)), and that even now we are made to “sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:66And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 2:6)). In a future day, we shall also be “glorified together” with Him (Rom. 8:1717And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17)).
Oh, what a rich revelation of present blessing and future glory! Oh, beloved reader let us rejoice in it, and walk in it. Let the truth of it illuminate our souls, and let us “hold fast,” with rejoicing of spirit, to all this marvelous unfolding of grace and abounding love, which the heart of God has revealed as His counsels toward us in Christ.
Second: The Truth of the One Body
There was no revelation of the Church as the body of Christ in the Old Testament. Israel were to be, “a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” (Ex. 19:66And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. (Exodus 19:6)). This was God’s purpose for them. They have completely failed, and at the present moment are set aside nationally, but this purpose of God will be fulfilled, when in grace they will be brought into blessing in the Millennial day.
The Church as the body of Christ was formed at Pentecost, when by one Spirit all believers were baptized into one body (See 1 Cor. 12:12-1312For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12‑13)). The word “Church” simply means, “called out ones,” and in that sense all believers in every dispensation were “called out ones” (Acts 7:3838This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: (Acts 7:38)), but when the Church is viewed as the body of Christ we must ever remember that the Church as such was formed at Pentecost. Paul received this wondrous revelation from Christ in glory (See Eph. 3:1-61For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (Ephesians 3:1‑6)). The other apostles doubtless learned it from Paul, by the Spirit.
The Spirit of God now unites every true believer to Christ (1 Cor. 12:12-1312For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12‑13)), so that any other joining of a religious party or sect has no Scriptural warrant or authority. Christ and His Church (which includes all believers) are one. “For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones” (Eph. 5:3030For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (Ephesians 5:30)). Oh, what a revelation of grace and love! May our hearts speak forth His praise!
Third: The Special Significance of the Lord’s Supper
Previous to Paul’s revelation, they were breaking bread, thus commemorating the Lord’s death (Acts 2:4242And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)). Now Paul gives them the added blessedness of the truth that the one loaf is a precious symbol of our oneness with Christ. He received it “of the Lord,” that is, by revelation (See 1 Cor. 10:15-17,15I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. 16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. (1 Corinthians 10:15‑17) and 1 Cor. 11:23-2623For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. (1 Corinthians 11:23‑26)). We do not remember the Lord on Saturday (the Sabbath day), for the Sabbath, which was given to Israel, is God’s pledge of rest to the Adam creation. The first day of the week (the Lord’s day) is the Christian’s day, for it is the sign of new creation and we are part of that new creation (2 Cor. 5:1717Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)). The early disciples broke bread on the first day of the week, as we learn from Acts 20:77And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. (Acts 20:7). We might say, however, that the moment the Church is caught up to glory, then Saturday (The Sabbath) will be the day which God owns, and His people will rest on that day (See Ezek. 46:1-121Thus saith the Lord God; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened. 2And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate without, and shall stand by the post of the gate, and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening. 3Likewise the people of the land shall worship at the door of this gate before the Lord in the sabbaths and in the new moons. 4And the burnt offering that the prince shall offer unto the Lord in the sabbath day shall be six lambs without blemish, and a ram without blemish. 5And the meat offering shall be an ephah for a ram, and the meat offering for the lambs as he shall be able to give, and an hin of oil to an ephah. 6And in the day of the new moon it shall be a young bullock without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram: they shall be without blemish. 7And he shall prepare a meat offering, an ephah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram, and for the lambs according as his hand shall attain unto, and an hin of oil to an ephah. 8And when the prince shall enter, he shall go in by the way of the porch of that gate, and he shall go forth by the way thereof. 9But when the people of the land shall come before the Lord in the solemn feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth over against it. 10And the prince in the midst of them, when they go in, shall go in; and when they go forth, shall go forth. 11And in the feasts and in the solemnities the meat offering shall be an ephah to a bullock, and an ephah to a ram, and to the lambs as he is able to give, and an hin of oil to an ephah. 12Now when the prince shall prepare a voluntary burnt offering or peace offerings voluntarily unto the Lord, one shall then open him the gate that looketh toward the east, and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, as he did on the sabbath day: then he shall go forth; and after his going forth one shall shut the gate. (Ezekiel 46:1‑12)).
Now, in Christianity, the middle wall of partition has been broken down, and Jew and Gentile are one in Christ (Eph. 2:13-2213But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:13‑22)). All believers are now members of the body of Christ, and before the loaf is broken it symbolizes this precious glorious truth, so that we (if intelligent) do not break bread just as forgiven sinners, or even as saints, but as members of the body of Christ. After the loaf is broken it speaks to our hearts of His death. Oh, how it touches our hearts as we think of the Lord of glory in death for us!
The death of Christ is the end of our whole Adam history. Thus we break bread as new creatures in Christ Jesus, and think of the depths of divine love told out in His sufferings and death. We are now, “before Him in love.” Sweet and precious truth! Love that no tongue can tell. Love that no thought can reach. We’ll praise Him better when at home in the glory!
Fourth: The Coming of Christ for His Bride
The coming of Christ for His bride, in its proper Christian character, is only given us in Paul’s revelation. Every time the Lord’s coming is spoken of in the Old Testament it is His coming in judgment, and for the setting up of the kingdom on earth.
The first intimation of His coming in its proper Christian character (the rapture) is in John 14:1-31Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1‑3). Now note there is nothing said there about war, pestilence, or famine, for these things precede the Lord’s coming to earth to set up the kingdom, but they are not mentioned as preceding His coming for His heavenly saints.
May our hearts respond with true, earnest desire, “Even so, come Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:2020He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)).
Fifth: “Absent From the Body....Present With the Lord”
Previous to this precious revelation given by Paul, there was no Scriptural light as to the interval between death and the resurrection of the body (See 2 Tim. 1:9-109Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (2 Timothy 1:9‑10)). Here Paul tells us that life and incorruptibility (New Trans.) have come to light by the gospel. These are the things Timothy was to hold fast, as having learned them of Paul (see verse 13).
The dying thief was the first believer to have the revelation of this precious truth, that to depart from this life is to be “with Christ.” This was an individual revelation for himself alone, but now Paul has given us this glorious truth in Philippians 1:2323For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (Philippians 1:23) and 2 Corinthians 5:8,8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8) for all saints. In Luke 16 the curtain is—brushed aside a little, but “Abraham’s bosom” is the figure used, and we are not told where Abraham was.
Dear Christian reader, let not any teaching rob your soul of this precious truth, now come to light by Paul’s gospel.
The resurrection of the Lord Jesus is the precious witness that all the power of Satan, through death, is gone for the believer (See Col. 2:1515And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:15) and Heb. 2:14-1514Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:14‑15)). Our precious Savior “tasted” death. In those awful three hours of darkness, when bearing the judgment of God. Now, blessed be His Name, we never “taste” death. Death for the Christian is being, “put to sleep by Jesus” (1 Thess. 4:14,14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (1 Thessalonians 4:14) Trans. W.K.), and while the body sleeps, the spirit is “absent from the body, and... present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:88We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8)). Oh, let us praise Him for such abounding grace!
Sixth: The Resurrection Body of Glory
Paul alone gives us the precious revelation that in resurrection we shall have bodies of glory like Christ (See Phil. 3:21,21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:21) and 1 Cor. 15:51-5451Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (1 Corinthians 15:51‑54).) Those departed to be with Christ wait, in a brighter waiting room than we here on earth, the glorious resurrection morning, when “the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thess. 4:16-1716For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16‑17)). Then we shall be escorted by the Lord Himself to the Father’s house, and introduced there with these words: “Behold I and the children which God hath given Me” (Heb. 2:1313And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. (Hebrews 2:13)).
Praise shall employ these tongues of ours,
Till we with all the saints above,
Extol His Name with nobler powers,
And see the ocean of His love;
Then, while we look and wondering gaze,
We’ll fill the heavens with endless praise.