Is Prophecy Being Fulfilled in the Dispensation of Grace?

[Right Divider]

Is Prophecy Being Fulfilled in the Dispensation of Grace?​

Justin Johnson

If I told you that whatever you read in the next few paragraphs has never been written or spoken about before, would you believe me? If you did, then you would not expect to find anyone before this writing discussing, teaching, or predicting what I am about to say.

This same reasoning is used to understand why there is no prophecy being fulfilled during the dispensation of grace. Paul wrote that the dispensation of grace was ‘hid from ages and generations’, ‘not made known unto the sons of men’, and ‘kept secret since the world began’.

After nearly 4000 years of history and dozens of divinely inspired texts, Paul says that no one has what I am telling you. This would be an embarrassingly arrogant statement if he was not speaking by revelation about something kept secret by God himself.

“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, WHICH FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD HATH BEEN HID IN GOD, who created all things by Jesus Christ:” – Eph 3:9

As a result of Paul’s inspiration, we can confidently say that no prophet ever prophesied what Paul describes as the dispensation of grace.

The Mystery Kept Secret​

Paul calls his gospel ‘the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery’. I hate to point out the obvious, but the Greek word for ‘mystery’ is translated ‘mystery’, which in the English can be better understood as ‘a secret since the world began’ (Rom 16:25).

This is in stark contrast to ‘what was spoken by the prophets since the world began’ (Acts 3:21, Luke 1:70). Since what the prophets had spoken is the subject of prophecy, then no part of the mystery can be prophetic. (If this is too elementary, then I dare you to read on, it gets worse.)

This means that the mystery that salvation would come to all men through Israel’s fall was not part of prophecy; that there would be no Jew nor Gentile in Christ was not part of prophecy; that we could receive the righteousness of God without the law was not part of prophecy; that all saints would form a new creature, the body of Christ, known as the church, was not part of prophecy; and that God would take his church to rule with him in heavenly places was not part of prophecy.

What is Prophecy is not Mystery​

If what was kept secret was not made known, then what was made known was not kept secret. This elementary truth has remarkable implications!

For example, we can conclude that when Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the entire world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come,” he was not speaking about the church, the body of Christ (Matthew 24:14).

If he were, then the subject of the mystery would not be a mystery, for Jesus would’ve spoken it as part of prophecy.

We can also conclude that Jesus was not speaking to the church in this dispensation when he said, “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet” (Matt 24:6).

Lastly, when speaking of signs, Jesus said,

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring.” – Luke 21:25

But Jesus was quoting prophecy even when he spoke these words, and so it is clear that this could not be part of the mystery.

Prophecy and the Nation Israel

When you read ninety percent of your Bible you will find that it speaks about the promises, prophesies, and covenants that God made to the nation Israel.

In a book with an obviously Jewish audience, we read:

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,” – Hebrews 1:1

Israel has a close connection with prophecy, since it was through Israel that God spoke in time past. It was to God’s chosen people, Israel, that he gave the ‘the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and THE SERVICE OF GOD, and the promises’ (Romans 9:4).

It was Peter when speaking to Israel about what the prophets had said, spoke:

“Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers…” – Acts 3:24-25

We cannot say the same for the dispensation of grace, which was kept a secret. The prophets did not foretell of these days, they foretold of those days. Paul testifies that he was one born ‘out of due time’ (1 Cor 15:8).

Unlike Israel who needed the signs of Matthew 24, Acts 2, and the prophets to understand the itinerary of the last days, we do not need such a warning.

“But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.” – 1 Thess 5:1

We are not heading into the ‘times of trouble’, but the time of rejoicing with the Lord in the air! Prophecy speaks of Israel, their promises, and their future. We have something better than a future promise, we have a present possession of atonement by which we joy in God (Romans 5:11).

“Prophecy Fulfilled”​

Do not be deceived by the headlines published by those in the name of Christ who speak of prophecy being fulfilled in this dispensation. All prophecy speaks concerning Israel’s future, but Paul writes that Israel is fallen, so that mercy can come upon all (Rom 11:32).

If Israel is not fallen, then mercy cannot come upon all and the entire essence of the dispensation of grace is lost to a prophetic preaching of the kingdom.

Most churches and publications pursue the preaching of the kingdom and prophecy at the expense of the teaching the riches of the revelation of the mystery for this present time. As a result, the message of salvation is being muddled and confused with an incomplete gospel.

Though prophecy will be fulfilled after this age is past, prophecy is not being fulfilled today so that God can bring peace to all men through Israel’s fall (Rom 11:32). When prophecy continues it will be with signs, and perils, and wrath against Israel and the nations.

Yet, today there is no Jew and Gentile, and God has reconciled the world unto himself so that we would have the opportunity to freely receive salvation by the cross of Christ (Gal 3:28,2 Cor 5:19).

Page Published: Tuesday, August 1st, 2006
Last Modified: April 12, 2016

https://graceambassadors.com/prophecy/is-prophecy-being-fulfilled

 

[glorydaz]

There are many good points made in that article, but it leaves the saints with their hands tied behind their back. We are to be preaching the Gospel to the lost as we wait to be called up. The fact is that it’s prophecy itself that opens the eyes of the lost to God’s s Word. It was hearing how the prophets had foretold so much of what had happened and was happening, that leads many to seek God.

 

[Right Divider]

There are many good points made in that article, but it leaves the saints with their hands tied behind their back. We are to be preaching the Gospel to the lost as we wait to be called up.

We can preach the gospel of the grace of God perfectly well without Israel's prophecy.

The fact is that it’s prophecy itself that opens the eyes of the lost to God’s s Word.

Perhaps a few, but probably not most.

It was hearing how the prophets had foretold so much of what had happened and was happening, that leads many to seek God.

Fulfilled prophecy is a wonderful thing.

Question: Why would God be fulfilling prophecy about Israel during this present dispensation where Israel is fallen?

 

[glorydaz]

We can preach the gospel of the grace of God perfectly well without Israel's prophecy.

How can we preach the Gospel without the Jews? The Law and the Prophets are Jewish. As Gentiles we come to the Jewish Messiah. One of Israel‘s prophecies was the rejection of the Messiah and the cross, itself. We can’t preach the Gospel without that.

Perhaps a few, but probably not most.

Fulfilled prophecy is a wonderful thing.

Question: Why would God be fulfilling prophecy about Israel during this present dispensation where Israel is fallen?

Ah, because Paul, himself, spoke of that other mystery….the blindness of Israel. The prophecies for the nation of Israel are being fulfilled before our very eyes. As this times of the gentiles draw to a close, we‘re told to watch when we see things start to happen. Paul calls us children of the light, after all. 1 Thess. 5.

Nothing draws people to God like showing them fulfilled prophecy, and the veracity of the Bible. Prophecy goes hand in hand with the Bible, and the church has failed as the day approaches To teach the amazing facts of fulfilled prophecy.

I will add that the Jews returning to their homeland is the greatest sign of all.

 

[Right Divider]

How can we preach the Gospel without the Jews? The Law and the Prophets are Jewish.

We don't need the Law and the Prophets to preach the gospel of the grace of God.

As Gentiles we come to the Jewish Messiah.

We, in the body of Christ, are NOT to know Jesus as a Jew. That is what Paul tells us.

2Cor 5:16 (AKJV/PCE)​

(5:16) Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more. ​

One of Israel‘s prophecies was the rejection of the Messiah and the cross, itself. We can’t preach the Gospel without that.

Why not?

Ah, because Paul, himself, spoke of that other mystery….the blindness of Israel.

Nowhere is it mentioned by the prophets that gentiles would receive salvation through Israel's fall.

Rom 11:11 (AKJV/PCE)​

(11:11) 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.​

The prophecies for the nation of Israel are being fulfilled before our very eyes.

Yes, I know that you keep saying that.

As this times of the gentiles draw to a close, we‘re told to watch when we see things start to happen.

Please QUOTE this.

Paul calls us children of the light, after all. 1 Thess. 5.

OK. What does that have to do with Israel's prophecies?

Nothing draws people to God like showing them fulfilled prophecy, and the veracity of the Bible.

I know that you believe that.

Prophecy goes hand in hand with the Bible, and the church has failed as the day approaches To teach the amazing facts of fulfilled prophecy.

Again, fulfilled prophecy is wonderful. But you may be seeing what you want to see.

I will add that the Jews returning to their homeland is the greatest sign of all.

When Ezekiel 37 is fulfilled, it will be far more complete and dramatic.

 

[Clete]

Is Prophecy Being Fulfilled in the Dispensation of Grace?​

Justin Johnson

If I told you that whatever you read in the next few paragraphs has never been written or spoken about before, would you believe me? If you did, then you would not expect to find anyone before this writing discussing, teaching, or predicting what I am about to say.

This same reasoning is used to understand why there is no prophecy being fulfilled during the dispensation of grace. Paul wrote that the dispensation of grace was ‘hid from ages and generations’, ‘not made known unto the sons of men’, and ‘kept secret since the world began’.

After nearly 4000 years of history and dozens of divinely inspired texts, Paul says that no one has what I am telling you. This would be an embarrassingly arrogant statement if he was not speaking by revelation about something kept secret by God himself.

“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, WHICH FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD HATH BEEN HID IN GOD, who created all things by Jesus Christ:” – Eph 3:9

As a result of Paul’s inspiration, we can confidently say that no prophet ever prophesied what Paul describes as the dispensation of grace.

The Mystery Kept Secret​

Paul calls his gospel ‘the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery’. I hate to point out the obvious, but the Greek word for ‘mystery’ is translated ‘mystery’, which in the English can be better understood as ‘a secret since the world began’ (Rom 16:25).

This is in stark contrast to ‘what was spoken by the prophets since the world began’ (Acts 3:21, Luke 1:70). Since what the prophets had spoken is the subject of prophecy, then no part of the mystery can be prophetic. (If this is too elementary, then I dare you to read on, it gets worse.)

This means that the mystery that salvation would come to all men through Israel’s fall was not part of prophecy; that there would be no Jew nor Gentile in Christ was not part of prophecy; that we could receive the righteousness of God without the law was not part of prophecy; that all saints would form a new creature, the body of Christ, known as the church, was not part of prophecy; and that God would take his church to rule with him in heavenly places was not part of prophecy.

What is Prophecy is not Mystery​

If what was kept secret was not made known, then what was made known was not kept secret. This elementary truth has remarkable implications!

For example, we can conclude that when Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the entire world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come,” he was not speaking about the church, the body of Christ (Matthew 24:14).

If he were, then the subject of the mystery would not be a mystery, for Jesus would’ve spoken it as part of prophecy.

We can also conclude that Jesus was not speaking to the church in this dispensation when he said, “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet” (Matt 24:6).

Lastly, when speaking of signs, Jesus said,

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring.” – Luke 21:25

But Jesus was quoting prophecy even when he spoke these words, and so it is clear that this could not be part of the mystery.

Prophecy and the Nation Israel

When you read ninety percent of your Bible you will find that it speaks about the promises, prophesies, and covenants that God made to the nation Israel.

In a book with an obviously Jewish audience, we read:

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,” – Hebrews 1:1

Israel has a close connection with prophecy, since it was through Israel that God spoke in time past. It was to God’s chosen people, Israel, that he gave the ‘the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and THE SERVICE OF GOD, and the promises’ (Romans 9:4).

It was Peter when speaking to Israel about what the prophets had said, spoke:

“Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers…” – Acts 3:24-25

We cannot say the same for the dispensation of grace, which was kept a secret. The prophets did not foretell of these days, they foretold of those days. Paul testifies that he was one born ‘out of due time’ (1 Cor 15:8).

Unlike Israel who needed the signs of Matthew 24, Acts 2, and the prophets to understand the itinerary of the last days, we do not need such a warning.

“But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.” – 1 Thess 5:1

We are not heading into the ‘times of trouble’, but the time of rejoicing with the Lord in the air! Prophecy speaks of Israel, their promises, and their future. We have something better than a future promise, we have a present possession of atonement by which we joy in God (Romans 5:11).

“Prophecy Fulfilled”​

Do not be deceived by the headlines published by those in the name of Christ who speak of prophecy being fulfilled in this dispensation. All prophecy speaks concerning Israel’s future, but Paul writes that Israel is fallen, so that mercy can come upon all (Rom 11:32).

If Israel is not fallen, then mercy cannot come upon all and the entire essence of the dispensation of grace is lost to a prophetic preaching of the kingdom.

Most churches and publications pursue the preaching of the kingdom and prophecy at the expense of the teaching the riches of the revelation of the mystery for this present time. As a result, the message of salvation is being muddled and confused with an incomplete gospel.

Though prophecy will be fulfilled after this age is past, prophecy is not being fulfilled today so that God can bring peace to all men through Israel’s fall (Rom 11:32). When prophecy continues it will be with signs, and perils, and wrath against Israel and the nations.

Yet, today there is no Jew and Gentile, and God has reconciled the world unto himself so that we would have the opportunity to freely receive salvation by the cross of Christ (Gal 3:28,2 Cor 5:19).

Page Published: Tuesday, August 1st, 2006
Last Modified: April 12, 2016

https://graceambassadors.com/prophecy/is-prophecy-being-fulfilled

I agree with the gist of this but what do you do with this....

I Timothy1:18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,

 

[Right Divider]

I agree with the gist of this but what do you do with this....

I Timothy1:18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,

What do you think that the "prophecies previously made about you" were? I wish that we really knew.

Also, the "that by them you may wage the good warfare" doesn't really sound like a direct fulfillment of some prophecy, but perhaps some tangential meaning.

Since we don't really know what those prophecies are, it's really hard to speculate.

 

[glorydaz]

2 Thessalonians 2​

2 days Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,​

Here Paul is talking about the future, and prophecy. We need to warn others of what we are seeing going on around us, because the stage is being set…..like the birth pangs. Remember what I told you, Paul says, not ignore the signs as this day is fast approaching. Paul gives warnings and what to watch for. Why aren’t we?

​

 

[Right Divider]

2 Thessalonians 2​

2 days Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,​

Here Paul is talking about the future, and prophecy. We need to warn others of what we are seeing going on around us, because the stage is being set…..like the birth pangs. Remember what I told you, Paul says, not ignore the signs as this day is fast approaching. Paul gives warnings and what to watch for. Why aren’t we?

​

There is a huge difference between the prophecies related to Israel and prophecies for the body of Christ.

The Law and the Prophets is about Israel and God's plans for the earth.

 

[glorydaz]

There is a huge difference between the prophecies related to Israel and prophecies for the body of Christ.

The Law and the Prophets is about Israel and God's plans for the earth.

I‘m not sure how you can separate them. For instance, we are part of the abrahamic covenant are we not? Whatever affects God’s people affects us. Jesus Christ was a Jew and the Bible comes from the Jews. We haven’t been raptured yet, we should know what’s going on around us. We won’t find answers in the world, that’s for sure.

5 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

 

[Right Divider]

I‘m not sure how you can separate them.

It's really easy, I just let the scripture speak for itself.

The mystery of Christ that Paul taught was not known by anyone before God gave it to Paul. Therefore, none of the prophecy by the prophets of Israel pertained to it.

Eph 3:8-12 (AKJV/PCE)​

(3:8) Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; (3:9) And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (3:10) To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (3:11) According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (3:12) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.​

Something "hid in God" was not "hiding in the scripture" (i.e., the prophets).

For instance, we are part of the abrahamic covenant are we not?

No, the body of Christ is not part of the covenants related to Israel.

Eph 2:12 (AKJV/PCE)​

(2:12) That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:​

Whatever affects God’s people affects us.

So often, here on TOL, I see people make these kinds of vague and unsupported claims.
What do you even mean by it?

Jesus Christ was a Jew and the Bible comes from the Jews.

So? One of those Jews was the apostle of the gentiles.

We haven’t been raptured yet, we should know what’s going on around us.

That does not mean that God is fulfilling prophecy for Israel while Israel is not His people. Hos 1:9

We won’t find answers in the world, that’s for sure.

5 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

Note the contrast:

1Thess 5:4 (AKJV/PCE)​

(5:4) But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.​

​

That specifically and diametrically opposed the prophecy for Israel.

2Pet 3:10 (AKJV/PCE)​

(3:10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.​

​

Note that the "watch and be sober" is about looking for the Lord Jesus to take us up and it's NOT about watching for Israel's prophecies to be fulfilled.

 

[Clete]

What do you think that the "prophecies previously made about you" were? I wish that we really knew.

Also, the "that by them you may wage the good warfare" doesn't really sound like a direct fulfillment of some prophecy, but perhaps some tangential meaning.

Since we don't really know what those prophecies are, it's really hard to speculate.

There's no telling whether they were even predictive prophecies such as was made about Israel and Christ and the end times.