Gospel Contrasts Succinctly Made

Contrast TWO DISTINCTIVE Programs of God:

  • God’s ‘PROPHECY’ Program of “TIME PAST” - For “ISRAEL

God’s program set forth in the four Gospels and early Acts concerned a kingdom prepared “from the foundation of the world”

“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:” (Matt. 25:34)

That prophetic plan was something “which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began(Acts 3:21).

  • God’s ‘MYSTERY’ Program for Today - For “ALL MEN

But God’s program set forth by the Apostle Paul was the “mystery [i.e., secret] which was kept secret since the world began (Rom. 16:25).

This plan was a mystery [i.e., secret], which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God(Eph. 3:9).

It presents a people known and chosen from before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4).

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Contrast the Requirements for the TWO DIFFERENT Means of Salvation, for God’s TWO DIFFERENT People Groups, of TWO DIFFERENT Dispensational Ages

  • SAVED by the GOOD WORKSa Required IN “TIME PASTfor ISRAEL

When asked what one must do to escape God’s coming wrath, John the Baptist told people of Israel to share, be honest, kind, and content with one’s wages (Luke 3:6-14).

When asked what one must “do to inherit eternal life,” Christ on earth told the Israeli young ruler that he must ‘keep all the commandments’ and “sell all... and distribute unto the poor” (Luke 18:18-24).

  • SAVED ‘by GRACE’ through ‘Faith Alone’offered TODAY, In The “BUT NOW

What did the Apostle Paul reply when asked by the jailer at Philippi, “what must I do to be saved?”

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:30,31).

In salvation, grace and works don’t mix (Rom. 11:6). Salvation is by grace through faith, “the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8, 9).

6 And If By Grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Romans 11:6 (KJV)

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the [unearned] GIFT of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

11 For The Grace of God that Bringeth Salvation Hath Appeared To All Men, Titus 2:11 (KJV)

 

Which Program and Means of Salvation are you depending upon?

  • If you depend on your prayers, participation in ritual, rites, and good works – You will be Disappointed!
  • If you depend upon Christ and His Cross-work ALONE … You Will Be Saved!

 

- Originally by Pastor David Adams of First Grace Gospel Church, Ashtabula, Ohio - Adapted and Added to by Art Licursi