"I Speak As To Wise Men; Judge Ye What I Say."- Part 1496

God is not the Author of confusion. And His Word regarding His plan of salvation in this current dispensation of grace is clear -- and unchanging over time. In fact, the message preached by Peter standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost is the same gospel that we need to adhere to this day. (Acts 2:1-47) That is, we need to repent, and be baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus:36-38) Christ for remission of sins so that we can receive His Spirit -- the Spirit of Christ within. (Acts

Apostle Paul made a similar point when he said to the saints at Corinth, "I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say." (I Corinthians 10:15)

In other words, the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is consistent. This is why we are to remain steadfast in the apostles' doctrine, and to not waver according to every whim of doctrine (or tradition of men) that comes our way. How do we know this? Because the same message preached by the disciples who walked with Jesus for three plus years is the very same message preached by apostle Paul who received his wisdom and knowledge by revelation directly from the Lord.

Still, apostle Paul (formerly Saul) heeded the instructions of the Lord, in the same way as did the first 3,000 souls saved on the day of Pentecost, when Peter (standing with the eleven) preached that ye must repent, and be [water] baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that ye/we could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47)

So, what happened with Saul -- for those who may not know? He was blinded by the Lord while enroute to Damascus. Therein, he decidedly imprisoned those believers who named Jesus as both their Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) He did evil to the saints in Jerusalem, plus he had authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on the Name of Jesus. (Acts 9:13-14) Indeed, as Saul, he was known for making havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women, committing them to prison. (Acts 8:3)

As a consequence, Saul's reputation for persecuting disciples of Jesus was widely known. "And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest and desired of him letters to Damascus in the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem." (Acts 9:1-2)

However, when the light of the Lord shone all around him, he fell to the earth and heard a voice saying unto him, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" And Saul 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." (Acts 9:4-5)

This encounter with the Lord resulted in Saul experiencing a change of heart. And, as we see from Saul's response, no one had to tell him that Jesus was both Lord and Christ. When the light shone all around Saul, he knew who Jesus was. He even professed this revelation from his mouth in the midst of the company of men that were with him. But was Saul's change of heart enough to clothe him in the righteousness of Jesus?

Let's look at this. We know from Jesus' words to Ananias that Saul had prayed. We know too that Saul had seen Ananias putting his hand on him and restoring his sight in a vision. Both of these would be outward signs or evidence considered consistent with being a believer in Jesus Christ. But the question is whether these signs (in collaboration with Saul's outward profession of faith) are sufficient to be saved. After all, Stephen who was stoned to death under Saul's watch was full of the Holy Ghost, performing many signs and wonders -- even as a table servant. But I digress.

The Lord Jesus further instructed Saul to go into the city of Damascus and wait, saying that he would receive more instructions there. During this time, it is important to note that Saul could not see but had to be guided by someone holding his hand. Saul had no sight, and neither did he eat nor drink. (Acts 9:1-12) 

But the Lord knew what He was doing, Jesus said unto Ananias (when the latter expressed fear about going to see Saul) to "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, for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My Name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16)

As foretold in the vision, when Ananias laid his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou came hath sent me, that thou might receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost." And immediately, there fell from his eyes, as it had been scales and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened." (Acts 9:13-20)

And as Saul increased in strength, he confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving repeatedly that Jesus (whom they had crucified) was both Lord and Christ. How did Saul increase in strength? He spent time with the disciples, learning and understanding the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord, and expounding in the Word. The apostolic doctrine as preached on the day of Pentecost. We know this from Saul/Paul's testimony to King Agrippa in Acts 26.

"And I said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecute. But rise and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose: To make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of the those things in the which I will appear unto thee, delivering thee from the people, and [from] the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee. To open their eyes, and to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me." (Acts 26:13-18)

The man who thought with himself that he ought to do many things contrary to the Name of Jesus of Nazareth, was now testifying of the wondrous works of the Lord Jesus and His mercy to anyone and everyone who listened. (Acts 26:6-12) He was encouraging them to desire the sincere milk of the Word, that we too might grow "if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." (I Peter 2:2-3)

To recap then, our desire to remain steadfast in the apostolic doctrine should mimic Saul's personal conversion. We need to have faith, believing that Jesus is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) We need to be water baptized in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for remission of sins and as an answer of a good conscience toward the Lord, just as apostle Paul was baptized. (Acts 2:38; I Peter 3:21-22)

And as a consequence, we will be clothed in His righteousness, receiving His Spirit -- the Holy Ghost that will fill us with His peace and joy. And we need to receive meat -- the Word of God so that we too can be strengthened, and become disciples of the King of kings. Why?

Because when the Lord Jesus shone His light around us, He made us a member of His body -- the body of Christ. And, as such, we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye/we should show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God, which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. (I Peter 2:9-10) And glorify God in the day of visitation, when He Himself counted us worthy for His chosen people, even before the world as we know it was formed.

Thus, whether we receive the gospel of Jesus Christ from the Word or by revelation, the Spirit and the Word must agree. This is why the apostles were in one accord, because these recognized that Jesus is the ONLY way, the truth and the life, and salvation is only through His perfect sacrifice on the cross for you and I. And in His wisdom and knowledge, He is inviting us to the most elaborate wedding feast ever.

Praise Jesus today for His goodness and grace, and stand in the offering plate.