— Rightly Dividing God’s Program
— Ephesians 3:1–9 (KJV)
There is a dividing line in your Bible…
A shift.
A change.
A new revelation from God.
If you miss it—
you will confuse everything.
If you see it—
the Bible opens with clarity.
Many ask:
When did the Church, the Body of Christ, begin?
Some say with John the Baptist… (Matt. 3)
Some say at Pentecost… (Acts 2)
But the answer Scripture unfolds is clear:
It begins with the Apostle Paul.
Not by assumption…
But by revelation.
Paul writes:
“For this cause I Paul… if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery…” (Eph. 3:1–3)
This was not known before.
Not revealed in prophecy.
Not spoken by the prophets.
Not understood by the twelve.
It was hid in God. (Eph. 3:9)
A secret purpose.
A heavenly purpose.
So hidden… that even Satan didn’t see it coming.
“Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” (1 Cor. 2:8)
Think about that.
The cross—
the very thing Satan thought was his victory…
Became the means of his defeat.
Because through it…
God began something entirely new.
In time past, there was a difference:
• Israel — near to God
• Gentiles — far off
• Covenants — belonging to Israel
(Eph. 2:11–12)
A middle wall stood between them.
A clear division.
But now…
“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (Eph. 2:13)
That wall is gone.
Not by Israel rising…
But by grace reaching down.
Now, in this present dispensation:
• Jew and Gentile are one body
• Both are fellow heirs
• Both are partakers of His promise in Christ
(Eph. 3:6)
This is not prophecy fulfilled…
This is mystery revealed.
And who was chosen to make it known?
Paul.
“Unto me… is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” (Eph. 3:8)
A unique ministry.
A distinct apostleship.
A message centered in grace.
And this is where your identity is found.
Not in Israel’s program…
Not under the law…
Not in religion…
But in Christ.
In the Body.
In grace.
In heavenly places.
God’s purpose is bigger than many realize.
He is not only reconciling the earth…
He is also reclaiming the heavens.
• Israel — connected with the earth
• The Body of Christ — seated in heavenly places
(Eph. 1:10; 2:6)
One plan.
Two spheres.
One Lord Jesus Christ exalted over all.
So how is a person saved today?
Not by works.
Not by religion.
Not by becoming Israel.
But by grace.
“Christ died for our sins… was buried… and rose again the third day.” (1 Cor. 15:3–4)
Believe it.
Trust it.
Rest in it.
That is the gospel.
That is the power of God unto salvation.
So don’t confuse the programs.
Don’t mix prophecy with mystery.
Rightly divide the Word. (2 Tim. 2:15)
Stand in grace.
Rejoice in your identity.
Walk in the light of what God is doing today.
Because when you see the mystery…
Everything changes.
