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Two Gospels?
| Most people think the
New Testament has only one gospel because they see from the book of
Matthew through Revelation one continuous description of the church.
The thought that there could be a division is almost reflexively seen
as heresy. If we consider the word gospel, we see it simply means good
news. The woman who found the penny (Luke 15:9) and told her neighbors
who shared her “good news”.
The first good news was that Jesus came in fulfillment of prophecy to
offer the earthly kingdom to the nation of Israel. This is called the
kingdom gospel. This kingdom would require a faithful remnant of Israel
to be supernaturally changed by God to have the law written in their
hearts (Jer 31:33, Ezk 36:25-27). The first covenant with Israel at Mt.
Sinai required the agreement of the nation. The offer of the new
covenant was not accepted by the nation. It will be offered again to
Israel at the end of the tribulation and finally be accepted by Israel.
The second good news was what was given to the apostle Paul who was
called to be an apostle to the gentiles after Stephen was stoned to
death. The killing of Stephen seemed to prove that Israel was not
interested in what Jesus had to offer. There was a theoretical
possibility that Israel could still respond to the kingdom gospel until
the destruction of the temple. During this overlap period there were
two gospels being offered.
But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision
was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto
Peter; - Galatians 2:7
The desire to think that everything in the New Testament applies to us
today can be strong. However, trying to lump everything together can
cause problems. The kingdom gospel requires Christ to return to set up
the earthly kingdom. The grace gospel provides salvation upon belief
and being placed into the body of Christ and seated with him in his
heavenly kingdom. The kingdom gospel is for Israel (the circumcision).
It requires keeping the law and salvation is obtained at resurrection.
the grace gospel is for both Jew and gentile. Salvation is obtained by
faith and at the time of faith.
There is some overlap between the two gospels such as both require
faith. The kingdom gospel requires faith that Jesus is the Messiah. The
grace gospel requires faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of
Jesus in payment for sins. Both are supposed to produce unity among
believers. The Holy Spirit works in both groups, but in different ways
(falling upon in the kingdom gospel and indwelling in the grace gospel.
Paul calls the grace gospel “his” gospel because he was the first one
(1Tim 1:16) saved by it and because he was called to “dispense” it (Eph
3:2). |
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