Introduction
A favorite expression of the Apostle Paul was “but now” (νῦν δὲ or νυνὶ δὲ). Paul used this expression to mark a dramatic contrast to what had been before but had now changed. Through this expression the great apostle communicated the wonderful truths vital to one who has believed his gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-4). Whenever we encounter the phrase it is a signpost that notes “before” and “after” reality. The “before” was our state before Christ’s work on the cross and God’s revelation of these truths to Paul. The “after” is the new state of things as the result of Christ’s work and His revelation to Paul.
We learn these doctrines and truths from Paul. Jesus did not reveal them in His earthly ministry and Peter and the Eleven were ignorant of them until Paul revealed them (2 Peter 3.14-16). How did Paul learn these truths? Paul received the “but now” truths directly from the risen Christ (Galatians 1.1, 11-12; Ephesians 3.3).
The “But Nows”
| But Now… | Comment |
| Romans 3:21 But now (Νυνὶ δὲ) apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, | Prior to Paul, salvation required a Jew to exercise faith and keep the Law. Paul taught salvation by faith alone (1 Corinthians 15.1-4), not by faith and Law. |
| Romans 6:22 But now (νυνὶ δέ) having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. | Before Christ, the entire human race was “shut up” (συγκλείω) in disobedience (Romans 11.32 cf. Galatians 3.23). Christ’s work freed the believer from sin and death. |
| Romans 7.6 But now (νυνὶ δὲ) we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. | The Mosaic Law operated for 1,500 years. It revealed sin with its resulting death (Ezekiel 18.20 cf. Romans 6.23). Anyone who believes the gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-4) is freed from sin and death. |
| Romans 11.30 For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now (νῦν δὲ) have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, | Gentiles have obtained mercy, not through Israel’s obedience, which was God’s covenantal plan, but through Israel’s disobedience. God’s mercy and grace are unfathomable. |
| Romans 16.25-26 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now (δὲ νῦν) is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; | Paul’s gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-4) was unknown until the risen Christ revealed it to him. Peter and the Eleven knew nothing of it for it was kept “secret” (μυστήριον). From Paul’s gospel we learn salvation is by faith alone–believing Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead. No Law, no works, no baptism, no joining a church, etc. It is Faith + 0. This is grace! This is the glory of God! |
| 1 Corinthians 5.11 But (νῦν δὲ) actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. | Believers saved by faith alone have a responsibility to live holy lives to God (Romans 12.1-2) and exercise high standards. Believers must judge one another so our lives are seen as different by the world. |
| 1 Corinthians 7.14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now (νῦν δὲ) they are holy. | Christ’s work for the believer creates a sanctifying environment in a family. Paul encouraged marriage between a believer and unbeliever to continue if possible but warned against unequal yoking of the two (2 Corinthians 6.14). |
| 1 Corinthians 12:18 But now (νυνὶ δὲ) God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. | The body of Christ, the Church (Ephesians 1.22-23; Colossians 1.18), was a truth the risen Christ revealed to Paul alone. |
| 1 Corinthians 12:20 But now (νῦν δὲ) there are many members, but one body. | Each person who believes the gospel becomes a member of Christ’s body, the Church (1 Corinthians 12.13). |
| 1 Corinthians 13:13 But now (νυνὶ δὲ) faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. | Temporary gifts of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge ended with the completion of Paul’s revelations or “secrets.” Faith, hope, and love continue. |
| 1 Corinthians 15:20 But now (Νυνὶ δὲ) Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. | The resurrection of the body is the final stage of salvation and is the hope of believers. Christ was the first to experience resurrection. |
| Galatians 4:9 But now (νῦν δὲ) that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? | Paul’s plea to Christians was to continue in the purity of grace and not turn to the Mosaic Law, i.e., “weak and worthless elemental things.” How many churches today reject grace and are enslaved to Law! |
| Ephesians 2:13 But now (νυνὶ δὲ) in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. | Every human being is born “in Adam” (1 Corinthians 15.22) spiritually dead. Christ’s blood paid the price of sin and death and reconciled all to God. |
| Ephesians 5:8 for you were formerly darkness, but now (νῦν δὲ) you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light | Before salvation we were blind and without hope. After salvation the believer can see and becomes a light. We should walk worthily of his new life. |
| Colossians 1.22 yet (νυνὶ δὲ) He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach | Christ’s work has reconciled, (ἀποκαταλλάσσω), brought back into harmony) the believer to God. The result is the believer is blameless in God’s sight. |
| Colossians 1.26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now (νῦν δὲ) been manifested to His saints, | The word translated “mystery” (μυστήριον) means a “secret,” something previously unknown. Paul revealed the “secret” of Christ’s gospel, body of Christ, and indwelling Spirit (Colossians 1.23-27) |
| Colossians 3.8 But now (νυνὶ δὲ) you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. | The believer in Christ has become a new person because of the work of Christ. Our lives should match this reality. |
| 2 Timothy 1:10 but now (δὲ νῦν) has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, | Death reigned until Christ (Romans 5.21). Christ conquered death by His death and resurrection and has given eternal life to all who will believe the gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-4). |
Paul wrote the above passages to Gentile churches. Though now a minority view (and almost completely abandoned by professional scholars) I am convinced Paul wrote Hebrews. Below are “but now” passages (which provide internal evidence of Paul’s authorship of Hebrews) in which the Apostle to the Gentiles addressed his Jewish brethren. The theme of Hebrews is “better.” Paul argued Christ is superior to all that went before and all that pointed to Him. These “but now” passages demonstrate that since Christ is superior, no excuse exists to go back to Judaism and the Mosaic Law. Christ had fulfilled the Old Testament covenantal types.
| But now… | Comment |
| Hebrews 2:8 You have put all things in subjection under His feet.” For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now (νῦν δὲ) we do not yet see all things subjected to him. | Christ has conquered sin and death and is seated at the right hand of His Father’s throne. In a future day Christ will occupy His own throne to rule as David’s greater Son; all will be subject to Him. |
| Hebrews 8:6 But now (νυν[ὶ] δὲ) He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises. | Christ is mediator of the new covenant which replaced the “old” Mosaic covenant. Through this covenant Israel will finally enjoy God’s covenantal promises and blessings. |
| Hebrews 9:26 Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now (νυνὶ δὲ) once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. | The Levitical sacrifices operated under the “old” Mosaic covenant. They were copies of reality (Christ) and were offered continually to “cover” sin. Christ’s sacrifice finally and eternally solved the problem of sin and death. |
| Hebrews 11.16 But as it is (νῦν δὲ), they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. | Israel’s “heavenly” country is not heaven. Rather, its source was heavenly, i.e., established by God. Israel will achieve God’s promises and blessings when Christ reigns from Jerusalem. |
| Hebrews 12:26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now (νῦν δὲ) He has promised, saying, “ YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.” | Israel faced the crisis of accepting or rejecting their Messiah when Christ was on earth. Now, however, He speaks from heaven. No escape is possible. |
©2011 Don Samdahl. Anyone is free to reproduce this material and distribute it, but it may not be sold.
Updated, September 18, 2011
This is one of the best websites regarding NT Christianity on the internet!!!
Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to put all of this together.
Chuck,
Thanks for your kind comment. Glad you like the articles.
Do you ever plan to update or continue posting in this site?
It’s really a great site. Thanks.
Ron,
Thank you. Yes, when a topic comes to mind that I think needs attention, I will write an article.
You write;
‘Temporary gifts of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge ended with the completion of the canon. Faith, hope, and love continue.”
It may be wise to amend such since the evidence throughout history especially the last 150 years is quite contrary and properly Biblically manifest. Be blessed, no less.
1Cor. 13:10 as to “perfect” is certainly not yet in any evidence. Has the new Jerusalem descended to earth and ‘i’ missed it from my heavenly seat in The Anointing?
Philip,
The preponderance of evidence of how Paul used the word τέλειον is “mature,” “complete.” These gifts were given to communicate divine truth. Once the canon was complete (Colossians 1.25 DARBY) they were no longer needed. The new Jerusalem will come with the new heavens and new earth which will be a whole new order of experience.
Don, I`m wanting your opinion on after the rapture? When we get raptured out, the church is gone and not one believer is left here on earth. The 7 years of Tribulation starts and finishes with Christ return to Jerusalem to rule for a 1000 year. The church is in Heaven(the above) so what`s going on the earth and who is believe what? I know the Anti-Christ will make peace with Israel and it`s enemies then what happens and to whom? I believe that God is dealing with Israel again and only Israel. We are in Heaven. At the end of the 1000 years God will create a NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH. Why would God create both if he was not going to keep us separate? What do we know about Temple worship and the 12 Tribe? The Kingdom has 12 gates ie. the 12 tribes. Help me out. Its clear to me that Paul`s gospel and Peter`s gospel were different. God has always kept Israel separate based on Deuteronomy 7:6-9. ( Chosen them above all the people that are upon the face of the earth) for a thousand generations. That’s quite a promise. There are Jews in every nation here on earth now. Am I out in left field or what? I like your take on this. Thank you, Bill Gray Bandera Tx.
Bill,
During the 1,000 years, the Lord will reign on earth and fulfill His covenant promises to Israel (Zechariah 14.9; Deuteronomy 28.1, 13). We have no information about what the Church will be doing. The most we know is that we a joint-heirs with Christ. The Antichrist makes a peace treaty at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week (Daniel 9.27). At that point the Tribulation officially begins and God will begin to pour out His wrath. The new heaven and new earth is a differ reality with new physics: no time, entropy, etc. Heaven and earth will merge. The Bible is clear that Israel and the Church are different. But we integrate in that we have the same Lord and Savior but the Bible provides no detail about that integration or interaction. The new Jerusalem includes God’s throne complex and living environs. It is immense, 1,500 miles on each side. Again, we have no specifics of the Church’s relationship to it. God has chosen to keep this secret. What we can know is that it will be glorious and ineffably wonderful. The Millennial Temple will be much larger than Herod’s Temple and will be the center of Jewish life (Ezekiel 40-48).
Don,
I just read your posting of But Now……
I like the first part, but can’t say that I agree with the second.
Paul writing Hebrews. To me there is no evidence of familiarity with his other letters.
No mention of his name, the mystery, the cross etc…
I enjoy your website. We just don’t agree on this one issue.
Rightly dividing God’s Word is the key to understanding Scripture.
Thanks.
Bob,
Please read my article, Who Wrote Hebrews?, which discusses this subject.
I believe Paul wrote Hebrews. He has a signature ending in all his epistles!
Hi Don,
The title of this topic seemed to fit my question (sort of). I just read these verses:
Mat 22:37-40 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Paul addressed the second in Rom 13:9-10 applicationally by concluding that love fulfills the law, but I couldn’t find where Paul addressed the first commandment specifically. Am i missing it or can you give some insight? I see a few verses where he speaks of us loving God, but again, not the specific command.
Becky,
Only tangentially. See the article, Paul and the Law. Sorry–did not read carefully and will have to take a look. But generally, fulfilling the Law all came from the the inner man controlled by the Holy Spirit–through the relationship of grace (2 Thessalonians 3.5).
Jesus is the only human to have fulfilled either command given in Mat 22:37-40. Like perfect obedience to the law, this kind of love is not attainable by mankind. Christ fulfilled this for us, just as he did the law. Otherwise we could never rest, because we can never love perfectly.
When Christ demands the impossible, we can be sure that He has already completed it, and that we are complete in Him. Our role is faith. Period.
Thanks Don for all you do and for hosting this remarkable site.
Thank you Don for your wonderful website that can set true believers free from the bondage of religious tradition! I have studied with my favorite Bible teacher Les Feldick for many years now since being born again in 1980, and it’s great to see how you both are rightly dividing God’s word for us, especially in these last of the last days.
I would like to help support your ministry financially. How do I do that?
Tom,
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate you offer. Please send anything to Les or the Berean Bible Society. Grace and peace.
well don sir i respect you concerning all this bible knowledge you hav ,u really open my eyes to many things which am lost and never know that god is so easy but only man made difficulty . thanks
but i want to know if the old testament declaired the suffering and the death of christ there is no need for christ to become a king .ok if the israeli accepted christ as there savoir that means christ will not die on the cross he will become a king on earth ?
pls help me am confuse sir.
Williams,
Whether Israel accepted Jessus as the Messiah or not He would have had to have been crucified. If the Jews had accepted Him, Rome would have taken the lead (Revelation 13.8).
Don,
It’s truly amazing that the church, founded on Grace, basically loathes it now.
Can you explain hyper-grace?
Bruce,
I’m not familiar with the term hyper-grace. I think Biblical terms are sufficient to describe our standing and state with regard to God. Hyper-grace is redundant.
Dear Don,
The “But Now ” article is wonderfull. Sad to say so much theology from dead mens bones is pushed off on us as being scholarly when its just junk at best. Your web site is a source of sound bible based teachings. Thank you for your help and
Help and service.Peace and Grace
Hi Don, I just found a link where a person can subscribe to receive a daily email to watch Les Feldick Bible Study in video format. For whoever would be interested , here it is https://lesfeldickbiblestudy.com/424-ephesians-1-13-23-part-2/?utm_source=Les+Feldick+Daily+Videos&utm_campaign=8fba1a5ce4-Day_4242_27_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_40f92956d7-8fba1a5ce4-293409825
Becky , Les Feldick has Bible Study’s on several different Cable and/or Satellite T V . I can get his study’s on about 4 different channels . I record his programs on DVR , and do my study on my time . I love being able to pause , back up , replay , and have time to take notes . I have been all the way through the Bible with Les now . Les and Don , are the only two sources , that I sent people to . Knowing they will receive nothing but the TRUTH .
Joseph,
As I read your testimony it brought tears to my eyes. Our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ are bringing many to the truth, and many sons to glory… After years in darkness it is such glory to see the truth. The Lord is indeed powerful and able to do all things! Praise Him! Glory to God in the highest!
Grace, peace and comfort to all who Loveth the Lord Jesus Christ!
Becky; Thank-You!
I’ve been somewhat anxious to research Les Feldick and you’ve just made this convenient as can be! Thanks again.
This is the first time I have access to this site. It is amazing how much I have learnt. The wealth of edifying articles on the NT is second to none. Thank you so much, Don for the work. Heresy is the order of the day and this site is a shield against such
Jean,
Thank you for your kind comments. I’m glad the site is helpful. Grace and peace.
Why is the use of the word “dispensational” so negative to some?
Julia,
A theological divide exists between those who identify themselves as “covenant theologians” and “dispensational theologians.” The covenant folks don’t like the word “dispensation” because they disagree with dispensationalists.
Bro . Don Samdahl , I am 73 years old and was drug to church from birth . I walk down the isle at the age of 13 in a Baptist Church , professed Faith in Jesus , was baptized , and became a member of the church . I taught ( God only knows what ) Sunday School and lead the singing for 12 years . I lived the so called Christian Life , but never could understand the Bible , like I wanted to understand it . I knew there was something missing , but I could never figure out what it was . Not until about 57 years later , after going astray , 6 jobs , 4 marriages’ , and totally confused from lessoning to Preacher after Preacher ; I finally got on my knees and ask GOD ; if I was SAVED at 13 , fine , but I want to know that I am . I ask GOD to purge my mind of everything that had been pumped into it , that wasn’t the gospel truth , the hold truth , and nothing but the gospel truth . I ask GOD to reveal the truth of His Word to me , by the same revelation He gave to the men He had to write His Word . I use to lesson to J Vern McGee ( through the Bible ) and got a lot out of it , but still had a lot of questions . Soon after my Prayer , I was going through the Christian Channels on T V , and seen ” through the Bible with LES FELDICK . I had never heard the Bible Taught in such a way . I got online , looking for info . to support Les Feldick’s teachings . This is when I found your WEBSITE , thank GOD . I went back to teaching Sunday School , based on your doctrines ( which I feel sure are as close to GODS revelation to me , as I ask Him for ) I have followed LES FELDICK all the way through the Bible , and He is in step with your doctrine , which I believe is from GOD . In my teaching Sunday School , I have never had a class to get so involved , never . But then my , or then Pastor , made me quit teaching . This is when I became so amazed to see that church members ( like myself for 57 years ) aren’t being feed the truth about the differences in the gospels of PETER ( Jesus ) , and the gospel given only to Paul . I am PRAYING for GOD to find me a church , that will allow me to teach this to it’s blinded members . Les says it best ; preachers are taking a scoop of Peters gospel and a scoop of Pauls gospel and throwing them in a blender together ; then blending them together like a scoop of chocolate and vanilla ice cream , and then expecting people to understand . THANK GOD for your website . I recommend it to people , constantly . I have become to be concerned about 95 % of church members and Preachers .
Joseph,
Is anything too hard for the Lord? Thank you for your wonderful testimony. I found Les the same way. May the Lord continue to enlighten your eyes and be a blessing to others.
Joseph you have a lovely heart warming testimony. It brought me such happiness and encourgament. Thank you for sharing it.
Perhaps what I should have said is that we had the same experience as you did and we too found Les through youtube and we are in Dark Africa so it tells you that God is answering prayers all over the world and through Les we came to Dons site and we have been so blessed. Again thank you.
In Romans Paul explains that when the last gentile is saved then God will again deal with the Jews .will Gentiles be saved during the trib. If the church is removed and the Holy Spirit is not here.It looks to me that during the thousand year reign that Jews will be able to bring Gentiles into worshiping God .is this correct by your understanding of these things.thanks billbill
Bill,
Gentiles will be saved during the Tribulation for God will judge the nations as to who enters the kingdom (Matthew 25.32). See Revelation 7.9 and Matthew 24.14. The Holy Spirit will be removed for a time in the sense of His indwelling believers at the Rapture but He is always present and seals the 144,000 for their work. Jews will fulfill their destiny as priests in the Kingdom (Exodus 19.4-6) and lead Gentiles to Christ (Zechariah 8.20-23; Matthew 28.19).
Doctrine this is right on truth. It makes sense to me, because it ALWAYS began with the Jews and the Gospel was suppose to be given to the Gentiles through them, but they refused and crucified Christ. Sad that the Jews missed this golden opportunity, but prophecy from the Prophets of the OT will come to pass and the Jews once again will be the messengers to the world (during Jacobs trouble)
Amen!
Bro Don, I still have some problem reconciling ” if it is by the law, then it ceases to be grace” but how can this be true if in the New Testament for kingdom believers , God gives Israel this New Testament by Grace as indicated however combines certain works, one being dont blasphème the Holy Spirit by lying to IT or don’t take the mark of the beast, grace plus works here, even Noah, he gets grace but is required to build an ark or else! And to confuse things more Paul says in Early Romans that God never uses the law or works to save anyone at any time, which if Paul only knew, why does Isaiah say that all our works are filthy rags, this cannot be a mystery truth. I believe what you believe about works being required in Israel’s program but Paul’s overall and Isaiah’s opposing views make it hard to reconcile grace and works, please shed some light for me thanks:)
George,
Grace has always existed. But God’s grace of salvation by faith alone began with Paul. Paul introduced a program of grace. No one was ever saved by works alone or faith alone before Paul (exception Abraham). What verse do you have in mind when you say Paul says, “that God never uses the law or works to save anyone at any time?”
Just jumping in here…:) Just studied this out.
Hebrews 11 might help you with this. Noah found Grace because he believed God and did what God said to do. They always had to believe (trust God), howbeit they still had to perform things God told them to do. This is how they showed their faith.
Thus the churches in Revelation 2, &3 are the same. These are Jewish churches… they will have to do the things he gives them to do to overcome. 1 Pet. 1: 7-13… their (Israel’s) Grace will come at the 2nd coming of Christ Jesus. But they will have to endure many things and overcome.
But we overcome by faith alone in Christ alone… Rom. 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Israel are God’s chosen covenant people. This is an important thing to understand about the difference. God has had dealings with them from Abraham and forward. What did Israel say when they got the Law covenant? Exodus 24:3 KJV — And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.
This was a blood covenant. There were sacrifices and ritual involved in it. But when these were performed they believed God that their sins were covered. There is the faith.
We were outside all of that. God gave up the Gentiles Rom. 1, when the earth was divided. Deut. 32:8,9. We were so given up.
Paul brings The gospel of Grace to Gentiles because we were not in the covenants and promises of God. Ephesians 2:12 KJV — That at that time ye 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: Thus we did not know him. So, when
Israel nationally rejected Jesus. Thus they fell for a time from chosen status for Grace to be offered to all men… Rom. 3:9-19 So now Grace is offered to all men. So we can all know him. When this dispensation of Grace is over, then all Israel will be saved. Rom.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. 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? And Rom. 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
I’m thinking if Israel could not keep the Law covenant, is a type of all man not being able to meet the holy standards of God, by our own merits. But Paul says, Rom. 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Another interesting thing God said to Israel is…Deuteronomy 12:32 KJV — What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
Thus all we can do is believe that Jesus being God, and man, did what we could not do. His faith in God, in obeying him, even to the death, brought forth his resurrection and thus he justifies all man. He is the only man that through his faith was obedient to God. And he was God manifest in the flesh. We can do nothing without him. This is where our faith is today. It is in the faith of Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:22 KJV — Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
That is why there are no works involved in our salvation. Only the Lord Jesus was able to satisfy all requirements! So in this dispensation it is by Grace through faith that we are saved.
Hope this helps someone.
Hello Don,
I hope you are well and all the Brethren.
I have been doing a study on 2 Cor 12 verse 14. How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. I am not sure but is this paradise the same as Abrahms bosom after the cross and if so Enoch talked much about heaven so I see a conflict here. Please set me straight. Kind regards.
Vanessa,
Jesus told the thief on the cross, Today you will be with Me in Paradise. In giving the sign of Jonah, He said he would be 3 days/nights in the heart of the earth. Paradise was in the heart of the earth. Jesus spoke more on this in Luke 16 with the rich man and Lazarus. Paul was caught up into Paradise. In verse 2 he said it was the third heaven. The Paradise Paul went to was in heaven, the abode of God. “Heaven” has 3 spheres: 1) the atmosphere where birds fly, 2) outer space where stars and planets are, and 3) God’s abode.
As a layman and Bible student that believes in Gods’ progressive revelation and dispensations, your comment
On 1st Cor. 12:18-20 jumped out at me that raised questions regarding this mystery of the one spiritual body
as ” the Body of Christ “. It would seem to me that since the mystery of the believer now in the ” Body” was not revealed until Paul was in a prison in Rome. The “one body” revealed in 1st Cor. Is that oneness of the Jew and Gentile believers are the explained earlier in 1 Cor. 12:11-13 are equal because they had been baptized by the same Spirit.
Stape,
Paul was reiterating the secret of the Church, the body of Christ, to the Ephesians. He received this revelation earlier as evidenced by what he wrote to the Romans and Corinthians.
Mr. Doctrine
Thank you for your essay covering Paul’s but nows. I’ve had a question bouncing around in my head for a long time. Matthew 10:6 begins a series of verses that commands the 12 to go only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Is there a but now that reverses, rescinds, over-rules that commandment? Do you know of any bible verse that suggests the 12 voluntarily went to anyone outside the nation of Israel. I don’t think Cornelius was a voluntary act and the comments afterward indicates the commandment was still in effect at least up until then. I had one bible teacher tell me the lost sheep were the 10 Northern tribes taken in 721 b.c. I had another teacher, who I respect, tell me the comments to the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 indicate the movement toward the Gentiles had at least begun. But in Matthew 15 that was our sovereign Lord talking and not any of the 12. Actually, the Apostles present at the time wanted Christ to make her go away. There’s even a scene in the Temple where some Greeks sought out the Lord and it appears he didn’t see them. I appreciate any help. Thank you
Jbh,
Jesus told the Twelve to go to the nations, Matthew 28, Acts 1.8, but they never did. Other than Peter’s going to Cornelius’ house we have no Biblical record that any of the Twelve ever had a ministry to Gentiles. All their letters were written to Jews in the Dispersion. Israel was to be the light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 42, 49) but they could not be that light since they rejected the Messiah. That role required national repentance. Because they refused to repent God suspended the Tribulation and saved Paul to be the apostle of the Gentiles. He became proxy Israel, light, priest, and minister of the New Covenant. Jesus made exemptions to his command based on His foreknowledge and the person’s faith. E.g., the Samaritan woman, John 4, the Canaanite woman, the Roman centurion. He does as He pleases.
Don, I sent your entire But Now essay to a big time operation out of San Antonio. You are probably familiar with them. These are the director’s comments:
Okay, Joe, I finally got most of my desk cleared off and I’m getting ready to turn out the lights and close up shop. I’m sitting here gnawing on a little snack and started reading through your “But now” study. Who wrote this? I cut my teeth on hyper/ultra-dispensationalists like Stam, Bullinger, Mackintosh, and others. They were great Bible teachers, but often were prone to extremism and had to “shoehorn” Scriptures to make everything fit their paradigm. Your list of “but now” passages, for example, is cherrypicked. It overlooks other passages where the exact same phrase (“but now”) is used. Our “hyper/ultra” friends carry the distinction between Jesus and Paul to extremes that I consider unwarranted. It’s true that those are two different dispensations—and that needs to be taken into consideration hermeneutically—but still, there’s a lot of overlap between Jesus and Paul. For example, I respectfully disagree with this statement:
Paul’s gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-4) was unknown until the risen Christ revealed it to him. Peter and the Eleven knew nothing of it for it was kept “secret” (μυστήριον). From Paul’s gospel we learn salvation is by faith alone–believing Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead. No Law, no works, no baptism, no joining a church, etc.
That’s poppycock, Joe. Now if you were to say that Paul’s Gospel was unknown TO PAUL until the risen Christ revealed it to him, then that could be a true statement. But to say that the NT Gospel of the Lord’s death, burial, and Resurrection was “unknown” until He revealed it to Paul on the road to Damascus, is just silly. Long before Paul came on the scene, literally thousands of Jewish people in Jerusalem (including many of the Temple priests) became believers in the aftermath of the Resurrection and the Day of Pentecost. Peter’s landmark sermon on that day had as its centerpiece the death, burial, and Resurrection of the Messiah (Acts 2:22-24)! No one can be saved without that Gospel, Joe! That’s precisely the same Gospel Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8. A NT “mystery” is a spiritual truth that was concealed (i.e., present but not clear) in the OT but has been revealed in the NT. The Gospel was a mystery in the OT because it was camouflaged in shadows and types. Now it’s revealed in the NT for everyone to clearly see and respond to.
So, again, I’d like to know who wrote that “but now” study. To suggest that the Pauline Gospel was the first introduction of salvation by grace alone is irresponsible and misleading. Jesus very clearly preached the by-grace, through-faith Gospel in passages like John 3:16. That was His message to THE WORLD. The only time He preached a more legal version was when He was addressing the self-righteous RELIGIOUS LEADERS. He wanted them to see the futility of their legalism.
I’m back. Joe here. I already see a couple of weaknesses here and I will respond. I just thought you might want to see this……#1 Of course Peter knew of the death , burial and resurrection. It was murder to him. He taught it as a fact. He didn’t know the consequences. Really? John 3:16? Please tell me what you think and anything I may be missing.
Joe,
This person is echoing what is proclaimed in most pulpits but with no Scriptural support. If Peter knew Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection was the salvation message, why did he not proclaim it at Pentecost? This person says he did. My Bible says he told them to repent and be baptized (Acts 2.36-38). Peter mentioned Christ’s death was a crime to be repented of and Christ’s resurrection meant He was alive and could return and be Israel’s king. But that was not what he proclaimed as a gospel of salvation. The statement, “a NT “mystery” is a spiritual truth that was concealed (i.e., present but not clear) in the OT but has been revealed in the NT” is basically Augustine’s statement “In the Old Testament the New is concealed, in the New the Old is revealed” but this is not how Paul used μυστήριον. Paul declared the Church was a secret and there is not even a hint of the Church in the OT. Perhaps he can explain why Paul had to explain his gospel to the Twelve at the Council of Jerusalem if they knew it and why they were arguing about the gospel and salvation if they were proclaiming the same thing? Paul commanded us to avoid such people. They are leading people astray and causing great confusion to the body of Christ.
Joe,
I’m normally silent here but this particular incident shakes me to my core. There are probably thousands of people who follow the “ministry” that this person represents. That translates into thousands of confused individuals. Honestly, really sad. I marvel at his weak and beggarly explanations. I know these people because I lived (scripture-wise) where they come from for 35-40 years.
I worked very close with many of them and have been through multiple “ministries” and hundreds of churches. I was one of them. No one ever challenged me over what I believed (doctrine). You didn’t talk about that. Now I actually think I have a different Bible than they do. If one today would closely, on their own, follow the congregation that was at Jerusalem thru Acts they would CLEARLY see that grace ALONE was NOT happening (Acts 2, 3.1, 10.14-48, 11.1-3, 15.1, 15.5, 21.20). None of the Twelve ever quoted 1 Cor. 15.1-5 to anyone in my Bible. Sorry. Peter got it for a moment (Acts 15.11) but all Biblical evidence points that it didn’t stick too well, at least for them in Jerusalem (Acts 21.20). This individual mustn’t have Matt. 19.17 in his Bible were it CLEARLY states that the earthly, before the Cross, Jesus of Nazareth, addressed a rich young man’s request for eternal life by requiring “the commandments to be kept”. No grace ALONE here either, John 3.16 or not. These people hide behind words like “paradigm”, “cherry picked”, “shoehorning”, for their lack of rightly dividing the Scriptures. Saying “poppycock” doesn’t take the place of providing confirming scripture for one’s doctrine. The person that this confused individual might want to look up made this helpful suggestion. “We should avoid forcing one area of scripture onto another area whereby mixing Israel and the Church, law and grace, salvation by faith plus works and salvation by faith ALONE, the gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of the grace of God, the apostleship of the Twelve and Paul’s apostleship, the prophetic plan of Israel and Paul’s revelations to the Church, which has only resulted in CONTADICTION and CONFUSION”. Sound familiar Don? Joe, I know that I’m preaching to the choir. Keep up the GOOD fight of THE faith (1 Cor. 15.1-4).
Michael,
The most disappointing and saddening thing to me in the response was that the person said he “cut his teeth on … Stam, Bullinger, etc.” This means he knows these teachings and has rejected them. I do not agree with everything Stam or Bullinger wrote but the basic truths are sound.
Don,
I hear you. Feel the same way about Stam & Bullinger. The real important issue, the gospel by which we are saved, has been for the most part replaced by a different (heteros) gospel that is not the same (allos) as the gospel of Christ (Gal. 1.6-7). As was with Paul then still seems to be our battle now. Just insist on 1 Cor. 15.1-4 and watch the sparks fly.
Don and Michael
I sent the above comments to the individual in San Antonio
Here is his response:
Bullinger and some of the other ultra-dispensationalists had good things to say, so we have to filter out the good from the bad. Bullinger, for example, was good on Bible symbols and numbers.But even then, you have to overlook some of his hyperbole (exaggerated points). So it’s sort of like a theological buffet—you pick out what you want and leave the rest. That requires some discernment and probably some formal training (Bible college/seminary),however. It’s really not worth spending a lot of time on because it doesn’t come up very much anymore. Hardly ever, in fact. Many of these “ultras” who enjoy debating such matters are just guys sitting in their basements with a Windows 98 computer, so theirinfluence is limited. They’re not pastoring large churches or anything like that. Just not worth expending a lot of time and effort on, Joe. So many more important and pressing matters to attend to. Trust you are well these days, old friend.
Joe,
I do not understand the response. What does what I wrote have to do with Bullinger?
Thsnks for this article. It helps me great. Do you have this “But Now” on your YouTube channel? Can I have the link..
Sinned,
Thank you. No, nothing on YouTube.