by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 21, 2022 | Daily Encouragement |
Paul’s message on the resurrection is the pinnacle of God’s plan of the ages! This is why Paul could write (Holy Spirit inspired of course):
‘Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel,’
II Timothy 2:8
Resurrection was part of God’s plan of redemption before God created one star (Acts 2:23,24). The Old Testament is filled with scripture prophesying the resurrection of the Messiah.
“Peter and Paul preached different messages on resurrection. Same God, same resurrection but each preached to different audiences”
That being said it is crucial to understand that even though both Peter and Paul taught resurrection. Peter preached resurrection only after the cross to prove to his kinsman (fellow Jews) that the Lord Jesus was indeed Israel’s promised Messiah. Despite their role in killing the Prince of life, if they (the nation of Israel) would just repent God would still send Jesus Christ to fulfill the promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Which was that Israel’s Messiah would crush Israel’s enemies and bring in the promised glorious kingdom on earth, and God the Son, Jesus Christ will reign as King from David’s throne on Mt. Zion (Acts 3:19-21; Luke 1:67-75).
Peter and the eleven did not preach death, burial and resurrection. How could they the Lord Jesus was still alive, secondly, the apostles had absolutely no clue that the Lord would go to a cross and die, lay in a tomb, then be resurrected three days later.
All of scripture delineates the promise to Israel of a King and a kingdom, from Genesis 12 through the Old Testament, the four gospels, and into the early chapters of Acts. Peter and the eleven preached that the kingdom was at hand because the King was in their midst. However, Israel could not and would not believe that Jesus was indeed the Christ. On the other hand, the apostle Paul preached resurrection as the culmination of God’s plan of redemption through the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). This new gospel was a free gift for all mankind, not just Israel, access to God. Salvation is now by grace through faith alone in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, apart from the Mosaic law and temple worship. For almost 2000 years, Gentiles had no access to Israel’s God until Paul revealed this groundbreaking truth.
Two totally different messages on resurrection. Same God. Why? Scripture is a progressive revelation. God did NOT reveal everything to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, or the apostle Peter. Between Genesis 12 and the stoning of Stephen in Acts chapter 8, God is dealing with the nation of Israel only. Not Gentiles. In Acts chapter 8 the nation of Israel as a whole totally rejects Jesus as their promised Messiah and the nation reaches their peak of unbelief and stoned Stephen. So God commits the entire nation of Israel (temporarily) to disobedience so He could pour out His grace on all.
‘For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.’
Romans 11:32
‘For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. ‘
Romans 11:25
The Apostle to the Gentiles
Then God chooses Saul who we now know as the apostle Paul to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15-16; Romans 11:11-13). With new revelations, given to him by the ascended Lord Himself (Galatians 1:1;11). Not from Peter. Paul learned nothing from Peter, James, and John. God the Son, taught the apostle Paul, the glorified and resurrected Lord Jesus revealed to Paul alone that now he was to go to the Gentile world with a new message of salvation by grace through faith alone in the finished work of the cross apart from temple worship and the Mosaic law.
Flashback to Acts 15 and it is the Lord Himself that instructed Paul to go to the Jerusalem Church to tell Peter, James, and John about the new revelations given to him by the risen Lord. And he was to tell those at the Jerusalem Church how it was going to be moving forward. Peter, James, and John nor anyone at the Jerusalem Church had anything to offer Paul. Again, it was Paul who told Peter, James and John how it was going to be moving ahead.
Repeating again:
Paul’s message on the resurrection is the pinnacle of God’s plan of the ages! This is why Paul could write (Holy Spirit inspired of course):
‘Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel,’
II Timothy 2:8
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 19, 2022 | Daily Encouragement |
Isaiah 53:11
“He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied:…”
Why? What was the next to the last statement the Lord Jesus made from the cross? “It is (what?) finished.” Jesus accomplished all that the Triune God required to redeem mankind back to Himself (Hebrews 10:5-10).
‘Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come— In the volume of the book it is written of Me— To do Your will, O God.’ ” Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them ” (which are offered according to the law), then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.’
Hebrews 10:5-10
It is believing the finished work of the cross alone by faith alone that brings our salvation. And, what a shame that such a perfect work of the cross has been tarnished by men adding to God’s perfect plan of redemption. But we must stand firm in the truth of God’s word, not in the traditions of men, and boldly proclaim that salvation is by faith alone in that finished work alone, culminating in the power of His resurrection. The gospel:
‘Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,’
I Corinthians 15:1-4
Again, “Resurrection” is the culmination of God’s plan of salvation and all that God does. Matthew chapter 28 gives the record of Resurrection Day!
Matthew 28:1-20
1. In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4. And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
11. Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
12. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
13. Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
14. And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
16. Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 18, 2022 | Daily Encouragement |
‘But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. ‘
I Corinthians 15:20
There is no other religion on the planet that has resurrection as its central tenet. The doctrine of resurrection is unique to Christianity and is the foundation of everything Christians believe.
Christianity stands unique in its object of faith: God incarnate, who lived on earth to offer Himself as a sacrifice for mankind’s sin. The death, burial, and resurrection of God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, mark the culmination of God’s plan of redemption.
NO OTHER RELIGION CAN MAKE THIS CLAIM.
Mankind’s life on this planet does not end at the grave; rather, there is eternal life. Those that believe the gospel by faith alone will experience a “resurrection” unto life and live forever with the Lord Jesus. Those that reject the gospel will be resurrected for judgment, and the second death by God the Son at the Great White Throne.
It is important to understand that the term “resurrection” does not refer to someone who has died and was brought back to life, such as the widow’s son and Lazarus during Christ’s earthly ministry. They were not resurrected; they were simply summoned from the dead and died again. However, the Lord Jesus was the first to be resurrected, so resurrection began with the Lord Jesus Christ. That is, He died, was buried and rose from the dead, never to die again.
‘Resurrection Power’ Living a Victorious Life
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 10, 2022 | Daily Encouragement |
Short Answer. Because the risen and glorified Lord revealed the gospel of the grace of God to Paul alone. Not Peter or the other apostles.
The Lord revealed to the apostle Paul something new a “mystery” or secret from the Greek word mysterion (μυστήριον). A secret that had been hidden in the mind of God since the world began. This is why the Holy Spirit inspires the apostle Paul to use the personal pronoun “My” when referring to the gospel of grace. This new message was unique to Paul.
Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, David, Jerimiah, not even Peter, and the apostles knew anything of the gospel of grace. If they did then Paul’s epistles would be a lie. Making God a liar and can not lie.
Background
From the time God called Abraham to make a people for Himself up to Paul’s conversion, there was no message of salvation to the Gentile world. The message from Genesis 12 all through the old testament, the four gospels until we come to Paul in Acts 9 is directed to Jew only. With only 9 gentile exceptions over a 2000 year period. And the message prior to Paul’s “My Gospel” was that a Messiah, a King would come to Israel, crush their enemies, and set up a glorious earthly kingdom. Israel would be the preeminent nation above all nations with Christ ruling from David’s throne in Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2-5, 9:6-7, 11:1-16; Jeremiah 23:3-8, 30:8-24; Ezekiel 36:21-38, 37:1-28; Zechariah 14:8-11). Gentiles were always on God’s mind for salvation but Gentile salvation was to come through Israel (Zechariah 8:20-23; Isaiah 60:1-3).
Every Jew knew this and was waiting for their Messiah, their King, and the kingdom. Not the Gentile world, they were all pagan, knew nothing of these promises, and hated the nation of Israel. But we know from scripture what happened, all in God’s preordained design (Acts 2:38). Israel’s Messiah did come to the nation preaching the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:17). He performed many miracles to prove to the nation that He indeed was the Messiah. But they rejected Jesus as their King and said we will not have this man to rule over us (Luke 19:14). And together with the Romans (Gentiles) crucified Israel’s Messiah (Psalm 2:1-3).
With the climax of Israel’s rebellion in Acts 7,8 and the stoning of Stephen. God calls out one man, Paul to be His chosen vessel to bear His name to the Gentile world.
‘But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. ‘
Acts 9:15
God is doing something completely different. For the previous 2000 years, there was NO message of salvation or doctrine for Gentiles. But now, God reveals to Paul alone a “Mystery”. That now, salvation was to both Gentiles and Jews apart from the Mosaic law and temple worship. By simply believing by faith alone in the gospel of grace alone.
‘Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, ‘
I Corinthians 15:1-4
This was unheard of for 2000 years! Israel’s God going to the Gentile world with a message of salvation apart from Judaism. Yes, the God of glory opens the windows of heaven and pours out His grace on all mankind. And God chose one man alone, Paul, to reveal this new message, the gospel of the grace of God to the Gentile world.
‘But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. ‘
Acts 9:15-16
Paul’s “My Gospel”
Paul uses “my gospel” 3 times in scripture. And remember this isn’t Paul’s idea the Holy Spirit inspires Paul to write.
When the Lord Jesus Christ sits in judgment at the Great White Throne. It will be the gospel given to Paul by the risen Lord by which the lost will be judged.
‘in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.’
Romans 2:16
In Romans 16:25 Paul again uses the personal pronoun “My” with the gospel. This passage also delineates that the gospel given to Paul was kept secret since the world began.
‘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 kept secret since the world began ‘
Romans 16:25
The apostle Paul uses “My Gospel” for the third time in 2 Timothy 2:8. Where he speaks of the resurrection as the culmination of God’s eternal purpose. Which was that the resurrection of Jesus Christ would be the means of salvation for ALL mankind not just Israel.
‘Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, ‘
II Timothy 2:8
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 5, 2022 | Daily Encouragement |
‘He (the Lord Jesus Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him (Jesus Christ) all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him (Jesus Christ) all things consist (are held together).’
Colossians 1:15-17
The Lord Jesus Christ, God the Son, spoke the words that created everything. It is God the Son, that sustains all life and holds the universe together. It was God the Son that stepped out of the triune Godhead (Colossians 2:9) and took on flesh to go the way of the cross. He was nailed to a cross made from trees He created and died on a hill He formed with His words. Even the Roman soldiers that nailed the spikes into His body were His creation, He knew their names before they were even born.
Jesus Christ was God in the Flesh
God the Son, Jesus Christ became the visible manifestation of the invisible triune God to fulfill the will of the Father. Which was for God the Son to take on flesh, shed His blood, die for our sins, be buried, and rise from the dead three days later (the gospel). Now Hebrews 1:1-3 sums it up.
‘God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He (the Lord Jesus) made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, ‘
Hebrews 1:1-3
Glory to God for His Son and to the Holy Spirit that Comforts us.