Do You Believe The Right Gospel?

(Part 1)

By Fred Handschumacher

Note: Some comments in this study may lead the reader to believe that our position is "unfriendly" toward Israel and the Jewish people. This perception comes from statements concerning Israel's rejection of her Messiah. Our goal in this article is to discuss the Jewish roots of Christianity and to discover the reasons God extended his salvation to the Gentile nations during our present "Age of Grace". We forever want to be on the side that blesses Israel, understanding that God has not forsaken his ancient people. He is in the process of fulfilling prophetic Scripture by bringing national Israel back into the center of His purpose in the endtimes.

Introduction


"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Gal 1:6-8 KJV)


Many of us do not give adequate attention to Saint Paul's warning. Some are falsely led to believe that the controversy over various teachings about faith, Divine healing and prosperity is what Paul is warning about here. We believe the gospel heard in our churches is the correct one because it's taught by hightly educated ministers. After all, they certainly know more about the Bible than we do. What gives us the right to question people with such notable credentials? My point is. . .we are not getting the truth in our churces and it's going to reap a disastrous harvest of unintended consequences. Paul says that there is "another gospel". It's a "look-alike" that removes us from grace and perverts the Gospel of Christ--and its been around since Paul's time. . .nearly 2000 years. The Bible says that one function of the Holy Spirit is to lead us into all truth (John 16:13). Many of us have preconceived ideas about what the Bible says. We tend to view these ideas as truth whether they are right or wrong. These "traditions" come from spiritual leaders and from a variety of other sources. Context is vitally important in order to gain a proper understanding of Bible truths. God says things a certain way and within a specific framework. Take Scripture out of this "framework" and you've got something false that appears like it's firmly based on a Scriptural foundation. Many cherished religious traditions that are centuries old fall into this category. These religious beliefs create irreconcilable differences, as illustrated by the frequent clashes between Jesus and the Pharisees. The Holy Spirit, our teacher, needs to help us in these matters. A popular belief called "Replacement Theology" falls into this category. It's an ideology that's so entrenched in our spiritual reasoning abilities that it won't be recognized without help from our teacher. Have you ever had a "Dear God" experience while reading Scripture? It's when the Holy Spirit "quickens" something to your heart and you say out loud, "Dear God--why didn't I see that before?" That happened to me over this subject of replacement theology. It literally turned my theology upside down and answered some questions that's been bothering me for years.

Have you ever wondered why we have so many Christian denominations? Each one teaches their own brand of theology and salvation doctrine with a different "twist" or spin. At last count there are 25 religious denominations in America with over 100 million members. This does not include the hundreds of "offshoots" and independent groups that exist under the labels of "non-denominational" and "para-church". Yet, many of the independent groups were created as an alternative to the corruption in the mainline denominations. This division causes great confusion for new and prospective believers searching for spiritual truth. I believe the dominant influence of replacement theology is responsible for much of that division. Nothing confuses our interpretation of the Bible more than the practice of substituting the New Testament Church for Israel. Popular teaching refers to the Church as "the New Israel" when discussing the Scriptures. Critics add more confusion by suggesting that we aren't "preaching the whole gospel" when we properly discern the difference between Israel and the Church. This accusation frightens Christians who reverence God's Word. Generating fear and doubt is the intended purpose. Everything in the Bible is instructive to the Christian, yet not all parts of the Bible apply to everyone. Recently, Bill Koenig of Koenig's International News Service voiced his concerns in an article about this dangerous theology. Dr. Thomas McCall of Zola Levitt Ministries also has an excellent article on the same subject entitled, "Israel and the Church: The Differences". Other international Bible teachers like Dr. Jack Van Impe and Billye Brim also sound a solemn warning. Yet, Koenig, McCall, Van Impe and Brim are only a few of a growing number of Bible teachers attempting to warn the Church. In a recent statement about his book "Millennium: Beginning or End?" Dr. Jack Van Impe makes the following comments:


"Some are peddling erroneous views about the Millennium stating that the Bible has little or nothing to say about the subject. Do not be fooled! This is undoubtedly the greatest error ever proclaimed by ministers of our day. You need to know the truth. Presently, Reformed Theologians teach and preach "Replacement Theology. In other words, they state that the term Israel mentioned 2,064 times in God's Holy Word should be replaced by the term "The Church," and Jerusalem, mentioned 813 times should be replaced by the tern "Heaven." Because of such ridiculous reasoning 3,400 Bible texts have been manipulated, massacred, manhandled and made nonsensical. Such ministers teach that God is through with the Jew forever. These men are not scholarly theologians but subtle magicians "walking in craftiness and handling the Word of God deceitfully" (II Corinthians 4:2). This is the same crowd of clergymen who mock the Rapture and preach the doomsday message about the "End of the world" in place of the glorious 1,000 year reign of Christ."


I'm not quoting Dr. Van Impe because I agree with everything he teaches. I know there is disareement on some issues among the Bible teachers previously listed, if we dig deep enough. I'm trying to show that a warning is going forth from men and women of God in different sections of the church--and we should consider their words regardless of our disagreements on other things. As the end of the age approaches, God sheds more light on beliefs that keep his people in bondage...even after 2000 years. I'm not suggesting that any of these teachers agree with the things said in this article. In my opinion, Dr. Van Impe is only addressing part of the problem. Redefining facts concerning endtime events and the Millennium is only part of the problem. Replacement theology also subtly redefines God's Grace. The real danger is the threat to our eternal destiny by basing our salvation on a distorted view of Scripture. Under normal conditions this article should be a "Christian Basics 101" study. Yet, some readers will find it difficult to accept because it contradicts popular teaching found in their church.

I've always believed in the Grace aspect of God's Word. I didn't fully understand the serious trouble the church is in until I studied endtime prophecy. Recently, I noticed that a growing number of churches preach a "bait and switch" gospel. There are some ministries that should know better. It teaches that we are initially saved by God's Grace (unmerited favor)...but this initial salvation only remains in force through bearing spiritual fruit and performing certain works. This counterfeit salvation doctrine is one of many related to replacement theology.

Nearly one third of the Bible deals with the end of the age and the Second Coming of Christ. Yet, few spiritual leaders attempt any serious discussion of these issues. Some of the most intense disagreements focus on end-time events and how they unfold. The disputes usually occur between the "Pre-tribulation" and "Post-Tribulation" positions. Yet, there are five other popular end-time "views" in the mix. This is why the subject is ignored--it causes division. Yet, God rejects this as an excuse for keeping His people in ignorance concerning history's most monumental event--the imminent return of Jesus Christ. Today, the church world is asleep, indifferent or totally misinformed about this event--even though one third of the Bible focuses on it! This is amazing. It wasn't until I studied the Biblical signs pointing to Christ's return that I noticed that something is terribly wrong. End-time Bible prophecy draws a clear distinction between Israel (the Jews) and the Church-Age Christian. Yet, in most teaching these two groups are traditionally assumed to be interchangeable. I found it impossible to reconcile the contradictions that result from this practice and began to question the Lord about it. When it comes to God's Word, I don't believe in contradictions. This study outlines some of my findings. I was surprised that my findings answered the question as to why so many in the church claim to believe in God's Grace yet live under a "Mosaic Law-based" performance/works gospel. Most living under such a system consider themselves totally "sold out" to God. They believe they are "running the Chrisitan race with patience to win the prize". Many believe this "prize" is eternal life and salvation. The tragedy is that eternal life never comes from these efforts.

The practice of swapping Israel and the Church goes back to the days of Saint Paul when Gentile believers looked upon the Jews with contempt for rejecting Jesus their Messiah. Saint Paul warned these Gentiles about "boasting against the natural branches" and reminded them that God's rejection of Israel was only temporary (Rom. 11:13-27). Yet, his warning, for the most part, went unheeded. Today, the mostly Gentile church in America believes that the rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1948 has no spiritual significance. This belief is totally mind-boggling in light of the Scriptural record. In the church, we tend to see ourselves as the only remaining expression of God's purposes in the earth. This position is pure spiritual arrogance on our part. Popular Christian doctrine teaches that God judged Israel for their sin and removed them forever from His plans--end of story. However, according to God that's not the end of the story.

The idea that God permanently rejects Israel and replaces her with the New Testament Church is established as doctrine under the rule of Saint Augustine around 500 A.D. Augustine made what's now called replacement theology equal in authority to the Holy Scriptures. Today, the idea is accepted as Biblical fact in almost every denominational church. It's deeply embedded in Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, Charismatic and Roman Catholic doctrine (just to name a few). It finds expression in movements such as Kingdom Now, Dominion Theology, Ecumenicalism, Reformed Theology and New Order Latter Rain. The beliefs associated with replacement theology were held by many of the early Protestant reformers such as Luther and Wesley. It's embedded within "historical Christianity". Most Christians are unaware that they have been subtly conditioned to accept replacement theology as rock-solid spiritual truth. We're constantly encouraged by church leaders to read the Bible. It's drilled into us every time we're in a church service. Yet, reading the Bible can be a dangerous practice when we "misread" its message and misapply principles and teachings by removing them from their original context. It's a spiritually disastrous practice regardless of who does it.


The Two Belief Systems


From the early accounts of the Bible, we are told about two primary methods the human race uses to relate with God. I am amazed at how many times these two "theologies" appear in Scripture in different examples and analogies. Yet, they give the same warning. Replacement theology is actually a man-made "third" way that mixes these two belief systems together. Yet, in the Bible God keeps them separate because they cannot be legally mixed.

In Genesis chapter 4 we read about two brothers who are sons of Adam. Their names were Cain and Abel. Starting in verse 3 the Bible says that a time came when both brothers brought an offering to the Lord. The offering in those days was an expression of worship. Being a farmer, Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground. Abel brought his offering of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat. In other words, Abel brought a blood offering. The Bible says that God had respect for Abel's offering but did not respect the offering of Cain. Cain is overcome with jealousy and kills his brother. He was angry over his offering being rejected.

There are some facts that stand out in this example. Cain offered God a "bloodless" sacrifice. From a human point of view, there isn't anything wrong with Cain's sacrifice. Cain worked hard at tilling and farming the land. By bringing a sacrifice that was a product of his labor, it should have been pleasing to the Lord, but was rejected instead. On the other hand, Abel was a shepherd and brought the Lord something that he didn't really labor that much to produce. After all, humans can't give birth to sheep-only sheep give birth to sheep. The real sacrifice in Abel's offering was made by the sheep that gave its life and its blood. Yet, the Lord accepted Abel's offering. This Divine response flies in the face of human reason. But, to the one with an understanding about the importance of blood in a relationship with God, it makes perfect sense. Abel related to God in his offering through the blood. He understood that a relationship with God was only possible by the spilling of blood. In God's eyes, sin is only dealt with in this way.

"...according to the law almost all things are purged with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22)

This story reveals two "belief systems" that existed in the early days of Genesis. Some refer to them as "the religion of Cain" and the "religion of Abel." The religion of Cain looks good and has its foundation in spiritual service, work and performance. Today, a person involved in the religion of Cain is considered a model Christian. They are energetic and zealous for the things of God and work tirelessly to further the cause of Christ and his church. They're always present when the church door is open. They believe their acceptance by God is founded on the spiritual service they perform and the sacrifices they make. Human reason is the guiding principle behind the religion of Cain--just as it was in Genesis. This reasoning would sound something like this, "The more I do for God, the more He will accept me and the bigger my reward in heaven will be." Blood has little to do with the religion of Cain.

Abel's religion (it's actually not a "religion") is different. People who are of Abel's religion approach God through faith in blood--specifically Christ's blood. They may not necessarily have a high level of performance. In some cases they may not have much performance at all! They're not always held up as a "model" church member, yet they will have a desire to perform "good works." They approach God with no reliance upon the sacrifices they have made or the works they perform. They place priorities on things that the believers in Cain's religion wouldn't consider. When approaching God, they come boldly before the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Their only defense and claim is the righteousness they received as a free gift--a result of the blood of Jesus Christ. I have discovered that many more are of Cain's religion than of Abel's. A Scripture that tells us more about Abel's religion is...

"For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.' Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: 'Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.'" (Romans 4:3-8)

Here's another Scripture that adds to this discussion...

"But you have come to mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel." (Hebrews 12:22-25)

The sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ overwhelmingly exceeds the blood of an animal such as the one Abel offered God. These animal sacrifices atoned for the sins of Israel under the Mosaic covenant. The new covenant of Christ replaces the one established under Moses. Christ's blood covenant is founded on different rules.

"But now hath he (Jesus Christ) obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." (Heb 8:6 KJV)

In Genesis chapter 4, Cain kills his brother. It's the first murder recorded in the Bible. The religion of Cain always persecutes and tries to discredit the religion of Abel. Some of the bloodiest persecutions in church history occur between these two groups. The religion of Abel will not be the persecutors nor will they take the initiative in spilling blood. The religion of Cain is always the aggressor in these matters. In America today, little blood is being shed in disputes within the modern church. Most persecution comes as a result of slander and verbal attacks. The religion of Cain is always at the root.

The Two Covenants


As we said, there are not only two "belief systems" but there are two different covenants that rule each belief system. Paul taught that "works of the flesh" characterizes one covenant (Rom. 4:1-3 Rom. 8:3-9), while faith (the promise) is the foundation of the other (Gal. 3:13-14). Paul used the term "works of the flesh" to describe those things we do in our own power to please God (righteousness). Don't confuse "works of the flesh" in this instance with the "sins" we commit. Nobody knew more about "the covenant of blood" than Saint Paul. As a Pharisee, Paul was intimately familiar and well trained in the Mosaic covenant that ruled Israel. Yet, God called him specifically to preach a "new covenant" that brought the uncircumcised (Gentile) nations to salvation in Christ. These two covenants are not the same.

"For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise." (Gal 4:22-28 KJV)

I continue to be amazed at how God weaves these "two theologies" throughout the Scriptures and especially in the New Testament. Keep in mind what Paul says about the two covenants. It's another piece of the puzzle as we continue to expose the traditions of replacement theology.


The Mosaic Covenant--A Closer Look


Understanding the various covenants of the Bible can be a difficult task for casual readers of the Bible. Much of this difficulty results from the lack of teaching about the institution of the blood covenant that provides the legal authority for man's relationship with God and all major dispensations found in the Holy Scriptures. Every time God establishes a covenant he does so "through blood". Under the Mosaic covenant the blood of animal sacrifices covered (atoned) for the sins of the people. Under the New Testament (new covenant) the blood of God's Son, Jesus Christ, doesn't just atone for sin--but eternally destroys sin's dominion over His people. In general, both the Old Testament (dispensation of the Law) and the New Testament (dispensation of Grace) are under different covenants that are governed by different rules. Most Christians fail to realize that the dispensation of the Law extends into the pages of the New Testament canon. Failure to discern where the Law ends and Grace begins is the source of almost all division and confusion in the modern church. Let's take a closer look at another piece of the puzzle. In Exodus 24: 5-8 the Mosaic covenant is established.

"And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD. And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words."

Notice the primary conditions to "keep the covenant". Israel is making a "blood oath" requiring them to obey all that the Lord said and to be obedient. Breaking a blood oath (blood covenant) is punishable by death. This "death penalty" is unavoidable and is an irrevocable part of a blood covenant. God demands it because he is a "covenant keeping God". Most modern day Christians do not understand this important characteristic. Israel (the circumcision) took a blood oath that required their death if they failed to obey ALL that the Lord said. This "covenant of death" is impossible to keep. Yet, if it isn't kept--the death of the violator (sinner) is required. Because God is merciful, he established the Jewish priesthood that performed the temple services-- this included animal sacrifices. These animals provided the blood (they forfeited their lives) to atone for the sins of the disobedient Jews. The Jewish temple (tabernacle) was a bloody place! The sacrifice provided by these animals allowed the disobedient people to go free. Obedience to God's Law (commandments) is the "prime directive" of the Mosaic Covenant. Salvation could not be acquired (or kept) without this obedience. It's important to remember that the Mosaic covenant only applied to Israel. Israel made this agreement with God--the Gentile nations did not. The Gentiles are not included in this dispensation.

Jesus, the Messiah of Israel, conducted his earthly ministry under the authority of this covenant. His ministry is recorded in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Jesus lived a "sinless" life and is the only one to perfectly keep God's Law (Hebrews 4:15-16). Jesus is the only man qualified to be the spotless "Lamb of God" that takes away the sin of the world. Through the blood of the sacrifical Lamb of God--a new covenant built on better promises is established. This new covenant provides the foundation for the Grace Gospel preached by Saint Paul.

If we understand these things--we can see why the salvation message during Christ's earthly ministry (chronicled in the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) is linked to "righteous works" and obedience to the Mosaic Law. The authority of the Mosaic covenant remained in effect until Christ's death, burial and resurrection. After this, God initiates a transition to a "new and living way" (Hebrews 10:19-20).

New Testament Perspectives


Few of us understand that the New Testament not only spans two dispensations (before and after the cross of Christ), but also deals with two radically different groups of people. Starting in Genesis, the Bible chronicles the humble beginnings of God's chosen people--the nation of Israel. The Jews (with some notable exceptions) as the custodians of the Mosaic Law are the central focus of God's agenda in the Old Testament. This focus continues into the New Testament through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and into the book of Acts where we see a monumental change in God's salvation plan. For reasons we've discussed in other articles, God changes his agenda from being exclusively centered on Israel (the Jews)--and switches his attention to the Gentiles. The main event occurs in Acts Chapter 10 & 11 when Peter is sent (directly commissioned by God) to preach the gospel to the house of Cornelius--a Gentile household. Peter's visitation is astounding in its importance. Peter and the Jewish brethren that accompanied him are "shocked" that the Gentiles, a previously "cursed" people, can now receive the Holy Spirit. Keep in mind that this event shook the foundation of the Jewish believers that thought they had exclusive rights to God. Why shouldn't they believe this? The Jewish people were God's chosen people for thousands of years. They didn't comprehend at the time that God was in the process of changing His eternal plans.



At this point the reader may want to review some comments from another source. The writings of this particular theologian may challenge your traditional view of the Bible. His brief words give us an invaluable glimpse into Bible context that most modern-day believers avoid.
Dwight Pentecost Comments On The New Testament



Today, many of us gloss over the importance of Cornelius' house because of the confusion caused by replacement theology. Most Christians believe that when the Bible is speaking to the Jews (as in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)...it automatically includes them also. Yes, there are universal truths that apply to both Christians and Jews in these books. There are also truths that do not apply to both groups. Some teachings of Jesus are universal in scope and apply to both the Jew and the Christian. Yet, there are some teachings (mainly in the parables of Christ) that apply only to the Jews, and specifically disobedient Jews. This is especially true in the book of Matthew, which is almost totally focused on Israel. Most of us do not discern (theologians call it "preserving context") the things that don't apply. Ignoring context is the cause of almost all false teaching.

Traditionally, Christians are not told that the New Testament includes two different gospels (Gal. 2:7). One gospel is assigned to the Jews only. The Bible calls this group "the circumcision". The word "circumcision" describes those who adhere to the Mosaic Law. The other gospel is for both Gentiles and Jews--all races of people. The Bible (mainly in the epistles of Saint Paul) calls this group "the uncircumcision". The word "uncircumcision" describes those races not under the Mosaic Law. The gospel to the uncircumcision is not restricted to only one race of people--it includes everyone! Paul taught that no specific race, social class or gender defines the gospel to the uncircumcision (Gal. 3:26-29). Yet, the gospel to the circumcised is defined according to a race of people--the Jews. These gospels go by different names in the Bible. The Bible calls the gospel assigned exclusively to the Jews (I call it the "Jewish gospel") as the gospel to the circumcision, the gospel of the Kingdom, or Peter's gospel--because God commissioned Peter as the chief apostle to oversee its proclamation to Israel. The gospel assigned to the Gentiles (the Jews and all other races) is called the gospel to the uncircumcision, the Gospel of Grace, the Gospel of Christ, or Paul's gospel--because God commissioned Saint Paul as the chief apostle to oversee its proclamation to the Gentile world (Acts 9:15 Rom. 11:14). Christians make a dangerous assumption by thinking these two gospels are the same. Almost every Bible teacher mixes these gospels together because they were taught in seminary or Bible school that they're the same. Again, tenants of replacement theology have gone unchallenged for over 15 centuries and it's firmly entrenched in our schools and seminaries that train people for Christian ministry and service. They wrongly teach us that whenever the Bible is talking to Israel...it automatically includes Gentiles (Church-Age believers) also. Concerning the principles that govern salvation--this belief is disastrous. The Jewish gospel (to the circumcised) and the Grace Gospel (to the uncircumcised-all races) are vastly different because they have to be.

The Jewish gospel teaches a salvation that is conditional upon certain works related to the Mosaic Law (the commandments). Under the Jewish gospel the believer's faith is expressed through works. Some of us fail to realize that the Mosaic Law was still in authority during the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ and his twelve apostles--and the Law was only binding upon the Jewish people. There was a group of "believing" Pharisees (followers of Jesus Christ) in Acts chapter 15 that tried to coerce Gentiles under Saint Paul's gospel to obey the Law of Moses. Yet, the early church leadership soundly refuted their effort. This same group appears in the book of Galatians where, once again, they are attempting to persuade Gentile believers that true salvation includes keeping principles of the Law (Gal. 3:1-2). Saint Paul calls the people who practice this doctrine "false brethren" (Gal. 2:4). Israel was the custodian of God's Law. God never assigned the Church-Age Christian this responsibility. Nowhere can you find the Mosaic Law being enforced on a Gentile race. It was strictly a "Jewish" practice. The Jewish priesthood was committed to administering the principles and temple practices connected to the Mosaic Law. Gentiles were not welcomed to participate in these things. Even during the time of John the Baptist--the baptism he practiced was only for Israel. It was offered to spiritually prepare the Jews for their Messiah. Yet, many in the church world today misapply John's type of baptism on Church-Age believers.

In the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John--Jesus declared that his ministry and gospel was only for the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matt. 15:24). Jesus also placed the same limitation on the ministry of His twelve apostles-He commanded them to minister only to Israel (Matt. 10:5-6). Nearly all Christians today ignore Christ's words in this instance. The traditions associated with replacement theology causes us to redefine what Jesus clearly said. Apostolic authority and its limitations are defined by God and carry great importance in the New Testament Scriptures. Ignore the limits of apostolic authority in the Bible (like most of us do) and you are left with a skewed interpretation of Scripture. Jesus' twelve apostles had no authority to minister to Gentiles--because Christ's command was clear. Jesus did not set this limitation to be cruel or uncaring. He prohibited his disciples from ministering to Gentiles (or uncircumcised peoples) because their gospel did not legally apply to them. These apostolic limitations lasted until the day Jesus was resurrected. Yet, the deeply embedded traditions of the Law extended far beyond the day of Pentecost. This is further evidenced in the persecution Peter received from fellow Jewish believers for violating the Law (entering a Gentile's house and eating with him) after he returned from preaching the gospel to Cornelius (Acts chapter 11). The persecution Peter experienced proves that obedience to the Mosaic Law remained an issue among Jewish believers years after Christ's death on the cross and the day of Pentecost. Until Saint Paul appeared on the scene the only gospel that was being preached was a modified form of the Jewish gospel that was still laced with principles of the Law.

Jesus and His twelve apostles preached a gospel that was uniquely designed to operate under the Mosaic Law and was in force until the cross and, therefore, was limited to Jews only. Peter's evangelistic message on the day of Pentecost was exclusively to Jews (Acts chapter 2).

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ". Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart..." (Acts 2:36-37)

If you examine Peter's words carefully, you will see that his statement can only apply to the Jews. It was not meant for any other race of people. The first "church" established in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost consisted of 3000 Jewish believers. This was not a Jewish - Gentile mixed crowd as some assume. These early converts were citizens of various other countries and spoke the native language of that country. Yet, their nationality was still Jewish and they were visiting Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. An example of this can be found among Jews in America. There are millions of Jewish people who speak English--but not necessarily Hebrew (though some do). Yet, while they are citizens of America they are still racially Jewish. So it was on the day of Pentecost. The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John chronicle the ministry of Jesus Christ (as the Jewish Messiah) and His gospel to Israel during the closing days of the Law of Moses. The Jewish gospel was designed to operate under the dispensation of the Law and is never to be applied to the Church-Age Christian. Yet, all Christians today should study these writings.

In contrast, the Grace Gospel to the uncircumcised is conditional on faith rather than works. The conditions that govern the Grace Gospel are different. Under grace, the believer's faith is expressed through confession. (Rom. 10:10) The salvation it provides is called "the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8). One reason it's free is because the authority of Mosaic Law ended with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Christ's sacrifice perfectly fulfilled the law for us (Matt. 5:17-18). This forever ended the tyranny of sin in the life of the believer. Saint Paul declared us to be "dead to the Law through the body of Christ" (Rom. 7:2-4). This places the Church Age Christian in a totally different place than the Jewish believer in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Another reason for the free nature of salvation is because God never assigned the Law to uncircumcised (Gentile) people. This is one reason the Law and works has no authority over the salvation provided to the uncircumcised by the Grace Gospel (Gal. 2:21). Providing salvation through faith alone without the works of the Law is the unique characteristic of the Gospel of Grace. There is one law that governs this gospel. It's called "the law of faith" (Romans 3:27-28). The salvation message that accompanies the law of faith is called "the word of faith" (Romans 10:8-9).

The epistles of Saint Paul give us the principles that govern the Grace Gospel and the Law of Faith. God specifically called Paul to be the chief apostle in charge of the proclamation of this gospel--and it's referred to as "Paul's gospel". Saint Paul called it "My gospel". (Rom. 2:16 Rom. 16:25 2 Tim. 2:8)

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that a doctrinal war exists between these two gospels and the groups they represent. Yet, the hostility is fueled by a refusal to recognize that God treats Gentiles (as an uncircumcised people) differently than circumcised people (the Jews). Sadly, this war is still raging today in the modern church.

Paul's gospel has authority in our current Church Age and is never to be mixed together with Peter's gospel. The ministry of Jesus Christ as Israel's Messiah (uniquely Jewish) and the ministry of Jesus Christ as Lord of the Church-Age Christian (Gentiles--all races) are two radically different administrations. Replacement theology mixes them together, thus creating a third kind of gospel that contains elements of both Law (God's favor through works) and Grace (God's unmerited favor). This false gospel has been around for 1,500 years in various forms throughout the organized church. Some denominations and evangelical ministries have built their entire theological structure on this gospel. When you mix these two gospels together--it creates a salvation doctrine that contradicts itself. Yet, in the church, we've developed some clever escape mechanisms in our "theology" that allows us to "spin" and justify the contradictions (Rom. 16:17-18). In one place, you read where salvation is the "gift of God" (Eph. 2:8) and, in another place, you are told that "keeping the commandments" (Matt. 19:16-17) is the only way to obtain eternal life. In one place righteousness is described as the "free gift" (Rom. 5:17) and in another place it says that only those who "doeth righteousness are righteous" (1 John 3:7). The "works" position and the "gift" position are not the same. Still, many in the modern church teach that these positions are the same. There is no contradiction when you understand that these statements are being said to different groups of people in different dispensations. Yet, confusion is the result. In most places, this mixed-gospel is declared to be "the Gospel of Grace"--but it's actually a counterfeit.


Principles of the Jewish Gospel


At this point the reader might ask, "so what is the Jewish gospel?" To answer that question we need to read the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John--along with the other books and epistles of the Jewish apostles for the answer.

It cannot be emphasized enough that the Jewish gospel was never designed to contradict or undermine the Mosaic Law that had authority during the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. For that reason, you will never see salvation under the Jewish gospel referred to as "the gift of God". You will never see righteousness called "the free gift". You will never see "justification" described as "freely given" as it is under the Gospel of Grace. Under the Jewish gospel, salvation is conditional upon a person's obedience to commandments and works related to the Law (Luke 25-28). Under the Jewish gospel, the believer's faith is expressed through works. This is the main characteristic of the Jewish gospel. Wherever you see salvation issues dependent on certain works--you're seeing an expression of the Jewish gospel. Yet, don't get the idea that this is always wrong. Whether it's right or wrong in the Bible depends on the audience. This was the position of the "believing" Jewish Pharisees in Acts chapter 15--and what they believed was right for them. The error was in thinking that obedience to the Law of Moses also applied to Gentile believers under Paul's Grace gospel--which is an illegal application of God's Law.

Important Note: Because of its relationship with the Law, the Jewish gospel is "sin-centric"-meaning that it is focused on the problem and curse of sin. This characteristic creates a "sin-consciousness" that identifies the believer as being "a sinner". For that reason, the clarion call of the Jewish gospel is...Repent! Below, we list Scriptures where the clearest description of this gospel exists. Yet, other important characteristics are scattered throughout the writings of the Jewish apostles.

"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt 3:1-2 KJV)

"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt 4:17 KJV)

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38 KJV)


Some characteristics of the Jewish gospel are:

  • Eternal life, salvation and the believer's "right-standing" with God is directly linked to keeping the commandments (works of the Law). Failure to produce fruits or perform certain works invites God's rejection. Salvation can be lost under the Jewish gospel. Matt. 3:10 Matt. 19:16-17 Matt 7:21 Luke 3:8-10 John 15:1-2 1 John 2:3 Revelation 2:5 Revelation 14:12

  • The believer is commanded to repent and be water baptized. Salvation is conditional upon repentance and baptism. Under the Jewish gospel, repentance has a two-fold meaning involving individual sins in the believer's life and the sin of unbelief concerning the Messiah:

    First, repentance required the believer to "turn away" from sin. Verbal confession of sins accompanied this type of repentance along with works or fruits that demonstrate true repentance and submission to water baptism for the remission of sins. This practice started with John the Baptist and continued with Peter after the day of Pentecost for Jewish converts. Matt. 4:17 Mark 1:4-5 Mark 16:16 Luke 3:8 Acts 2:38

    Second, repentance is a "turning away" from the sin of unbelief in order to believe that Jesus is the Son of God (the core of the Jewish gospel). This type of repentance is also referred to as "believing". The words "Repentance" and "Believing" are sometimes used interchangeably. Whoever believes that Jesus is God's Son is also confirming their belief in his Divinity. Mark 1:15 Mark 16:16 1 John 4:15 Acts 8: 35-37

  • Salvation is conditional upon "enduring" to the end. Matthew 10:22 Matthew 24:13 Mark 13:13 Revelation 2:26

  • Salvation/eternal life is referred to as "the straight gate and the narrow way" that few would find. The restrictive and legalistic nature of the Mosaic Law is what determines "the straight gate" and "the narrow way". Few could meet its requirements. Matthew 7:13-14

  • Under the Jewish gospel, the Holy Spirit only dwells with the believer. The Holy Spirit begins to dwell inside the believer only after the day of Pentecost. Jesus tells us about these two spiritual states: "And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." John 14:16-17 John 16:7

  • Righteousness or "worthiness" is obtained by doing works of righteousness. Matt. 3:10 Luke 3:8-10 John 15:1-2 1 John 3:7-10 Revelation 2:5

  • Justification comes by confessing you are a sinner, asking for God's mercy and through works that prove your faith is genuine. Luke 18:13-14 James 2:24

  • God's forgiveness is conditional upon you forgiving others. Matthew 6:15 Mark 11:25

  • Answered prayer is conditional upon keeping His commandments and doing the things that are pleasing in God's sight. 1 John 3:22


Christ's crucifixion caused major changes in God's salvation and how it is received. These changes not only cause confusion among casual readers of the Bible, but also disharmony between Jewish and Gentile believers of the time. For the modern day Christian, another source of confusion is the English translation of the Bible. Subtle and specific meanings of Greek words (the native language of the New Testament) do not always carry over into the English translation. During the time of the first century church, the Mosaic covenant and the gospel connected with it is fading out (Heb. 8:13) and the New Covenant sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ is fading in. These events create a confusing "gray zone" where the transitions take place. God starts to shift salvation toward the Gentiles shortly after the day of Pentecost. This action required Him to set Israel aside--after thousands of years of interaction--for an undisclosed season of time called the Age of Grace (also known as the "Church-Age" and the "Fulness of the Gentiles"). We are living in the closing seconds of this age right now. The age of the Mosaic Law (based on a covenant sealed with the blood of animal sacrifices) was ending. Legally, it ended at the cross. It's practices completely ended with the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Romans in 70 A.D. Jesus said this would happen some 37 years earlier during his Olivet Discourse (Matt. Chapter 24). The Mosaic Law cannot properly operate without the Jewish temple. In other words, the Jewish gospel is ending and the Grace Gospel is beginning. But, the transition (about a generation in length) from one to the other was a painfully slow and confusing process because respected traditions, whether they are true or not, never disappear overnight.

The earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, the writings of the Jewish apostles and the epistles of Saint Paul occurred during this time of transition. I've noticed that Peter is the one Jewish apostle that gets caught between the authority of these two covenants. If you read between the lines, Peter is trapped in the uncomfortable position of being committed to the traditions of the Law, yet also understanding the truths of the Grace Gospel that did not depend on the works of that Law. This caused him to be misunderstood and persecuted by his own brethren who were Jewish (and also "saved") and continued to hold to the Law's traditions. Peter preached the Jewish gospel on the day of Pentecost--but God later gave him the task of essentially preaching the gospel to the Gentiles at Cornelius' house during the time Saint Paul was in "training" for his ministry. When you compare Peter's gospel message on the day of Pentecost with his gospel message at Cornelius' house--they are clearly not the same. Yet, the reason for this difference cannot be covered here in detail. The gospel message had to be different because the audiences were different--one audience is the "people of the Law" (the Jews) and the other is Gentile. Peter was the only Jewish apostle (out of the original 12 apostles) that God specifically commissioned to minister at Cornelius' house. Yet, we should understand that Peter's ministry here was a unique event. When God released Saint Paul, formally known as Saul of Tarsus, He transferred the ministry to the Gentiles exclusively to him. Peter did not join Paul in his unique ministry. This Godly calling fell squarely on Paul's shoulders. Galatians 2:7-9 tells us that Peter, James and John are called to minister to the circumcision (the Jews) while Paul and Barnabas are called to minister to the "heathen" (the uncircumcision). This Biblical reference is a "major key" in exposing the error of mixing Israel and Chruch. Proponents of replacement theology insist that "Peter's group" and "Paul's group" both preached the same gospel. Yet, an honest evaluation of what the Bible teaches here shows this belief to be false (covered later in this study). Among the Jewish apostles, Peter was probably Paul's greatest advocate because he understood the radical changes taking place.


The Right Gospel (Pt. 2)







Copyright © 2005 Rock of Offence
Most recent revision February 2005