The Church Epistles
|
Book Title |
Message |
Comments |
|
Romans |
Doctrine & Instruction |
The Gospel of God: never hidden, but "promised afore." God’s justification of Jew and Gentile individually, dead and risen with Christ (1 – 8). Their relation dispensationally (9 – 11). The subjective foundation of the mystery. |
|
Reproof |
Practical failure to exhibit the teaching of Romans through not seeing their standing as having died and risen with Christ. "Leaven" in practice (1 Corin. 5:6) |
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Correction |
Doctrinal failure as to the teaching of Romans. Beginning with the truth of the new nature (Spirit), they were soon removed (1:6) and sought to be made perfect in the old nature (flesh) (3:3). Leaven in doctrine (5:9) |
|
Ephesians |
Doctrine & Instruction |
The mystery of God, always hidden, never before revealed. Individual Jews and Gentiles gathered out and made "one new man" in Christ. Seated in the Heavenlies with Christ |
|
Reproof |
Practical failure to exhibit the teaching of Ephesians in manifesting "the mind of Christ" as members of one Body. |
|
Correction |
Doctrinal failure as to the teaching of Ephesians. Wrong doctrines which come from "not holding the Head" (2:19) and not seeing their completeness and perfection in Christ (2:8-9) |
|
Thessalonians |
Doctrine & Instruction |
Not only dead and risen with Christ (as in Romans); not only seated in the heavenlies with Christ (as in Ephesians); but caught up to meet the Lord in the air, so to be for ever with the Lord.. After Thessalonians, there is no reproof, no correction Only praise and thanksgiving A typical church |
In Romans, we are justified with Christ.
In Ephesians, we are sanctified in Christ
In Thessalonians, we are glorified with Christ
Thessalonians comes last although it was written first.
There are no further "Church" epistles beyond Thessalonians because there is no higher truth to be taught.
The consummation is reached. This is the highest form in the School of Grace, where The Holy Spirit is the Great Teacher.