Paul's Revelation (Part 3)

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."
--Galatians 2:20-21 NKJV

With those words, as recorded in the letter to the Galatians, Paul summarized his message to Peter, and thus, drove home the central point of the fullness of the gospel message.
As Paul wrapped up his encounter with Peter, the apostle Peter must have begun to realize like never before, the true mystery of the gospel, as revealed by the Holy Spirit--that Jesus Christ did not die alone on Calvary's cross... We died there with Him.
We could not have been 'just forgiven'... Our 'slates' were not merely 'wiped clean'.
We were beyond repair... We had to die. And there, on Golgotha's hill, divine judgment took place, as we were drawn into 'union with Christ'--and died.
For the first time, Peter may have understood the words Jesus spoke just before going to the cross...

"Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth [on the cross] will draw all men unto me.
This he said, signifying what death he should die."
--John 11:31-33

Peter would come to understand the revelation that when Jesus was lifted up on the cross, "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself" ['drawing all men unto Him] (2 Corinthians 5:19), and it was this 'union' of the crucified Lord, with the sinfulness of humanity, that brought us into His death, and therefore into His resurrection and righteousness as well...

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
--2 Corinthians 5:21

We died with Christ, and we were raised with Him. We were united with Him in His death and in His resurrection--and in union with Christ we (who believe) shall remain, throughout eternity. This is why the term "in Christ" ('in union with Christ') is so prevalent in Paul's letters. We are 'in Him' and He is in us.
Any success in our Christian life, including our obedience to His commandments, can only be attributed to our 'union with Christ'. We stand before our Heavenly Father, 'in Christ' completely righteous, and pleasing in His sight.
This is why Paul said that to attribute righteousness to our works, or to our obedience to the law, does nothing but frustrate the grace of God. As he also pointed out, "... If righteousness comes by the law, Christ died in vain" (Gal. 2:21).

The Fruit of Holiness...

As previously mentioned, Peter acknowledged Paul's teaching of this truth, calling 'all' of Paul's letters, "scriptures" (2 Pet. 3:16). But, it is also important, that the reason Peter referred us to Paul's letters; and to this revelation of the gospel, is to aid us in reaching our goal of holy living. Essentially, Peter is reminding us that God expects us to be victorious over temptation and walk holy before Him. And the way to do that, is to lay hold of the truth found primarily in Paul's Epistles.
The revelation of our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, becomes a 'system of truth' which, when received fully, yields the fruit of obedience and a life pleasing to God.
As Peter indicated, this marvelous truth is found in 'all' of Paul's letters, but for an example; and to assist me in bringing this message to the conclusion--may I draw your attention to Paul's letter to the Romans...

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"
--Romans 6:1

"Shall we continue in sin," he asks?
If you were raised in a very typical church of just about any Denomination today; your response might be... "How can we help it?" Many are taught that due to our 'old nature', we cannot avoid sinning. Yet Paul goes on to say...

"God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
--Romans 6:1-4

May I say, first of all, that I know of no person living on earth who could honestly say, "I never sin". And if there were such a person, it would certainly not be me. But error prevails in much preaching today, when Christians are told they 'have to' sin--that they are still under the control of the old nature. This error is directly related to a shallow understanding of the message of the cross.
How shall we (now here is the key) THAT ARE DEAD to sin, live any longer therein?... Dead men don't sin!
One may say, "Well, I didn't know I was 'dead' to sin... I sure don't feel like it".
Exactly! And this is the reason for Paul's next question...

"Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?"
--Romans 6:3 NKJV

The word 'baptized' here, does not refer to water baptism. It simply means 'immersed' or 'united with'. There are basically three types of 'baptisms'... There is water baptism, where one is 'immersed' in water as a testimony to having died to sin and been 'born again' to new life in Christ. There is also the 'baptism' in (or with) the Holy Spirit, which happens to a Christian when he or she yields fully to Jesus and allows Him to fill them with, or 'immerse' them in, the Holy Spirit; for power to effectively give witness to the resurrection of Christ. And there is the 'baptism' into Christ, which actually happens first in the believer's life, when that person first becomes a Christian, and by the Holy Spirit is 'baptized' into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).
I listed those 'baptisms' backwards in the order of when they take place because the last one listed is what Paul is referring to in Romans 6:3--"as many of us as were 'baptized' into Christ..."
The reason so many Christians struggle beneath the thumb of sin and temptation is because they 'do not know' that to be 'in Christ' means to 'have died (in all our weaknesses) with Him'. It also means that to be 'in Christ' means to 'have been raised with Him (in all of His power and glory)'--to walk in 'newness of [His] life'.
And as far as the 'old man' still having control--this also needs to be 'known'....

"...that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin."
--Romans 6:6-7 NKJV

The "Amplified Bible" says it more clearly...

"We know that our old unrenewed self was nailed to the cross with Him in order that [our] body [which is the instrument] of sin might be made ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin. For when a man dies, he is freed (loosed, delivered) from [the power of] sin..."

When the message of the cross is revealed to us--that is, the fact that not only was Jesus crucified for us, but in that He was crucified 'for' us (as our substitute), then we, in the mind of God, and in a very real sense, were 'crucified with Him'. By coming to an understanding of that, we are brought into the explosive reality that we are truly free from sin's tyranny, and free to walk in holiness. To one who has desired that freedom--it is most definitely, 'good news'.

Paul's Revelation (Part 2) Union With Christ Revealed

"But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen: immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
--Galatians 1:15-19

One might think that after such a dramatic and sudden conversion of a former arch enemy of the church, the Lord would have led him back to the elders of the church for discipleship training. Especially, since that one was also destined for the ministry. But the wisdom and revelation Paul was to receive, could not be obtained even from those who 'were apostles before him'. There was no Seminary, no University, no institute of higher learning, where Paul could learn this marvelous truth. It had to be revealed from the source.
Jesus had long before, in response to Peter's declaration that He (Jesus) is 'the Christ, the Son of the Living God', assured Peter that this was not something that could be taught by 'flesh and blood' but that it had to be 'revealed' from the Father (Matthew 16:17). And this 'revealed knowledge of who Christ is', Jesus went on to say, is the 'rock'--the foundation, upon which, the church was to be built.
During Paul's experience in the desert, God would 'reveal' more than just 'who Christ is'... He would reveal, in Paul's words, "His Son in me". And this revelation of the believer's 'union with Christ' would prove to be the very power behind Paul's ministry. It was not more education, Paul needed (he already had more than anyone else)... It was the revelation of 'Christ in me' that was necessary and would enable him to effectively preach the gospel to the nations.

Paul's meeting with Peter, James, and John...

Not much happened in Paul's first visit with Peter and James (Galatians 1:18-19). Though Paul had already been preaching for three years, many of the disciples and even some of the other apostles were still avoiding him because of his notorious history of persecuting the church.
After another fourteen years had passed, however, Paul and Barnabas returned to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles, specifically, James, Peter, and John (Galatians 2:1-9). And contrary to what some seem to think, Paul's return trip to Jerusalem was not merely to report to those apostles. Neither was it to seek permission to preach what he had already been preaching for over fourteen years.
This trip was at the instruction of the Holy Spirit, and the plan, clearly, was not to learn from those other apostles, but to teach them...

"Then fourteen years after, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
--Galatians 2:1-2

Paul's mission, there in Jerusalem, was to quell the mounting confusion, stirred up by some who had reverted to preaching the law, as a means of righteousness; and to gain from Peter, James, and John, the 'right hand of fellowship'. These church leaders held such authority and credibility in the church, that if they were to come against Paul's ministry, it would great hinder it.
The only way for Paul to accomplish this, was to set up a private session with these men and preach the fullness of the gospel to them, which he had been preaching from city to city and house to house.
This was not to be an open discussion, or some kind of 'presentation' to a panel of elders who would vote on whether or not Paul's message would be approved. This was a time to pass on to the leaders of the church, that revelation Paul had received directly from Jesus; with full assurance that they would also receive an inward witness from the Holy Spirit, confirming the message in their own hearts...

"...for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: But contriwise...
And when James, [Peter], and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship..."
--Galatians 2:6-7, 9

Though successful up to that point, Paul's divinely commissioned task was not entirely complete, until he met again, with the apostle Peter, and addressed the specific problem which had arisen in the church. Then again, he more clearly presented his revelation of the gospel as the solution...

"But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation...
--Galatians 2:11-13

Some ten years prior to this event, Peter received a vision from the Lord (Acts 10). In the vision was a sheet, being lowered by the corners, and containing all types of animals which under the law of Moses were 'unclean'. God's voice came to him, in this vision, and told him to kill and eat the animals. Peter objected, saying, "No Lord, I have never eaten anything comon or unclean".
But the Lord responded, "Do not call what I have cleansed, 'common or unclean'".
Through this vision, the Holy Spirit led Peter to the house of Cornelius (a Gentile) to preach the gospel to them. Cornelius and all the other Gentiles there, who believed, were saved and filled with the Holy Ghost to the utter amazement of the Jewish believers also present.
This was when Peter first realized there would be absolutely no distinction between Jew and Gentile in the eyes of God. Salvation, in its fullness, was just as available to one as to the other. In the years that followed, however, Peter began to lose sight of that; and he began to cave under the pressure of other Jewish leaders of the church--those, who were insisting that Judaic ritual, such as circumcision, must be enforced.
The tendency, that exists yet today, to return to a legal system of 'obedience, for righteousness', was already at work in the church in Jerusalem. Thus, the Holy Spirit, in His wonderful wisdom, sent Paul on a crucial and timely mission to gently remind Peter of these things, and to more clearly present a deeper spiritual truth, forever sealing within Peter's heart, the true vision of the gospel of Christ...

"But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor..."
--Galatians 2:14-18

This was not an argument between Paul and Peter, but it was loving correction, through Paul, by the Holy Ghost... And Peter received it well. We can tell by Peter's subsequent teaching of the same revelation, not to mention his own words, honoring Paul's ministry (2 Peter 3: 15-16), that Peter was not merely tolerating Paul's loving rebuke--he was receiving something that would change his life forever, and preserve both his ministry, and the church in general.

To be continued...

The Significance of Paul's Revelation (Part 1)

The 'Mystery of Christ' was revealed to the former Saul of Tarsus (the apostle Paul) beginning with his dramatic encounter with the Lord Jesus on the 'road to Damascus.'
This deeper revelation, which the apostle called "my gospel", completed the foundational truth of the gospel of Christ; and though expounded in the fourteen books of the New Testament written by Paul; it has become a 'missing link' in popular Theology, to the overcoming, triumphant life intended for the Christian.
Summarized in Galatians 2:20... "I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me"... This mystery revealed, unlocks a deeper understanding of the Christians's ministry potential, and the many inherited benefits 'in Christ'...

"But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ."
--Galatians 1:11-12

One of the most essential tenets of our faith is the belief that the Bible, in its entirety, is the authoritative and inspired word of God. And in spite of all the doctrinal differences within the body of Christ, the potential for 'unity of the faith' (Eph. 4:13) will always remain, as long as we hold to that one basic truth.
A pastor friend of mine recently told his congregation, "You won't hear me say, 'this is what the Bible means to me..."
To that, I yield a hearty 'Amen'. What the Bible says, is what it means. And it means the same to one, as it does to another. There are varying degrees of understanding of the Bible, however; and because of that, there are many incomplete or altogether incorrect interpretations of the same. But the Bible is the revealed word of God and is neither flexible, nor conformable to man's way of thinking.
"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God".
--Romans 10:17
The moment there arises a question as to the source and authority of the Scripture--faith disappears. True faith in God cannot occupy the same space as the belief that perhaps only part of the Bible is divine inspiration. That would mean the Scriptures are partially contrived through the weakness and fallacy of human intellect. It would then be up to you and me to determine which is divine inspiration and which was spawned by mere human philosophy.
Everyone has heard of a 'half-truth'. But whoever heard of a 'half-lie'? There is no such thing. A 'half-truth' equals a 'whole lie', and a lie is a lie... There is no 'half-lie'.
The majority of the New Testament comprises a collection of fourteen letters written by the apostle Paul, to various churches and or segments of the body of Christ in general. Contained in those letters, is a marvelous exposition of the depths of the gospel of 'Christ, and Him crucified', not found (except by reference) in any of the other Books of the Bible.
There were also the same effectual truths in Paul's preaching (as recorded in Acts). These truths concern the spiritual aspects of the death and resurrection of Christ, and were scarcely alluded to, even by those who were apostles before him. Paul's application of the Old Testament law and prophecy, as well as Israel's historical record; were not only part and parcel of, but essential to, his explanation of the gospel of Christ.

JESUS, the Source of Paul's Revelation...

Prior to Calvary, Jesus told His disciples...
"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth..."
--John 16:12-13

Several significant points are presented in that one promise. First of all, Jesus indicated that in addition to what He had already taught them, there would be more to follow.
Secondly, that He (Jesus) would be the source.
And thirdly, that they (His disciples), would not be able to received nor understand these additional truths until they were indwelt by the Holy Spirit, through Whom, He would reveal those truths.
It was that same Jesus, who well after His ascension, appeared to Saul of Tarsus (Paul) on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). During that spectacular encounter, Saul was converted and received his calling to preach the gospel. Beginning at that point, and for an undetermined period of time spent in the desert of Arabia, Paul began to receive direct revelation from the risen Lord Jesus of that which the Lord had promised. Those 'many things' the Lord had promised to reveal to His disciples, were revealed to Paul in the desert, and then in Damascus for the three years that followed. This 'revelation' is what began to be referred to, by Biblical scholars, as the 'Pauline revelation'.

The Apostle Peter's Endorsement...

Though Paul's revelation composes the majority of the New Testament, it has been avoided, ignored, undermined, and even ridiculed by many professing ministers of the word. Apparently, this attack began even in Paul's day, as the Holy Spirit inspired Paul's defense of 'his' gospel and the written 'certification' that the message he was preaching was not learned in a class room, or from any mere human source; but by direct revelation of the Lord Jesus Himself.
Ultimately though, the leaders of the church at Jerusalem--James, Peter, and John--received Paul and recognized the source and power of his ministry, as that of the Holy Spirit. Peter's last written words to the church in general, as also inspired by the Holy Spirit, were a clear endorsement of Paul's writings--referring to them as "scriptures"...
"Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation--as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures."
--2 Peter 3:14-16
Additionally, Peter points out, in the same statement, that due to the fact Paul's revelation ("the wisdom given to him") cannot be understood with the intellect, there would be some who choose to twist the meaning thereof to suit themselves. These would-be teachers, whom Peter calls "untaught and unstable", do so, to 'their own destruction' and to the detriment of their followers.
There are, of course, many within the church today who have no part in the refusal to recognize Paul's letters as any less divinely inspired than the rest of the New Testament. But, within that vast majority of the Christian church, there are also few who realize the existence of such controversy, and even fewer who realize just what doctrine, in Paul's writing, would stir such a contoversy. Yet that very revelation, which Paul referred to as 'the wisdom of God' and 'the power of God' is what so delivers the captives, and so upsets the devil who held them captive.
It is this marvelous revelation that renews the mind, brings spiritual maturity, and introduces a steady flow of victory into the life of the believer. Without it, the church would have ceased to exist within the first century.

To be continued....