election of works and of grace

election of works

election of grace

Romans 11:1-10 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 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. 7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace
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
What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for
but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

Introduction to Election of Works

Contrary to the Evidence

Of all the evidence presented otherwise in the scriptures, it is virtually impossible to believe that there are those who vehemently refute any idea that ‘works’ EVER played a role in one’s justification. This is basically due to the inability to rightly divide the word of truth in not being able to keep, within context, such passages as John 3:16, Gal 2:16 and Eph 2:8-9. Before moving onward in this subject, we’ll give an example that forces investigation into distinction, being made by Paul, in writing… “And if by grace, then is it no more of works.”

Acts 18:24-28 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. 27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: 28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus
This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly
And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace
For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ

Who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace…

Here we have an account of a disciple of John the Baptist, who justified God, as others had in being baptized by John the Baptist (Lk 7:29). Apollos, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, was found speaking boldly in a synagogue at Ephesus, by co-workers of Paul, Aquila and Priscilla. Though teaching diligently, the things of the Lord, he knew only the baptism of John. John's focus was on the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins, in presenting the kingdom of heaven at hand. Apollos, after being taken aside by Aquila and Priscilla, who presented the ‘way of God more perfectly’, later helped those in Achaia which had believed through grace!

‘Believing’, is an essential component of both those who are justified either ‘by faith’ or ‘through faith’ and thus, applicable in John 3:16, regardless of which!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son
that whosoever believeth (‘by faith’ or ‘through faith’) in him should not perish
but have everlasting life

'By Faith' From the Beginning

Mankind was created to have a ‘by faith’ relationship to their creator. A select group of angels had already fallen from God’s grace and mankind followed in same footsteps continuing on a downhill slide which led to the flood. Noah picked up the ball, on this side of the flood, becoming the new heir of the righteousness which is ‘by faith’. Once again, mankind traveled a slippery slope away from God as depicted by Paul in Romans 1. God then steps in to carry out a next phase of the seed plot (Gen 3:14-15), that would eventually end the curse brought on by Satan and man’s faithlessness in the garden.

God covenanted a people and a land to a man living ‘by faith’; Abraham. Though faithful obedience was already a criterion, in living ‘by faith’, God attempted to reign in man’s nature by targeting Abraham’s covenanted people. Though a covenant of circumcision, had already become a mandatory physical identifier of Abraham’s seed, God took it even a step further.

How would a righteous God convey His righteous tendencies to the human race that no doubt would eventually end up the same as that on the other side of the flood? Continuing to fulfill promises made to Abraham and his seed, the Lord established a covenant with Israel, through Moses, after Israel’s deliverance from Egypt.

Here, we must make perfect distinction between the covenant(s), God established with Abraham from, that which He established with Israel, through Moses.

The Abrahamic Covenant, covenanted for a seed and a land for that seed. The Covenant of Circumcision dictated who was part of and remained within that covenanted seed. The Mosaic Covenant, of do’s and don’ts, reflecting the righteousness of God, dictated as to whether this covenanted people got to remain in the land covenanted to Abraham’s seed.

John 3:16 B

The Mosaic Covenant

The Big 'if'

A nation’s survival, to remain in God’s favor within a covenanted land, was now determined under an election of works!

Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God
and wilt do that which is right in his sight
and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes
I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians

Exodus 18:19-20 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: 20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws
and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk
and the work that they must do

Exodus 19:1-8 In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount. 3 And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; 4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. 5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. 7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him. 8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine
And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel
And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him
And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD

Deuteronomy 6:1-7 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: 2 That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. 3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it
That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged
Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children

Deuteronomy 6:23-25 And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. 24 And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. 25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.

And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers
And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day
And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us

First, ‘if’ was a key element in the establishment of this covenant between the LORD and Israel through Moses! Second, a diligent obedience to the commandments, statutes, and the judgments literally became the righteousness of God to these people… “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.” Romans 10:4-5

Root of the Problem

Lack of Faithful Diligence

Before turning attention to that transition from Israel’s election of works, to a remnant of Israel being justified via the election of grace, we need to look at the real cause of Israel’s failure under that election of works. What MUST be understood are the obstacles that John the Baptist, Jesus and His disciples faced, during their ministries, in presenting the kingdom of heaven at hand.

As pointed out and emphasized elsewhere, within this Theme Study, under the OT imputed righteousness was via faithful obedience. Deuteronomy 6 supports the true definition of the circumcision being justified ‘by faith’, under the Mosaic Covenant. In defining justification ‘by faith’, under the Mosaic Covenant, verses 1-7 CANNOT and MUST NOT be separated from verses 23-25! Exhortation given to… ‘loving the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might’, coupled with diligence in obedience to the commandments, are the elements of justification ‘by faith’, under the Mosaic Covenant.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

But without faith it is impossible to please him
he that cometh to God must believe that he is
and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him

By now, it should be obvious that one cannot dismiss the role that the commandments played in achieving the righteousness of God under the Mosaic Covenant. This then leads to question as to what happened when Israel dismissed the ‘loving God’ and ‘diligent’ aspects?

Isaiah 1:9-19 Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. 10 Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. 11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. 12 When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? 13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. 14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. 15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. 16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; 17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me?
When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?
Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting
Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them
And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil
Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool

A serious lesson to be learned from this is what happens when one cannot discern between justification ‘by faith’, from that of justification ‘through faith’? In particular, not discerning the components that made up imputed righteousness under the Mosaic Covenant! The end result is contradiction and confusion, in trying to force basics of justification ‘through faith’, into OT passages that just obviously, on the surface, don’t fit the pattern. A good exercise, on the part of the reader to prove this, is to try applying Romans 10:4-10 and Ephesians 2:8-9 to the OT passages gone over so far in this chapter!

Laying the Stage for the Kingdom of Heaven

The Walk That Didn't Match the Talk

God’s blessings on His chosen people, while in the promised land and under the Mosaic Covenant, was determined on Israel’s faithful obedience. If and when she strayed from God’s call, there was a return policy already in place… repentance from that path she strayed.

John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Lord Jesus Christ, preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, in proclaiming the kingdom of heaven at hand. Both John and Jesus were particularly hard on the Pharisees and Sadducees at that time and for good reasons.

Matthew 3:1-10 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand
Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father
now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire

Matthew 23:1-39 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. 13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. 14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. 15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. 16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! 17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? 18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. 19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? 20 Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. 21 And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. 22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. 23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. 25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, 30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. 31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. 32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. 33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? 34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: 35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. 36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. 37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! 38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. 39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity
And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar
Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord

The scribes and the Pharisees, who sat in Moses' seat, had the correct message, but their walk didn’t match their talk!

Impending judgement was to fall upon this generation in payment of past and present rebellion. No longer did a self-identification to Abraham satisfy God… “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father”.

The Fall of Israel's Rise

Three Strikes & Out

Up to this point, I’ve been proving that Israel’s existence was an election of works. From the mandated initiation of circumcision, the law’s imputation of sin and its manifestation of the righteousness of God, the Mosaic Covenant demanded faithful obedience.

From this point forward, we’ll focus on that transitioning, from Israel’s election of works, to a remnant of Israel justified under the election of grace.

Strike One - Beheading of John the Baptist

Though not directly responsible for the death of John the Baptist, the Lord Jesus laid blame, on that generation, for their hypocrisy and rejection of John… “But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.”

Luke 7:24-35 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. 26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. 27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. 29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. 31 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? 32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. 34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! 35 But wisdom is justified of all her children.

he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see?
Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist
And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John
But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him
Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?
For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil

Strike Two - The Crucifixion of Christ

Blame could be given all around for those (including us) that were responsible for the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, on the day of Pentecost, Peter put direct blame on the house of Israel.

Even in spite of Peter’s accusation of Israel having crucified the Lord Jesus Christ, the kingdom offer still stood, with the promise return of the Lord if met with proper response. As always, demands were put in place being repentance and baptism for the remission of sins.

Acts 2:36-40 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 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. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
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
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation

Acts 3:19-21 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord
And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you

As under the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus with His disciple, Jesus and the kingdom offer were once again being preached to Israel.

It is important to note here that although 3,000 responded to Peter’s message, on the day of Pentecost, as many more afterwards, ‘all’ the house of Israel was being held responsible to this call to repentance! In other words, the entire nation is being called to repentance.

Before turning attention to a third strike, in Israel's response to the kingdom gospel, we're going to deal with a misnomer that definitely influences one's interpretation of outreach to Gentiles.

...to all that are afar off

An unscriptural interpretation of those represented in the phrase, ‘and to all that are afar off’, hides the correct sequence of events, that the Apostles understood, as to how and when the kingdom of heaven would be reestablished to the nation of Israel. Remember, the 12 Apostles had high stakes in the setup of this kingdom… “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19:28

ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones
judging the twelve tribes of Israel

Just how far did the Apostles expect to get in carrying out their commission, before the return of the Lord, to set up this earthly kingdom of heaven?

Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come

At this stage of events, the Apostles understood that the children must first be fed and… “Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.” Acts 3:25-26

Unto you to first…

Why did Peter seem so perplexed at the request of God to visit the Gentile household of Cornelius in Acts 10? If Peter understood the so-called ‘Great Commission’ (Mt 28:18-20), as proclaimed by most in the denominational system today, this shouldn’t have been a surprise visit?

The exact reason that Peter’s vision to visit the household of Cornelius, being a surprise, was because it was his current understanding that further outreach, to the Gentile, wouldn’t occur until after the return of Christ! It would be then that not only would Israel be liberated from her enemies, but she would once again function as a kingdom of Priests (1Pet 2:9-12).

So then, who are the ‘to all that are afar off’? Within proper context, the Old Testament clearly defines this group of people!

Deuteronomy 29:13-15 That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 14 Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath; 15 But with him that standeth here with us this day before the LORD our God, and also with him that is not here with us this day: That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself

Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath
But with him that standeth here with us this day before the LORD our God
and also with him that is not here with us this day

Ezekiel 11:15-17 Son of man, thy brethren, even thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel wholly, are they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from the LORD: unto us is this land given in possession. 16 Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come. 17 Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.

and all the house of Israel wholly
Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come
I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel

Daniel 9:7 O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.

to the men of Judah
and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem
and unto all Israel
that are near
and that are far off
through all the countries whither thou hast driven them

Acts 2:5-11 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven
the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language
we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God

Proof that the Apostles were consistent to their understanding as to who the ‘afar off’ where is that those who were scattered abroad, upon the persecution that came about Stephen, preached the word to none, but unto the Jews only! However, the Apostles remained at Jerusalem after Stephen’s death!

Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch
preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only

Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria
except the apostles

A HUGE Doctrinal Miscalculation

A HUGE doctrinal mistake is made in making the ‘all that are afar off’, in this context, Gentiles!

The following contrast, of the usage of ‘afar off’, clearly shows the context in which the phrases are used, and in particular, regarding converted non-covenanted Gentiles.

all that are afar off B

Gentiles that were far off B

To All That Are Afar Off

To Them That Were Nigh

Acts 3:25-26 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. 26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly
For the promise is unto you
and to your children
and to all that are afar off
even as many as the Lord our God shall call
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out
And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you
Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers
Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities

Ye Who Sometimes Were Far Off

To You Which Were Afar Off

Ephesians 2:8-17 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off
and to them that were nigh

In context, those who are ‘afar off’, mentioned by Peter, relates solely to distance concerning those, who are of the house of Israel, scattered abroad. Those who are ‘afar off’, mentioned by Paul, relates to Gentiles being outside the covenant promises made to Israel, who are also identified by Paul as... ‘them that were nigh’.

Trying to force Gentiles into the context of Acts 2 & 3, are the same group of people today that believe and teach they are fulfilling the so-called, ‘Great Commission’. Other controversies are created, in not making these distinctions, that are reliant on rightly dividing the word of truth. The non-covenanted Gentile ISN’T in the context of the early Acts’ period!

Strike Three – The Stoning of Stephen

A third strike came against Israel at the stoning of Stephen, when he was presented to the high priest at Jerusalem, after being set up by false witlessness originating at a synagogue (Acts 6:9).

Acts 7:51-60 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. 54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye
When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth
But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God
And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit

There are 3 key points to note in this passage. The first being that of Stephen’s accusation of Israel now resisting the Holy Ghost. The second is the Lord Jesus standing at the right hand of God. The third point relates to who is witness to Stephen’s stoning; Saul.

1. The Unpardonable Sin

Mark 3:28-29 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: 29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme
But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness

Paul actually fits under the category of one who blasphemed… “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” 1 Timothy 1:13

Jesus actually pleaded for forgiveness, on behalf of those who crucified him, based on their ignorance… “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” Luke 23:34

The scenario has now changed and after resistance of the Holy Ghost, there was nothing left but the prophesied wrath of God… “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:11-12

he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire
but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire

2. Jesus Standing at the Right Hand of God

A common and heartwarming interpretation, of Jesus standing at the right hand of God at the stoning of Stephen, is that Jesus greets all His children at death.

Doctrinally, being reminded of the promise of Christ’s return upon Israel’s repentance, the more feasible explanation is that it is at least symbolic of that promise, whether He returned then or after certain other prophesied events… “Repent ye therefore, and be converted… And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:” Acts 3:19-20

3. A Witness to Stephen’s Stoning

This third point begins to bring closure to this segment on Israel’s election via works.

In Peter’s second epistle, written to Jewish believers, he had to bring them up-to-date regarding ‘present truth’, in giving explanation as to why the Lord had not yet come as prophesied.

2 Peter 1:12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

and be established in the present truth

2 Peter 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

And saying, Where is the promise of his coming?

2 Peter 3:9-10 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night

… but is longsuffering to us-ward…

The beginning, of the longsuffering of God, marks the near end of that Israel which was via an election of works; a justification that was ‘by faith’.

In understanding the transition that was about to take place, from an Israel via the election of works, to an Israel (Jew) via the election of grace, one must know the origin of the ‘longsuffering’ of God.

election of grace

Romans 11:1-10 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

I say then, Hath God cast away his people?
God forbid
For I also am an Israelite

…For I also am an Israelite

Introduction to Election of Grace

Paul’s Encounter with the Risen Lord

Paul’s encounter with the Lord Jesus is the most unique conversion recorded in the scriptures. As spectacular as the conversion of the thief on the cross was, at least the thief had time to recognize the condition he was in… “…we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss." Luke 23:41

1 Timothy 1:12-16 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief

This isn’t the first time we’re told that Jesus came into the world to save sinners…

Mark 2:16-17 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? 17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance

Here is the first of two accounts, found in Acts, recorded of Paul’s conversion experience. This will be followed in discerning between two distinct groups of sinners.

Acts 8:1-3 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

And Saul was consenting unto his death
As for Saul, he made havock of the church

Acts 9:1-6 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do

Acts 9:10-15 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 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:

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem
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

Before listing the series of events transitioning from Israel’s election of works, to a remnant of Israel via grace, it is essential to contrast a HUGE difference between Paul’s conversion and those converted under the ministries of John the Baptist, Jesus and His Apostles.

Difference Between the Two Elections’ Conversions

The Jew was called upon to confess sins, repent and bring forth fruits worthy of repentance… “Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” Luke 3:7-8 Though submitting to the demands of the risen Lord and Ananias, protocol was broken with Paul! Instead of being subjected to the wrath of God, the risen Lord had other plans for Paul… “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thessalonians 1:10

Paul became recipient, of the grace of God, beginning a pattern of ‘longsuffering’ to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting!

1 Timothy 1:15-16 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy
that in me first
Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering
for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting

Paul, being the ‘first’ of the ‘longsuffering’ of God, marks a definite transitioning from an Israel, via an election of works, to a Jew to be justified by an election of grace.

With Paul’s conversion, we see drastic contrast in how repentance and works are dealt with. Record of Paul’s remorse, over his sin nature, is after that of his experience with the risen Lord (Rom 7). The whole ‘works’ related issue, presented in his epistles, is what follows and not what precedes justification… “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”! Ephesians 2:10

The Prophesied Mystery

In offering the kingdom to Israel, in fulfillment of covenant promises, John the Baptist and Jesus’ Apostles preached Jesus according to prophecy, to an election of Israel still being justified ‘by faith’. Paul’s gospel, elements found in and backed up by prophecy, was the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, to be made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. Paul's gospel would now include the Jew being justified ‘through faith’ which is ‘of faith’!

Romans 16:25-26 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began
But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith

Focus now will be on that transitioning phase, in Israel’s fall from works, to grace. As peculiar and backwards the preceding sentence sounds, in reality, this is one way to look at it!

Election of Grace

Israel’s Transitioning from Works to Grace

Here are the series of events leading from an election of Israel, still being justified via an election of works, to a remnant by grace without works preceding.

Israel's Election of Works to an Election of Grace

[Acts 7] – Israel blasphemes the Holy Ghost and stones Stephen with Jesus standing at the right hand of God and Saul as witness (7:56-8:1).

[Acts 8] – Persecuted Jews scattered throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria except the Apostles who remained in Jerusalem (8:1).

[Acts 9] – Saul’s conversion and commission.

[Acts 10 & 11] – Peter’s surprise call to the Gentile household of Cornelius, living 'by faith', that received the baptism of the Holy Ghost before baptism with water (10:28, 44-48). Jews are still only being preached to (11:19).

[Acts 12] – Barnabas and Saul return from Jerusalem fulfilling their ministry of contributing to the needs of the Jewish brethren (11:30; 12:25).

[Acts 13 & 14] – Barnabas and Saul were separated unto the work in which they were called by the Holy Ghost, in opening up the ‘door of faith’ unto the Gentiles. Saul is now referred to as Paul and a false prophet, a Jew named Bar-jesus, is blinded for a season for trying to turn away a Gentile from hearing the word of God (13:2; 14:26-27).

[Acts 15] – At the council in Jerusalem, Peter recognizes that God would be saving Jews, just as he was Gentiles, through Paul’s gospel of grace which was ‘of faith’… “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” Acts 15:11

Acts 15, definitely indicates that a remnant of Israel (Jews) were now being saved via the election of grace, without works, as being recognized by Peter. Though focus is on Paul’s ministry to the Gentile, after Acts 13, in opening up the door of faith to the Gentile, Paul was proclaiming the message of grace first to the Jew in the synagogues! Paul’s initial outreach to Gentiles were to those who were hovering in and around the synagogues, that are said to have ‘feared God’!

Men of Israel & Ye That Fear God

Acts 13:16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

Men of Israel
and ye that fear God
give audience

Acts 13:26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

Men and brethren
children of the stock of Abraham
and whosoever among you feareth God

Acts 13:42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.

And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue
the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ
for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth
to the Jew first
and also to the Greek

It must also be recognized that although Peter concedes to this transitioning, there was still a focus on each’s part between Peter and Paul… “And when James, Cephas, 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; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.” Galatians 2:9

when James, Cephas, and John... perceived the grace that was given unto me
they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship
that we should go unto the heathen
and they unto the circumcision

A Remnant’s Election Via Grace

Romans 11:1-7 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 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. 7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.

What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for
but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

The Election Hath Obtained It

‘All’ Israel was called upon to repent in setting up for the return of the Lord Jesus to establish His kingdom on earth. This wasn’t the only thing held in the balance! What was it that ‘he seeketh for’ and ‘the rest were blinded’?

Acts 3:19-20 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord
And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you

…that your sins may be blotted out

Here it is essential to understand why the priesthood was set up under the Mosaic Covenant! As to what the law has now declared to be sin and sins, had to be dealt with on both personal and national levels. It must be reminded of a certain principle and who now is responsible in carrying it out… “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” Hebrews 9:22

Five Illustrations follow:

A. The days of her purifying

Leviticus 12:6-8 And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: 7 Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female. 8 And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.

when the days of her purifying are fulfilled
for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest
Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her
and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood
and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean

B. The Law of the Leper

Leviticus 14:1-7 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest: 3 And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper; 4 Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop: 5 And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water: 6 As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water: 7 And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.

This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest
And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water
And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times,
and shall pronounce him clean

In understanding how the priesthood functioned under the Mosaic Covenant, it was the role of the priest to mediate in the reconciliation affairs between the people and God. The priest himself was also subject to rites of reconciliation. Not only did the priest play a role in the offering of sacrifices, but also in the declaration of one being cleansed!

In Leviticus 16, we see how this played out, on the Day of Atonement, in dealing with the sins of the people.

C. Israel's National Cleansing of Sins

Leviticus 16:3 Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering…5 And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.6 And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house… 16 And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness… 21-22 And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: 22 And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness… 30 For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD… 16:33-34 And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation. 34 And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the LORD commanded Moses.

Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering
And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house
And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins
and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness
And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness
For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD
And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation
And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year

If one pays close attention, it would be noticed that the confessing of sins, in behalf of the people, is restricted to the inhabitants of the congregation. Why is this important to note? Because this confessing of sins and offering of sacrifices didn’t include either the surrounding nations or those Israelites, who were excommunicated from the congregation, because of certain sins committed… “And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:39

D. Jesus’ Cleansing of the Leper

Keeping in mind the role of Jesus in becoming a High Priest (Heb 3:1), we see these principles practiced in the life of Jesus during His earthly ministry.

Luke 5:12-14 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 13 And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. 14 And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean
he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean
he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them

Jesus instructed the man full of leprosy, after being healed, to shew himself to the priest and offer for his cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. This can only be understood in light of the function that the priesthood was to serve, to the nation of Israel, under the Mosaic Covenant. Up until to the Mosaic Covenant, fathers of households functioned in the role of a priest, as demonstrated in the life of Job, who probably lived in a timeline between Abraham and Moses… “And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.” Job 1:5

and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all
for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts
Thus did Job continually

E. The Kingdom Priest Ministries of the Apostles

John 20:22-23 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them
and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained

This priest-like function is seen in the early Acts period, during the offering of the kingdom to Israel, leading way to the establishment of the New Covenant with Israel.

that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord

Hebrews 8:10-13 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: 11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days
I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people
And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more
In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away

Bible-sense makes it obvious that above passage in Hebrews cannot and does not fit this present age. Covenanted promises made to Israel, that originated under an election of works, remains in limbo until the fulfillment and establishment of the New Covenant with Israel at the return of Christ.

There’s one other important point to be made before closure on this subject. In each of the five illustrations given, there is a time frame, however so little or much, that existed in which a cleansing had actually occurred before being declared as such! The Leper was technically clean before ever reaching the priest, to then recognize such! Contrast this with Paul’s statement regarding those who are justified ‘through faith’, which is ‘of faith’…

Romans 3:21-28 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law

What was it that ‘he seeketh for’ and ‘the rest were blinded’?

Romans 3:24-25 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood
to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God

Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us
being now justified by his blood...

What was it? Forgiveness of sins!

Hath God cast away his people? God forbid.

The rejection of John the Baptist, the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ and resisting the Holy Ghost prohibited the setup of the kingdom under Israel, in fulfillment of covenant promises, at that time.

Paul gave examples, including himself, of those who God reserved down through Israel’s rocky past. Deduction made that even then, though Israel failed under the election of works, the longsuffering of God included an election of Israel (Jews) that received forgiveness of sins via the election of grace without works.

Romans 11:5-7 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 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. 7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace
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

(election of works) Top