PAUL’S SYSTEM OF TRUTH
The Gospel is multi-faceted and meets every need. The four Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — are a proclamation of the Gospel. The book of Acts is a demonstration of the Gospel. Paul’s letters are an explanation of the Gospel. The four Gospels are a photograph of redemption. Paul’s epistles are an X-ray. An X-ray shows things that cannot be seen in a photograph. In a photo you see the external, but an x-ray shows the internal. Both of these pictures are necessary to see the picture of redemption in its entirety.
Paul’s revelation tells the necessity of the crucifixion of Christ. He tells what happened in the unseen — in the spirit realm. The four Gospels tell what man saw. Paul’s epistles tell what God saw. He tells what happened when Jesus ascended into Heaven and secured our redemption with His blood. Paul tells what happened in God’s economy when Jesus died and was raised from the dead. Paul’s epistles are Jesus, the head of the church, talking to us from the right hand of God. The triumphant, risen Christ is still talking after His resurrection. He speaks to us from His place of victory. He is seated. Redemption is finished. Paul’s letters contain the best explanation of Christianity in the world. James Stalker says: The right way to look at them is to regard them as the continuation of Christ’s own teaching. They contain the thoughts that Christ carried away from the world unuttered.
A BETTER SYSTEM
The old system of Jewish laws gave only a dim foretaste of the good things Christ would do for us. The sacrifices under the old system were repeated again and again, year after year, but even so they could never save those who lived under their rules. If they could have, one offering would have been enough; the worshippers would have been cleansed once for all, and their feeling of guilt would be gone...After Christ said this, about not being satisfied with the various sacrifices and offerings required under the old system, he then added, “Here I am. I have come to give my life.” He cancels the first system in favor of a far better one. Under this new plan we have been forgiven and made clean by Christ’s dying for us once and for all. Hebrews 10:1-3, 9, 10, The Living Bible
The center of the Gospel is what God has done for you in Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. That is the center of Paul’s system of truth; it is what God has already accomplished for you. Redemption is an accomplished fact in the mind of God. The Gospel is not what you are trying to get God to do for you — it is what God has already done for you.
The first system had to be replaced by a new and better system so man could have fellowship with God. If you were still living under the old system you would have to bring animals to be sacrificed for forgiveness. Each time you sinned, you would be required to bring a blood sacrifice to church, just like they had to do in the Old Testament. We no longer have to do that. The old system was done away with. The first system that was established has been replaced with a new and better system ordained by God and sealed by the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Whatever Paul taught in Rome, he also taught in Colossae, Ephesus, Corinth, Thessalonica, and also wrote to the Hebrews. Paul’s letters contain a system of truth that enables the believer to understand and grow in the reality of what Jesus has done and is doing for us.
Jesus had so much more to tell his disciples that he could not tell them while he was on earth (John 16:12-15). He had to wait until after His death, burial, and resurrection to tell them. Paul’s revelation is for every believer. You should read the book of Ephesians like Jesus is writing you a letter through the Apostle Paul. There is a powerful revelation of truth in these letters. There is a system of truth that sets you free — free indeed! Romans 6:17 says, But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
The King James Version calls it a “form of doctrine.” Way’s translation calls it the “new teaching.” Rotherham’s translation calls it the “mold of teaching.” My favorite is Weymouth’s translation: “...that system of truth in which you were instructed.” Paul’s “system of truth” can be found throughout his epistles. This system is powerful.
...you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free...If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:32, 36
PARTNERS IN CHRIST
This month we want to offer you our book, Paul’s System of Truth. This book shows the significance of Paul’s revelation and goes into great explanation of the 8 points of Paul’s system of truth. P.C. Nelson said, “Paul’s teachings are the advanced teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ.” You want to get this book and feed your faith. You can also listen to all these teachings on our app - download the free MHM app today!
Thank you for your partnership with us. As you know we are preaching in many conferences and meetings across the US as well as Brazil, Bulgaria, Bogota (Colombia), United Kingdom, Lebanon and Guatemala. Your partnership helps us take this message of faith and redemption to many people around the World! Thank you for partnering with us!
In Christ,
Mark and Trina Hankins