Is There Really a Difference Among Believers
Is there a difference between the Believer who goes to Church every Sunday and the one who doesn't? What about the believers who believe in water baptism and those who don't? Are we confused as a Christian population? Why all the different brands? What difference is there really among believer? Let us look at the Word of God for our answers.
With this in mind consider that there is a higher calling spoke of in Philipians and that is what I would like to take a look at here in eight simple ways.
The church of the "Dispensation of the Mystery" is different from all other callings in several respects. We should take note of the different aspects and study to show ourselves approved.
1. They are a chosen out people without regard to any racial or national distinctions (Ephesians 1:4). They are chosen in Christ. They are believers chosen out a great many believers for a specific purpose. Remember that although Israel was a chosen nation, they were not the only ones who were believers.
2. The only people whose sphere of blessing is anywhere but on this earth (Ephesians 1:3). They are blest in Christ (not Abraham) in heavenly places (not the earth). Therefore they do not have part in the millennial
3. The time of the choosing and the purpose of this group is unique. It is from before the overthrow (Ephesians 1:4). No other family of God has this time factor. This puts the church in line to partake of a promise of eternal life made in Christ before the ages began (Ephesians 3:6; 2 Timothy 1:1; Titus 1:2).
4. It is a people that are placed as sons (adoption) according to predetermination (Ephesians 1:5). And this position is by Jesus Christ. Again there are no racial or national distinctions in this matter as was with Israel.
5. A family name that is used of none other. This is a body of which Christ is the Head (Ephesians 1:23). No other body has this distinction. This is a closer relationship with the risen Lord than is revealed anywhere else in the Bible.
6. This people has an identification which transcends that of any other. They have been quickened, raised, and seated with Christ (Ephesians 2:6). And the prospect is to be manifested with Him. Up to this time believers had been only dead, buried and raised with Him.
7. It is a dispensation or household of God which had not been revealed to the prophets, but was hid in God from ages and generations. And it has a unique commission in that it is to proclaim to all men the dispensation of the mystery (Ephesians 3:9 R.V.).
8. In all other families of God there has been delegated authority, a difference in station of the various believers. But in this church which is the body of Christ there is a joint relationship in all aspects (Ephesians 3:6). No member is above another. There is no priesthood. There are no judges, kings or authorities. All are on an equality. Even the teacher, pastors and evangelists have no more authority than you and I. This is a foretaste of the time when God will be all and in all.
God has set forth these 8 points in His Word. They are what He has said. Look for yourself. If you take exception and cannot believe, take it up with God. I am not responsible for what God has written. But my responsibility, and yours, is to believe God and let it rest there. So take your Bible and search to see if these 8 points be so. And if you find them to be true then the next step is yours to take.
About the Author
Paul Griffitts is a writer for The Good News Letter available to you from http://www.believer.com where you can get a free ebook just by visiting.
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