A Look at the Mystery of the Body
Part 3A
By
Travis Bennett
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This is part three of a three part discussion on the reasons why I do not embrace a Pretribulational rapture theory. Part 3 will encompass a three part discussion (due to length of subject matter) on the Mystery of the Body. Once again, by necessity, this article incorporates many Scripture passages as well as references to Scriptures that the reader must examine to arrive at a complete understanding of the subject matter.
As a reminder, these articles are intended to present questions to those brethren that hold to a Pretribulational Rapture of the Church. A Dispensational Premillennial eschatological view holds to distinct separation of the peoples of God; necessitating divisions of Scripture, and the application of these divisions to these three distinct peoples. This article will begin to examine the Body of Christ and those that constitute that Body, and will attempt to prove that there is no distinct separation of those that constitute the Body of Christ proper.
The first group of people are called the "O. T. saints." That is to say every saint starting in Genesis and continuing to the death of Christ belongs in this group. The second group of people are called the "N. T. saints" or "Church saints." These derive their origin on the Day of Pentecost and continue until the translation (Rapture) of the "Church saints" from earth to the marriage supper of the Lamb. The third group termed "Tribulation saints" are those who are born again, after the rapture, during the tribulation period or the final seven years.
The division of the Body of Christ by dispensationalists is necessary from an eschatological standpoint by reason of the covenant distinctions maintained in the dispensational hermeneutical method of interpretation regarding the Church. If the Church (N. T. saints) and Israel (O. T. saints) are in the same body then there can be no pretribulational rapture of the Church by reason of default. The "Program for Israel" is dependent on the catching away of the Church. If the Body of Christ is all one combined group of saints, then the dealings God will impose on the nation of Israel in the form of judgment in the final seven years, will demand a posttribulational second coming. Dr. John F. Walvoord in his book The Rapture Question (p. 17-19) says,
In determining the question of whether "the Church" will go through the tribulation, a most important factor is the definition of the term "Church." It is characteristic of Posttribulationism to assume, usually without any proof whatever, that the word "Church" is an all inclusive term which is synonymous with the terms "elect" and "saints" (italics mine).
In brief they hold that saints of all past, present, and future ages are included in the church. This definition makes impossible any other view than the posttribulational concept. All parties agree that there are saints in the tribulation, and that even during this time of unprecedented trouble, many will turn to Christ for salvation. If these believers in the tribulation are properly described as members of the church, it leads inevitably to the conclusion that the church will go through the tribulation. It is therefore not to much to say that the rapture question is determined more by ecclesiology (the doctrine of the church) than eschatology (the doctrine of end time events).
From this quote it would seem obvious that my next few articles must prove the continuity of the Body of Christ as it relates to ecclesiology and a posttribulational eschatology. In the upcoming months, I will attempt to set forth a posttribulational view of the Church that will avail the heart and mind of the individual who will consider the information presented. At the outset, I make no apology for my views concerning this most important subject. I, like those who oppose me in this matter, denounce their view the same way as they would without hesitation denounce mine. Nevertheless, it is incumbent that the truth be served; we both seek to serve God with a clear conscience. I however hope that they will weigh the issue carefully, and prayerfully consider the matter. May God alone be glorified.
Understanding the Mystery:
Our inquiry begins with the understanding of mystery. That is to say, first, that which is in hiding until it is fully brought to view, and second, the reasoning as to why it has been kept in hiding. When you or I think of some type of mystery we might imagine something that has no real answer or that which has not yet been revealed. Both of these ideas are correct outside of the Scripture. However we in our present, less than glorified state, do not possess all knowledge. Some things are still mysterious; but everything is known of God. True mystery does exist, but it exists to be revealed. God is most glorified when His truth is employed in our understanding for the good of His kingdom’s purpose and plan. However, just because we do not understand now, does not mean that these truths will always remain veiled to our understanding. Consider at this point the great strides the theological world has made in the history of the Christian Church. The shelves of libraries all over the world are packed with the insights and illuminations of those whom God has raised up to deliver His truth.
Before we proceed, I want it to be understood that when I speak of the hidden "O. T. saints," or, the called out ones, elect, etc. (whatever term one chooses to employ) of God, I believe we are looking at the Body of Christ in that particular age. When we come to the N. T., that which was hidden is simply coming to light, and with great purpose. But both are the Body of Christ. Just because the word Church is not stamped on it does not negate the makeup as being those in Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4; Rom. 8:29-30). I do not believe that the Church has its inception on the day of Pentecost for rather obvious reasons. With this understanding in place, let us proceed to look at the mystery.
An example of the mystery as groundwork for the reason of mystery:
The purpose of the continual N. T. admonition to watch for the Second coming of our Lord from glory has its roots in a mystery that was foretold in the O. T. and then purposely hidden. The history of this mystery can be seen in the many prophetic passages, which purposely speak of the Messiah’s first coming (See examples: Gen. 3:15, Deut. 18:15, 18, Micah 5:2, Isa. 7:14, 9:1-7, 11:1-5, Ps. 45:1, 61:1-2, Jer. 31:15, Judges 13:5, etc.). This first coming of the "Messiah" was very clearly foretold. God clearly foretold of the Messiah’s first coming in over three hundred prophetic passages.
Consider Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, and Psalm 69. From these we get a picture of the Messiah’s purpose that is unparalleled in all of Scripture. These make up what scholars have come to term as the "Suffering Servant" passages. They describe clearly the work of redemption through the substitutionary work of the Savior as the Lamb of God. Have you ever seen so clear a statement concerning substitutionary atonement in progress? All foretold and in plain view, and yet, all were hidden.
By calling your attention to the aforementioned O. T. passages that deal with the first advent of Christ, the stage is now set to list some of the O. T. passages that prophecy the second advent of Christ (See examples: Zech. 12:10-14, Dan. 7:13-14, Jer. 23:5-6, Isa. 12, 13, 63:1-6, Joel, 3:12-16).
These texts are painting the picture of the returning "King" and the righteous reign He deals out when He returns to rule all nations with a rod of iron (Rev. 19:15). In these two advents of the Messiah to the nation of Israel as Suffering Servant and Lord and King, there is contained a glorious and yet mysterious understanding of the reason why the Gospel is understood the way it is today. I hope you can begin to see from these passages the relevance of the mystery and the role it played and still plays in the Scripture. Without this veil the issue under consideration would find our Lord coming in a different manner (theoretically). This is to say that without the mysterious nature of both His comings, such issues as reprobation, genuine blood-guiltiness, genuine holiness, and genuine election, to name just a few, would have been compromised. The question at this point becomes one of "who would have killed their Messiah if in fact they knew He was their Messiah?"
Consider 1 Corinthians 2:6-8,
6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Need the Scriptures scream out any louder at this point? The mystery is a very necessary part of our understanding this issue. Paul makes it evident that the communication of the mystery is a God ordained event that has been hidden until the death of Messiah. Why, because they (the princes) would have never brought such destruction upon themselves apart from the hidden nature of the issue. They could not see because sin covered the eyes of their understanding.
Why didn’t they see that Which was hidden?
For the Jews in the time of Christ not to have reckoned the fulfillment of such prophecy is to us most unbelievable. How could they not see it? It is spoken of so often and in such great detail. What a problem! God chooses a people and foretells them what will happen in detail and then hides it from them. He spends much time rehearsing the issue of the coming Deliverer, and the salvation He will purchase and uncover, then He blinds the hearers and readers, the very ones He is in covenant with. The question that echoes again and again and again from the pages of your Bible is, Why?
The glorious mystery of the Body of Christ is not something new but rather something uniquely hidden. That God would bring salvation to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8) is indeed a great mystery to the mind of the Jew, and likewise, to us. We don’t deserve it! Do you remember the shock of Peter, while in a trance in a time of prayer, God supernaturally showed him the vision of the four footed beasts, declared to be clean by reason of God’s choice? What about his companions and their astonishment of Gentiles being allowed to partake of the Salvation which was only thought to be for the natural Israelite (Acts 10)? What makes this encounter even more unbelievable is Peters words in verse 42-45;
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
When is the issue of the Body of Christ brought to bear more plainly in the Scripture than this? Notice what Peter said; "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." What Prophets gave witness to the Gentile’s ("whosoever believeth")? When would this happen and what would they be "born into"? These questions and issues strike at the heart of the conflict. Part of the question is answered by the Lord in John chapter 3. Consider our own Savior’s words to the shadowy night inquirer Nicodemus. John 3:1-12;
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
Do you not see Nicodemus’ dilemma? How can he understand that which requires a revelation apart from that revelation being unveiled in his mind by the Spirit; or how can this mystery be solved in his thinking apart from some light being turned on which will illuminate it? This is a serious problem for this "Pharisee, and master of Israel." This is the problem I would like to bring to your attention, the issue of the New Birth. According to dispensationalist, Nicodemus is on the wrong side of the Cross. He is still on Jewish ground! Why then would Jesus rebuke a teacher of Israel about a lack of knowledge concerning something he wasn’t supposed to know? Or, was he? Was this understanding of salvation lacking in all the people of Christ’s time? No, it was not! Note the events surrounding Simeon, Anna, and John the Baptist. To our Lord the issue of the New Birth was not something "new" but rather something that had been going on since the regeneration of Adam! He even details the intricacies of His salvation, by drawing word pictures and through historical witness. Jesus paints Nicodemus a panorama of His work then and now. Using the analogy of the Spirit and the wind and the picture of childbirth to represent the New Birth, He draws attention to the sovereignty of God. He even explains the differing earthly (general) and heavenly understanding (specific).
The Savior details His explanation and role in the plan by drawing from the O. T. type we find in Numbers 21. In this passage, the sin of the people had caused the Lord to castigate them with fiery serpents; there was no way of escape apart from a miracle cure. The people realized, repented and confessed their sin to Moses. Only then did the Lord gave instruction to Moses to place the bronze serpent upon the pole; and all that were dying could look upon the propitiation provided by the Lord, through faith, and live. We call this a shadow or type. It typifies a hidden truth concerning the way in which our salvation was to be wrought in the flesh of the Savior as He hung upon the cross, destroying the sting of the serpent. I wanted to point this out to show the hidden mystery of this text. The foretold O. T. mystery has been at work all along to the glory of God.
Where was this New Birth happening if not in the whole of the O. T.? For that matter, what was this new birth placing these converts into, if not the Body of Christ? Clearly, what Peter was speaking of earlier, was being explained by the Savior in this encounter with a religious representative (Nicodemus) of Israel. Of necessity then, we are constrained by this text to consider this as evidence that demands our attention. So where did it all start and what constitutes the Body of Christ apart from a dispensational pretribulational hermeneutic?
We began with the idea of a hidden mystery and the issues it brings to the table. Now then, is hidden truth of necessity a mystery? Matthew chapter 16 was an illumination to the disciples as to the hidden things of the Pharisees as well as for Simon Peter. This type of encounter is given to disclose the source and reason for the mystery. How appropriate that Peter is the one witnessing the need for this type of understanding. This is to say that, this type of encounter with God is necessary to see that which to us is hidden and mysterious. We, in and of ourselves, do not have the ability to understand hidden things apart from the Spirit of God showing us (1 Cor. 2:10-12). Other disciples had made the confession of Christ’s lordship prior to Matthew 16 (Andrew, Jn. 1:40, Nathanael, Jn. 1:49) but the difference is one of quality, that is, it was birthed by God. This revelation alone, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," is a picture of what is coming into view by the understanding of the mystery? The N. T. Church will be founded on the articulation of what has been mysteriously hidden but working all the while. This confession of the Savior’s lordship will be the catalyst that gives witness to the rest of the Gentile world. Not that God will start a totally new Body based upon this confession. No, rather the Rock already existed ("upon this rock I will build My Church"). God is simply building on the full expression of it in the incarnate Son of the living God as it is born in the full revelation of that which was hidden until the plan of God was brought to fulfillment at the Cross. Can you see it?
The reason for the hiding?
We must now investigate as to the matter of "why the hiding" or the "reasons for the hiding." Bear in mind that when God hides something, it is always for a greater portion of His glory to be made manifest when He chooses to show Himself again. Consider the following texts as proof for the issue of God’s hiding. Notice also that the hiding is always the result of sin committed against Him.
Deut 31:16-21;
16 And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them. 17 Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them; so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us? 18 And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods. 19 Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. 20 For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant. 21 And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware.
Deut 32:17-21;
17 They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. 18 Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. 19 And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters. 20 And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. 21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
Supporting the fact that the mystery still existed during the time of Christ and after His death, burial and resurrection, note the following N. T. verses:
John 12:36-40;
36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. 37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: 38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? 39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
Matt 13:10-17;
10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Acts 28:24-29;
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. 25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, 26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. 29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
Rom 11:7-15;
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. 11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? 13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
(Also see: Matt. 11:25-27, Mk. 4:3-34, Mk. 6:52, Mk. 7:14-19, Mk. 8:14-21, Mk. 9:9, Lk. 9:43-45, Lk. 10:21-24, Lk. 19:42, Jn. 3:27, Jn. 12:37-38 these are just a few). The truth that is contained in this blindness, is the environment which creates the mystery. Throughout the pages of the O. T. we find such a picture painted shrouded in the word of God that plainly spells out this mystery.
The obvious question that arises then is why didn’t they see it? After all, did not God plainly spelled it out for them? A dear brother who has gone to be with the Lord, Craig Morton, used to say, "Do you suppose you could find God if He were hiding from you?" This is a humbling observation that lays low the arrogance of the so called self-learned thinkers who are by reason of this blindness, blind to their own blindness! The reason for this blindness has great purpose. The first of which as we have already seen seems simple enough. The Jews would have never killed their Messiah if they would have known who He was. The second is somewhat more complex because it deals with the transference of the kingdom for the purpose of reflection. This subject will be broached in next month’s issue of the Baptist Trumpeter in Part 3B of "Posttribulational Questions for Pretribulational Brethren: The Mystery of the Body."
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