In the 2nd chapter of the book of Ephesians the Apostle Paul gives us a panoramic view of his understanding of the way God’s dealings with mankind have been divided. He does this by making a clear, distinct and easily identifiable threefold division:
Time Past (verses 11-12 of Ephesians Chapter 2), But Now (verse 13), The Ages to Come (verse 7).
Thus we see that the Word of GOD itself provides us with the key to its own proper understanding and right division.
Time Past: In Matthew through John we find the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ to the nation Israel. In the book of Acts we have the fall of Israel and salvation going to the Gentiles (You and I today and anyone who is a non-Jew) through the ministry of the Apostle Paul.
BUT NOW: Romans through Philemon (the 13 epistles of the apostle Paul) provide the doctrine for the present dispensation of GRACE.
Ages To Come: Hebrews through Revelation focus on the ages to come when God will bring to fruition His purposes for both the nation Israel and the Body of Christ. We are not the only people in the programs and purposes of God. Remember: All of the Bible is FOR us but it is not all TO us nor is it all ABOUT us. If we fail to recognize this important fact we will never be able to properly understand just what God is doing today nor will we know just what He would have us do.
Thus it is in Paul’s writings alone that we find the doctrine, position, walk and destiny of today’s church, the Body of Christ.
GRACE be unto you all. (God’s Riches At Christs’ Expense)
